wikishia:Featured Article/2015/39

Ḥajj (Arabic: "حجّ") is an act of worship and one of the most important sacraments in Islam, which consists of pilgrimage to Mecca for performing especial rituals. In addition to worshiping aspect, Hajj has social, economical and political aspects and it is the biggest gathering of Muslims that happens once a year from the eighth to the twelfth day of Dhu l-Hijja, the 12th month of the Lunar Calendar. Adherents to all Islamic sects gather in Mecca during Hajj. Undertaking the Hajj at least once is a duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey.

Hajj starts with Ihram which is by putting on a special cloth in special places called "Miqat". After Ihram, the pilgrim is not allowed to do certain actions; on the other hand he has to carry out the other Rites of Hajj (Manasik al-Hajj) which consist of staying in 'Arafat, staying in al-Mash'ar al-Haram, going to Mina, Ramy al-Jamarat (stoning the pillars), Sa'y between al-Safa and al-Marwa, Tawaf al-Nisa' and its Prayer, Tawaf al-Ziyara and its Prayer. Continue reading...