During Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, Muslims perform a series of sacred rituals. The main activities related to Hajj include:
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Traveling to the Holy City of Mecca: Muslims who are physically and financially able are required to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime during the specific Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah.
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Performing Tawaf: This involves circling the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction.
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Standing at Arafat (Wuquf): On the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, pilgrims spend the day at the plain of Arafat, engaging in prayer and reflection.
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Muzdalifah: After Arafat, pilgrims spend the night at Muzdalifah, where they gather pebbles for the next day's rituals.
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Ramy al-Jamarat: This involves throwing stones at three pillars that symbolize the rejection of evil.
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Qurbani (Animal Sacrifice): Pilgrims may sacrifice an animal, commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son.
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Shaving/Cutting Hair: Men typically shave their heads or cut a portion of their hair, while women usually cut a small portion of their hair. This symbolizes a reset and humility before God.
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Tawaf al-Ifadah: This is another circling of the Kaaba following the Arafat ritual.
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Tawaf al-Wada: The farewell circumambulation of the Kaaba that pilgrims perform before leaving Mecca.
While fasting, giving wealth to the poor (Zakat), and praying five times a day are important elements of Islamic practice, they are not specific rituals associated with Hajj itself. Hajj encompasses its own unique set of rituals and activities performed during the pilgrimage.
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