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1. Ihram: Pilgrims enter a state of purity and devotion known as ihram by wearing simple clothing and avoiding certain prohibited actions, such as shaving, cutting nails, and engaging in sexual activity.
2. Tawaf: Pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba, a cube-shaped building that is the focal point of the Grand Mosque in Mecca. This ritual is performed seven times, with prayers and supplications recited at various stations.
3. Sa'i: Pilgrims walk or run back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times. This ritual commemorates Hagar's search for water for her infant son, Ishmael, during the time of Prophet Ibrahim.
4. Wuquf: Pilgrims stand on the plains of Arafat, about 20 kilometers from Mecca, from noon until sunset on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. This is the most important ritual of the hajj, and it involves prayers, supplications, and remembrance of Allah.
5. Muzdalifah: Pilgrims stay in the area between Arafat and Mina, known as Muzdalifah, overnight on the day of Arafat. They collect small pebbles for the stoning ritual.
6. Mina: Pilgrims move to Mina and perform the stoning ritual of throwing pebbles at pillars representing Satan. This ritual symbolizes their rejection of evil and their commitment to obedience to Allah.
7. Slaughter of animals: Pilgrims sacrifice an animal, typically a goat, sheep, or cow, on the day of Eid al-Adha, the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah. The meat is distributed among the poor and needy.
8. Head shaving/shortening: Pilgrims shave their heads or shorten their hair as a symbol of renewal and purification.
9. Farewell tawaf: Pilgrims perform a final circumambulation of the Kaaba before leaving Mecca.
These rituals are undertaken with a sense of devotion, humility, and spiritual cleansing. The hajj is considered to be a significant act of worship in Islam, and Muslims from all over the world strive to perform it at least once in their lifetime if they have the means to do so.