National Geographic: Inside Mecca Quiz

Questions and Answers

What does the Ka'aba represent to Muslims?

The Ka'aba symbolizes the worship of God.

From what 3 countries do the pilgrims originate?

Malaysia, South Africa, and the United States of America.

How long does it take the city of Mecca to prepare for the Hajj?

An entire year.

Who are the only people allowed to come to Mecca?

Muslims. Signup and view all the answers

In what country would you find the city of Mecca?

Saudi Arabia. Signup and view all the answers

According to Muslims, what two biblical men were responsible for the building of the Ka'aba?

Adam and Abraham. Signup and view all the answers

What obstacles did the American have in her conversion to Islam?

Her family didn't accept her conversion to Islam and she didn't know any Muslims. Signup and view all the answers

Who do Muslims believe began the tradition of the pilgrimage to Mecca?

Abraham. Signup and view all the answers

Who did Abraham bring with him to Mecca?

Hagar (wife) and Ishmael (son). Signup and view all the answers

What happened in the year 630?

Restored the worship of one true God by clearing the Ka'aba of idols. Signup and view all the answers

How much does the new cover for the Ka'aba cost?

5 million. Signup and view all the answers

Hajj involves only visiting the Ka'aba.

False Signup and view all the answers

In what city did the American pilgrim stay before arriving in Mecca?

Medina. Signup and view all the answers

Why do the men all wear the same outfit (Ihram)?

It puts the soul in center stage. Signup and view all the answers

How many times do the pilgrims circle the Ka'aba?

They go around 7 times. Signup and view all the answers

What does the ritual of walking between the two hills symbolize?

Hagar was running between these two hills because she and her son, Ishmael, were desperate for water after being left alone in the desert. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for a Muslim to give charity?

It's one of the five pillars and the Quran taught and demanded it. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Muslims are non-Arabs?

80%. Signup and view all the answers

On what day of the Hajj do people visit the Valley of Mina?

Eighth day of the month. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Valley of Mina to Muslims?

Muhammad stopped on his journey in Mina. Signup and view all the answers

All nationalities stay together in the Valley of Mina.

True Signup and view all the answers

There are distinct differences between the accommodations for rich and poor.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Arafat in the Uranah Valley to Muslims?

It is the place where Adam and Eve met after exile and the location of judgment day. Signup and view all the answers

What happened in 632 on Plain Arafat?

Muhammad gave his final sermon. Signup and view all the answers

When may pilgrims leave the Uranah Valley?

Sunset. Signup and view all the answers

What do the pilgrims believe happened to Abraham at the stone pillars?

He stoned Satan. Signup and view all the answers

What do pilgrims do to mimic Abraham's struggles against Satan?

They throw the stones at the pillars. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Muslim's story of Abraham's sacrifice differ from the story found in the Bible?

The Muslims have him offering Ishmael, and in the Bible, it has him offering Isaac. Signup and view all the answers

How is the Feast of the Sacrifice connected to Abraham's sacrifice?

This relates to Abraham sacrificing the ram instead of Ishmael. They ate the ram after. Signup and view all the answers

Where do Muslims go in the final step of Hajj?

The Ka'aba to say goodbye. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Hajj?

The Hajj is the quest for redemption. Signup and view all the answers

Prayers are?

Prayers are granted. It's like making a request. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Ka'aba and its Significance

The Ka'aba represents the worship of God for Muslims.
It is located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is a central focus during the Hajj pilgrimage.

Pilgrims' Origins and Preparation

Pilgrims come from diverse countries, notably Malaysia, South Africa, and the USA.
Mecca prepares for Hajj for an entire year to accommodate the influx of pilgrims.

Exclusivity of Mecca

Mecca is exclusively accessible to Muslims, reinforcing its sacredness.

Historical Connections

Adam and Abraham are credited with the building of the Ka'aba according to Muslim belief.
The tradition of pilgrimage to Mecca is believed to have begun with Abraham, who brought Hagar and Ishmael.

Religious Events and Rituals

In 630, the worship of the one true God was restored by clearing the Ka'aba of idols.
Pilgrims circle the Ka'aba seven times as a part of the Hajj rituals.

Symbolic Practises

The ritual of walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah signifies Hagar's quest for water for Ishmael in the desert.
The men's attire (Ihram) during Hajj symbolizes equality and focuses on the soul.

Charity and Community

Giving charity is one of the five pillars of Islam and is emphasized in the Quran.
Approximately 80% of Muslims are non-Arabs, highlighting the global nature of the faith.

Hajj Procedures

Pilgrims visit the Valley of Mina on the eighth day of the month, which is significant for Muslim tradition.
Arafat, in the Uranah Valley, is important as it is where Adam and Eve reunited and is tied to the Day of Judgment.

Key Events and Observations

Muhammad delivered his final sermon at the Plain of Arafat in 632.
Pilgrims may leave Uranah Valley at sunset after completing prayers.

Acts of Faith

Pilgrims symbolically replicate Abraham’s actions by throwing stones at pillars, representing the stoning of Satan.
The Muslim narrative contrasts with the biblical account regarding Abraham's sacrifice, focusing on Ishmael instead of Isaac.

Feast of Sacrifice

The Feast of the Sacrifice commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice a ram instead of Ishmael.

Conclusion of the Hajj

Pilgrims complete their Hajj by returning to the Ka'aba to bid farewell.
The entire experience embodies a quest for redemption within the faith.

Spiritual Significance

Prayers made during Hajj are believed to be granted, reflecting the spiritual essence of the pilgrimage.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the National Geographic video about Mecca. This quiz covers key aspects of the pilgrimage, including the significance of the Ka'aba and the preparation for Hajj. Perfect for those interested in Islamic culture and practices.