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      How and why Muslims perform Hajj

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain how and why Hajj is performed by Muslims.

      Key learning points

      1. Hajj is part of the Five Pillars and Ten Obligatory Acts.
      2. Hajj is a pilgrimage taken to Makkah where different sites are visited and rituals taken part in.
      3. Many of the parts of Hajj follow the actions of important prophets in Islam.
      4. Muslims are obligated to perform Hajj once in their lifetime.

      Keywords

      • Ibrahim - important Prophet in Islam who many of the steps of the Hajj pilgrimage are connected to

      • Ka'aba - also known as the Ka'ba; a sacred cube-shaped building in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

      • Makkah - city in Saudi Arabia where the Prophet Muhammad was born and received the first revelations of the Qur'an

      • Pilgrimage - a religious journey to a holy site/sacred place; an act of worship and devotion

      Common misconception

      When pilgrims stop to kiss or point to the 'Black Stone' as part of the Hajj ritual, they are worshipping that stone as an idol.

      Muslims do not worship idols or anything other than Allah. The Black Stone is touched or kissed as that is what the Prophet Muhammad did upon his return to Makkah and the Ka'aba.

      Teacher tip

      Students can see footage and photos of the different rituals and steps that form part of the Hajj pilgrimage online to better understand its importance and significance. Students could interview or speak with Muslims who have undertaken the pilgrimage to better understand its importance.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following is not one of the Five Pillars?

      salah
      zakah
      Correct answer: jihad

      Q2.
      What is the purpose of the Five Pillars?

      to show political loyalty
      Correct answer: to guide everyday life and worship
      to control Muslim countries

      Q3.
      The Ten Obligatory Acts are mainly followed by ...

      Sunni Muslims.
      Correct answer: Shi’a Muslims.
      Christians.

      Q4.
      Which of the following is one of the Ten Obligatory Acts?

      Correct answer: khums
      jumu’ah
      the Trinity

      Q5.
      In Shi’a Islam, what is the Imamate?

      a type of prayer
      the belief in angels
      Correct answer: the leadership of the Muslim community

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Hajj is one of the Pillars of Islam and one of the Ten Obligatory Acts.

      Correct Answer: Five, five, 5

      Q2.
      Which groups of Muslims see Hajj as a religious obligation?

      only imams and scholars
      only Sunni Muslims
      Correct answer: all Muslims who are physically and financially able

      Q3.
      What is the significance of the rituals performed during Hajj?

      they celebrate Eid
      they are randomly chosen symbolic actions
      Correct answer: they re-enact the actions of important figures in Islamic history

      Q4.
      Why do Muslims perform animal sacrifice during Hajj?

      Correct answer: to remember Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son
      to celebrate Eid
      as a form of charity

      Q5.
      Why do Muslims touch or kiss the Black Stone during Hajj?

      it brings luck
      it is considered a god
      Correct answer: the Prophet Muhammad did this

      To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: How and why Muslims perform Hajj, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...