Islamiyat · Oct / Nov 2024 · Paper 22 · Question 4

Describe the rites that are performed from the 8th to 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah during the annual pilgrimage (Hajj).

Mark according to the marking grid for AO1 – Knowledge, given on page 5.

Answers may include some of the following ideas, but all valid material must be credited.

Five Days of Hajj:

First Day 8th Dhu al-Hijjah (Yawm Tarwiya):

Pilgrims enter ihram for Hajj on 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah and make the intention of Hajj and reciting the Talbiyah make their way to Mina, where they pray Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha prayers, shortening prayers of four rakats to two rakats. These prayers are not combined. Pilgrims spend all available time in worship and supplication.

Second Day 9th Dhu al-Hijjah (Yawm Arafat):

When the sun has risen on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijja, pilgrims proceed to Arafat. At Arafat they pray Zuhr and Asr prayers, shortened and combined during the time of Zuhr with one adhan and two iqamas and stay within the boundaries of Arafat.

Pilgrims remain at Arafat till sunset. When the sun has set, they proceed towards Muzdalifa reciting the Talbiyah. At Muzdalifa the pilgrims pray the combined Maghrib and Isha prayer, shortening Isha to two rakats and spend the night at Muzdalifa. For women and elderly individuals, it is permissible to proceed to Mina at any time after midnight.

Third Day 10th Dhu al-Hijjah (Yawm e Nahar):

After praying the fajr prayer, pilgrims wait until the brightness of the morning is widespread and supplicate facing the qiblah following the sunna of the Prophet (pbuh). From Muzdalifa 49 pebbles are collected to throw at the three Jamarat. Upon arrival at Mina, they throw seven pebbles at Jamarat -ul-‘Aqaba, calling ‘Bismillah Allahu Akbar’, every time they throw a pebble. As soon as they complete the throwing, Talbiyah is discontinued.

To slaughter a sacrificial animal is obligatory on this day after which pilgrims shave or shorten their hair; shaving is better. As for women they may shorten their hair the length of a fingertip. At this stage pilgrims are allowed to put on normal clothes. They must not have any intimate relations with their spouses. Pilgrims now proceed to Makka to offer Tawaf al-Ifada. After tawaf they perform Sa’i and by completing the Sa’i return to normal life. If possible, they pray Zuhr in Makka and spend the remaining nights in Mina.

Fourth Day 11th Dhu al-Hijjah (first day of Ayyam-e-Tashreeq): After spending the night at Mina, pilgrims are advised to pray the five prayers in congregation and it is sunna to repeat the takbeer after every salat. Throwing of stones after Zuhr prayers is also sunna; pilgrims should start with Rami at Jamart ul Sughra (the small satan), then the middle one Jamarat ul Wusta and finally Jamarat ul Kubrah. After completing the stoning, they make dua facing the qiblah. (Before throwing a stone pilgrims should say ‘Bismillah, Allahu Akbar’).

Fifth Day 12th Dhu al-Hijjah (2nd day of Ayyam-e-Tashreeq):

The day should be spent in the remembrance of God and after Zuhr, the pebbles need to be thrown at the three Jamarat, once more starting with the Jamarat ul Sughra. They make dua after stoning Sughra and Wusta. After stoning Jamarrat ul Aqabah they leave immediately without any dua. Tawaf al Wida:

With the completion of Hajj and before leaving for their homes pilgrims are required to perform the farewell (wida) tawaf of the Ka’ba. They go round the Ka’ba seven times and offer the two rakat prayers behind the Maqam Ibrahim.

What is the importance for Muslims of performing sacrifice during Eid al- Adha?

Mark according to the marking grid for AO2 – Understanding, given on page 5.

Answers may include some of the following ideas, but all valid material must be credited.

For Muslims on Hajj Qiran or Tamattu, it is obligatory to slaughter a sacrificial animal following the casting of the pebbles.

Sacrifice of a goat, sheep or some other animal is made by pilgrims and all Muslims on the day of Eid al-Adha. This rite is associated with Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his son in accordance with God’s wish.

It symbolises the Muslim’s willingness to part with what is precious to him, and reminds Muslims of the spirit of Islam, in which submission to God’s will plays a leading role.

This act reminds the pilgrim and all believers to share worldly goods with those who are less fortunate and serves as an offer of thanksgiving to God.