Pilgrimage to Mecca
Name____________________________
World Studies
Due:
Step A
Please define the following:
Islam:
Muslim:
Circumambulation:
Mosque:
Pilgrimage:
Prophet:
Supplicate:
Consecrate:
Meningitis:
Step B:
Introduction to Islam:
Go to the site below and read about the worlds largest religion – Islam.
http://www.unn.ac.uk/societies/islamic/islam/01.htm
1. According to this document, what is the difference between a Muslim and an Arab?
2. Who was Muhammad?
3. What is the Qura’n?
4. What is the Hadith?
5. What are the five pillars of Islam? (please include the Arabic names)
6. Who are the people of the book?
Step C:
Read: The Hajj – Pilgrimage Chapter
Go to the site below and read more about the origins of the pilgrimage.
http://www.unn.ac.uk/societies/islamic/islam/hajj.htm
1. What does “Hajj” mean?
2. According to this document, how many people make the pilgrimage to Mecca each year?
3. The Hajj commemorates the actions of a historic individual who is also important to both Judaism and
Christianity. Who is this, and what is his relationship to the Muslim idea of Pilgrimage?
Step D
The Hajj is very structured – look at this site to learn about the different steps a pilgrim must take to
complete this sacred ritual.
Steps of the Hajj
http://www.ummah.net/hajj/pics/index.html
1. During the second day, pilgrims go to the “Mount of Mercy” at ‘Arafat. What event happened here?
Why is it a stop on the Hajj?
2. During the Wuquf, and the entire hajj, pilgrims wear Ihram. What is the Ihram? What does this
symbolize? Why would it be important to wear certain clothing during this event?
3. Why do pilgrims throw pebbles?
4. What is the Tawaf? How does one perform this rite?
5. What does the s’ay commemorate?
6. How many days does the Hajj last?
Step E
Visit the site below to find out more about Saudi Arabian culture.
Steps of the Hajj
http://travel.state.gov/saudi.html
1.
What days compose the workweek in Saudi Arabia? Why isn’t Sunday an important day?
2.
Do you need a visa to complete Hajj?
3.
Read the SAUDI CUSTOMS section of the Counsular Information Sheet, answer the following:
 Can a non-Muslim travel to Makkah?
 What are some of the rules that the Mutawwa enforce? List three examples.
Step F
Now make travel arrangements for a trip to Mecca. Go to the following Web pages to find the answers to
these questions.
Travel and Tourism for Saudi Arabia
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/middle_east/saudi_arabia/money.htm
Health for the Hajj
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/hajj.htm
1.
Estimate how much you will spend on your hotel room and food in Mecca for four days.
2.
What immunizations will you need?
3.
What is the main health threat while on Hajj?
4.
What other restrictions will you face?
Step G: Write an essay on the following topic: Making the Hajj is one of the 5 pillars of Islam.
Using information that you have found during this activity, please explain why making a pilgrimage
to Mecca is an obligation for all Muslims?