During Hajj, Muslims engage in a series of rituals and acts of worship that are performed in and around the holy city of Mecca. Here are the key aspects of what they do during Hajj:
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Travel to Mecca: Muslims from around the world travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which is a pilgrimage that holds great spiritual significance.
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Ihram: Pilgrims enter a state of ihram, which involves wearing simple white garments (for men) and modest clothing (for women) as a symbol of purity and equality.
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Tawaf: Upon arriving at the Kaaba, pilgrims perform Tawaf, which involves circling the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction.
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Sa'i: They perform Sa'i, which involves walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorating Hagar's search for water for her son, Ishmael.
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Standing at Arafat (Wuquf): On the Day of Arafah, pilgrims gather at the plain of Arafat, where they engage in prayer and reflection, asking for forgiveness and mercy.
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Muzdalifah: After Arafat, pilgrims move to Muzdalifah to spend the night under the open sky, where they collect pebbles for the next ritual.
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Ramy al-Jamarat: Pilgrims throw stones at three pillars that represent the devil, symbolizing the rejection of evil.
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Animal Sacrifice (Qurbani): Many pilgrims perform an animal sacrifice, commemorating the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The meat is often distributed to the needy.
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Shaving/Cutting Hair: Male pilgrims shave their heads or trim their hair, while female pilgrims cut a small portion of their hair, symbolizing a renewal of faith.
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Tawaf al-Ifadah: After completing the above rituals, pilgrims perform another circumambulation of the Kaaba.
The rituals of Hajj emphasize submission to God, unity among Muslims, and the importance of community, reflection, and purification.