Hajj and Umrah
18 Grade 8 Religious Education (IRE) questions on Hajj and Umrah, with worked marking schemes. 18 questions are available on this topic in full.
Question 1
1 markThe stoning of the three pillars (Jamarat) during Hajj symbolises the rejection of:
A. Idols of the Kaaba
B. Sinful pilgrims
C. Enemies in war
D. Shaytan (the devil) and temptation
(1 mark)
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6 marksDescribe the rite of Tawaf and explain two of its spiritual lessons for a Muslim.
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
Description (2 marks): Tawaf is circling the Kaaba seven times in an anticlockwise direction, beginning and ending at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad). Lessons (any two, 2 marks each): it symbolises the unity of Muslims all revolving around the worship of one Allah; it demonstrates that Allah is the centre of a believer's life; it shows equality as all pilgrims perform the same act together; it strengthens devotion and remembrance of Allah. Accept any two explained lessons.
Question 3
1 markAli performs the rites of circling the Kaaba and Sa'i between Safa and Marwa during Ramadhan, but does not stand at Arafah. Which act of worship has Ali performed?
A. Umrah
B. Hajj
C. I'tikaf
D. Zakat
(1 mark)
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1 markStanding at the plain of Arafah on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah is regarded as the most important rite of Hajj. Missing this rite means:
A. Only a small penalty is due
B. The Hajj is invalid
C. The pilgrim must repeat Umrah
D. Nothing changes
(1 mark)
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4 marksDuring ihram a pilgrim must observe certain prohibitions. State four things a pilgrim in ihram is forbidden to do.
(4 marks)
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1 markA pilgrim performing Hajj walks briskly seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, remembering Hajar's search for water for her son Isma'il. This essential rite of Hajj and Umrah is called:
A. Tawaf
B. Sa'i
C. Ramy al-Jamarat
D. Wuquf
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 7
1 markCircling the Kaaba seven times is one of the rites of Hajj and Umrah. This rite is known as:
A. Tawaf
B. Ramy
C. Sa'i
D. Wuquf
(1 mark)
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1 markOn the most important day of Hajj, pilgrims stand on the plain of Arafah from midday until sunset in worship and supplication. The Prophet (S.A.W.) said, 'Hajj is Arafah.' Standing at Arafah is technically referred to as:
A. Wuquf at Arafah
B. Tawaf al-Ifadah
C. Tahallul
D. Talbiyah
(1 mark)
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5 marks(a) State two differences between Hajj and Umrah.
(b) Give one condition that must be met before Hajj becomes obligatory on a Muslim.
(5 marks)
Marking scheme
(a) Any two, 2 marks each: Hajj is obligatory (a pillar) while Umrah is recommended/optional (sunnah); Hajj can only be performed at a specific time (Dhul-Hijjah, 8th-13th) while Umrah can be performed any time of the year; Hajj includes standing at Arafah, staying at Muzdalifah and stoning the Jamarat while Umrah does not. (b) 1 mark: the person must be an adult/sane Muslim who is physically and financially able (has the means) and the route must be safe. Accept any one valid condition.
Question 10
1 markWhile performing Hajj, a pilgrim spends the day standing in prayer and supplication on a vast plain, which the Prophet S.A.W. described as the essence of Hajj. Missing this standing means the Hajj is invalid. At which place does this standing (wuquf) take place?
A. Mina
B. Arafah
C. Muzdalifah
D. Safa
(1 mark)
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1 markThe Hajj is performed during a specific Islamic month. Which month is this?
A. Shawwal
B. Dhul-Hijjah
C. Ramadhan
D. Muharram
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 12
6 marksAsma's family is preparing for Hajj. Her younger brother asks her to explain the difference between Hajj and Umrah and the rites involved.
(a)(i) State one difference between Hajj and Umrah. (1 mark)
(a)(ii) State the position of Hajj among the five pillars of Islam and its condition of obligation. (1 mark)
(b) Describe four rites (manasik) performed during Hajj. (4 marks)
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
(a)(i) Hajj is performed only during the specified days of Dhul-Hijjah (8th-13th) and includes standing at Arafah, whereas Umrah can be performed at any time of the year and does not include Arafah. Hajj is obligatory (the fifth pillar) while Umrah is recommended/sunnah (some scholars hold it obligatory once). (1 mark) (a)(ii) Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam; it is obligatory once in a lifetime upon every adult Muslim who is able (financially and physically) - istita'ah (Q 3:97). (1 mark) (b) Any four rites: (i) entering ihram and reciting the Talbiyah (Labbayk Allahumma labbayk); (ii) Tawaf - circling the Ka'bah seven times; (iii) Sa'i - walking seven times between Safa and Marwah; (iv) standing (wuquf) at Arafah on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah; (v) staying at Muzdalifah and collecting pebbles; (vi) stoning the Jamarat (rami) at Mina; (vii) sacrifice of an animal (qurbani/hadi); (viii) shaving or shortening the hair (halq/taqsir); (ix) Tawaf al-Ifadah. (4 marks)
Question 13
1 markWalking (or running) seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa is called Sa'i. This rite commemorates the search for water by:
A. Hajar (Hagar), the mother of Ismail
B. Maryam, the mother of Isa
C. Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet
D. Khadija, the wife of the Prophet
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 14
1 markThe city towards which all pilgrims travel to perform Hajj and Umrah is:
A. Madina
B. Jerusalem
C. Makkah
D. Baghdad
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 15
1 markHajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. It is obligatory upon every adult Muslim who is able, how many times in a lifetime?
A. Twice
B. Five times
C. Every year
D. Once
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 16
6 marksMzee Yusuf has saved enough money and is now physically able to travel for Hajj for the first time. He asks his grandson, who studies IRE, to remind him of the proper steps.
(a) State the condition that makes Hajj obligatory upon Mzee Yusuf. (2 marks)
(b)(i) Identify the state of ritual purity and dress a pilgrim must enter before performing Hajj. (1 mark)
(b)(ii) Outline three pillars (arkan) of Hajj that Mzee Yusuf must perform. (3 marks)
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
(a) Hajj becomes obligatory once a Muslim is of sound mind, has reached puberty, is free, and has the physical ability and financial means (istita'ah) to make the journey and provide for dependants while away. Since Mzee Yusuf is now able and has the means, Hajj is fardh upon him once in a lifetime (Q3:97). (2 marks) (b)(i) He must enter the state of Ihram – a state of ritual consecration, wearing the two unsewn white sheets (for men) and making the intention (niyyah) with the talbiyah. (1 mark) (b)(ii) Three pillars of Hajj (1 mark each): - Ihram (entering the sacred state with intention). - Standing at Arafah (Wuquf) on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah – the most essential pillar. - Tawaf al-Ifadah (circling the Ka'bah seven times). - Sa'i between Safa and Marwah. (any three)
Question 17
6 marksExplain four social and moral lessons a Muslim learns from performing Hajj.
(6 marks)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 18
1 markDuring Hajj, pilgrims wear two simple white unstitched sheets (for men). This state of ritual purity and dress is called:
A. Ihram
B. Tawaf
C. Sa'i
D. Wuquf
(1 mark)
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