Describe any three of the following elements of pilgrimage (hajj): • ihram (garment worn) • sa'i (running between the hills of Safa and Marwa) • rami (stoning the Jamarat), and • qurbani (sacrifice).

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2019). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] Candidates need to select any three out of the four elements given above and write a descriptive account of them.
2. [10] Ihram: To be in ihram is to be in a state of ritual purity. Removing unwanted hair, bathing, wudu is done before donning the ihram which is two pieces of seamless garments for men whose ankles should remain uncovered as well as their heads. For women it is their ordinary clothes not displaying their adornments. They need to be completely covered with just their hands, faces and feet showing.
3. [10] Sa'i: Starts from Safa and ends at Marwa. Safa to Marwa is one round and Marwa to Safa the second. During each round men should run the distance between the two green pillars. Dhikr of God should be continued during the seven rounds.
4. [10] Rami: Is the stoning of the Jamarat carried out on three consecutive days starting from 10 till the 12 of Dhu al-Hijja. On the first day 7 pebbles are thrown at the Jamart ul Aqaba by calling Bismillah Allahu Akbar every time a pebble is thrown. On the 11th all 3 jamarat are stoned starting from the smallest, after stoning du'a is made facing the qibla. On the 12th again all three Jamarat are stoned starting with Jamarat ul Sughra then Wusta after which du'a is made following which Jamarat ul Aqaba is stoned after which the pilgrim leaves without making any further du'a.
5. [10] Qurbani: Following the stoning on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijja an animal is sacrificed reminding Muslims of Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son for the sake of God and to show the pilgrims readiness to sacrifice in God's way and to offer thanksgiving etc.
6. [10] Above are brief notes that need to be developed in answers.
7. [4] Hajr al Aswad is the only part remaining from the original structure that was built by prophet Ibrahim. When a Muslim touches the Hajr al Aswad he is identifying with the prophet Ibrahim, the spiritual father of monotheism and following the Sunna of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). It could also be said that by touching the stone one feels part of the community of believers that descended throughout history. All valid responses to be credited.