What happens on Hajj?
The pilgrimage Muslims make to Makkah (Mecca) during the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. The Hajj is the fifth and final pillar of Islam. is the fifth of the The five observances which must be followed by all practising Muslims, eg Salah - to pray five times a day.. It is the pilgrimage to Makkah. All Muslims are expected to go on Hajj once in their lifetime if they are physically, financially and mentally able to. It happens during the 12th month of the lunar calendar.
Hajj is a gathering of Muslims from all over the world, who take part in an act of worship. No matter who they are, this act of worship brings all Muslims together as one. Everyone is expected to wear an Simple clothing worn by pilgrims, consisting of two lengths of white cloth for men, and for women normal clothing with face and hands uncovered. which is special clothing made from two sheets of white cloth. This is so that everyone is seen as equal, regardless of who they are. It also symbolises Muslims having only the bare essentials needed to live, and it allows them to leave material things behind them.
Makkah is in Saudi Arabia. This is where the Prophet Muhammad was born and had his first revelation from Allah.
There are several things that Muslims must do during the Hajj. These are:
- wear Simple clothing worn by pilgrims, consisting of two lengths of white cloth for men, and for women normal clothing with face and hands uncovered.
- walk around the The cube-shaped building in the centre of Makkah (Mecca), which is the most sacred site in Islam. seven times (Tawaf)
- walk quickly between As-Safa and Al-Marwah on the outskirts of Makkah
- visit Mina for midday prayers
- stand at Arafat from noon to sunset
- collect pebbles from Muzdalifah
- stone the pillars in Mina
- celebrate Id-ul Adha