What do Muslims do on a hajj
During the Hajj, which is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, Muslims perform several rituals and engage in specific activities. Here are some of the key things Muslims do during the Hajj:
1. Ihram: Before entering the state of Ihram, pilgrims must make intentions and enter a state of purity by performing ablution. They then wear white, seamless clothes to symbolize equality and unity among all Muslims.
2. Tawaf: Pilgrims perform Tawaf, which involves circumambulating the Kaaba, a sacred building located in the center of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. Muslims walk around the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction.
3. Sa'i: After Tawaf, pilgrims walk or run between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times. This act commemorates the search for water by Hajar (Hagar), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham).
4. Wuquf in Arafat: Pilgrims spend the entire day in the plain of Arafat, where they engage in prayers, supplications, and seek forgiveness. This is considered the most important ritual of Hajj.
5. Stoning of the Devil: Pilgrims throw pebbles at three pillars symbolizing Satan in Mina. This act represents the rejection of evil temptations and strengthens one's commitment to God.
6. Sacrifice: Pilgrims sacrifice an animal, usually a sheep or goat, as a symbolic act of following the path of Prophet Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his son for God. This sacrifice marks the end of the Hajj for most pilgrims.
7. Tawaf al-Ifadah: Pilgrims return to Mecca to perform another Tawaf around the Kaaba, which is followed by Sa'i between Safa and Marwa. This is known as Tawaf al-Ifadah and is considered a completion of the Hajj.
8. Farewell Tawaf: Before leaving Mecca, pilgrims often perform a final Tawaf called Tawaf al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf) to bid farewell to the Kaaba as they conclude their pilgrimage.
During the Hajj, pilgrims also visit various historical sites in Mecca and Medina associated with the lives of Prophet Muhammad, Ibrahim, Hajar, and other prophets from Islamic tradition.