Islamiyat · Oct / Nov 2025 · Paper 22 · Question 5

Write about and give the importance of the following three elements of the annual pilgrimage (Hajj).

Use the AO1 Levels of Response.

Candidates need to write a descriptive account of the above three elements of Hajj, giving their significance.

To be in ihram is to enter a state of ritual purity. Before wearing the ihram, pilgrims remove unwanted hair, bathe, and perform wudu. The ihram for men consists of two seamless white garments — the rida (upper cloth) and the izar (lower cloth). While in ihram, men must keep their ankles and heads uncovered. For women, ihram involves wearing loose-fitting, modest clothing that does not display adornments, with only the hands, face, and feet visible. The significance of ihram lies in its symbolism. It represents equality and unity among all pilgrims, regardless of race, nationality, or status. It reminds them that before God, all are equal, and worldly distinctions are set aside. The focus during ihram is solely on worship and submission to God, free from pride or ego.

Sa’i is the ritual of walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa. One round consists of walking from Safa to Marwa, and the return from Marwa to Safa counts as the second round. This continues for seven rounds. During each round, men are required to run between the two green markers, while dhikr is encouraged throughout.

Sa’i commemorates the story of Hajra, who ran between these two hills in search of water for her infant son, Ismail, after prophet Ibrahim left them in the desert by God’s command. The well of Zamzam was revealed as a result of her efforts.

The significance of Sa’i is profound. It highlights faith, perseverance, and devotion, especially through the actions of a woman. It also reflects gender equality and respect for women in Islam. Hajra’s actions are honoured to the extent that both men and women walk in her footsteps as part of this sacred rite.

Rami is the stoning of the three pillars known as the Jamarat, carried out over three days — the 10th to the 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah. On the 10th, pilgrims throw seven pebbles at the largest pillar (Jamarat al-Aqaba or Jamarat al-Kubra), saying ‘Bismillah, Allahu Akbar’ with each throw. On the 11th all three Jamarat are stoned starting from the smallest, after stoning du’a is made facing the qibla.

On the 12th again all three Jamarat are stoned starting with Jamarat al Sughra then Wusta after which du’a is made following which Jamarat al

Aqaba / Kubra is stoned after which the pilgrim leaves without making any further du’a.

The act of rami commemorates the time when shaytan tried to tempt Ibrahim at three locations to stop him from fulfilling God’s command to sacrifice his son. Ibrahim drove him away by throwing stones. By performing rami, Muslims symbolically reject shaytan and all evil, reaffirming their obedience to God and willingness to sacrifice for His sake.

The act of stoning is not only symbolic of rejecting evil but also of purifying oneself from vice, and the repetition (seven times) signifies complete and continuous rejection — with the number seven often representing infinity or completeness in Islamic tradition.

What is the importance of offering sacrifice (Qurbani) during Hajj for pilgrims and Muslims worldwide?

Use the AO2 Levels of Response.

The offering of sacrifice (Qurbani) during Hajj is a deeply symbolic act for both pilgrims and Muslims worldwide. For pilgrims, it follows the stoning at Mina on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah. Globally, Muslims may perform Qurbani over the three days of Hajj.

It commemorates prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. God’s replacement of Ismail with a ram highlights that what matters is the believer’s sincerity and submission. The sacrifice symbolises a Muslim’s readiness to give up what is precious for the sake of God. For pilgrims, Qurbani marks the completion of Hajj and reflects spiritual renewal and obedience. For Muslims worldwide, it is a time of thankfulness and generosity, with the meat shared with the poor, promoting compassion and community spirit.

‘Eid al-Adha, the festival linked to the sacrifice, serves as a global celebration of faith, devotion, and unity, reminding Muslims of the importance of both submission to God and care for others.