Glencoe World History © 2008

The Hajj

Introduction
The hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is not a single ritual, but a defined set of rituals that are observed at a set time each year in and around Makkah. Each able-bodied Muslim is expected to participate in the hajj at least once in his or her life. In this activity, you will explore the hajj in detail and gain a greater appreciation for how the hajj reinforces values and stories that are central to Islam.

Destination Title: Hajj Intro for People of Other Faith

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Directions

• Read through the information.
• Scroll down the site, and take notes as you scan the text.

Use the information you found to answer the following questions.

1			According to Islam, what are the origins of the city of Makkah?
2			What does the hajj commemorate?
3			What is a tawaf?
4			What is ihram, and why do participants in the hajj dress in white?
5			Imagine that you are a Muslim during the time of Harun al-Rashid. Based on your reading online and in the textbook, compose a diary entry that you might have written during a pilgrimage to Makkah for the hajj. Describe in detail the rituals in which you took part and your reaction to them. Use Arabic terms as appropriate.