Hajj is a pilgrimage journey filled with sacred rituals that symbolize devotion, unity, and submission to the will of Allah. The pilgrimage consists of several key rites, each deeply rooted in Islamic tradition:

1. Ihram: Pilgrims enter a state of consecration, known as Ihram, by proclaiming their intention for Hajj. During this period, they don special attire, consisting of simple, unstitched white cloth for men and modest clothing for women, and must refrain from wearing perfume, cutting hair or nails, quarrels, and sexual relations.

2. The Tawaf: Pilgrims perform Tawaf, circumambulation around the Kaaba, seven times within the Masjid al-Haram. The Kaaba, a cube-shaped granite structure, is the focal point of Islamic prayer and devotion.

3. The Sa’ee: In remembrance of Hajar, the wife of Prophet Abraham, pilgrims walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, located near the Great Mosque. It commemorates Hajar’s search for water for her son, Prophet Ismail, before the spring of Zamzam miraculously appeared.

4. Travel to Mina: Pilgrims proceed to the Mina Valley, five kilometers east of the Great Mosque, where they spend the night before heading to Arafat Mountain for a day of prayer and invocations.

5. Eid al-Adha: Pilgrims return to the plain of Muzdalifah to prepare for Eid al-Adha, where they perform animal sacrifices, symbolizing the willingness of Prophet Abraham to sacrifice his son Ismail.

6. Stoning of Shaytan: Pilgrims participate in the symbolic act of stoning three pillars representing Shaytan (Satan), located in Mina. They throw seven stones at the largest pillar and 21 stones at the smaller ones over two or three days.

7. Taqseer (Diminution, Cleaning): Before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform a final circumambulation, marking the conclusion of their sacred journey.