{"id":1079,"date":"2022-01-01T20:55:25","date_gmt":"2022-01-01T20:55:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/?p=1079"},"modified":"2022-01-02T22:01:56","modified_gmt":"2022-01-02T22:01:56","slug":"the-hajj-ritual-deconstructed-using-the-quran","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/2022\/01\/01\/the-hajj-ritual-deconstructed-using-the-quran\/","title":{"rendered":"The Hajj ritual deconstructed using the Qur\u2019an"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Note: This article has been updated to include the revised translation from <a href=\"https:\/\/reader.quranite.com\">The Qur&#8217;an: A Complete Revelation<\/a>. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Qm_fx6tMMEo&amp;t=164s\">video <\/a>uses the old translation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Tawaf around the Kaaba\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/L-YyR1oN66w?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Today\u2019s article is about the <em>Hajj <\/em>ritual performed by millions of Muslims in Makkah today. I will be going over this ritual to show you how the religion of Islam has created an entirely idolatrous ritual and attached it with the concept of the <em>hajj <\/em>in the Qur\u2019an. The <em>hajj <\/em>in the Qur\u2019an has nothing to do with visiting a stone idol in Mecca. The core meaning of <em>Hajj <\/em>is to <em>dispute<\/em> or <em>debate <\/em>and is used consistently to mean that in the Qur\u2019an. Hence, the <em>hajj <\/em>was instituted by prophet Abraham to call people towards God to debate with them and this was what prophet Muhammad was doing in his mission; to call men towards monotheism at the <em>masjid-al-haram<\/em> (the inviolable place of worship). Note that this <em>masjid-al-haram<\/em> is not the one in Mecca. There is strong evidence to suggest it was in Petra and further archaeology is needed to confirm this idea. What is important is to realize that what is going on in Mecca is pure idol worship when the Qur\u2019an specifically warns us to not worship idols.&nbsp; What I am presenting may be shocking to those with a Muslim background. I have provided links for the material I have used in this video for you to research this matter thoroughly. Do not dismiss out of hand. We are told to not follow that which we have no knowledge of. The Qur\u2019an also specifically states that we are not to follow our ancestors blindly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This article is based on key ideas from the excellent work by Sam Gerrans titled The Qur\u2019an: A Complete Revelation and from my book <a href=\"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/books.php\">Will You Not Reason? A Concordance of God\u2019s arguments in the Qur\u2019an<\/a>. All translations are from the Qur\u2019an: A Complete revelation which can be downloaded for free using the link <a href=\"https:\/\/quranite.com\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/quranite.com\">here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prophet Abraham commanded to proclaim the hajj<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>And when We settled for Abraham the position of the house: \u201cAscribe thou not a partnership with Me to anything; <strong>and purify thou My house for those who walk around, and those who stand, and the lowly, and the submitting.<\/strong><\/p><p>\u201cAnd proclaim thou among mankind <strong>the pilgrimage;<\/strong> they will come to thee on foot, and on every lean mount; they will come from every deep mountain pass,<\/p><p>\u201cThat they might witness benefits for them, <strong>and remember the name of God on days appointed <\/strong>over their provision of livestock cattle.\u201d <strong>So eat thereof, and feed the unfortunate poor;<\/strong><\/p><p>Then let them make an end of their unkemptness, <strong>and fulfil their vows, and walk around the ancient house.<\/strong><br>(22:26-29)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>The root of <em>Hajj <\/em>is <em>Ha-Jiim-Jiim<\/em>. Let us look elsewhere in the Qur\u2019an where this root is used:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>And when <strong>they will dispute<\/strong> (<em>yatahajjuna<\/em>) together in the Fire, the weak will say to those who had waxed proud: \u201cWe were your followers; will you avail us something against a portion of the Fire?\u201d<br>(40:47)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>And those <strong>who dispute<\/strong> (<em>yuhajjuna<\/em>) concerning God after that answer has been made to him: their argument has no weight with their Lord; and upon them is wrath, and they have a severe punishment.<br>(42:16)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>So the <em>Hajj <\/em>was a call to people to come and visit a monotheistic community and not a ritual focused on prostrating and kissing a stone idol. The Kaaba is an idol which was worshipped by the Nabateans of old and has now become a focus of worship in the religion of Islam. Before we proceed let us see what the Qur\u2019an has to say about idols. The Qur\u2019an uses the root <em>nun-saad-ba<\/em> to mean any <em>erected structure.<\/em> It is usually translated as <em>altar <\/em>but can mean any raised structure or monument. The Kaaba is a raised structure towards which the Muslims prostrate during their ritual prayer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>O you who heed warning: wine, and games of chance, <strong>and altars<\/strong>, (<em>wa-alansaabu<\/em>) and divining arrows are an abomination of the work of the satan; so avoid it, that you might be successful.<br>(5:90)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>The day they will come forth from the graves in haste, as though towards an <strong>idol<\/strong>, (<em>nusubin<\/em>) running,<br>Their eyes humbled, humiliation covering them. That is the day which they are promised.<br>(70:43-44)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>And at the mountains \u2014 how they were <strong>erected!<\/strong> (<em>nusibat<\/em>)<br>(88:19)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Worship of standing stones by the Nabataeans\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/800px-Nabataean_betyl_1-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1085\" srcset=\"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/800px-Nabataean_betyl_1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/800px-Nabataean_betyl_1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/800px-Nabataean_betyl_1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/800px-Nabataean_betyl_1.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><figcaption>Nabataean betyl or standing stone<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>The Nabataeans were an Arab people who inhabited northern Arabia and the Southern Levant in antiquity. They&nbsp; observed what is called &#8220;aniconism&#8221; (Gladigow 1988; Mettinger 1995: 18-20) in the veneration and representation of their deities. Aniconism means that rather than using figural images as objects of worship, symbolic forms such as standing stones are taken as the representation of the deity.&nbsp;<\/p><cite>Excerpt from the article \u201cBetyls of Petra\u201d By Robert Wenning&nbsp;<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>The defining feature of the <em>Hajj <\/em>is the circling of the Kaaba counterclockwise seven times. We will encounter the number seven many time as we investigate the rituals performed during the Muslim <em>Hajj.<\/em> There is no mention of doing any ritual 7 times in the Qur\u2019an. We do, however, see this specific ritual of circling something 7 times in Hinduism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The ritual of &#8220;Saat Phere&#8221; in Hinduism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>In Hinduism, The saat phere (<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hindi_language\">Hindi<\/a>: \u0938\u093e\u0924 \u092b\u0947\u0930\u0947 s\u0101t ph\u00e9r\u00e9 &#8220;seven <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Circumambulation\">circumambulations<\/a>&#8220;) is one of the most important features of the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hindu_Wedding\">Hindu Wedding<\/a>, involving seven rounds around a sacred fire lit for the purpose amidst the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Vedic\">Vedic<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mantra\">mantras<\/a>. The bride and groom circumambulate a consecrated fire seven times, reciting specific vows with each circuit (Sanskrit: <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Parikrama_(religious_practice)\">parikrama<\/a>). Vows made in the presence of the sacred fire (Sanskrit: <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Agni\">agni<\/a>) are considered unbreakable, with Agnideva&nbsp;<\/p><p><\/p><cite>https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Saat_phere<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The ritual of &#8220;Parikrama&#8221; in pagan religions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>Parikrama or Pradakshina refers to circumambulation of sacred places to imbibe their energy in Sikh, Hindu, Jain or Buddhist context, and the path along which this is performed. <strong>Parikrama<\/strong> means &#8220;the path surrounding something&#8221; in <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sanskrit\">Sanskrit<\/a>, and is also known as <strong>Pradakshina<\/strong> (&#8220;to the right&#8221;), representing <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Circumambulation\">circumambulation<\/a>.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Parikrama#cite_note-Bowker-1\"><sup>[1]<\/sup><\/a> Both words are mostly used in the context of religious deities in a temple, sacred rivers, sacred hills and a close cluster of temples, and &#8220;doing a parikrama&#8221; as a symbol of prayer is an integral part of <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Worship_in_Hinduism\">Hindu worship<\/a>.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Parikrama#cite_note-Bowker-1\"><sup>[1]<\/sup><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Parikrama#cite_note-hindu_net-2\"><sup>[2]<\/sup><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Parikrama#cite_note-hindu-3\"><sup>[3]<\/sup><\/a> In Hinduism and other Indian religions, the Parikrama inside temples or sacred sites is traditionally clockwise.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Parikrama#cite_note-ds2002-4\"><sup>[4]<\/sup><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Parikrama#cite_note-gitlitz113-5\"><sup>[5]<\/sup><\/a><\/p><cite>https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Parikrama<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Comparison with Islam<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>Like Parikrama in Hinduism, Muslims perform circumambulation around <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kaaba\">Kaaba<\/a> during their <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj\">Hajj<\/a> which they call <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tawaf\">tawaf<\/a>.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Parikrama#cite_note-16\"><sup>[16]<\/sup><\/a> The circumambulation during Hajj is done in a counterclockwise manner.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Parikrama#cite_note-17\"><sup>[17]<\/sup><\/a> Hindu and Buddhist traditions, in contrast, circumambulate a shrine or sacred site clockwise.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Parikrama#cite_note-ds2002-4\"><sup>[4]<\/sup><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Parikrama#cite_note-gitlitz113-5\"><sup>[5]<\/sup><\/a> The only exception is during paying last respects to a dead body during a cremation or event marking a funeral, where the traditional circumambulation in Indian religions is counter-clockwise.<\/p><cite>https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Parikrama<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hajj in the Qur&#8217;an was at Bakka not Mecca<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The first issue encountered when we look into the Qur\u2019an for guidance on the <em>hajj <\/em>is that the place where this event took place was located in <em>Bakka <\/em>and not <em>Mecca<\/em>. Muslims claim that <em>Bakka <\/em>was the old name of <em>Mecca <\/em>but do not bring any proof for this assertion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>(The first house set up for mankind was that at <strong>Bakka<\/strong>, blessed and a guidance for all mankind:<br>(3:96)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>The second issue is that the Qur\u2019an does not contain an Islamic calendar from which we can work out the months in which this <em>Hajj <\/em>is to be performed. The religion of Islam claims that the <em>Hajj <\/em>is to take place in the the month of <em>Dhul-Hijjah<\/em> however the Qur\u2019an simply states that the <em>hajj <\/em>was on &#8220;moons appointed&#8221; i.e. multiple months. The Qur&#8217;an assumes that the people at the time of revelation already knew when these months were. Strangely, Muslims claim that that these months somehow became only one month called  <em>Dhul-Hijjah<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>The pilgrimage is in months appointed.<\/strong> And whoso undertakes the pilgrimage therein: no sexual approach, and no perfidy, or quarrelling during the pilgrimage. And whatever good you do, God knows it. And take provision. But the best provision is prudent fear. And be in prudent fear of Me, O you men of understanding.<br>(2:197)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Hajj ritual details<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Wikipedia article on <em>Hajj <\/em>describes in detail the steps of this cultic ritual. I will be pointing out the twisting of Qur&#8217;anic general words by the religion of Islam in the performance of these rituals and will show how these words are actually used in the Qur\u2019an. You will see the incredible twisting of the clear and general words in the Qur\u2019an to lend support to this idolatrous practice. This exercise will help you in seeing how the religion of Islam twists the words of the Qur\u2019an to lend credence to its rituals. This is something which was done by the Jews and the Qur\u2019an has warned us already of the <em>modus operandi<\/em> of the deceivers who corrupt God\u2019s words.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>Do you hope that they will believe you? And a faction among them had heard the word of God, then twisted it after they had understood it, when they knew.<br>(2:75)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fiqh\">Fiqh literature<\/a> describes in detail the manners of carrying out the rites of Hajj, and pilgrims generally follow handbooks and expert guides to successfully fulfill the requirements of Hajj.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-Campo282-50\"><sup>[48]<\/sup><\/a> In performing the rites of Hajj, the pilgrims not only follow the model of Muhammad, but also commemorate the events associated with Abraham.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-Neusner178-51\"><sup>[49]<\/sup><\/a><\/p><p><strong>Donning of Ihram<\/strong><\/p><p>When the pilgrims reach the appropriate <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Miqat\">Miqat<\/a> (7:142, 56:50) (depending on where they have come from), they are believed to enter into a state of holiness \u2013 known as <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ihram\">Ihram<\/a> \u2013 that consists of wearing two white seamless cloths for the male, with the one wrapped around the waist reaching below the knee and the other draped over the left shoulder and tied at the right side; <\/p><cite>https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>Hajj <\/em>starts with the donning of <em>Ihram<\/em>; a special wardrobe. This specific piece of clothing and the requirement to wear it is not in the Qur&#8217;an anywhere. The Qur&#8217;an uses the term <em>miqat <\/em>to mean a time appointed, not a special place where one has to wear a special wardrobe in preparation of the <em>Hajj<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>And We appointed for Moses thirty nights, and completed them with ten; so he completed <strong>the time appointed <\/strong>(<em>miqatu<\/em>) by his Lord of forty nights. And Moses said to his brother Aaron: \u201cBe thou my successor among my people; and make thou right; and follow thou not the path of the workers of corruption.\u201d<br>(7:142)<\/p><p>Say thou: \u201cThe former peoples and the latter<br>\u201cWill be gathered together at <strong>the appointed time<\/strong> (<em>miqati<\/em>) of a known day.\u201d<br>(56:49-50)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>So <em>miqat <\/em>simply means <em>a time appointed <\/em>which has been twisted to mean a place where the pilgrim is to put on special clothing in preparation for the <em>Hajj<\/em>. It is worth nothing that the Ihram dress itself matches the style of the <em>Kasaya<\/em>; a special clothing worn by <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kasaya_(clothing)\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kasaya_(clothing)\">Buddhist monks.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"844\" height=\"497\" src=\"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/compare-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1088\" srcset=\"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/compare-1.jpg 844w, https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/compare-1-300x177.jpg 300w, https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/compare-1-768x452.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 844px) 100vw, 844px\" \/><figcaption>Muslim wearing <em>Ihram <\/em>(left), Buddhist monk wearing <em>Kasaya <\/em>(right)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Continuing on with the article on <em>Hajj <\/em>on Wikipedia:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>First day of Hajj: 8th Dhu al-Hijjah<\/strong><\/p><p>On the 8th Dhu al-Hijjah, the pilgrims are reminded of their duties. They again don the ihram garments and confirm their intention to make the pilgrimage. The prohibitions of ihram start now.<\/p><p>The ritual of <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tawaf\">Tawaf<\/a> (52:24, 56:17, 76:19) involves walking seven times counterclockwise around the Kaaba.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-Marshall89-57\"><sup>[55]<\/sup><\/a> Upon arriving at <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Al-Masjid_Al-%E1%B8%A4ar%C4%81m\">Al-Masjid Al-\u1e24ar\u0101m<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Arabic_language\">Arabic<\/a>: \u0627\u0644\u0645\u064e\u0633\u062c\u0650\u062f \u0627\u0644\u062d\u064e\u0631\u064e\u0627\u0645\u200e, The Sacred <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mosque\">Mosque<\/a>), pilgrims perform an arrival tawaf either as part of <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Umrah\">Umrah<\/a> or as a welcome tawaf.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-Long16-58\"><sup>[56]<\/sup><\/a> During tawaf, pilgrims also include Hateem \u2013 an area at the north side of the Kaaba \u2013 inside their path. Each circuit starts with the kissing or touching of the Black Stone (Hajar al- Aswad).<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-Long17-59\"><sup>[57]<\/sup><\/a> If kissing the stone is not possible because of the crowds, they may simply point towards the stone with their hand on each circuit. Eating is not permitted but the drinking of water is allowed, because of the risk of dehydration.&nbsp;<\/p><cite> https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>The word <em>tawaf <\/em>does not mean circling anything 7 times. It is based on the root <em>tay-waw-fa<\/em> which means to <em>walk around, mingle.<\/em> Here is the word being used in the Qur\u2019an:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>And there will circulate<\/strong> (<em>wa-yatufu<\/em>) among them youths of their own, like hidden pearls.<br>(52:24)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>Circulating <\/strong>(<em>yatufu<\/em>) among them are youths made eternal<br>(56:17)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>O you who heed warning: let ask leave of you those whom your right hands possess and those who have not reached puberty among you at three times: before the duty of the dawn, and when you lay aside your garments at noon, and after the duty of the night: three times of nakedness for you; you and they do no wrong beyond them, some of you <strong>moving about<\/strong> (<em>tawaffuna<\/em>) among others of you. Thus God makes plain to you the proofs; and God is knowing and wise.<br>(24:58)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>We can see clearly that <em>tawaf <\/em>means to mingle unless you are ready to believe that the verse above means that people circle around each other 7 times as they go about their daily business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now we come to the verse that is used to support this cultic circling of a stone idol 7 times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>Then let them make an end of their unkemptness, and fulfil their vows, <strong>and walk around<\/strong> (<em>wa-alyatawaffu<\/em>) the ancient house.<br>(22:29)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>It is plain that it means that once the pilgrimage is over people can move around and sight-see the ancient house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Quoting again from the article on <em>Hajj <\/em>again:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>The completion of Tawaf is followed by two <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Raka%27ah\">Rakaat<\/a> prayers at the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maqam_Ibrahim\">Place of Abraham<\/a> (Muqam Ibrahim)(2:125, 3:97), a site near the Kaaba inside the mosque.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-Long17-59\"><sup>[57]<\/sup><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-Adelowo401-60\"><sup>[58]<\/sup><\/a>&nbsp;<\/p><cite> https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj  <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Let us look at the article on <em>Muqam Ibrahim<\/em> on Wikipedia<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>The Maq\u0101m Ibr\u0101h\u012bm (<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Arabic_language\">Arabic<\/a>: \u0645\u064e\u0640\u0642\u064e\u0640\u0627\u0645 \u0625\u0650\u0628\u0652\u0640\u0631\u064e\u0627\u0647\u0650\u0640\u064a\u0652\u0640\u0645\u200e, <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Literal_translation\">lit.<\/a> &#8216;Station of Abraham&#8217;)<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maqam_Ibrahim#cite_note-Cite_quran%7C2%7C125%7Ce=197%7Cs=ns-1\">[1]<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maqam_Ibrahim#cite_note-Cite_quran%7C3%7C97%7Ct=y%7Cs=ns-2\">[2]<\/a> is a stone associated with <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Abraham_in_Islam\">Abraham<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ishmael_in_Islam\">Ishmael<\/a> and their rebuilding of the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kaaba\">Ka\u2018bah<\/a> in what is now the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Great_Mosque_of_Mecca\">Great Mosque of Mecca <\/a>in <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Saudi_Arabia\">Saudi Arabia<\/a>. According to Islamic tradition, the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Petrosomatoglyph\">imprint on the stone<\/a> came from Abraham&#8217;s feet.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maqam_Ibrahim#cite_note-3\">[3]<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maqam_Ibrahim#cite_note-4\">[4]<\/a> According to one tradition it appeared when Abraham stood on the stone while building the Kaaba; when the walls became too high, Abraham stood on the maq\u0101m, which miraculously rose up to let him continue building and also miraculously went down in order to allow Ishmael to hand him stones. Other traditions held that the footprint appeared when the wife of Ishmael washed Abraham&#8217;s head, or alternatively when Abraham stood atop it in order to summon the people to perform the pilgrimage to Makkah .<\/p><cite>https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maqam_Ibrahim<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>This term <em>Muqam Ibrahim<\/em>  \u2013  which we are to believe is a set of footprints left by Abraham  \u2013   is mentioned in the Qur\u2019an but it means something else entirely. Again, we see the twisting of a general term to mean something of a special cultic significance. The <em>maqam Ibrahim<\/em> in the Qur\u2019an is not a set of footprints but the the stance of Abraham as a strict monotheist. We are to take him as a model for our <em>duty <\/em>to live by the commandments of God, submit to God alone and call others towards God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>And when We made the house a meeting place for mankind, and a place of security \u2014 <strong>and make from the station of Abraham<\/strong> (<em>maqaam-i-Ibrahim<\/em>)<strong> a place of duty <\/strong>\u2014 and We made a covenant with Abraham and Ishmael: \u201cPurify My house for those who walk around, and those who remain, and the lowly and the submitting.\u201d<br>(2:125)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>(The first house set up for mankind was that at Bakka,<\/strong> blessed and a guidance for all mankind:<\/p><p>In it are clear proofs of the <strong>station of Abraham;<\/strong> (<em>maqaamu-Ibrahim<\/em>) and whoso enters it is safe. And God\u2019s claim upon mankind is a pilgrimage to the house, for whoso is able to find a path to it; and whoso denies: God is free from need of all mankind.)<br>(3:96-97)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, if we are to believe that these claimed footprints of Abraham are the <em>Muqam Ibrahim<\/em> and we are to perform a <em>ritual prayer<\/em> near them then these footprints need to be inside the stone structure i.e. in the Kaaba and not outside it as it says \u201cIn it (i.e. the house which is claimed to be the Kaaba) are clear proofs of the station of Abraham (which the religion of Islam claims to be Abrahams footprints)\u201d. Yet, we find that the <em>Muqam Ibrahim<\/em> is outside the Kaaba. Hence, logically this claim of footprints being the <em>Muqam Ibrahim<\/em> mentioned in the Qur\u2019an  \u2014  even if we were to assume that these were footprints and not a monotheistic stand \u2014  does not stand up to reason and contradicts the Qur\u2019an.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The presence of footprints near a pagan shrine or site is not unique to the Kaaba. Similar footprints are found near Buddhist shrines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"459\" src=\"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/footrpint-1024x459.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1087\" srcset=\"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/footrpint-1024x459.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/footrpint-300x135.jpg 300w, https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/footrpint-768x345.jpg 768w, https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/footrpint-1536x689.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/footrpint-2048x919.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/footrpint-1568x703.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Alleged footprints of Abraham (left), Alleged footrprints of Buddha (right)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The following is an excerpt from the Wikipedia article on Buddha footprint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>The <strong>footprint of the Buddha<\/strong> is an imprint of <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gautama_Buddha\">Gautama Buddha<\/a>&#8216;s foot or both feet. There are two forms: natural, as found in stone or rock, and those made artificially.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddha_footprint#cite_note-Stratton-2003-1\"><sup>[1]<\/sup><\/a><sup>:301<\/sup> Many of the &#8220;natural&#8221; ones are acknowledged not to be genuine footprints of the Buddha, but rather replicas or representations of them, which can be considered <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cetiya\"><em>cetiya<\/em><\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddhist\">Buddhist<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Relic\">relics<\/a>) and also an early <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Aniconic\">aniconic<\/a> and symbolic representation of the Buddha.<\/p><cite>https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddha_footprint<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>The footprints of Buddha are on the path from aniconic to iconic which starts at symbols like the wheel and moves to statues of Buddha. His footprints are meant to remind us that Buddha was present on earth and left a spiritual path to be followed. They are special as they are the only artifacts that give Buddha a physical presence on earth as they are actual depressions in the earth. A depression atop <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sri_padaya\">Sri padaya<\/a> in Sri Lanka is among the largest and most famous footprints.<\/p><cite>https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Buddha_footprint<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Continuing on with the article of <em>Hajj <\/em>on Wikipedia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>Tawaf is followed by sa&#8217;ay (2:205, 34:5, 53:39), running or walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, located near the Kaaba.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-Marshall89-57\"><sup>[55]<\/sup><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-Adelowo401-60\"><sup>[58]<\/sup><\/a>&nbsp;<\/p><cite> https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj   <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Safa Marwa Sayee Makkah travel to Saudi Arabia\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LTLeqwH7JUU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Again, we see the twisting of a general word <em>sa\u2019ay<\/em> giving it a special meaning of <em>running and walking between two hills.<\/em> The root <em>siin-ayn-ya<\/em> means <em>effort, endeavor.<\/em> Here how it is used in the Qur\u2019an:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>And when he turns away, <strong>he strives <\/strong>(<em>sa\u2019a<\/em>) in the land working corruption therein and destroying tilth and progeny; and God loves not corruption.<br>(2:205)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>And those who <strong>strive<\/strong> (<em>sa\u2019aw<\/em>) against Our proofs, to frustrate: those have the punishment of a painful scourge.<br>(34:5)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>And that man has not save that for which <strong>he strove,<\/strong> (<em>sa\u2019a<\/em>)<br>(53:39)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Al-Safa <\/em>and <em>Al-Marwah<\/em> are supposedly the names of two hills where this running takes place. It is true that these terms are are mentioned as two tokens or signs of God in the Qur\u2019an:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>Al-\u1e62af\u0101 and Al-Marwa are among the tokens of God. So whoso made pilgrimage to the house or visited, he did no wrong to <strong>walk around<\/strong> (<em>ya-tawaffa<\/em>) between them; and whoso does good voluntarily, God is grateful and knowing.<br>(2:158)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>I do not know what Al-\u1e62af\u0101 and Al-Marwa was but since we have already established that the site for <em>Hajj <\/em>is in <em>Bakka <\/em>and not Mecca we can be sure that  Al-\u1e62af\u0101 and Al-Marwa are not these two objects to which the Qur\u2019an is referring. There is no guarantee that the Qur&#8217;an even means hills for these two objects, they may be some other makers; God knows best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Continuing on with the article of <em>Hajj <\/em>on Wikipedia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>Mina<\/strong><\/p><p>After the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fajr\">morning<\/a> prayer on the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the pilgrims proceed to <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mina,_Saudi_Arabia\">Mina<\/a> where they spend the whole day and offer <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dhuhr\">noon<\/a> (Note: On Friday, <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jumu%27ah\">Friday Prayer<\/a> is Offered, instead of Dhuhr Prayer, at Mina), <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Asr\">afternoon<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maghrib\">evening<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Isha%27\">night<\/a> prayers.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-Adelowo403-63\"><sup>[61]<\/sup><\/a> The next morning after morning prayer, they leave Mina to go to Arafat.<\/p><p><strong>Second day: 9th Dhu al-Hijjah<\/strong><\/p><p>The 9th Dhul-Hijjah is known as <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Day_of_Arafah\">Day of Arafah<\/a>, and this day is called the Day of Hajj.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-v3502133-47\"><sup>[45]<\/sup><\/a><\/p><p><strong>Arafat<\/strong><\/p><p>Main article: <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Day_of_Arafah\">Day of Arafah<\/a><\/p><p>On 9th Dhu al-Hijjah before noon, pilgrims arrive at <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Arafat,_Makkah\">Arafat<\/a>, a barren and plain land some 20 kilometers east of Mecca,<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-Long19-64\"><sup>[62]<\/sup><\/a> where they stand in contemplative vigil: they offer supplications, repent on and atone for their past sins, and seek mercy of <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Allah\">God<\/a>, and listen to sermon from the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Imam\">Islamic scholars<\/a> who deliver it from near Jabal al-Rahmah (The Mount of Mercy)<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-Adelowo403-63\"><sup>[61]<\/sup><\/a> from where Muhammad is said to have delivered <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/The_Farewell_Sermon\">his last sermon<\/a>. <\/p><p><strong>Muzdalifah<\/strong><\/p><p>Pilgrims must leave Arafat for <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Muzdalifah\">Muzdalifah<\/a> after sunset without praying <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Maghrib\">maghrib<\/a> (sunset) prayer at Arafat.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-65\"><sup>[63]<\/sup><\/a> Muzdalifah is an area between Arafat and Mina. Upon reaching there, pilgrims perform Maghrib and Isha prayer jointly, spend the night praying and sleeping on the ground with open sky, and gather pebbles for the next day&#8217;s ritual of the stoning of the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Devil\">Devil<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Devil_(Islam)\">Shaitan<\/a>).<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-66\"><sup>[64]<\/sup><\/a><\/p><p><strong>Third day: 10th Dhu al-Hijjah<\/strong><\/p><p>After returning from Muzdalifah, the Pilgrims spend the night at Mina.<\/p><p><strong>Ramy al-Jamarat<\/strong><\/p><p>Back at Mina, the pilgrims perform symbolic <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Stoning_of_the_devil\">stoning of the devil<\/a> (Ramy al-Jamarat) by throwing seven stones from sunrise to sunset at only the largest of the three pillars, known as Jamrat al-Aqabah.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-ngeo-15\"><sup>[15]<\/sup><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-al-Hasani-67\"><sup>[65]<\/sup><\/a> The remaining two pillars (jamarah) are not stoned on this day.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-68\"><sup>[66]<\/sup><\/a> These pillars are said to represent Satan.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-69\"><sup>[67]<\/sup><\/a> Pilgrims climb ramps to the multi-levelled <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Jamaraat_Bridge\">Jamaraat Bridge<\/a>, from which they can throw their pebbles at the jamarat. Because of safety reasons, in 2004 the pillars were replaced by long walls, with catch basins below to collect the pebbles.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-Marshall90-70\"><sup>[68]<\/sup><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-Mohamed54-71\"><sup>[69]<\/sup><\/a><\/p><p><strong>Animal sacrifice<\/strong><\/p><p>After the casting of stones, <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Qurbani\">animals<\/a> are <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Eid_al-Adha\">slaughtered<\/a> to commemorate the story of Ibrahim and Ismael. Traditionally the pilgrims slaughtered the animal themselves, or oversaw the slaughtering. Today many pilgrims buy a sacrifice voucher in Mecca before the greater Hajj begins, which allows an animal to be slaughtered in the name of God (Allah) on the 10th, without the pilgrim being physically present. Modern abattoirs complete the processing of the meat, which is then sent as charity to poor people around the world.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-ngeo-15\"><sup>[15]<\/sup><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-RESA-62\"><sup>[60]<\/sup><\/a> At the same time as the sacrifices occur at Mecca, Muslims worldwide perform similar sacrifices, in a three-day global festival called Eid al-Adha.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-bbc.co.uk-16\"><sup>[16]<\/sup><\/a><\/p><p><strong>Hair removal<\/strong><\/p><p>After sacrificing an animal, another important rite of Hajj is shaving head or trimming hair (known as Halak). All male pilgrims shave their head or trim their hair on the day of <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Eid_al_Adha\">Eid al Adha<\/a> and women pilgrims cut the tips of their hair.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-BBC-72\"><sup>[70]<\/sup><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-Long21-73\"><sup>[71]<\/sup><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-74\"><sup>[72]<\/sup><\/a><\/p><p><strong>Tawaf Ziyarat<\/strong><\/p><p>On the same or the following day, the pilgrims re-visit the Sacred Mosque in Mecca for another tawaf, known as Tawaf al-Ifadah, an essential part of Hajj.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-Long21-73\"><sup>[71]<\/sup><\/a> It symbolizes being in a hurry to respond to God and show love for Him, an obligatory part of the Hajj. The night of the 10th is spent back at Mina.<\/p><p><strong>Fourth day: 11th Dhu al-Hijjah<\/strong><\/p><p>Starting from noon to sunset on the 11 Dhu al-Hijjah (and again the following day), the pilgrims again throw seven pebbles at each of the three pillars in Mina. This is commonly known as the &#8220;Stoning of the Devil&#8221;.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-al-Hasani-67\"><sup>[65]<\/sup><\/a><\/p><p><strong>Fifth day: 12th Dhu al-Hijjah<\/strong><\/p><p>On 12 Dhu al-Hijjah, the same process of stoning of the pillars as of 11 Dhu al-Hijjah takes place.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-al-Hasani-67\"><sup>[65]<\/sup><\/a> Pilgrims may leave Mina for Mecca before sunset on the 12th.<\/p><p><strong>Last day at Mina: 13th Dhu al-Hijjah<\/strong><\/p><p>If unable to leave on the 12th before sunset or opt to stay at free will, they must perform the stoning ritual again on the 13th before returning to Mecca.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-al-Hasani-67\"><sup>[65]<\/sup><\/a><\/p><p><strong>Tawaf al-Wadaa<\/strong><\/p><p>Finally, before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform a farewell tawaf called the Tawaf al-Wadaa. &#8216;Wadaa&#8217; means &#8216;to bid farewell&#8217;. The pilgrims circle the Kaaba seven times counter-clockwise, and if they can, attempt to touch or kiss the Kaaba.<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj#cite_note-ngeo-15\"><sup>[15]<\/sup><\/a><\/p><cite>https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hajj<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Hajj Rami Ka Manzar | Stoning of the Devil Scene at  Al-Jamarat | Arkaan e Hajj | Deen Islam\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/FmVLI_OKdEk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no mention of stoning a devil\u2019s representation anywhere in the Qur\u2019an. Stoning is specifically mentioned as a threat by idolaters to their respective prophets and messengers.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>They said: \u201cIf thou cease not, O Noah, thou wilt be of those stoned.\u201d<br>(26:116)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>They said: \u201cO Shu\u02bfayb: we understand not much of what thou sayest; and we consider thee among us as weak. And were it not for thy family, we would have stoned thee; and thou art not to us one respected.\u201d<br>(11:91)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>As it is clear from this article, the <em>Hajj <\/em>ritual as practiced today is <strong>straight forward idol worship.<\/strong> As I said earlier, I ask you to do your own research on the matter. We are all responsible for what we do in this life and on the Day of Judgment we will be questioned by our Creator.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And follow thou not that whereof thou hast no knowledge; the hearing and the sight and the heart, each of those will be questioned.<br>(17:36)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Peace and blessings be upon you,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Said Mirza<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Note: This article has been updated to include the revised translation from The Qur&#8217;an: A Complete Revelation. The video uses the old translation. Today\u2019s article is about the Hajj ritual performed by millions of Muslims in Makkah today. I will be going over this ritual to show you how the religion of Islam has created &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/2022\/01\/01\/the-hajj-ritual-deconstructed-using-the-quran\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;The Hajj ritual deconstructed using the Qur\u2019an&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1079","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-articles","category-islam","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1079","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1079"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1079\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1093,"href":"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1079\/revisions\/1093"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1079"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1079"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/willyounotreason.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1079"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}