This year more than 2 million muslim pilgrims are in Makkah and complete the Hajj Journey as one of the 5 pillars of Islam.
The 5 pillars are:
The 'Five Pillars' of Islam are the foundation of Muslim life:
* Faith or belief in the Oneness of God and the finality of the prophethood of Muhammad;
* Establishment of the daily prayers;
* Concern for and alms giving to the needy;
* Self-purification through fasting; and
* The pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able.
The annual hajj begins in last month of the Islamic year that is Zulhijjah. Pilgrims will wear Ihram which is a special white cloths that is similar and equal with all others pilgrims as a symbol of man/woman equality before God.
Muslims travel from all over the world to reach the Holy City of Makkah for the Hajj and perform the Hajj rituals in the same manner as the Prophet Muhammad SAW 14 centuries ago.
Listed below is the steps for performing Hajj al-Tamattu' which involves performing Umrah and then Hajj, with one Ihram for each.
This form of Hajj is considered the best of three forms of Hajj. It is the one that the Prophet Muhammad SAW urged his followers to perform and is the one adopted by most pilgrims from overseas.
* Ihram
* Performing the Welcome Tawaf and Sa'y
* Ihram for Hajj al-Tamattu'
* Going to Mina from Makkah
* Going to Arafat from Mina
* Going to Muzdalifah from Arafat
* Proceeding to Mina from Muzdalifah
* Tawaf al-Ifadha in the Holy City of Makkah
* Returning to Mina from Makkah
* Farewell Tawaf in the Holy City of Makkah
* Departing for home
