are performed in and around the city of Mecca.
They include 1) statement of intention and purifi-
cation of the body, 2) inaugural circumambulation
of the kaaba seven times, 3) running between the
hills of Safa and Marwa seven times, 4) encamp-
ment at Mina, 5) standing at the plain of Arafat
at midday on 9 Dhu al-Hijja, 6) spending the
evening at Muzdalifa (between Arafat and Mina),
7) stoning the three “satanic” pillars at Mina, 8)
animal sacrifice, and 9) farewell circumambula-
tion of the Kaaba. Standing at Arafat is the most
important of these rites, and if it is missed, the
hajj is disqualified. The animal sacrifice is cele-
brated worldwide by Muslims as a holiday, known
as id al-adha. fiqh literature spells out the details
of each of these rituals, and most pilgrims must
rely on expert guides and handbooks in order to
complete the requirement successfully. Muslims
believe that the hajj is an expression of repentance
and obedience to God as well as a demonstration
of their unity. Many consider the assembly of pil-
grims in their simple white garments at Arafat to
be a rehearsal for the resurrection of the dead and
JUdgment day.
The hajj has its origins in ancient Middle
Eastern religious practices that were performed
in western Arabia well before the appearance of
Islam. Muhammad’s Farewell Hajj, which occurred
shortly before his death in 632, is the model that
all other Muslims follow when they perform theK 282 hajj