Hajj

=__**Hajj**__= __**By Matt Wilk**__ The Hajj is the Fifth Pillar of Islam. The Hajj is a religious journey that takes pilgrims through the various religious sites in Saudi Arabia, including Mecca, Arafat and Mina. It is highly recommended that every Muslim performs this pillar once in their life!! [] [] [] [] [] [] [] [] ]

= = toc =Mikat (Miqat)= A Mikat is a place where migrants release their identity and become one of many in the eyes of God. There are many different checkpoints sorrounding the significant sites in the Hajj. At a checkpoint pilgrims give up their clothes and change into more traditional and plain garments which are white. This exchange causes people to leave behind the world and join in with their fellow Muslims as equals and for once disregard the material world and just focus on relationship with Allah.

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=Going to Mecca= From the Mikat, pilgrims travel to the holy city of Mecca. Mecca has been an important city in the Islamic culture since the start, because Mohammed started preaching there. At Mecca, people circle the Ka'aba seven times. The Ka'aba is a large shrine which was built by the prophet Abraham a long time ago.

=Plain of Arafat= After performing the ritual in Mecca, pilgrims travel five miles away to the Mina Valley. Here, people live in tents and give up material possesions they would normally have. This is in order to show the importance of living with God, and not living for items. When their overnight stay is over, they proceed to the Plain of Arafat. In Islamic Culture, the plain is considered to be the place where Adam and Eve re-met after being expelled from the garden of Eden. Here, people want to apologize for their sins, and be re-accepted by Allah. People consider this to be foreshadowing what will happen on you Judgement Day (the day where Allah decides if you are allowed in Heaven)

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= = = = =Muzdalifah= When people are complete with their ritual at the Plain of Arafat they go to another nearby plain called Muzdalifah. At Muzdalifah people eat, and rest. Also, they throw stones at the Jaramat Pillars.



=Mina Valley= Finally, after a long journey, the people make back to the Mina Valley. At the Mina Valley, the last rite is performed, called the Stoning. This is when people take rocks and throw them at stones that represent the devil. After this people exchange their traditional white clothing back for their own clothing. Along with this, many people get haircuts. At this point some people decide to go back to Mecca and circle the Ka'aba more, but others decide just to leave. For the next 3 days, a large feast occurs and Muslims all around the world enjoy and celebrate.



Video about the Hajj: []

=Bibliography:= Source 1: [] Source 2: [] Source 3: []