Origins of Hajj
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 2.1.8
Origins of Hajj
Pilgrimage to Mecca is an annual event. It reminds Muslims that the history of Mecca is at the heart of their faith. Recent estimates suggest as many as two million Muslims make the journey every year.
Mecca
- The origins of Hajj lie in the final days of the life of Muhammad.
- Although he lived his final years in Medina, he made the journey to Mecca one last time.
- This was to visit the Kaaba and to worship Allah in the holiest Muslim city.
- Mecca was the place where Muhammad first received the revelation of the Qur’an.
Abraham and the Kaaba
- It is also believed that Abraham visited Mecca with his family.
- There are many stories associated with Abraham's time there.
- On Allah’s instructions Abraham built a shrine there in the form of a cube, the Kaaba, which he dedicated to Allah.
Hajj
- Muhammad’s pilgrimage to Mecca reminded Muslims of Abraham, the first to worship the one true God.
- Since then Muslims have tried to follow in his footsteps.
- There is a black stone set into the Kaaba, sometimes believed to be a meteorite.
- According to Muslim tradition, this stone dates back to the time of Adam and Eve.
Test yourself on Origins of Hajj
According to recent estimates, how many Muslims make the Hajj pilgrimage each year?
According to Muslim tradition, when does the black stone set into the Kaaba date back to?