Understanding Faith UN nlhs.sor.2262 PW 28wiseGOES1& ISLAM: Introduction and Significant People A'isha Bint Abu Bakr Born in 612 CE, A'isha was one of twelve or thirteen wives and the daughter of the First Rightly Guided Caliph. early Muslim chroniclers suggest that A'isha was twelve to fourteen years old when she was to Muhammad, the traditional view is that she was nine. In any case, she spent many of her years in Muhammad's household. A'isha died in 678 CE. She grew up and spent a small part of her with Muhammad, who reportedly regarded her as his favourite wife. However, most of her adult life was spent as a widow, A'isha never remarried after Muhammad's death. She lived through the era of the Four Guided Caliphs (632 CE - 661 CE) and witnessed the ascent to power of the Dynasty. This was a time of rapid expansion of Islam, an era that social reform, religious tolerance and the consolidation of the Qur'an. However, it was also a period of civil unrest, during the third and fourth caliphates and A'isha played a prominent role in some of these events and in the of Islam. Contribution to the Development and Expression of Islam Knowledge of Teachings Having studied under Muhammad's guidance for many years, A'isha was very in the Qur'an and the Sunnah of Muhammad. She was regarded as a legal expert and many arguments over finer points of law. A'isha had her own script of the Qur'an after Muhammad's death and committed every verse to memory. A'isha was a and reliable source of Hadith and 2 210 sayings of Muhammad are as having originated from her. Scholars agree that A'isha is the source of a amount of knowledge existing today about the life of Muhammad, his deeds and. Support for Women A'isha has made a significant contribution to the role, and education of Islamic women. In seventh-century Arabia, women were generally to household duties. Playing a prominent role in politics and public, A'isha promoted leadership and responsibility beyond the household, among Islamic women. Many practices in Islam began during the time of her marriage to, for example, the: 1.consumption of alcohol became prohibited 2.laws regarding food, the to pay the Zakat, and the rites associated with the hajj, were. This period also witnessed the: 1.seclusion of women 2.customary wearing of the hijab in public and when.
- 2 - Muhammad's wives wore the veil, but other women were not required to do so. He had a society where Muslim women were religious and political leaders who fought and prayed Muslim men. It is believed that after the death of Muhammad, it was Muslim men, not Islam, who the rights of women. A'isha was passionate about the education of women, in law and in the teachings of Islam. She dedicated much of her time to them what she had learned from Muhammad. She discussed matters with them that specifically to women. Involvement in Warfare A'isha's role in politics caused her to be in warfare. She had spoken openly against some actions of the third caliph, Uthman., when he was murdered, she claimed that Ali ibn Abi Talik, the fourth caliph, was wrong for not Uthman's death and A'isha commanded a small army against him. A'isha's forces were in the battle that ensued. Ali, rather than causing A'isha harm, sent her back to Medina to take care of his own sons ( grandsons). After arriving in Medina, A'isha retired from public life and took no part in political activities. Sunni Islam A'isha is highly regarded among Sunni and is known as the Mother of Believers. She is regarded as a highly woman and one of the most significant scholars of early Islam. of women in the Sunni world revere A'isha as a role model. By, Shi'a scholars take a less favourable view of her. They believe that A'isha a serious sin when she opposed and fought against Ali, whom the consider to be the divinely appointed successor of Muhammad. Ethical Issues in Islam - Sexual Ethics of Islamic Sexual Ethics Islamic sexual ethics are based on a number of, duties and rights. Sexual activity, when carried out in appropriate circumstances, is also as a virtue. Accordingly, there are two principal sources of sexual ethics. 1. law or shari'ah 2.Moral principles Islamic Law According to Islamic law every action falls into one of five. 1.Obligatory (fard) 2.Recommended (mandub) 3.Permitted (mubah) 4.Discouraged (makrub)
- 3-5.Prohibited (haram) Rulings not treated in Islamic sacred texts, or formulated from them by Islamic, are regarded as innovations. They are prohibited by Islamic religious law, unless by ethical principles. Moral Principles Moral principles underlying Islamic sexual ethics are from the: 1.Qur'an 2.Sunnah as recorded in Hadith 3.ijtihad which is the or original interpretation of problems not covered specifically in the Qur'an and Hadith. In Sunni Islam, comprises analogy, scholarly consensus, public welfare and custom. In Shi'a Islam, consists entirely of reason. Islamic law is very clear and specific in its on sexual ethics. Islamic moral principles constitute the framework from which is derived, i.e. the principles that provide the reasoning behind the law. To how this works, it is necessary to appreciate how the Islamic system governing sexual ethics is organised. Organisation of Islamic Ethical System Sexual Ethics Six Universal Standards The Islamic ethical system governing human revolves around the preservation of six universal standards. 1.Religion 2.Life 3.Physical and mental health 4. 5.Lineage 6.Honour and dignity Two Governing Factors In essence, the preservation of these standards is governed by two overarching factors, the: 1.prevention of harm by enacted to preserve one or more of the universal standards 2.accrual of by permitted actions that enhance one or more of the universal.
- 4 - Three Categories Every action is classified under three categories, based on law. The categories are actions: 1.prohibited in order to preserve one or more of the standards 2.considered necessary in order to maintain one or more of the standards 3.recommended in order to enhance one or more of the standards. These ethical principles are given practical application through Islamic law, which governs what is permissible and what is not permissible in the of human sexuality. The application of this comprehensive system of sexual ethics to of sexuality is shown in the following diagram. Fard - Obligatory Sexual Complementarity Islam teaches that man and woman complement one another, both and emotionally. They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them. - Qur'an 2:187, 'Surat (The Cow)', Sexual intercourse in marriage is regarded as the most expression of this complementarity. In Islam, it is seen as a highly way of preserving religion, and the proper use of sexual intercourse is seen as an act of. Not surprisingly, sexual intercourse is openly recommended in the Qur'an. Within, it is a necessary activity for the preservation of physical and mental health. And when they have themselves, then come to them from where Allah has ordained for you. - Qur'an 2:222, 'Surat (The Cow)', Purposes Sexual intercourse has two purposes in Islam: 1.preservation of the family lineage through procreation 2.satisfaction of the sexual needs and desires of the couple. Having children brings honour to the family. Muslims are strongly to marry, not only for reproductive purposes, but also for the of sexual pleasures. Sexual intercourse in marriage is regarded so important that it is one of the conjugal rights of the
- 5 - wife. It is therefore for a man to engage in sexual intercourse with his wife at least once every four months. This can only be relaxed if there is a valid reason, or if the wife waives her right to sexual. Although a wife cannot force her spouse to comply, constant refusal on his behalf, or the to have sex constitutes a valid reason for divorce. Apart from the when sexual intercourse is considered obligatory, sexual activity is highly recommended by law at other times as well. Prohibitions There are some prohibitions on sexual activity. Islamic law prohibits sexual intercourse when the wife is. Nevertheless, other forms of intimate contact are considered legitimate. It is harm, so keep away from wives during. And do not approach them until they are pure. - Qur'an 2:222, 'Surat (The Cow)', Sexual intercourse is prohibited on three further occasions: 1.during bleeding 2.in the day during the month of Ramadan 3.while a person is on to Mecca. Islamic Hadith views sexual intercourse as a highly private affair, and one that must be utmost privacy. No one should be able to see or hear the couple while they are in sexual activity. Matters relating to sexual activity should not be with anyone, but the couple. Amongst the lowest grades of people before God on the day of is the man going to his wife (and making sex) and she going to him: then either of them their common secret. Mandub - Recommended Sexual Practices Modesty While there is no between men and women in terms of their relationship with God, Islam places the of modesty of the female to preserve the honour and dignity of her family. This was explained by Imam al-baqir. The best woman among you is the one who the armour of shyness when she undresses for her husband, and puts on the armour of when she dresses up again.
- 6 - - Wasa'il, Vol. 14, pp.14-15, While there were early on the issue, community norms eventually led to the development of a code of dress for women, as well as their segregation from men in the public sphere. Early argued whether or not women should have their hair exposed in public. scholars maintained that women should always conceal their hair when in the public sphere, while others argued that they needed to their hair only when praying in public. Contemporary Practices In the modern world, the of Islamic women from the public sphere has largely been replaced by a dress code they are to follow. Male and female segregation still occurs in the mosque and some public. Conservative Islamic religious scholars continue to maintain that full body covering, the wearing of a full head-cover, is an absolute obligation, a shared by many Muslim women. Other scholars are more lenient, arguing that is more important than what a woman wears. They recommend that women follow a dress code more in line with the norms of the in which they live. In Australia, Muslim women wear longs pants and/or a loose skirt and long- top, along with a simple veil covering the hair. In countries where women are likely to gain unwanted attention if they wear a, they are encouraged not to do so. Conservative community norms remain in many Muslim countries. There a woman's domain is her home, and men are to permit them to enter public spaces unless it is absolutely. Outside her own home and in the presence of all but the of male relatives, an Islamic woman should be fully covered and wear full head Mubah - Permitted Sexual Practices Who to Marry Muslims are only to marry another Muslim. This legal ruling is based on the standard that it is necessary to preserve the Islamic religion. There is no that both spouses need to be Sunni Muslims or Shi'a Muslims. A Sunni Muslim is to marry a Shi'a Muslim. However, Islamic jurists maintain it is better for a Sunni Muslim to be to a Sunni Muslim, or for both spouses to be Shi'ites. They the marriage of a Sunni and Shi'a couple if the union is likely to either spouse.
- 7 - Shi'a religious jurists permit a Muslim to marry a or a Jew, provided the marriage is a temporary contract. In at this ruling, they refer to the traditional ethical maxim that the lesser of two evils is if, as in this case, it preserves the physical and mental health of the spouse. When to Marry Muslim boys and girls are permitted to marry as soon as they reach, which in Islam is determined by one of the following: 1.age - lunar years for boys and nine lunar years in the case of girls (one lunar year is to 354.4 days) 2.after the boy's first nocturnal emission 3.after the of pubic hair in boys and girls. According to Islam, a sexual urge begins at the onset of puberty and must only be in marriage. Marriage at a young age is seen as a lesser evil than one's sexual desires outside the context of marriage. This position does not imply that Islam mental and emotional maturity to be less important. It is not in traditional Islamic families for a boy and girl to sign their contract, but continue to live with their respective families until they finish their, after which they hold the marriage ceremony and begin their life. In these situations they are permitted to have sexual intercourse with each other prior to the ceremony, but it is recommended that they use contraception as a means of the girl from becoming pregnant. Contraception and Family Planning In Islam, is the only recognised means by which a man and a woman can share an relationship, and it is the only legitimate way of procreating. The family is as a sacred institution, and is the only context in which should be raised. God is the witness to the sacred covenant of between a man and a woman. Adultery and homosexual relations constitute a of that sacred covenant, and are prohibited by Islamic law. The Qur'an that life and children are sacred gifts from God. To Allah the dominion of the heavens and the earth; He creates what he wills. He gives to whom He wills female [2], and He gives to whom He wills males. Or He makes them [3] males and, and He renders whom He wills barren. Indeed, He is Knowing and
- Qur'an 42:49-50, 'Surat Ash-Shuraa (The Consultation)', - 8 - For this reason, the use of used to be considered against the teachings of the Qur'an. However, the Qur'an does not address the issue of contraception. In recent years, the majority of scholars have agreed that family planning techniques are permissible in Islam. This is the Qur'an does not prohibit birth control, nor does it restrict a couple from pregnancies or from limiting their number, and because Muhammad's companions used such. In Islam today, there are a number of reasons justifying the use of family techniques. Contraception may be used to: avoid health risks to a child from the 'changed' milk of a pregnant mother avoid health risks to the mother that would result from pregnancies, short birth intervals, or young age avoid pregnancy in an sick wife avoid transmission of disease from parents to their offspring a wife's beauty and physical fitness, thereby continuing the enjoyment of her, ensuring a happier married life, and keeping the husband faithful avoid the hardships of caring for a larger family, which might compel parents to resort to activities or exhausting themselves to earn a living allow for the, proper rearing, and religious training of children, which are more feasible with fewer avoid the danger of children being converted from Islam in enemy avoid producing children in times of religious decline enable separate sleeping for boys and girls after puberty, which is more feasible with fewer. - Farzaneh Roudi-Fahimi, 'Islam and Family Planning', While the great majority of religious scholars approve the use of temporary forms of contraception, few permanent methods, such as sterilisation and vasectomy. A minority of Islamic have opposed the use of family planning techniques altogether. They maintain that any which prevents pregnancy is equivalent to murder, which the Qur'an clearly. Consistent with Islamic law, they argue that the prevention of harm (to the new life) far exceeds any benefit the couple may derive from sexual. In their view, the use of family planning techniques is opposed to the principles of preserving lineage and religion Polygamy
- 9 - And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of [4] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [5] one or those your right hand. That is more suitable that you may not incline [6]. - Qur'an 4:3, 'Surat (The Women)', Polygamy is only permitted under strictly observed conditions. Following the of Muhammad, who had many wives, a man is permitted to have up to four wives, his second and subsequent wives are widows with children. This ruling is aimed at the woman's property, and ensuring that she and her children can enjoy a quality of life. However, in these situations there are restrictions which must be addressed before such marriages may take place. 1.The marriage must alleviate pain and for the widow and her children, and not cause pain and to the man's existing wife or wives. 2.The Qur'an forbids a man from a wife who is younger than his first wife. 3.A polygamous is considered to be an abuse if the husband has a young family. A man is also to enter into a polygamous marriage if his existing wife is barren and he wants so as to preserve his Islamic heritage. Islamic jurists consider the second to be a lesser evil than divorcing his barren wife in order to marry woman. In all cases of polygamy the husband must be able to for his wives equally. In Islamic law, all the wives have the same status and are to identical rights and claims over their husband. While Islam permits a man under circumstances to marry more than one wife, a woman may have only one. This ruling is based on the need to preserve the Islamic. If a woman is married to more than one man, then it may not be to determine the father of the new-born child, a situation unacceptable in Islam. Mukrub - Sexual Practices Celibacy Islam discourages celibacy on the grounds that it is not an way of coming close to God. Those who choose a life of have to be very strong to manage their sexual urges appropriately. to Islam, these urges become a distraction as the celibate person to grow spiritually. Islamic jurists turn to the Sunnah to arrive at this ruling, as well as the of Muhammad, who was married and had children.
- 10 - The Prophet went out to his and said, 'Do you abstain from women whereas I go to the women? I eat during the day and sleep during the night! dislikes my tradition, then he is not from me.' - Imam Ali, The Sexual Morality (I) - Its Foundation, 'Celibacy and Monasticism is Forbidden, 2, In Islam, marriage is highly recommended as an institution because it is a good and lawful gift from God. Sexual, like food, is considered one of the good things God has given to human beings and to is to exceed the law of God. O you who have, do not prohibit the good things which Allah has made lawful to you and do not. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors. And eat of what Allah has for you [7] lawful and good. And fear Allah, in whom you are. Allah will not impose blame upon you for what is meaningless in your oaths, but He will impose blame upon you for [8] what you intended of oaths. - Qur'an 5:87-89, 'Surat Al-Ma'idah (The Table Spread)', While divorce is permitted in Islam, it is nevertheless strongly discouraged due to the high esteem the institution of marriage. Islamic jurists permit a man to divorce his wife her consent. After being divorced, a woman is not permitted to for three months in case she was pregnant at the time of. This ruling is based on the principle of preserving the Islamic family. By contrast, a woman cannot divorce her husband without his consent once the has been consummated, unless the husband continually refuses to have sexual with her. The grounds for divorce vary considerably, e.g. 1.Hanifi scholars accept almost no on which a woman can divorce her husband 2.Maliki jurists allow her to seek for non-support, abandonment and physical and emotional injury. Haram - Prohibited Sexual Marriage of Blood Relations An Islamic woman is not required to wear a veil in when in the of her: father son
- 11 - uncle nephew step-son son-in-law foster brother foster husband. These people are considered blood relations and are prohibited from her. Consequently, the veil signifies whether or not a marriage is or prohibited. Cousins are permitted to marry one another, even though they are, in a strict sense, blood, because the female is required to wear a veil in their. Similarly, a man is prohibited from marrying his mother, daughter, aunt, niece,, daughter-in-law, foster mother, foster sister, step daughter, sister-in-law or any married woman. The law the marriage of blood relatives is a practical application of the standard to preserve the Islamic family lineage. Marriage of blood relatives a threat to the stability of the family unit and maintenance of family. Pre-Marital and Extra-Marital Sex It has already been stated that sexual in Islam are strictly limited to the confines of marriage. In fact, the of marriage is to protect the spouses from desiring to engage in any form of sexual outside the context of the marriage relationship. It is therefore not that pre-marital and extra-marital sex is strictly prohibited. Islam requires the to abstain from having sex. Islamic jurists base this ruling on the Qur'an. They argue that one means of practising sexual abstinence is to fast continuously. But let them who find not [9] abstain [10] until Allah enriches them from His bounty. And those who seek a [11] from among whom your right hands possess - then make a with them if you know there is within them goodness and give them from the wealth of Allah which He has given you. And do not compel your slave girls to, if they desire chastity, to seek [12] the temporary interests of life. And if someone should compel them, then indeed, Allah is [13], after their, Forgiving and Merciful. - Qur'an 24:33, 'Surat An-Nur (The Light)',
- 12 - Shi'a go much further in their rulings on pre-marital sex. They argue that an person should abstain from sex until marriage. If that is not the person should enter into a temporary marriage. Shi'a Islam nominates marriage for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity to appropriately one's sexual urges. They argue that a temporary marriage constitutes a lesser evil than having sex. Early Sunni Islamic jurists adopted a similar position, but abandoned the of temporary marriage several centuries ago. In a minority of countries, sex is punishable by Islamic religious law. The first offence incurs a of 100 lashes and subsequent offences are punished by an increasing number of. The death penalty follows the fourth transgression. Universal standards prohibiting any form of sex the institution of marriage are preservation of: 1.lineage 2.honour and dignity. sex is repeatedly prohibited in the Qur'an and the Hadith. And do not unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way. - Qur'an 17:32, 'Surat (The Night Journey)', In most Islamic countries, adultery is not severely. However, in Islamic religious law or shari'ah it is punishable by to death. Homosexual and Bisexual Sexual Activity Although the Qur'an explicitly male homosexuality, Islamic jurists condemn all forms of same-sex sexual activity. This is of whether or not such activity is performed in a homosexual or relationship. As far as the Qur'an is concerned, same sex-sexual activity is a sin of such that God destroyed a whole nation for its promiscuous behaviour. So when Our came, We made the highest part [14] its lowest and rained upon them stones of hard clay. - Qur'an 11:82, 'Surat Hud (Hud)',
- 13 - Islamic religious law same-sex sexual activity is based on the universal standard of preserving. Punishment prescribed by Islamic religious law for same-sex sexual activity is severe. 1.In the case of males, the active is to be given 100 lashes if he is not married, and killed if he is, while the passive partner is simply to be put to death. 2.In the case of, they are to receive 100 lashes if they are not married and stoned to death if they are. Although the punishment is severe, the burden of proving that same-sex sexual has taken place is onerous. Individuals must either confess to engaging in this or be accused of the act of sexual intercourse by at least four. Rape The Qur'an commands men and women to protect their chastity. Tell the men to reduce [15] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is with what they do. And tell the believing women to reduce [16] of their vision and guard their parts and not expose their adornment except that which [17] appears and to wrap [18] their head covers over their chests and not expose their except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their women, that which their right hands, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the aspects of women. - Qur'an 24:30-31, 'Surat An-Nur (The Light)', Rape is by Islamic religious law as extramarital intercourse by force or fear, and it is a violation of the victim's chastity. It is a crime which threatens the good order of society and the physical and mental health of the victim. It is to note that there is no concept of rape within a in Islamic religious law. The reason is that both spouses accepted relations when they married. In Islamic religious law, rape is punishable by to death. Honour Killing Islam holds the honour and dignity of the family in very high esteem., this principle is given
- 14 - expression in some fundamentalist Muslim countries through honour. This practice targets women and girls who are deemed or thought to have the honour of their family. Often, as little as speaking with an man, or the rumour of an extramarital affair, or pre-marital loss of, is sufficient cause to trigger an honour killing, which is usually out by the father or a brother of the victim. Even rape have been targeted in this way. Basing their ruling on the Qur'an and the Hadith, jurists unanimously prohibit all forms of honour killing in the strongest terms. It is simply un-islamic. Islamic tradition relates an incident in which Aisha, wife, was found in the company of another man. When rumours began to that she had been involved in an extramarital affair, Muhammad stipulated that the had to procure three witnesses before a legal trial could take place. to do so would incur a public lashing for falsely accusing her, or death if the had killed the victim. Significant Islamic Practices - Hajj Nature The hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca. It is the fifth pillar of Islam and occurs during the month of the Islamic calendar. Although the pilgrimage to Mecca is by Muslims to date back to the time of Abraham, the ritual is specifically associated with Muhammad. Prior to Muhammad, during the time known in Islam as the days of, or jahiliyyah, tribes from all parts of the Arabian Peninsula, made an annual to Mecca to visit the Ka'aba. The Ka'aba was a cube-shaped that contained some 360 idols of various deities worshipped by pilgrims. In 630, CE and his followers conquered Mecca without bloodshed. The idols were removed and the Ka'aba became the focus of the monotheistic Islamic pilgrimage, known as the hajj, thereby a whole era of idol worship in Arabia to an end. Laws Governing the Hajj The Qur'an states that it is compulsory for men and women to make a to Mecca once in a lifetime. And [19] to Allah from the people is a to the House - for whoever is able to find thereto a way.
- 15 - - Qur'an 3:97, 'Surat 'Ali 'Imran (Family of Imran)', The phrase is able to find thereto a way' refers to the attainment of the to perform the hajj. The pilgrimage to Mecca becomes obligatory for only when they attain that capacity. A person regarded incapable of the pilgrim journey to Mecca, but chooses to do so anyway, is to perform the pilgrimage a second time when he or she is to have attained that capacity. Islamic religious law details the conditions for attaining the capacity to perform the hajj. Conditions of Hajj The first and requirement for undertaking the pilgrimage to Mecca is faith. Without faith, of the prescribed rituals associated with the pilgrimage is considered invalid, and the act of is null and void. In addition to this requirement, one must have the age of puberty in order for the hajj to be valid. Pilgrims performing the Hajj Pilgrims performing the Hajj Once these two have been satisfied, there are four criteria to be met before the to Mecca becomes obligatory. 1.A person has to be of sound mind. to Muhammad, one who is mentally ill or insane cannot be held for his or her actions. Consequently, this person cannot be required to the pilgrimage to Mecca. 2.A person has to be able to the journey and return home safely, without the possibility of being to danger. 3.A person must be physically fit to perform the to Mecca. People who are unlikely to acquire the necessary fitness in the future are to arrange for someone else to perform the hajj on their behalf. 4.A person must the financial capacity to cover all travel and living expenses, maintain during the pilgrimage, and return to a secure source of income. Sunni law women to be accompanied by their husbands, or close relatives before whom the woman is not to veil. By contrast, Shi'a law permits a woman to make the on her own provided she feels safe. When a person reaches Mecca, law requires him or her to perform a series of rituals over a period of five days. However, due to Saudi Arabian state laws, it is to complete the pilgrimage in less than eight days.
- 16 - Performance of Hajj While there are minor in the rituals associated with the performance of the hajj, they conform to a common pattern. Preparation To perform the rituals associated with the hajj one is to be in a special state of ritual purity, known as Ihram. While in the state of this ritual purity, women may either wear their normal modest dress, or a simple white gown, called an ihram. During this time, they may not cover their hands or face. The male of the ihram is a seamless white garment consisting of two sheets. One piece covers the waist and legs, while the other covers the upper part of the body. While in a state of ritual purity, are not permitted to carry any weapons, or hunt or kill. They are prohibited from shaving, cutting their nails, wearing perfumes and shoes that cover the ankles. They cannot marry or propose to anyone, and sexual are prohibited. Finally they are not allowed to swear, fight, argue or damage or uproot any flora. are required to be clothed in the ihram at the time they enter Mecca. There, the hajj begins on the eighth day of the month with a ritual bath before noon. to Mina After the ritual bath, pilgrims make their way to Mina where they spend the rest of the day. There they pray, rest and themselves for the next day's ritual, which takes place on the Plain of Arafat. on the Plain of Arafat On the ninth day of the month, head for the Plain of Arafat about 14 km southeast of Mecca. Facing Mecca they spend the day in ritual, meditation and prayer. They may listen to a sermon delivered from Mount Arafat where is reported to have given his last sermon. Some pilgrims sit and talk, while others climb the Mount of Mercy. When the sun sets, a canon is ceremonially fired. This is the signal for the to leave Mina and travel to Muzdalifah where they pray and rest, on the ground in the open air during the night. Stoning the Devil The tenth day of the month begins before. Pilgrims gather pebbles to be used in rituals during the next three days. They then to Mina where, prior to 2004, each threw seven white pebbles at three
- 17 - tall representing the devil. Since then, these pillars have been replaced by long walls of the increasing number of pilgrims visiting the site. Eid al-adha or Feast of is a three-day festival, the beginning of which is marked by the ritual of the of the Devil. This feast is celebrated by Muslims around the world. Tawaf After in Mecca, pilgrims proceed to the Ka'aba where they perform Tawaf, or seven circumambulations around the Ka'aba while reciting prayers. While circling the Ka'aba, either kiss the Black Stone or point to it with their right hands each time they pass it., men perform the first three circuits at a brisk pace then a more walking pace is adopted. Sa'i Straight after performing Tawaf, pilgrims walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah in a ritual known as Sa'i. This area is now by the mosque and is accessed through air conditioned tunnels. Before, pilgrims drink from the Well of Zamzan. Return to Mina Having Tawaf and Sa'i, pilgrims return to Mina to spend two days there. They are now to do everything that was lawful before Ihram. Each afternoon at Mina, they throw seven at the three pillars. Pilgrims are required to leave for Mecca before sunset, where they Tawaf around the Ka'aba for the last time. Hajj as an of Islamic Beliefs Submission to the Will of God When Muslims their pilgrimage to Mecca they commemorate what Muhammad taught them about hajj. The focuses the pilgrim's attention on some important beliefs of Islam. Muhammad the pilgrimage as the greater Jihad, a spiritual virtue Muslims are to cultivate. When pilgrims enter into the state of ritual purity during hajj, they commit themselves to overcoming the internal struggle against. One of the core beliefs of Islam is that people have to submit to the will of God in order to attain life in heaven. The is a physical expression of the believer's willingness to submit to the will of God.
- 18 - for Sin Muhammad taught his followers that pilgrimage to Mecca wiped away one's sins. Amr ibn al-aas that the Messenger of Allah said Hajj wipes out whatever (sins) came before it. - Hadith, of Hajj, Muslim 20121, The pilgrimage to Mecca is a form of for sin. When believers repent of their sins they are granted God's mercy. Thus, a performed hajj is a means of entering heaven. Abu Hurayrah reported that the said Umrah is expiation for the time between it and the Umrah; and an accepted hajj has no less a reward than. - Hadith, Virtues of Hajj, Bukhari 211683 and Muslim 221349, Use God's Gifts in The seamless garments, worn by pilgrims while in the state of ritual purity, the total renunciation of worldly life. Islam teaches that this is to purify the soul so believers become ever more conscious of God's and attain eternal life. Muslims believe that the earth's resources are gifts from God, to be used in in order to attain that spiritual purity of soul. Restrictions placed on while in a state of ritual purity, remind them of the of refraining from indulgent behaviour. Importance of Prayer Muhammad taught his about the importance of prayer. Muslims believe that God commanded them to pray and taught that prayer is beneficial. Pilgrimage to Mecca is filled with times for prayer - at Mina, the Plain of Arafat, At, during Tawaf, and on numerous other occasions. The hajj, therefore, reminds them of the of prayer. Unity of God Pilgrimage to Mecca highlights Islamic belief in the unity of God, e.g. the day of Arafat is a of the oneness of God. This is because on that day, all are engaged in prayer in the same place and at the same time. It is also a of the Day of Judgment when all people will stand before God.
- 19 - The unity of God is given emphasis during Tawaf when the pilgrims perform seven circuits around the Ka'aba. This stone is the most important symbol of the unity of God, because it was here that reportedly removed all the idols of the pagan deities and established on the Arabian Peninsula. During this ritual Muslims acknowledge the greatness of God, to mind God's divine attributes that: God is eternal beyond time all-knowing all-seeing beyond human comprehension. According to Islamic tradition, Muhammad is as the last of the prophets and the messenger of God. This belief is also in the prayers recited during the ritual. Resist the Temptations of Satan believe that Satan is a supernatural being created from fire and of disobeying God. Satan is the enemy of human beings because he is to tempt them to make them disobey the will of God and entry into heaven. Muslims believe that Abraham was tempted by the devil three times and was, so he is a model of how they are to resist the of the devil and adopt a life of purity. This belief is during the Stoning of the Devil rituals. Muslims believe they are of Abraham who married his slave girl Hagar because his wife, Sarah, was barren. and Hagar had Ishmael, who became the father of the Muslim people. commemorate their heritage during the making of the Sa'i. Tradition holds that left Hagar and Ishmael in the desert because he feared that Sarah was and would harm the child. Hagar performed Sa'i when she was searching for water for her son between Safa and Marwah. Significance of the Hajj for Making the pilgrimage to Mecca is important both for the Islamic and for individual Muslims. Islamic Community The obligation to preserve the religion is one of the universal principles of Islam. Rituals of the hajj play an role in preserving the Islamic belief system because they remind the community of pilgrims of the core beliefs of Islam. They help the of believers to maintain the unity of their essential beliefs.
- 20 - Pilgrimage encourage believers to reflect on the history of Islam and their heritage. The Ka'aba is a reminder of how Muhammad established Islam, while the are associated with Abraham and his family. These events are integral to the of Islam. When Islamic pilgrims from all parts of the world gather to on their religious history and heritage during the hajj, Islam's identity as a system is strengthened. Rituals also play an important role in maintaining social and cohesion within the Islamic community. Garments worn by pilgrims while in a state of ritual purity, remind them that all are equal in the eyes of God, no matter how rich or poor they may be. The of Muslim pilgrims from all over the world surpasses all differences based on race, colour and gender, the community of believers around the core beliefs of Islam. Thus the hajj the spirit of unity, equality, brotherhood and sisterhood within the world-wide community. Individual Muslims The hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. It is one of the formal acts of worship that strengthens the faith and of believers. Each pillar holds up the structure of a Muslim's faith. Being one of the five of Islam, the hajj is considered to be of great importance to the Muslim. Rituals associated with the pilgrimage: reinforce what a Muslim believes help a Muslim to an Islamic identity deepen his or her understanding of what it means to be a Muslim. identity is further strengthened by the gathering of Muslims from the world over for one common - to fulfil their obligation to make the hajj. As these mingle together, they share their common beliefs and practices with one. Performance of the hajj results in many blessings, including the development of an disposition to more fully experience God's presence. Performance of the pilgrimage is an act of that is considered as meritorious as doing spiritual Jihad. To a Muslim, the hajj is one of the acts of penitence, the reward of which is the assurance of heaven.