What are the stages that a pilgrim partakes of on the Haj and why are they important?

Question

I am sick of the gutter press and Christianities view on Moslems and Islam,

I would seriously like to know about the importance of the Haj and what it comprises of. Ignorance can only be cured by education

Answer 1

Importance: It's the fifth Pillar of Islam, and is so important because it's a pilgrimage to Mecca, the place where Muhammed lived and became the prophet. All Muslims who are capable must attend at least once.


Performing the Hajj
(sorry it's long; there's a lot to do)

1. Leave home for Mecca
2. Put on Ihraam (pilgrim's clothing symbolizing equality) before reaching the boundaries of Meeqaat
3. perform ghusl (bath) or wudhu before entering Makkah
4. Enter the Masjid Al-Haraam
5. After kissing the Al-hajar al-aswad (Black Stone) or making istelaam (raising one’s hands towards the black stone, in case there is too much rush, then kissing the hands) perform tawaf (seven circuits around the Kaabah, symbolizing the seven times Muhammad circled the Kaabah and also the unity of the believers, as they move in harmony together, each reciting a verse of the Qur'an).
6. Pray two rakaat at Maqaam Mahmood
7. Perform sa’ee (running between the safa to marwa hills, which symbolizes Hagaar's frantic search for water before the angel showed her a well)
8. Pray two rakaat after sa’ee anywhere in the Masjid
9. On the 7th of Zulhijjah listen to the khutbah (sermon) in the Masjid Al-Haraam
10. In the morning of the 8th perform tawaf of the Kaabah then proceed to Mina
11. On the 9th of Zulhijjah go to Mount Arafat and listen to the khutbah, then stay there and perform both Zhuhr and ‘Asr prayers together.
12. Go to Muzdalifah in the evening and perform both Maghrib and Isha together, stay there the entire night, perform fajr prayer of the 10th also.
13. On the 10th of Zulhijjah leave Muzdalifah to go to Mina and throw stones at Jamratul-Aqabah (symbolizes Abraham's stoning of the Devil), perform sacrifice, and shave the head (symbol of rebirth, cleansing from sins).
14. Go to Makkah and perform tawaf, then come back to Mina
15. On the 11th, 12th , and 13th of Zulhijjah stay in Mina and all three days stone the Jamaraat.
16. On the 14th come back to Mecca to perform tawaf, drink water from the zamzam (well revealed to Hagaar), and leave.

Answer 2

The Hajj is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. It is compulsory for Muslim men and women in good health and with sufficient funds to make the journey. Hajj is performed in Mecca.

The Meccan Masjidul Haraam, as the great mosque is called contains an ancient monument believed to be built by Abraham and Ishmael to signify God's 'House' (beitullah) on earth called the Kaaba. Muslim do not deify the Kaaba or worship it as an icon of God. It is simply a landmark for people to come together as one. The main ritual includes circambulating the Kaaba as we recite invocations and prayers.

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