muslims go on hajj because:
- taqwa
- allah tells them to in the Quran
- unites ummah
- islam (submission)
- act of worship (ibadah)
- 1 of 5 pillars
- retraces steps of prophets such as Ibrahim
- cleanses sin ‘he will return born anew’ Hadith
ihram
arrive in Mecca in a state of purity- putting on plain white clothes- abstain from violence sex and rude language while on hajj- equality before god
tawaf
- circle the kaba 7 times anti-clockwise
- following in steps of Ibrahim and Ishmail after they rebuilt the kava as well as Muhammads actions after he rededicated Allah
sa’y
run between 2 hills of safa and marwa now a long corridor and part of al-haram mosque- recalls Hagar and Ishmail look for water seeking gods mercy showing gods love and provision
- wuquf
travel to mt Arafat and pray to god, recognise sin and ask for forgiveness and commit themselves to stopping sin- takes place where Adam and Eve were forgiven by god and where Muhammad gave his last sermon- where judgement takes place
- jamarats
collect stones at the muzdalifah to stone 3 pillars at mina- each pillar is stoned with 7 stones and muslims make a commitment to resist temptation- Ibrahim was tempted by the devil not to sacrifice Ishmail- try to be like Ibrahim and reject temptation
- eid ul adha
festival of sacrifice where sheep or goat is sacrificed- the meat is called Qurbani and is donated to those in need- god calling Ibrahim to sacrifice Ishmail showing gods mercy- members muhammads message to care for the poor
tawaf (2nd time)
take off ihram clothes and return to Mecca and circle the kaba 7 times completing hajj
further pilgrimages
may go to where Muhammad is buried- remembering life and teachings of prophet Muhammad
