CSS Solved Islamiyat Past Paper 2019 | Hajj and its Impacts Impacts on life
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Question Breakdown
The examiner asked for an appropriate answer about the Islamic Hajj. However, to perform well in Islamic studies, you should provide a comprehensive outline of the Hajj and its fundamental responsibilities. Furthermore, explaining the spiritual, moral, and social implications of the Hajj will elevate one’s level of response. Referring to hajj instances from the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) helps clarify this aspect.
Outline
1- Introduction
2- Significance of Hajj in Islam
3- Basic obligations of Hajj
- 3.1- Entering ihram
- 3.2- Staying overnight in Mina
- 3.3- Stoning the Jamarat
- 3.4- Standing in ‘Arafah
- 3.5- Staying overnight in Muzdalifah
- 3.6-Shaving the head or cutting the hair
4- Spiritual, moral and social impacts of Hajj on Muslims
4.1- Spiritual impacts
- 4.1.1- Create a feeling of closeness to Allah
- 4.1.2- A sense of purity and taqwa entrenched into muslim’s heart
4.2- Moral impacts
- 4.2.1- Helps cultivate resilience
- 4.2.2-Focus on moral behavior
4.3- Social impacts
- 4.3.1- Create a sense of equality without any discrimination
- 4.3.2- Uplifts the sense of brotherhood among Muslims
5- Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Hajj is a spiritual obligation and a cornerstone of Islam. Therefore, every Muslim must do the Hajj at least once if they are financially, physically, and emotionally capable. Going more than once in your lifetime is allowed as long as you are honestly seeking the pleasure of Allah (SWT). For instance, “Allah says in Quran Surah Al-Imran ayat 97 that “In it are clear signs and the standing-place of Abraham. Whoever enters it should be safe. Pilgrimage to this House is an obligation by Allah upon whoever is able among the people. And whoever disbelieves, surely Allah does not need ˹any of His˺ creation”. Muhammad(PBUH) was the one who established the current Hajj procedure. Nonetheless, the Quran states that some aspects of the Hajj date back to Abraham’s day. It represents more than just a facet of Islam because of the profound effects it has on Muslims’ social, moral, and spiritual lives.
Significance of Hajj in Islam
As one of the five pillars of Islam, the Hajj is a fundamental component of Islamic religious traditions and is highly revered. In addition to fulfilling a pilgrim’s religious duty, the Hajj is, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime, profoundly spiritual event. It provides a privilege to become closer to God, ask for forgiveness for past transgressions, and follow in the prophets’ footsteps in future. For instance, the Prophet(PBUH) said, “And for those who can pay for it, doing the Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Kabah) is a responsibility that humanity owes to Allah”. Muslim pilgrims from all over the world, from various racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, come together during the Hajj to conduct religious rites and acts of devotion at the same time and place.
Basic obligations of Hajj
Hazrat Muhammad(PBUH) pilgrims honour Abraham’s life and times by carrying out the Hajj rituals. The Hajj consists of a number of rites and tasks that pilgrims must perform in Makkah, in addition to visits to other important sites, including Madina, Mina, Arafah, and Muzdalifah.
- Entering ihram
It is essential to adhere to the intention by heart before going to the Hajj because it must be done to serve Allah and with the hope of doing good in the afterlife. The next step is to go up the stairs, Ihram, or ceremonial cleanliness. For instance, Allah says in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah ayat 197 that “˹Commitment to˺ pilgrimage is made in appointed months. Whoever commits to the ˹performing˺ pilgrimage, let them avoid personal relations, foul language, and arguments during the pilgrimage. Whatever good you do, Allah ˹fully˺ knows of it. Take ˹necessary˺ provisions ˹for the journey˺—surely the best provision is righteousness. And be mindful of Me, O people of reason!”. For men, this entails donning the appropriate white fabric, one piece around your waist and one across your shoulder. Meanwhile, ladies are free to dress however they like as long as they follow the hijab’s regulations. For both men and women, footwear must take the shape of sandals.
- Staying overnight in Mina
Muslims must stay in Mina for the nights of the eighth, eleventh, and twelfth of Dhul Hijjah at the very least. On the thirteenth, they are free to stay another night or not. It is customary for Hajj pilgrims to head back to Mina once tawaf is over. After that, the pilgrims take a bus or walk to Mina. The pilgrims stay in the tents in Mina all day and night after arriving at the sacred location. For instance, “Allah says in the Quran ” and remember Allah during ˹these˺ appointed days. Whoever departs swiftly on the second day is not sinful, neither are those who stay behind ˹till the third—seeking additional reward˺, so long as they are mindful ˹of their Lord˺. And be aware of Allah, and know that to Him you will ˹all˺ be gathered”(2-203). While in Mina, pilgrims recite the Dhikr, read the Holy Quran, offer prayers, worship Allah SWT, plead for mercy, supplicate to Allah the Most High, and are advised of the pilgrimage obligations that must be performed in the days ahead.
- Stoning the Jamarat
The pilgrims proceeded to stone the Jamarat after spending the night in Mina.Three Jamarats (smaller, middle, and enormous, respectively) are in Mina named Jamarah al-Sughra, Jamarah al-Wusta, and Jamrah al-Aqaba. Nevertheless, the first apparition of Jamarah represents Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) desire to disobey Allah’s (SWT) order and not sacrifice his son. The second Jamarah represents Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) wife Hajera’s (RA) desire to reject their son’s sacrifice. Furthermore, the third Jamarah represents Prophet Ismail’s (AS) temptation to forgo sacrifice. Therefore, the act of Rami represents a Muslim’s rejection of self-doubt to become closer to Allah (SWT), just as Prophet Ibrahim (AS) hurled seven stones at Satan to resist his attraction. For instance, the Holy Prophet(PBUH) said, “the angels pick up pebbles thrown on these pillars in a manner invisible to mankind”. Therefore, it helps the Muslims to remember the self-control and sacrificing tributes of Hazrat Ibrahim and his son.
- Standing in ‘Arafah
Before midday on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, pilgrims converge in Arafat, a desolate and level area about twenty kilometres east of Mecca, where they hear the sermon delivered by Islamic scholars from a location close to Jabal al-Rahmah (The Mount of Mercy), the alleged site of Muhammad’s final speech. For instance, “Allah says in the Quran, “There is no blame on you for seeking the bounty of your Lord during this journey. When you return from Arafat, praise Allah near the sacred place and praise Him for having guided you, for surely before this guidance you were astray”(2-198). Yawm Al-Waqf, or the Day of Standing, is another name for the Day of ‘Arafah, which refers to pilgrims standing in front of their Lord for extended periods to beg for His Divine Mercy.
- Staying overnight in Muzdalifah
The pilgrims were directed to spend the night at Muzdalifah, pray to Allah SWT, seek His pardon and blessings, and get some rest there so that they would be well-prepared for the following three days of Hajj. For instance, Allah says in the Quran, “When you have fulfilled your sacred rites, praise Allah as you used to praise your forefathers ˹before Islam˺, or even more passionately. Some say, “Our Lord! Grant us ˹Your bounties˺ in this world,” but they will have no share in the Hereafter”(2-200). After that, the pilgrims perform the Maghrib Salaah. Following this, the Iqama said twice, and the Isha prayer was conducted in Qasr mode, which allowed for a maximum of two Rakats. Furthermore, no voluntary prayers were said during the period between these two Salahs (Isha and Maghrib).
- Shaving the head or cutting the hair and Farewell tawaf
Shaving or cutting off hair on the head (known as Halak) is another significant Hajj ritual that follows animal sacrifice. On the day of Eid al Adha, all male pilgrims shave their heads or cut their hair, while female pilgrims clip the ends of their hair. The pilgrims return to Mecca’s Sacred Mosque the same day or the next for another tawaf, or Tawaf al-Ifadah, a crucial Hajj component. Allah says in Quran Surah Al-Hajj ayat 26,27 that “And ˹remember˺ when We assigned to Abraham the site of the House, ˹saying,˺ “Do not associate anything with Me ˹in worship˺ and purify My House for those who circle ˹the Kaaba˺, stand ˹in prayer˺, and bow and prostrate themselves. Call ˹all˺ people to the pilgrimage.1 They will come to you on foot and every lean camel from every distant path”.It represents the haste with which one must perform the Hajj ritual of responding to God and expressing love for Him. On the 10th, the evening is spent returning to Mina.
Spiritual, moral and social impacts of Hajj on Muslims
1- Spiritual impacts
- 1.1- Create a feeling of closeness to Allah
The Hajj is a religious ritual that draws pilgrims closer to Allah. The Hajj rites, which include standing at Arafat and Tawaf (circumambulating the Kaaba), help Muslims become more profoundly religious and aware of God’s presence. For instance, Allah says in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah ayat 197, “And, [mention] when We made the House [kaaba] a place of return for the people and [a place of] security. And take, [O believers], from the standing place of Abraham a place of prayer. And We charged Abraham and Ishmael, [saying], “Purify My House for those who perform tawaf and those who are staying [there] for worship and those who bow and prostrate [in prayer].”Moreover, Hajj pilgrims feel spiritual emancipation and salvation via their great devotion and repentance, which equips them to live more moral and satisfying lives, and the heart of the Muslim draws nearer to Allah.
- 1.2- A sense of purity and taqwa entrenched into muslim’s heart
Pilgrims frequently feel an intense sensation of spiritual refreshment and cleansing. Their adherence to Islamic values is strengthened by the voyage, which serves as a reminder of their ultimate goal and the fleeting nature of this life. For instance, Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever performs Hajj for Allah’s pleasure and does not have personal relations with his wife, and does not do evil or sins then he will return (after Hajj free from all sins) as if he were born anew”(Sahih Bukhari). Furthermore, the chance to ask for forgiveness for previous transgressions is one of the leading spiritual benefits of the Hajj. A genuine pilgrimage is thought to be able to purge Muslims of their sins, much like a rebirth, giving them a fresh start and a pure soul.
2- Moral impacts
- 2.1- Helps cultivate resilience
The Hajj puts pilgrims’ tolerance and fortitude to the test on both a physical and emotional level. This experience fosters resilience and the capacity to bear adversity with fortitude and faith. Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” The people asked, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?” He(PBUH) said, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out, giving himself and his wealth up for the cause (of Allah), and came back with nothing.” (Al-Bukhari). Additionally, pilgrims who complete the Hajj acquire moral fortitude and strength that they apply to their everyday lives.
- 2.2- Focus on moral behavior
Hajj travellers are motivated to live more ethical lives that uphold Islam’s moral precepts by their experience on the pilgrimage. During the Hajj, man reaches a condition of complete holiness, which forbids him from endangering the lives or well-being of any other person. Additionally, it fosters feelings of justice, kindness, charity, forgiveness, honesty, and patience toward other people.
“The Islamic ethic is that if God has given you the capacity or good fortune to be a privileged individual, you have a moral responsibility to society.”
(Aga Khan)
3- Social impacts
- 3.1- Create a sense of equality without any discrimination
The Hajj rites promote humility and lessen arrogance by emphasizing that all Muslims, regardless of social or economic standing, are equal before Allah. In addition, pilgrims wear plain white clothes, which stand for equality and purity, entering a condition known as Ihram. This clothing removes social barriers and promotes equality and humility among all pilgrims. For instance, the Holy Prophet(PBUH) said, “No Arab has any superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab. Nor does a white man have any superiority over a black man, or the black man have any superiority over the white man. Thus, Muslims travelling on the Hajj are one people, a calm sea of humanity, united in their devotion to a single God. Muslims face one way and surrender to the will of the Almighty.
- 3.2- Uplifts the sense of brotherhood among Muslims
Verily, Islam is the religion of peace and unity. God repeatedly tells believers in the Quran to stick together and find strength in togetherness. This togetherness is embodied in the Hajj. People unite in surrender to God’s will, regardless of race or colour. Muslims join together with a sense of purpose and a desire for peace; they are one brotherhood. For instance, “Allah says in Quran Surah Al-Hujurat-13, “O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may get to know one another. Surely, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. Allah is truly All-Knowing, All-Aware”.
Furthermore, The pilgrims’ different backgrounds emphasize Islam’s oneness in diversity and promote tolerance and understanding between various cultural groups. The Hajj rites strongly emphasise forgiveness, peace, togetherness, and reconciliation. To spread a message of peace and harmony among Muslims worldwide, pilgrims are urged to settle disputes and pursue harmony.
Conclusion
Islam is a comprehensive way of life, and all rituals, including Hajj, have transformed individuals’ social, moral, and spiritual lives. Spiritually, it fortifies faith, fosters a sense of God, and offers a path to atonement and forgiveness. It promotes ethical behaviour, modesty, and self-control. Nevertheless, socially, it strengthens bonds between neighbours, fosters harmony and peace, and creates opportunities for cross-cultural and cross-cultural exchange. Through the Hajj, Muslims—who represent the true spirit of Islam—renew their moral obligations, strengthen their bonds with the global Ummah, and declare their loyalty to Allah once more.
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