The Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is currently the largest annual pilgrimage in the world. a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim. The Hajj is a demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people, and their submission to Allah.
The pilgrimage occurs from the 8th to 12th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th and last month of the Islamic calendar. The Hajj is based on a pilgrimage that was ancient even in the time of Muhammad in the 7th Century.
Preparations:
During the Hajj, male pilgrims are required to dress only in the ihram, a garment consisting of two sheets of white cloth, with the top draped over the torso and the bottom secured by a white sash; plus a pair of sandals. Women are simply required to maintain their hijab - normal modest dress, which does not cover the hands or face. The Ihram is meant to show equality of all pilgrims in the eyes of Allah: that there is no difference between a prince and a pauper.
While wearing the Ihram, a pilgrim may not shave, clip their nails, wear perfume, swear or quarrel, uproot or damage plants, marry, wear shoes over the ankles, perform any dishonest acts or carry weapons.
Rites:
Upon arrival in Mecca the pilgrim, now known as a Hajji The greater Hajj (al-hajj al-akbar) begins on the eighth day of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Umrah:
On the first day of the Hajj, The pilgrims perform their first Tawaf, which involves all of the pilgrims visiting the Kabah and walking seven times counter-clockwise around the Kaaba. They may also kiss the Black Stone (Al Hajar Al Aswad) on each circuit. In each complete circuit a pilgrim says (Bism Allah Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lil Lahi Alhamd) with 7 circuits constituting a complete tawaf. The place where pilgrims walk is known as "Mutaaf". Only the first three shouts are compulsory, but almost all perform it seven times.
After the completion of Tawaf, all the pilgrims have to offer two...