Hajj: The Pilgrimage to Makkah

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "He who performs Hajj and neither spoke indecently nor did he act wickedly would return free of sin as on the (very first) day his mother gave birth to him."

Upon arriving in Makkah, Muslims perform the initial tawaf, the circling of the Ka'aba, “the house of God”. The Ka'aba is viewed as the first sanctuary on earth dedicated to the worship of One God. While circling, pilgrims say "Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk," which translates as, "Here I am at your service, O God, Here I am!" Another rite includes the sa'i, or "hastening" seven times between two hills called As-Safa and Al-Marwa near the Ka'aba, to commemorate Hajar's search for water to offer her son Ismael. Hajar had been rushing between As-Safa and Al-Marwa looking for water for her son in the desert and was blessed by God with a spring in the middle of the desert.

During the second day, the 9th of Dul-Hijjah, pilgrims go to the plain of 'Arafat for the wuquf, "the standing," the climax of the Hajj where pilgrims assemble for supplication to God. Some gather at the Mount of Mercy where the Prophet (pbuh) delivered his Farewell Sermon. The Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have asked God to forgive the sins of pilgrims who stood at 'Arafat, and his wish was granted.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, "The Hajj which is accepted will receive no other reward than Paradise."

At Mina, pilgrims stone three pillars representing Satan's temptation of Abraham to disregard God’s command to sacrifice his son. Pilgrims throw seven stones at each of these pillars. The stoning indicates the pilgrim's rejection of evil deeds. According to some traditions, this practice is associated with Prophet Abraham (pbuh).

The completion of Hajj is then symbolized by the cutting of the hair. Men either shave their heads or cut their hair and women clip a symbolic lock. The culmination of Hajj is marked by Eid ul-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, which is also celebrated by Muslims worldwide. Pilgrims sacrifice an animal in remembrance of Prophet Abraham's (pbuh) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismael at God's command. Pilgrims sacrifice a sheep in reenactment of the story of Abraham, who, in place of his son, sacrificed a sheep that God had provided as a substitute. The meat is distributed to help the needy and for family and relatives. The pilgrims return to Makkah to end

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