Al Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is performed by nearly two million Muslims in the holy city of Mecca every year. Only adult Muslims who are physically fit, mentally sound and financially able have to perform it, at least once in a lifetime. The Saudi government is keen on providing the best quality service to the pilgrims; such as accommodation, healthcare and transportation.
Male pilgrims wear white unsewn clothes and female pilgrims wear long white robes and uncover their faces. This symbolizes that all people are equal in front of Allah based on race, color of skin or quality of life; they are only judged according to their deeds.
During the ritual of pilgrimage, Muslims go anticlockwise around Al Kabba, the Holy house that was built by the prophet Ibrahim and his son, seven times. Muslims also perform the rituals of Sai by going to and from Al safaa and Al Marwah for seven times
Pilgrims also walk for three miles to go to Mina, where they stay for the night. The next morning, they go to Arafat. They camp for one night at Muzdalifah. At Mina, each pilgrim has to throw seven pebbles at the symbol of Satan. It is a must for each pilgrim to slaughter a sheep. This event is widely celebrated all over the Muslim world. Accepted pilgrimage means that the pilgrim has become purified of all the previous sins.
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