About 2 million Muslims journey to the holy city of Mecca each year to make the spiritual pilgrimage known as the Hajj. The pilgrimage is one of five Pillars of Islam that form the framework of Islamic life. All Muslims who are physically, mentally and financially fit are expected to perform the Hajj at least once in their life. The Hajj begins on the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah (month for Hajj), the 12th month of the Islamic year, and lasts for as long as six days. On the 8th day all pilgrims will leave Makkah and travel 7 km east where they will set up camp and spend the night in prayers. Mina has been erected to provide washing facilities, tents and toilets for the pilgrims. Cooking is forbidden due to fires, The al-khalif mosque at Mina is the centre for prayers. Early next morning the pilgrims are off again by foot, bus or other vehicle another 12 km east to the plains of Arafat. This is the most important day of the hajj, the pilgrims gather on the plain before Mt. Arafat (Mt. of mercy). This is where Allah forgave Adam and Hawwa (Adam and Eve) and where Muhammad preached his last sermon. From Noon to sunset they pray here, meditate and concentrate on Allah and nothing but Allah. The gathering at Arafat on the 9th day symbolizes the day of judgement as they stand alone before Allah, and their sins have been cleansed. At sunset the pilgrims are off again 8 km to Muzdalifah, here they pray the Maghrib and Isha prayers, then collect 49 pebbles. Seven is the number of perfection for Muslims that's why 7x7 stones are needed. At the morning of the 10th day they return to mina on their way back to mekkah. Back in Mina they throw their stones at the 3 pillars which represent the 3 times the devil (Shaytan) tried to tempt Isma"il. They shout " In the name of God! Allah is Almighty!!" as they stone the three pillars. After this sacrifices are made and they return to mekkah. .
The Hajj is a pilgrimage to mekkah, and is one of the 5 pillars on which the faith rests.
