TWO MILLION BEGIN HAJJ RITUALS
MAKKAH: jore than two milj lion juslims began the annual eajj pilgrimage at first light on Sunday in Saudi Arabiai circling the cubejshaped Kaaba in jakkah that fslam’s faithful face five times each day during their prayers. qhe fivejday eajj pilgrimage represents one of the world’s biggest gatherj ings every yeari and is required of all ablejbodied juslims once in their life.
“te are very blessed by Allah to be in this placei and we pray to Allah to make the fslamic nations from the test to the bast in a better situationi” said bssamjbddin Afifii a pilgrim from bgypt. “te pray for the fslamic nations to overcome their enemies.” juslims believe the eajj retraces the footsteps of the Prophet juhammed (PBREFI as well as those of the prophets
Ibrahim and Ismail. Muslims believe God stayed the hand of Ibrahim after commanding him to sacrifice his son, Ismail.
The Kaaba represents the metaphorical house of God and the oneness of God.
Muslims circle the Kaaba counterclockwise seven times while reciting supplications to God, then walk between the two hills travelled by Hagar, Ibrahim’s wife. Makkah’s Grand Mosque, the world’s largest, encompasses the Kaaba and the two hills.
Before heading to Makkah, many pilgrims visit the city of Madinah, where Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) is buried and where he built his first mosque.
After prayers in Makkah, pilgrims will head to an area called Mount Arafat on Monday, where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his final sermon.
From there, pilgrims will head to an area called Muzdalifa, picking up pebbles along the way for a symbolic stoning of the devil and a casting away of sins that takes place in the Mina valley for three days.
At the Hajj’s end, male pilgrims will shave their hair and women will cut a lock of hair in a sign of renewal for completing the pilgrimage.
Around the world, Muslims will mark the end of Hajj with a celebration called Eid Al Adha.