Select, Describe and Explain those rituals of the Hajj which will be of spiritual value to the pilgrim

The first thing that happens on entering Makkah is Tawaf. By doing this first, it shows that you are willing to put God first. Tawaf is the circling of the Ka’bah and symbolizes the love for God. Pilgrims run or walk at a fast pace around the Ka’bah seven times while saying prayers. The pilgrims try to walk in the Prophet’s footsteps as when he conquered Makkah and circled the Ka’bah seven times. As the pilgrims arrive, they say ‘Labbaika, Allahumma, Labbaika!’ which in English means ‘At your command!’ This statement lets Allah know that they are ready to dedicate their lives to Him. If the pilgrim can get near the Black Stone, they will kiss or touch it.

        Sa’y is the running between Safa and Marwah seven times. It is in memory of Hagar’s desperate search to find water for the dying Isma’il. Miraculously, Jibril showed her a spring called Zamzam and Ismail survived. It symbolizes patience and determination in getting through the Hajj and the burning desire of finding Allah. The well of Zamzam symbolizes the fact that God is always there for help, even in dire times. Some pilgrims buy water to take home.

Men shave their head to symbolize an offering and to cleanse themselves.

“Surely, Al-Safa and Al-Marwah are among the Signs of Allah. It is, therefore, no sin for him who is on pilgrimage to the House, or performs Umra, to go round the two. And whoso does good beyond what is obligatory, surely then, Allah is Appreciating, All-Knowing.” (2:159)

        Next is a visit to the Plain of Arafat. A vast campsite erected. This is the point where they are closest to God. They stand before Him; this is called wuquf. They stand their whole day through the blistering heat for God. If this stand is not successful, the Hajj is in invalid. This is a place of huge emotional and mystical power. Adam and Eve were forgiven their sins, so being present there with a heart willing to change for the better, and sorry for past sins, will wipe them out and the pilgrim ‘begins a new life’. Wuquf cleans the mind and soul.

        At Mina, the stoning of the pillars takes place. They represent the devil when he tried to trick Ibrahim not to sacrifice Isma’il, saying that it was a lie. Ibrahim was not deterred and was about to do it when Allah stopped him. It was a test of his faith. Pilgrims collect stones and throw them at the pillars. This represents stoning the devil, and scaring evil away. This is a way for the pilgrims to show their hatred towards the devil.

 Instead of sacrificing Isma’il, Allah told Ibrahim to sacrifice an animal instead and this is a tradition nowadays. All Muslims celebrate Id-ul-Adha, whether on Hajj or not. It lasts for three days and represents ummah. An animal is sacrificed and it represents Ibrahim’s unquestioning devotion to Allah. Most of the meat is given away to the poor- this act symbolizes our willingness to give something up which we take pleasure from to follow Allah’s wishes.