Stages of Hajj

• It takes place between the 8th to the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, which is the last month of the Islamic calendar. It’s an experience that allows Hajjis to live the brotherhood and sisterhood of humanity.  It is a journey that  increases Taqwa (consciousness of Allah), patience, humility and sacrifice; it allows pilgrims to connect with Allah.
• “Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to God by people who are able to undertake it”
• Tawaf

  Circling the Ka’ba 7 times in an anti-clockwise direction

  • Re-enacting Muhammed when he rode around the Ka’ba seven times on a camel when he made Mecca an Islamic state

  • Signifies Allah is the centre of their life as the Ka’ba is known as the House of God
• Sa’i

  Running and walking between the two mounts of Safa and Marawa 7 times

  • Hajar ran between the 2 mounts searching for water when baby Ismail was dying of thirst

  • It reminds Muslims of God’s mercy in answering their prayers just as Hajar’s were answered when Zam Zam water appeared
• Wuquf

   

  Making the stand at Mt Arafat which includes spending the day in prayer and asking for forgiveness

  • Adam and Hawwa stood here to ask Allah for forgiveness after being sent out of Paradise

  • It shows Allah’s mercy as Muslims are believed to have all of their sins forgiven if they complete this stage
• Rami al-Jamarat

  Stoning the pillars at Mina

  • Ibrahim and Ismail threw stones at Shaytan when he was trying to tempt them to not to carry out the sacrifice of Ismail

  • Highlights that Muslims are rejecting Satan from their lives
• Sacrifice

   

   

  An animal is sacrificed, usually a token is purchased and the sacrifice is done on behalf of the pilgrim.  The meat is distributed to the poor around the world

  • Ibrahim was asked to sacrifice Ismail by Allah, however, when the test was passed Allah sent a ram to be sacrificed instead

  • The sacrifice re-enacts Ibrahim’s sacrifice and it reminds Muslims not to be focused on their material possessions just as Ismail was prepared to give up everything for Allah.  It is also an act of charity as the meat is donated to the poor
• Hair shaved

   

  Men have their hair shaved off and women usually have about an inch cut off their hair

  • Symbolic of a fresh start just as babies have their hair shaved.  The removal of sin on Mt Arafat reminds Muslims that this is their fresh start for them when they return to normal daily life