Mecca

Pilgrimage to Mecca: The Hajj

Procedure:
In this exercise you will learn about the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. We ask you to first look into some of the historical details and ideas behind the pilgrimage and then to plan one for yourself.
Part I) Pilgrimage to Mecca
· Go to http://www.unn.ac.uk/societies/islamic/islam/hajj.htm to learn more about the "hajj" or pilgrimage to Mecca.

1. According to this document how many people make the pilgrimage to Mecca each year? ______________________________________________________

2. Do they wear special clothes? If so, why? ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

3. The pilgrimage (Hajj) commemorates the actions of a historical individual who is important to Judaism and Christianity as well. Who is this "patriarch" and what is his relationship to the idea of pilgrimage? ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________
· Visit http://islam.org/Mosque/jlthajj/hajj.htm to learn more about the origins of the pilgrimage. If you have time spend a few moments browsing this content-rich site at Islamicity. You can also view images of the hajj or watch the Hajj Channel at CyberTV.

5. Read about the origins of the pilgrimage and restate it in your own words. ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

6. What did the original pilgrims to Mecca wear on their journey? ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________
Part II) Now make your travel arrangements.
· Go to http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Cabana/7086/hajj.html for information and tips on planning your journey.
7. Where is the best place to buy the religious items you will need? _____________________

8. Do you need to bring food and drink? If, not is it expensive to find? _____________________________________

9. Should you expect problems with healthcare? ____________________________
Part III) View Photographs of your Destination.
Visit http://www.ummah.net/hajj/hajj99/layout.htm for a virtual photo album of Hajj in 1999.
While you are waiting for the images to download begin a reflective essay on why you think so many people make this pilgrimage each year. What do you think they feel?