Starter: With your partner, write down 5 words to describe your thoughts when looking at this place…
Have you made any journeys over the half term? What preparations had to be made? Why take certain things? What were your feelings before setting out, during your journeys and on arrival? - excitement, anticipation, tiredness, & surprise.
People take journeys to special events People take journeys to special events. How do these journeys reflect commitment, fervour & group spirit? What feelings are evoked by a large crowd gathered for the same purpose?
The Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca) The Hajj
Muslims go on a pilgrimage called the Hajj. Every year, over 1 million Muslims from all over the world go to Makkah (or Mecca) - an important place in Saudi Arabia.
Muslims have to prepare carefully for the Hajj! Muslims must not owe anybody any money when they go on the Hajj. This means they work very hard to save the money. Some people are too ill to go, but they will pay for someone to go for them.
They change their clothes and wear Ihram. Everyone must wear a white cloth – this is so all people are equal – there is no difference between the rich and the poor.
What do they do there? Pilgrims act out different parts of religious stories.
One of the most important parts of the pilgrimage is to walk in a circle around a black cube building – called the Ka’bah. They do this at the beginning and at the end of the pilgrimage.
It takes 5 or 6 days to complete the Hajj. It is physically very exhausting! But they do it to show their devotion to Allah!
Pilgrims feel elated when they have finished the pilgrimage Pilgrims feel elated when they have finished the pilgrimage! Their families will celebrate their return. In some countries, the pilgrim will paint the outside of their house with pictures of their pilgrimage. When the pilgrims return home they have a new status: A man is now called a Hajji A woman is now called a Hajjah
Muslim Islam Mecca Ka’bah Allah Hajj pilgrim pilgrimage ihram mosque Muslim Islam Mecca Ka’bah Allah