MECCA

1. MECCA hajj

2. hajj The hajj is a pilgrimage to Mecca held every year between the 8th and 13th days of the last month of the Islamic calendar, Dhu al Hijah. This religious passage represents the culmination of the Muslim spiritual life. Haaj represents the 5th pillar of Islam. This year Saudi Arabia is expecting over 2 million pilgrims to make the voyage to the holy city despite the threat of swine flu. The kingdom has stepped up vaccinations and continues to serve the Muslims making the trip by serving bottled water and boxed lunches by the hundreds of thousands. Many Muslims from around the world make the trip regardless of nationality or the sect of Islam they follow.

3. Rituals of hajj • Each person walks counter-clockwise seven times around the Ka’bah , the cubed shaped building that acts as a Muslim direction of prayer • Then kisses the black stone at Kaaba • Runs back and forth between the hills of Al-Safa and Al-Marwah • Drinks from the Zamzam Well • Goes to the plains of Mount Arafat to stand in vigil • Throws stones in the ritual of Stoning the Devil • Lastly the pilgrims shave their heads, perform an animal sacrifice, and then celebrate the days of global festival of Eid al-Adha

4. haram The haram refers to the holy area around Mecca where Muslims avoid violence or harm to other people, animals and even plants. Haram actually means both forbidden and sacred. Haram is taken very seriously during the time of hajj and penalties for rendering violence during this time are very serious.

5. hajj hajj Video (For Youtube Video right click and “Open Hyperlink”)