“As you circumambulate and move closer to Ka’ba, you are floating, carried on by the flood. As you approach the center, the pressure of the crowd squeezes you so hard that you are given a new life. You are now part of the people; you are now a man, alive and eternal. The Ka’ba is the world’s sun whose face attracts you into its orbits. You have become part of this universal system circumambulating around Allah, you would soon forget yourself…You have been transformed into a particle that is gradually melting and disappearing. This is absolute love at its peak.”

--- Ali Shariati in his book, "HAJJ"

The circumambulation around the Ka’abah at Hajj rituals inspired the late Iranian philosopher above who wrote this poignant and poetic wisdom in his book. Any right thinking and discerning person who is a doubting Thomas regarding the eternal event on the last day should observe the Muslim annual rituals of Hajj [pilgrimage to Mecca], and he or she would get the right mental picture or perspective of the great and extra-ordinary event of the Day of Judgment.
In the entire world, Hajj is the fifth and the most famous pillar among the five pillars of the Islamic faith. “And hajj usually takes place during the last month of the lunar year, when the sacred city swells to accommodate the crowds [ in millions] of pilgrims like a mother’s uterus that miraculously makes room for its child,” to quote the famed twelfth century Spanish scholar and poet Ibn Jubayr.” It is the greatest ritual that gathers people from all walks of life, from all countries on earth and the Ministry of Hajj Affairs always estimates the pilgrims in the region of between 2 to 3 million. At Hajj, there is no longer any rank, or class, or status; there is no gender and no ethnic or racial identity: there is no identity whatsoever, save as Muslims. It was precisely this communal spirit that Malcolm X referred to when he wrote during his own pilgrimage, “I have never before seen sincere and true brotherhood practiced by all colors together.”
It is amazing to see both the rich and the poor, the leader and the led, the master and the servant and the poor the leader and the led, all clawed in one piece of white garment, all living their worldly life and concentrated around Ka’abah the black cube, which has been scientifically discovered to be the center of the earth. The Hajj begins when the pilgrims cross the consecrated threshold of the Grand Mosque, which surrounds Ka’abah, separating the sacred from profane.
To come into the presence of the sanctuary, pilgrims must rid themselves of their ordinary clothes and don the sanctified garments-two seamless white pieces of cloth for men; any similar plain garment for women-that signify a state of purity [ihram]. The men shave their heads and trim their beards and nails; the women clip a few locks of hair….when they are gathered in Makkah, the Ka’abah becomes the axis of the world, and every direction is the direction of prayer. It is, one might say, the centrifugal force of praying in the presence of the sacred shrine that compels the worshippers to orbit the sanctuary.
In fact any Muslim watching a video clip of Hajj ritual would always get touched and feel some spiritual attachment. Then how much more the pilgrims themselves who are at the main epicenter of the most sacred house of Allah. I always shed tears whenever I see and hear them reciting and resounding the energizing and electrifying phrase, “Labaika Lahumah! Labaik!”, “Here I am, O God, (responding to your call) Here I am!”.
This feeling was even more pronounced when I watched the various CNN video reportage by the young and dynamic Aisha Sesay, who corresponded for CNN during the 2010 Hajj. After Hajj I had a discussion with a Muslim brother regarding why almost all Muslims would be touched by the sight of the Ka’abah, especially the pilgrims in their rituals, but before he responded, I instantly told him that, “….You know, Ka’abah is the very spot which is directly under the Throne of Allah in Jannah or Paradise, and there is a ‘celestial Ka’abah’ in space, called. "Bitil-Ma’moor", right under the Throne of Allah. This is where seventy thousand Angels circumambulate every day, and they would leave and new group would come continuously till the Day of Judgement. So when you bring down the celestial Ka’abah on earth, it would perch on Ka’abah exactly as how a goldsmith attaches a piece of iron rod with another, or better still, how a cover of a saucepan sits on the saucepan when covered-intact!
So I told him, it is not out of place that we experience those feelings, because we are directly under Allah's Throne. And remember I mentioned in the second series on Prophet Ibrahim, who built Ka'abah [which was publish on Wednesday, October 1st, 2014] what Neil Armstrong said he saw[light rays] on top of Ka’abah without end in space, when he landed on the moon, and that should give you a mental picture of the link Ka’abah has with the celestial one in heaven.
Matter of fact, it has been geographically proven that, Ka’abah is the center of this planet earth. And according to Dr. Tamim, a Saudi scholar on his, Tafakaru[Contemplate] series on Iqrah channel, he knows someone who wrote his thesis, as a PHD candidate on this discovery and was awarded his doctorate degree. I quite remember about four years ago, I read in the Tri-State Muslim newspaper that, some Muslim leaders were advocating for the Time Zone mapping be changed from London, which falls on zero [Greenwich meridian] and be moved to Saudi Arabia, due to this discovery. This is a fact because; astronomers have confirmed that, the rest of the planets resolve facing ka’abah, they kind of participate in the tawaf rituals. Even some scientists claimed all others creatures including bacteria have their ways of circumambulating or prayer, facing Ka’abah.

How the Mass Hajj Started

Having finished with the final re-construction of Ka'abah, and inviting all Muslims to come and fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam, Prophet Ibrahim was the first to perform Hajj after Adam and his previous ancestors. In a adith narrated by Abdallah bun Umar, the Prophet[PBUH] revealed that: "Angel Gabriel[Jibril] came to Ibrahim on the Day of [Tarwiyah] Reflection and took him with him to Mina. And led him to pray zuhur[ afternoon prayer], asr [forenoon prayer], magrib[sun set prayer], isha[late evening/night prayer] and fajr[early dawn prayer] at Mina. And they then moved to Arafah and disembarked him where people would aascend on the mountain. They both prayed zuhur and asr together…Gabrial observed and guided him through all the rituals, including how pilgrims supposed to perform salat at arafah until sun set and then they together went to Mina and he[Gabriel] threw the pebbles at the Satan, then slaughtered or sacrifice a ram and cut off his hair and finally came back to Ka'abah and performed final tawaf or circuit.
And Then Allah inspired Prophet Muhammad in the Qur'an to follow the pace of Hajj set by Ibrahim.

Hajj Rituals at a Glance

There are three forms of Hajj:

1-Ifrad, which literary means a single or isolated pilgrimage. It is Hajj without umrah[the lesson form of Hajj]. A pilgrim who performs this is known as mufrid.
2-Qiran, which literary means a combined form of Hajj, where one performs umrah and Hajj one after the another with the same ihram or shroud. The one who does so is known as qarin.
3-Tamatu'u, which literary means interrupted pilgrimage. It is where a pilgrim performs umrah some time before Hajj and removes his or her ihram. When Hajj days approach, the pilgrim puts on ihram again for Hajj. The one who does so is called mutamatti'e.

What to do few days before Hajj:

One puts on the pilgirm's dress[ihram] at one of the appointed places called miqaat/mawaaqeet. If travelling by air, one may wear ihram before boarding the plane. Enter the Sacred Mosque of Makkah[Masjidil Haram] and perform seven rounds of circumambulation[ tawaf] of Ka'abah, then walk briskly seven times between the safa and marwah hills. Trim his hair and remove ihram.

First Day: 8th of Dhul Hijjah:

A pilgrim put on ihram again, and declares his/her intention of performing Hajj. Performs tawaf or circumambulation of the Ka'abah and sa'y or running between the two hills of safah and marwah. This is if you did not perform it earlier. And then you leave for Mina early in the morning, reciting talbiyah [Labaika Lahuma Labaik!]..Here I am, responding to Your Call, O Lord, here I am!]. Stay overnight in Mina. This day is known as "Yawm al-Tarwiyah", or the Day of Reflection.

Second Day: 9th Dhul Hijjah:

Go to Arafah and say the zuhur and asr prayers together, combined and shortened. Stand here with devotion, till sunset, praying and asking Allah's forgiveness. This act is known as wuquf or standing. This day is known as "Yawmul Wuquf", the Day of Standing. In the evening move towards Muzdalifah and perform the magrib and isha prayers together. Rest there at night, and collect small pebbles for stoning[the Satan, symbolizing his effort to sway Prophet Ibrahim from executing Allah's command, when he commanded him to sacrifice his son] in Mina.

Third Day: 10th Dhul Hijjah:

The pilgrims will go to Mina and throw small stones there at one of the Jamarat[symbolizes Satan] Offer up a sacrifice[ in remembrance of Allah's substitution of a ram in place of Ibrahim's son, upon commanding[testing] to sacrifice his son, Ismael] and have the hair of the head clipped, trimmed or shaved. Go to Makkah and perform tawaf.[Also go back and forth between safa and marwah, [if it has not been performed on the 8th of Dhul Hijah], then return to Mina. This is called "Yawmul Nahr", or the Day of Sacrifice, or Eidul Adha. And this day is what the Muslims worldwide who are not in Makkah celebrate by sacrificing ram, sheep, goat, camel or cow. It is in remembrance of the near sacrifice of Ismael by his father Ibrahim[as mentioned above].

Fourth Day: 11th Dhul Hijjah:

The pilgrims stay in Mina and throw pebbles at the Jamarat. This day and the next two days are called "Ayyamul Tashreeq", which literary means the day of drying meat."

Fifth Day: 12th Dhul Hijjah:

The pilgrims stay in Mina and throw pebbles at the Jamarat. Return the same day to Makkah and perform tawaf, then drink the water of the Zamzam. This ends the Hajj.

The Spirit and Significance of Hajj

All acts and sites of Hajj convey a spiritual message. Pilgrims perform Hajj not just to have their sins pardoned, but to become good human beings. Learning to care for others and to wonder at Allah's marvelous gifts.
The Ka'abah, attracts more people than any other building in the world. Over a quarter of the world's population say their prayers facing towards it five times a day. Day and night, year after year, worship never stops there even for a second. It is a 24/7 kind of a place the [only] place in the world that never sleeps. It reminds us of life's goal-to worship our Lord, revolve around Him, be close to Him, ask His blessing and put our entire trust in Him. The Prophet was told to tell God's servants that He was near them and answers their payers. "Therefore, let them answer My call and put their trust in Me, so that they may be rightly guided." --- Qur'an 2: 186
Tawaf, or going around the Ka'abah, means revolving forever around our Lord, like the planets around the sun. Our Creator looks after us all our lives, so we must obey and be constantly aware of Him; we must avoid things He has banned and do good works that please Him and remember Him "when standing, sitting and lying down, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth." --- Qur'an 3:190-191
Sa'y, or walking briskly between the safa and marwah hills, recalls the great struggle of Ibrahim's wife, Hagar and her total trust in Allah throughout. Doing as Hagar did some 4000 years ago, when her baby[Ismael] was crying out of thirst. It shows believers how they must "run for Allah" if necessary.
Talbiyah, or the often repeated "Labaika Lahuma Labaik!", "Here I come responding to your call, here I come!" prayer, is a believer's response to Allah's call. This is foretaste of the Day of Judgment, when "the trumpet will be blown and behold, they will rise up from their graves and hasten to their Lord." ---Qur'an 36:51
Zamzam, the spring which gushed forth by Allah's will, saving the lives of Hagar and her baby Ismael, shows that trusting believers will be duly rewarded by Allah, perhaps even by a miracle. As this water quenches the thirst of millions of pilgrims year after year, without its flow ever stopping, it signals God's immense power and love for His creatures. And there are several authenticated ahadith of the Prophet[PBUH] regarding the medicinal advantages of Zamzam and this has been proven by many instances. And people make their intentions of success or cure before they drinks and Allah answers their needs.
Jamarah, or throwing pebbles at Satan's pillars at Mina, shows how believers must avoid temptation. Whenever their inner "Satan", tempts them to err, they will mentally "throw pebbles" at it to drive it away.
Arafah. Here is where the Prophet Muhammad[PBUH] announced that they really superior person is righteous and God-fearing, taking no pride in color, creed or position. Assembling at Arafah is, for the pilgrims, like standing before Allah on the Judgment Day.
Muzdalifah, where pilgrims stay overnight, mainly by the roadside. This teaches the same lesson as that of Mina and Arafah, since their lifestyle in small tents has to be very simple. It reminds them of the homeless and the needy, and prompts to assist others.
Al-Adhiyah / the Sacrifice. Here animals are sacrificed at Mina[the festival of Eid]. This calls Prophet Ibrahim's readiness to obey Allah's command to sacrifice his beloved son. Believers, if need be must likewise be ready to sacrifice their wealth and belongings for God's cause. Of this, the Qur'an says: "Their flesh and blood do not reach God; it is yours piety that reaches Him." --- Qur'an 22:37. It also reminds believers to take care of the needy, especially in their own home towns.
Code of Conduct for Hajj

Besides the prescribed simple clothing, there are specific rule to strengthen ihram. They are:

No fighting or quarreling; No telling of lies; No swearing or profanity; No false accusations; And No slandering or back-biting. These five "don’ts" also apply to everyday life to every Muslim, but they are even more important during Hajj.
The code of conduct also includes the following prohibitions:
Killing of animals or insects, except for fleas, bedbugs, snakes and scorpions. The egg of birds may, however be broken or cooked. This is to curb aggression and feel unity with God's creatures.
Hunting of game or inciting others to do so. This to encourage mercy.
Cutting or pulling out roots of plants, trees, grass and other kinds of vegetation. This is to encourage love of nature and of any life form.
Covering of the head. But people may use umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun. This is to express humility.
The use of jewellery, perfume, scented soap or body oil. This is to show simplicity.
Cutting or shaving of hair or the clipping of finger nails. This is to show non-interference with nature.
Wearing shoes or full shoes. Pilgrims should not wear socks or such shoes as to cover the middle part of the foot. There they should use slippers or sandals.
Flirtatious thought of the opposite sex. No one may get engaged to be married during Hajj. Even if husband and wife are both on Hajj, they are not allowed to cohabit.

Arafah Is Hajj

Arafah, according to some historians is driven from the root word, "arafa", means one becomes familiar, know or recognize someone or something. They disclosed that; It was the very spot where Adam recognized his wife Hawa [Heena 'arafa Adama Hawaha], after they were 'deported' on earth and separated from each other. Even if one misses the entire rituals of Hajj, but is able to stand at Arafah within a stipulated time, then his or her Hajj is valid, according the Prophet.[PBUH]. At Arafah, the Prophet[PBUH]stayed in a small tent in the Arnah valley. In the afternoon, he rode his she-camel [Kaswa] as far as the middle part of the Arafah valley. Here he gave a sermon which is known as the Sermon of "Hajjatul Wada'a", or Farewell Hajj.
Today, at this very spot there stands a mosque by the name of Nimra.
In his message to humanity, the Prophet[PBUH] emphasized the highest moral values. Here the Prophet[PBUH] announced: "No Arab is superior to an Arab. No black man is superior to a red man and no red man is superior to a black, except through taqwa or fear of Allah. The most noble among you is the one who is deeply conscious of Allah."
While the Prophet[PBUH] was praying here, the very last verse of the Qur'an was revealed to him, and so the Holy Book was completed.
After delivering the sermon , the Prophet[PBUH] performed two prayers together-zuhur and asr. Then he advanced at a place in Arafah known as the "standing place." Here the Prophet [PBUH] prayed till sunset. He said that the prayer of this day was the best of all.
The Prophet[PBUH] was praying with divine feelings. The people around him were also praying, some standing, some mounted on their animals-weeping and crying to their Lord for His favors, vowing repentance and craving His blessings.
It was such a great moment that the Prophet said, "Arafah is Hajj". He prayed, "O Allah! You are listening to me. You are watching my place. You are aware of my hidden and open affairs. I am miserable and needy, I am pleading to You. Asking Your protection…"
It is very significant for all those who do perform Hajj to fast in their home countries on the day of Arafah, which climaxes the rituals of Hajj. The Prophet[PBUH] is reported to have said that: Whoever fast on the day of Arafah, Allah would forgive his sins for two consecutive years.

The Prophet's Farewell Message [Wasayaal Hajjatul Wada'a]

At the top of the two-hundred-feet-high Mount of Mercy at Arafah, Prophet Muhammad[PBUH] seated on a camel, preached his last sermon to a crowd of over 100,000 in 632 A.D. Here are some of the wasaaya or words of advice he delivered to his followers:

1-All believers are brothers.
2- You must live in peace with one another.
3-Everyone must respect the right and properties of his neighbors.
4-The practice of usury is banned-that is the lending of money in such a way that the borrower is forced to pay back much more than he took[interest].
5-There must be no rivalry or enmity among you.
6-You are to look after your families with all your heart.
7-I am leaving behind me two things-the Qur'an and the example of my life: if you follow these, you will not stray from the right path.
8-Worship God, be steadfast in Prayer, fast during Ramadan, and pay alms or Zakat to the less fortunate.

The Feast of Sacrifice: Eidul Adha

The great act of Prophet Ibrahim is remembered by all Muslims every year on the 10th Dhul Hijjah, the day which concludes the main rites of the Hajj. Those on the Hajj perform the same animal sacrifice as Ibrahim did. For Muslims all around the world, this is done after the Eid prayer.
It is usually performed by the head of a household, who states the proper ritual intention[niyyah] and the names of the person or persons on whose behalf the sacrifice is being made. As it is being done, the words: Bismillah, Allahu Akbar", "In the name of Allah, Allah is Great" are uttered.
The meat is roughly divided into three parts, one for the poor, one for the relatives , neighbors and friends and one for the family who sacrifice the animal. In some countries there are organizations which perform this service on behalf of individuals and the meat is dried up and distributed to the poor. And the slaughtering of animals is valid for only three days.
The Feast of Sacrifice reminds believers of the readiness of Prophet Ibrahim to give up his most beloved son. Likewise, on this day believers reaffirm their belief in Allah and pledge themselves to parting with their precious belongings, if there is a need for it. The Qur'an describes these sentiments in the following verse: "Truly, my prayers, my sacrifice, my life and my death all belongs to Allah, the Lord of the worlds." ---Quran 6:162

Husseini Yushau BabalWaiz, is the Research & Outreach Coordinator at the Center for Media & Peace Initiatives Inc. New York, Author of three books, including "Islam Promotes Tolerance & Prohibits Terrorism-Reviving the Islamic Advocacy of Mercy and Magnanimity to Mankind" & Tutor in Arabic & Islamic Studies in New York, babalwaiz71@gmail.com

NB: Folks, those of you who could not read the second part of the story of Prophet Ibrahim should check the religion archives on Ghanaweb. It was published on Wednesday October 1st, 2014 under the title: "Ibrahim: Allah's first builder/contractor of "Ka'abah" in Makkah[2]". It is part of the on-going series dubbed: "Delving Deep Inside the Islamic Historic Memory Lane", which will be running for months, even years, aimed at showcasing the amazing historical phenomena that happened in the pre and post Islamic world. Next Friday, part 3 of Prophet Ibrahim will dwell on how Allah showed him how he would resurrect the dead and other great incidents during his prophetic mission. Please remind friends and families to read and share.

References:
No god but God, by Reza Aslan, a Prolific American Author and College Professor
Tell Me About Hajj-What the Hajj Is, Why It's So Important and What it Teaches Me,
By, Saniyasnain Khan
Al-Muntazam-Fii Tareekhil Umam Wal-Mulook, [Periodicals on the History of [medieval] Societies & Kingdoms] by, Abil Faraj, Abdul Rahman Bun Aliyi Bun Muhammad Ibnil Jawzi. vol. [1] of [10] vols.