Name: ANSWER KEY“Inside Mecca”: National Geographic

Before we take a closer look at the presentation, “Inside Mecca”, review the following terms that are specific to hajj and define as the presentation continues:

Atonement- The reconciliation/forgiveness for one’s sins

Burqa- Full body covering Muslim women will wear out of modesty

Hajja- Honorary title given to Muslim women that have completed hajj

Hajji- Honorary title given to Muslim men that have completed hajj

Hijab- head scarf worn by Muslim women 1) out of modesty and 2) Mary wore the head scarf and Muslim women consider themselves an extension of Mary, thus continuing this tradition

Ihram (first definition)- pure frame of mind Muslims must attain during hajj. It focuses on patience, courtesy, and respect. To maintain focus, Muslims are forbidden from arguing, grooming, and having sex

Ihram (second definition)- two-piece cloth that Muslim men will wear on hajj; it’s similar to the burial shroud Muslims are buried in. It pares Muslims from all walks of life to an equal status and humbles the soul for their religious journey

Ka’aba- black structure in Mecca; represents the belief/worship of one God

Kiswah- silk cloth that covers the Ka’aba

Mecca- holiest city for Muslims; sacred grounds where hunting, fighting, and cutting trees are forbidden

Medina- city in Saudi Arabia that Muslims will visit and pay their respects; the Prophet Muhammad is buried in Medina

Standing at Arafat (what happens here?)
This is the most important day on hajj. It is where Muslims have a “rehearsal” for Judgement Day and place their souls before God, confessing sins, praying deeply, and receiving forgiveness. It wipes the spiritual “slate” clean and allows Muslims to start anew.

As you take a closer look into the holiest city to Muslims (in Saudi Arabia), briefly jot down ideas for each section. These questions are not necessarily in order of the film. Fill in accordingly.

  • List personal challenges of the three pilgrims making the hajj (sacred/holy journey) to Mecca: (10 pts)
    MALAYSIA (Ismail):(minimal 3)
  • Does not like big crowds; will be in the largest crowd of his lifetime
  • Comes from a wealthy background and is surrounded by materialistic wealth; there’s no room for this in Mecca on hajj
  • Leaves his children behind while embarking on hajj with his wife Ashma
  • SOUTH AFRICA (Khalil):(minimal 4)
  • Travel difficulties to get to the airport to depart for Mecca
  • Faces discrimination because of his race (before and during hajj)
  • Difficulty finding his tent/group in the Valley of Mina
  • Visibly upset that the site of the holiest pilgrimage for a Muslim is missing obvious acts of charity for the poor living right in Mecca; delivery of charitable goods is a difficult climb
  • U.S. (Fidelma):(minimal 4)
  • Isolated by her siblings when she converted to Islam; trying to find the appropriate attire for hajj
  • Difficult Koran studies prior to hajj; needed permission from her son to travel to Saudi Arabia
  • Has to constantly explain she is Muslim; had to prove to the Saudi government that she is Muslim since her last name is not
  • The trying travels from Medina to Mecca; feels the burden of her mother’s difficult life suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease
  • List spiritual awards for the three pilgrims making the hajj to Mecca: (10 pts)
    MALAYSIA (Ismail): (minimal 4)
  • Seeks to be a better father
  • Seeks to be a better person/leader
  • Seeks to be a better subordinate (follower and devotee of God)
  • Seeks to be a better person in all realms of his life
  • SOUTH AFRICA (Khalil): (minimal 3)
  • Experienced the gratitude of those that received his charitable acts
  • Experienced a sense of Islamic brotherhood; was able to brush the doors of the Ka’aba with his hat by the close of hajj
  • Planned on disseminating (sharing) his experiences and revelations to Muslims back home in South Africa
  • U.S. (Fidelma): (minimal 2)
  • Experienced cathartic feelings when praying for her father; established a tight-knit group of female Muslims
  • Experienced belonging amongst Muslims, finally accepted by a fellow hajji
  • Take a look at the key Islamic sites in Saudi Arabia that pilgrims will journey. Briefly note what takes place at the following sites and why these sites are considered so holy: (8 pts)

LOCATION: / WHAT HAPPENS HERE? / WHY IS THIS SO HOLY?
MECCA / 1.Circle Ka’aba 7x
2.Hustle between two hilltops 7x
(called “striving”) / 1.The Prophet Muhammad had done this
2.Exhibit/experience the sense of urgency Hagar (Abraham’s wife) had looking for water for her son in the desert
VALLEY OF MINA / 1.Look for housing/tent/groups
2.Rest, eat, pray, prepare for next day of hajj / This was the day that the Prophet Muhammad rested.
PLAIN OF ARAFAT / 1.Within parameters, Muslims will atone for their sins; confess burdens and seek forgiveness.
2.Some Muslims may even sleep under the stars. / 1.Adam and Eve found each other here after exile from the Garden of Eden.
2.Muhammad gave his final sermon on Mount Mercy.
(Practice Day for Judgement Day)
VALLEY OF MINA
Stoning of Satan= “Jumrat” / 1.Stone 3 pillars
2.Cut hair to represent new state of their lives, after casting away inner temptations
3.Sacrifice rams/camels and donate to the poor all around the world / 1.Represents the three times Abraham was tempted by Satan to disobey God’s command to sacrifice his son, Ishmael
3.When Abraham demonstrated his intent on fulfilling God’s command, God provided a ram for Abraham to sacrifice instead.
(Also known as the “Feast of the Sacrifice”)
MECCA / 1.Circle Ka’aba 7x
2. Bid farewell, acquire new honorary titles, hajji and hajja, begin anew / 1. Just as the Prophet Muhammad had done
2. Closure to the hajj