HAJJ+GROUP+1

 __**DAY ONE.**__

The Hajj is one of the 5 obligatory pillars of islam. It is a spiritual, mental and physical pilgramage from ones normal place of living the Holy city of Mecca. The Hajj begins at Miquat. Here pilgrims perform cleansing rituals and dress themselves in Ihram clothing with the intention of expressing their will to perform all practices of Umrah. This practice also eliminates obvious social differences such as class and economic status between pilgrims representing and expressing the belief that all people are equal in the eyes Allah. Pilgrims attain a state of purity (Ihram)- by refraining from sexual intercourse, violence and other acts of Haram(prohibited behavior by Shar'iah Law). On entrance of the Holy Mosque of Mecca the Umma makes a Tawaf (greetin gesture) by circling the ka'ba stone seven times in a clockwise direction and chants: "...Oh Allah, forgive me of my sins and open me to the doors of your mercy..." Pilgrims then make "sa'i" between Safa and Marwah. To do this a pilgrim raises their hands and states 'Allah-U-Akbar' three times followed by a personal supplication to God. After this a pilgrim will then walk towards a number of green posts at Marwah where they praise Allah seven times. This practice is a reinactment of Hagar's frantic search for water to quench Ishmael's thirst told in the sacred Qu'ran.

The second day of the Hajj involves a journey by pilgrims to Mina where they pray Dhuhr, Maghrib and Isha to reflect on their spiritual selves and can pray to Allah. Once in Mina, Pilgrims commonly climb Mt Arafat while repeatedly praying "labbayko"-'here I come O Lord'. Mt Arafat is significant as it is believed to be the destination where Muhammad delievered his farewell Sermon and asked God to pardon the sins of Pilgrims who seek him. This feeling of forgiveness leaves pilgrims feeling reborn without sin and able to renew their lives and progress in the future.
 * __DAY TWO.__**