The Hajj
Each year
about 2M Muslims from all over the world
perform the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. All Muslims, physically
fit and financially able are expected to do the Hajj, which takes place in the
twelfth month of the Islamic year and lasts about 6 days. Vaccination and crowd
control are major problems for the Saudi authorities. Before entering Mecca the
pilgrims cleanse themselves and don fresh, simple clothing symbolizing the
equality of all before God. First pilgrims walk 7 times around the Ka’aba, the
large black cube in Mecca. They also
travel 7 times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. They then travel to Mina
and stay overnight. The next day they travel to the plain of Arafat, scene of
Mohamed’s last sermon.. That evening they camp at Muzdalifah. Back at Mina they
throw stones at pillars where they believe Satan tempted Abraham. Sheep are
slaughtered by or in the name of each pilgrim. Returning to Mecca, the pilgrims
repeat the first-day tasks. They then return to Mina for 3 days of prayers. The
final ritual is the farewell Tawaf around the Ka’aba.
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