INSTRUCTIONS: The points given are for the directions and guidance for attempting the answers.

Several
points in the following answers need elaborations and explanations. You must read the answers from the
notes first before writing your answers.

Assignment # 07
Q(a) Give a brief explanation of the importance of each of the following in Muslim beliefs and practices
with the pilgrimage (hajj).

(i) Ka’bah
(ii) Arafat
(iii) Ihram [10]

(i) Ka’bah

• It was built by Hazrat Adam (A.S). Later it was reconstructed by H. Ibrahim (A.S) & H. Ismail (A.S).
• It was rebuilt in the lifetime of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) when Prophet Mohammad ‫ ﷺ‬was 35.
• It is regarded as the most sacred house of Allah by all Muslims.
• It is the first sanctuary where Allah was worshipped.
• The responsibility of its protection has been taken by Allah.
• When Abraha attempted to destroy Ka’bah, Allah protected Ka’bah by sending forces of small birds.
• It is the focus of all Muslims from all parts of the world as Qiblah.
• The Quran states: “We see the turning of thy face (for guidance to the heavens: now Shall We turn
thee to a Qiblah that shall please thee. Turn then Thy face in the direction of the sacred Mosque:
Wherever ye are, turn your faces in that direction.” (2:144) Al-Baqarah
• It is the first point where most of the Muslim pilgrims intend to go first during Hajj or Umrah.
• On the wall of Ka’bah, there is a heavenly stone called Hajr al-Aswad, the black stone.
• It was descended from the heavens by Allah and given to Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S).
• During the visits of Muslims to Masjid-e-Haram, Muslims kiss this stone on the wall of Kabah.
• Muslims circumambulate around the Ka’bah 07 times during Hajj and Umrah.
• They also offer volunteer Tawafs of Kabah to earn God’s pleasure.
• For major pilgrimage (Hajj), the pilgrims visit Ka’bah at least thrice for Tawaf-e-Qudm, Tawaf-e-Ziarat
and Tawaf-e-Wida.

(ii) Arafat

• Arafat is the plain outside Makkah.

• It is the place where Hazrat Adam (A.S) and his wife Hazrat Hawwa (A.S) were reunited.
• The forces of Abraha were also destroyed there while he attempted to attack Ka’bah.
• The Prophet Mohammad ‫ ﷺ‬delivered his last sermon at Arafat and received the last revelation there.
• The Day of Arafah is the longest day of the Islamic calendar.
• Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) prayed to Allah to extend its duration till Fajr for the ease of pilgrims.
• The Last Judgment will also take place at Arafat after the resurrection of humankind.
• The pilgrims start gathering there during the annual pilgrimage from the Fajr of the 9th of Dhil Hajj.
• The Quran states: “Then when you pour down from Arafat celebrate the praises of Allah.” (2:198)
• During their stay at Arafat, they attend sermons at Masjid-e-Nimra and offer the combined prayer of
Zuhr and Asr as per the Sunnah of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
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• They also try to do as many supplications as possible until sunset.

• At sunset, they leave Arafat for Muzdhalifa. At Muzdhalifa, they spend the night as per Sunnah.

(iii) Ihram

• Wearing Ihram is one of the main conditions for Hajj/Umrah.

• One must wear Ihram before entering Makkah at any Miqat or before Miqat.
• Ihram for males is two pieces of cloth white in color, unstitched and unsewn, one to cover the upper
part of the body and the other to cover the lower part of the body.
• Ihram for females is the regular dress code covering the whole body except the face, hands and feet.
• To be in the state of Ihram pilgrims must intend for Umrah or Hajj while wearing Ihram.
• In the state of Ihram, pilgrims recite Talbiyah.
• In the state of Ihram, pilgrims are not allowed:
• To cut their nails or hair.
• To use oil or fragrance.
• To take a shower unnecessarily.
• To remove dirt from their body.
• To cut plants or trees.
• To kill animals or insects.
• The Quran states: “O believers! Do not kill game while you are in Ihram (pilgrim garb…” (5:95)
• To establish marital relations.
• To cover their face.
• To wear stitched clothes/accessories. (for male pilgrims only)
• To cover the upper part of their feet. (for male pilgrims only)
• To cover their heads. (for male pilgrims only)

Instructions: You may also add the significance of Ihram to add more points.

• Since it is the same dress code for all pilgrims, it brings uniformity among believers.
• The restrictions of Ihram help to learn patience and self-control and to achieve human excellence.
• The two-piece cloth reminds believers of their final journey and their mortality.
• The simple dress also plays a vital role in creating modesty and humility in one’s character.

Q (b) Why in your opinion is it desirable that the pilgrims should visit Madinah after the performance of
Hajj or Umrah? [4]

- Madinah is the second-most important city in Islam and a major pilgrimage destination.
- It is desirable that pilgrims visit Madinah as it was encouraged by Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
- Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) sanctified Madinah just as Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) sanctified Makkah.
- Pilgrims visit the holy city to visit the grave of the Prophet (PBUH) and other companions and send blessings
upon them.
- It is also desirable to visit the holy city to avoid incurring the Prophet (PBUH)’s hatred. The Prophet (PBUH)
said: “Verily, he who made Hajj and refrained from visiting me (i.e. my grave) has rendered me an
injustice.”
- Pilgrims also visit the holy city to gain the extra reward of worshipping rituals at Masjid-e-Nabwi, Masjid-
e-Quba and Riyaz-ul-Jannah etc.

Short points: It is desirable to visit Madinah during Hajj or Umrah because: (i) The Prophet said so (ii) to avoid
having his hatred as stated in hadith (iii) to visit another Haram (iv) to gain more rewards (v) to visit important
places especially Masjid-e-Quba and field of Uhad (vi) to say Salam to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and others.
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Assignment # 08

Q(a) What beliefs and practices are involved in:

(i) stoning the Jamarat

(ii) performing Sa’i
(iii) Eid-ul-Azha [10]

(i) Stoning at Jamarat / Rami

• When Hazrat Ibrahim was taking his son for sacrifice, Satan tried to stop him.
• Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) pelted stones at Satan at three different places.
• In these three places, there are three pillars called Jamrat.
• Their names are Jamarat-ul-Sughra, Jamarat-ul-Wusta and Jamarat-ul-Uqba/Kubra.
• In remembrance of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S), the three Jamarats are stoned during Hajj by the pilgrims.
• This is called Rami which means stoning the devil.
• Pilgrims collect 49 or 70 pebbles from Muzdhalifa on the 9th of Dhil Hajj.
• On the 10th of Dhil Hajj, pilgrims must strike the large Jamrah i.e. Uqba only with seven pebbles.
• Pilgrims use their right hand to stone the devil gripping a pebble between their thumb & index finger.
• They recite Tasmiya and while throwing the pebbles they recite Allahu Akbar.
• On the 11th and 12th of Dhil Hajj, they offer Rami by stoning all Jamarats.
• For this, they pelt stone at Jamarat-ul-Sughra followed by Jamarat-ul-Wusta and Jamarat-ul-Uqba.
• On each Jamarat seven stones are pelted by the pilgrims.
• Some pilgrims stay at Mina for an additional day.
• For this stay, they do Rami on all Jamrats on the 13th of Dhil Hajj.

(ii) Sa’i

• Sa’i is performed to pay tribute to the maternal love of Hazrat Hajra.

• She ran between Safa and Marwa hills to find water for her son, Hazrat Ismail (A.S).
• When Hazrat Ismail (A.S) rubbed his heels on the ground, Allah bestowed him with Zamzam well.
• Pilgrims now run between Safa and Marwa hills which is called Sa’i to show gratitude to Allah.
• They show gratitude to Allah for bestowing a heavenly fount to the thirsty child and mother and
continuing it as holy water for all generations.
• Safa and Marwa are called signs of Allah in the Holy Quran. The Quran states: “Verily! The As-Safa and
Al-Marwa (two mountains at Mecca) are among the symbols of Allah.” (2:158)
• It is performed by pilgrims who visit Ka’bah for Tawaf of Umrah or Hajj.
• For the pilgrims of Umrah, it is offered only once after Tawaf-e-Umrah.
• For the pilgrims of Hajj, it is offered once or twice.
• Mutamattay offers Sa’i twice after Tawaf-e-Qudm and Tawaf-e-Ziarat.
• Qarin and Mufrid offer it only once after Tawaf-e-Ziarat.
• Pilgrims also bring Zamzam to their hometowns and distribute it among friends and family members.
• Muslims drink Zamzam by standing facing Qiblah. Before drinking it they recite a supplication.
• Praying before drinking Zamzam is believed to be an opportune moment for the acceptance of Dua.
• It is also believed by Muslims that Zam Zam is such blessed water that prayers are accepted if asked
before drinking it.
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(iii) Eid-ul-Adha / Udhiya / Yaum-ul-Nahr

• Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) was ordered by Allah to sacrifice his son Hazrat Ismail (A.S).
• He was ordered through a dream to do this as a sign of obedience to Allah.
• He shared the dream with his son, they both showed a willingness to follow the Divine order.
• Though Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) was tempted by Satan, he remained determined and pelted stones at it.
• When Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) tried cutting his son’s throat, Allah did not let that happen.
• Allah took the power of cutting from the knife.
• Allah then sent an animal through angel Jibrail to slaughter in place of Hazrat Ismail (A.S).
• This event occurred on the 10th of Dhil Hajj. Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬ordered to celebrate Eid on this day.
• So, in remembrance of the successful trial of both father and son, Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Azha on the
10th of Dhil Hajj.
• On the 10th of Dhil Hajj, the pilgrims in Makkah recite Takbir-e-Tashreeq.
• They also pelt stones at Jamarat-ul-Uqba and perform Udhiya which means they sacrifice an animal.
• Whereas Muslims all around the world offer Eid congregational prayer, sacrifice animals and distribute
the meat of sacrificial animals among friends, family and the poor.

Q (b) Some Muslims are exempt from performing the annual pilgrimage (hajj). Why do you think
this so? [4]

- Hajj is obligatory for sane, adult, fit and rich Muslims.

- However, a few Muslims are exempted from Hajj like the poor, unfit, or those who are in danger.
- This is due to the Mercy and compassion of Allah on His servants.
- This is also because the Islamic religion is humanistic, and it does not overburden believers.
- Islam allows believers to offer Hajj in mental peace without any rush or hindrance.
- Allah has granted exemptions to those who can not do hajj easily so that do not feel unlucky or left out.

Read the following model answer to prepare for the upcoming monthly test.

Q(b) Explain the significance of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) in the observance of Hajj. [4]

• Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) and his family are of immense importance to the annual pilgrimage of Muslims
• Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) is said to have built or renovated the Holy Ka’bah. Muslims now visit Kabah during
Hajj for several Tawafs. They do Tawaf of Kabah, kiss the black stone on it, and offer nawafil after Tawaf
in front of Kabah at Muqam-e-Ibrahim.
• Hazrat Hajira who was Prophet Ibrahim (A.S)’s wife, ran between Marwa and Safa in search of water
for her young son, this act of hers is now performed by every pilgrim and is known as Sa’i.
• Hazrat Ismail (A.S), Hazrat Ibrahim's son, rubbed his heels on the ground revealing the well of Zamzam
which is now the Holy water for Muslims, and drinking Zamzam is the part of hajj.
• Hazrat Ibrahim rejected the devil thrice and pelted stones at it when he was taking his son for sacrifice
on the command of Allah, at those three points of rejection the performance of Rami is done on the
10th, 11th, and 12 of Dhil Hajj, which is the stoning of the three devils; Sughra, Wusta, and Uqba.
• An animal was provided to Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) to sacrifice in place of his son, this is now carried on by
every Muslim pilgrim in the form of the sacrifice of an animal (Udhiya) in the way of Allah during hajj
on the tenth of Dhil Hajj.

The Answers especially part (b)’s in workbooks are supposed to be explained/elaborated. The model
answers with elaborations are provided in notes like the answer above. To secure Level 4 in part (b)’s
you should mention 4-5 reasons/significance and elaborate at least one or two of them.