HAJJ+GROUP+2

media type="youtube" key="z_08gcu1LGY" height="344" width="425"[|You tube footage of the hajj]

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On the third day, the pilgrims move before sunrise, this time back to Mina. Here they throw their stone pebbles at pillars that represent the temptations of Satan. When throwing the stones, the pilgrims recall the story of Satan’s attempt to dissuade Abraham from following God’s command to sacrifice his son. The stones represent Abraham’s rejection of Satan and the firmness of his faith.======

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After casting the pebbles, most pilgrims slaughter an animal (often a sheep or a goat) and give away the meat to the poor. This is a symbolic act that shows their willingness to part with something that is precious to them, just as the Prophet Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his son at God’s command.======

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The pilgrims then return to Mecca and perform seven //tawaf//, turns around the Ka’aba, the house of worship built by Abraham and his son. In other rites, the pilgrims pray near a place called “The Station of Abraham,” which is reportedly where Abraham stood while constructing the Ka’aba. The pilgrims also walk seven times between two small hills near the Ka’aba (and enclosed in the Grand Mosque’s complex). This is done in remembrance of the plight of Abraham’s wife Hajar, who desperately searched in the area for water for herself and her son, before a spring welled up in the desert for her. The pilgrims also drink from this ancient spring, known as //Zamzam//, which continues to flow today.======

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On this day people feel spiritual and inner peace and have a closer relationship with God. It is during this day that they are able to reflect upon their pilgrimage being cleansed of their sins and transformed into more spiritual people. By undertaking this pilgrimage Muslims are able to reserve themselves a place in heaven, and they are guided by God to be better people and follow a better path. During this period pilgrims may return again to Mecca. Before leaving the city for home, they perform the seven turns around the Kabah one last time. The formal Hajj is completed now. It is up to each pilgrim to carry its spirit back home. ======