More than 2.5 million pilgrims are gathering in Mecca for the annual hajj, which all able Muslims are required to perform once in their life and whose main rites start Friday.
Following are the rituals:
Ihram: A state in which pilgrims wear special white outfits: two-piece seamless garments for men and any loose dress for women, who are permitted to reveal hands and faces only.
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Sex is prohibited during Ihram and pilgrims must refrain from quarreling, covering the head (for men), cutting hair, clipping nails, wearing socks or shoes, except for sandals exposing the instep.
Tawaf: Once in Mecca, pilgrims perform Tawaf, or circumambulation, seven times counter-clockwise around the Kaaba, a black masonry cubic shape in the middle of the Haram, or sacred site, in whose direction Muslims pray wherever they are in the world. Each circle starts and ends at the black stone, also known as the cornerstone, at the southern corner of the Kaaba.
Sa'i: Walking back and forth between the two stone spots of Safa and Marwah in seven lengths. The distance between them is just below 400 metres (yards). Pilgrims are emulating Hagar, wife of Ibrahim according to Islam, who was desperately seeking water for her infant Ishmael after they were left by Ibrahim in the barren spot.
The preceding rituals are considered Umra, or lesser pilgrimage, made ahead of the hajj's main rites. The combination is known as hajj al-tamattu.
The main hajj rites start on the 8th of Dhul Hijja, the 12th month on the Islamic lunar calendar and whose name means the month of hajj. Pilgrims camp in Mina, around five kilometres (three miles) east of the holy mosque. The day is known as Tarwiah (watering) Day, as pilgrims traditionally watered their animals and stocked water for their trip to Mount Arafat, some 10 kilometres southeast of Mina.
- Arafat Day, on the 9th of Dhul Hijja, is the climax of the hajj season as all pilgrims gather on the hill known as Mount Arafat and its surrounding plain. Pilgrims stay at Arafat until the evening reciting from the Koran and praying. Prophet Mohammed is believed to have delivered his final hajj sermon on Mount Arafat.
Descent to Muzdalifah: After sunset on the 9th of Dhul Hijja, pilgrims leave for Muzdalifah, halfway between Arafat and Mina, where they stay at least until midnight. Traditionally they gather pebbles in Muzdalifah to perform the symbolic "stoning of the devil."
Stoning of the devil: After dawn prayer on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, or the Eid Al-Adha feast, pilgrims head back to Mina. The first of three stoning rites, known as Jamarat al-Aqabah, begins after sunrise. Traditionally, seven pebbles are thrown at a post representing the devil. Since 2004 it has been replaced by walls to accommodate the rising numbers of pilgrims.
Sacrifice: Having done with the first stoning, pilgrims can proceed to offer sacrifice by slaughtering a sheep and the meet is distributed to needy Muslims. This rite is to emulate Ibrahim who prepared to sacrifice his son Ishmael on the order of God, who provided a lamb in the boy's place at the last moment.
Following the sacrifice, men shave their heads or just trim their hair. Women cut a fingertip-length of their hair. They can then end their Ihram and change into their usual clothing. Sex remains prohibited.
Pilgrims then head to the holy site in Mecca, perform Tawaf al-Efadha, circumambulating seven times around the Kaaba, then perform Sa'i between Safa and Marwah seven lengths. With that pilgrims end their Ihram completely.
On the 11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul Hijjah, the three days known as Tashreeq Days, pilgrims stay in Mina for two nights and leave on the 12th of the lunar calendar month. They perform the "stoning of the devil" at the three designated sites during the afternoon on the 11th and the 12th days and head to Mecca, which they can leave also on the 12th if they are in a rush.
