Follow the Umrah Rituals

• The city of Mecca is home to more than 1.4 million Muslims, but more than 4 million Muslims fill the city during Hajj.
  
  The Umrah pilgrimage, also referred to as the "lesser pilgrimage," can be undertaken by Muslims at any time of year, but involves following strict rituals, which begin with dressing in traditional pilgrimage clothing. These rituals symbolize the lives of the prophet Abraham. A "tawaf" is the first required ritual, and involves quickly circling the Ka'ba (also spelled Kaaba)--the black cubic structure that centers Mecca as the most sacred site--four times, then slowing down and circling it three additional times, counter-clockwise. Then, perform a sa'i by walking back and forth seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, located in the Al-Masjid al-Ḥarām. Next, Muslim men are required to perform a halq, meaning they shave their heads, while women Muslims perform a taqsir, cutting a bit of their hair.
  
  

Perform the Hajj During Dhu al-Hijja

• Dhu al-Hijja is the last month of the Islamic year, when Muslims partake in the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, commanded in the Qu'ran. The Hajj begins with entering into the state of purity, called ihram, which includes dressing into white sheets and sandals. Circle the Ka'ba seven times while reciting the talbiya, kiss the Black Stone of the Ka'Ba, pray toward the Ka'Ba and run seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
  
  

Perform the Second Stage of Hajj

• An evening view of Mina, where pilgrims spend 2 nights during Hajj.
  
  After the seventh-day sermon of Dhu al-Hijja, the second Hajj stage is required between the eighth and twelfth days of the holy month, when a precise itinerary begins with a stay at the locations of Mina or Arafat. The wuquf standing ritual takes place on the of Jabal al-Rahma in Arafat on the ninth day, which ends with a stay in the small village of Muzdalifa. The tenth day is the holiday "Feast of Sacrifice," or Eid al-Adha, when an animal must be sacrificed in Mina, and small stones are thrown at each of three pillars, in symbolism of casting out sin.The Hajj ends back in Mecca, with another tawaf and the shaving or cutting of the hair.
  
  

Drink from the Well of ZamZam

• Evening atmosphere near the Masjid al Haram.
  
  The Well of ZamZam is a 30-meters-deep well located in the Masjid al Haram. Although it is not required as a Muslim ritual, drinking water from the well is a common practice of Muslims in Mecca, as the water is believed to be divinely blessed. Springs lead to the well 13 meters below ground level. Pilgrims are allowed to fill canisters with the water and take it away as gifts for Muslim relatives and friends.