1. By Claire Brownstone

2.  2000 B.C.E: Abraham built the Ka’ba with the help of his son, Ishmael (according to Islamic tradition)  God told Abraham that he should proclaim the pilgrimage to mankind  Not enough followers of Abraham, and soon the Ka’ba became a shrine devoted to idols  Muhammad was born in Mecca 570, received divine revelations from God, and began to preach his form of monotheism to the pagans.  Declared Mecca the holiest site in Islam, made the pilgrimage one of the Five Pillars, and barred non- Muslims from entering.

3.  Cube-shaped building  Muslims must face the Ka’ba no matter where they are during prayer.  The mosque surrounding it is the Masjid al-Haram  Part of the pilgrimage requires walking around the Ka’ba seven times in an anti- clockwise direction.

4.  The hills: Tradition states that Abraham’s wife ran between the two hills in the desert looking for water after Abraham left them to test their faith  The well: When the wife (Hagar) returned to her infant, a spring had appeared by the baby. This spring is now called the Zem Zem well.  The pilgrimage requires Muslims to run between the hills and drink the water to commemorate Hagar’s search for water and God’s answer.

5.  Granite hill east of Mecca  Where Muhammad gave the Farewell Sermon  Pilgrims must spend the whole day (and sometimes night) praying to Allah to forgive their sins.  After, pilgrims throw seven stones at pillars (now walls) where Abraham was tempted by the devil to not sacrifice his son.  An animal is sacrificed in the pilgrim’s name and the meat is given to the poor