GRADE 8 islamic religious education – Hajj and Umrah Quiz

Hajj is the major pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Mecca that takes place during specific days in the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah and is obligatory once for those who are able.

Umrah is a non-obligatory pilgrimage to Mecca consisting of specific rites; unlike Hajj it may be performed any time of the year.

Tawaf of the Kaaba seven times is one of the essential rites of Hajj; zakat and visiting Medina are not pillars of Hajj.

Ihram is the sacred state in which pilgrims wear specific clothing and observe prohibitions and rituals required for Hajj or Umrah.

The Kaaba is the cube-shaped structure at the centre of Masjid al-Haram in Mecca; it is the focal point for tawaf and prayer direction (qibla).

Tawaf is the act of circumambulating the Kaaba seven times and is performed during both Hajj and Umrah.

Sa'i commemorates Hajar's search for water for Isma'il and is performed by walking seven times between Safa and Marwah after tawaf.

The standing at Arafat on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah is the central rite of Hajj; without it Hajj is invalid.

The Day of Arafat falls on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah and is the day pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat for wuquf (standing).

Hajj is obligatory once for those who have the capacity (ability, safety, and means); children and those unable are exempt until they can fulfill the conditions.

Before entering ihram pilgrims should make a clear intention and often begin reciting the talbiyah as they enter the sacred state.

While in ihram pilgrims must not cut their hair or nails (among other prohibitions); acts like prayer, drinking Zamzam and tawaf are permitted and part of the rites.

Umrah is completed when the pilgrim performs tawaf and sa'i and then shaves (halq) or trims (taqsir) their hair, which ends the state of ihram.

The Jamarat involves throwing small stones at three structures in Mina, re-enacting Prophet Ibrahim's resistance to satanic temptation.

Zamzam is the historic well in Mecca; pilgrims drink its water seeking blessing and remembering Hajar and Isma'il.

Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah and coincides with the days of Hajj, marked by sacrifice and prayer.

Tawaf al-Ifadah is the obligatory tawaf of Hajj done after the standing at Arafat and the stay in Muzdalifah; it is a central part of Hajj rites.

Many Kenyan pilgrims depart for Hajj from Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which handles international flights to Saudi Arabia.

Congregational prayers at Hajj sites are led by imams or appointed prayer leaders to organize the large groups of worshippers.

Men in ihram wear two simple white unstitched sheets (the izar and rida) to show equality and humility before God.

Maqam Ibrahim is traditionally associated with a stone bearing Ibrahim's footprint; pilgrims often pray nearby after completing tawaf.

Islamic tradition teaches that Prophet Ibrahim and his son Isma'il built the Kaaba and established many of the rites associated with pilgrimage.

Tawaf consists of walking around the Kaaba seven complete circuits in a counter-clockwise direction.

Hajj becomes obligatory on those who have reached maturity and are mentally sound, and who have the physical health and financial means to perform it.

Hajj Mabroor refers to a pilgrimage accepted by Allah because it was done with sincerity, proper conduct and true devotion, bringing spiritual benefit to the pilgrim.