Every Muslim should at least once in their lifetime plan a pilgrimage to Mecca the holy city of Islam. While pilgrimage to Mecca is considered beneficial all the year round it holds even more significance when completed during the last month of Islam calendar known as Dhu al-Hijja and is known as Hajj. Pilgrimage to Mecca is considered to be one of the last acts of worship that was performed by Prophet Muhammad before he left for heavenly abode. The most significant aspect of this pilgrimage to Mecca is the feeling of universal brotherhood that is spread among the masses and also removes all disparity between the people of all financial backgrounds.
 When planning to undertake pilgrimage to Mecca, a hajji has to enter state of purity or ihram when he is still six miles away from holy Kabah. Once they reach the holy city of mecca they need to first take seven rounds around Kabah while chanting talbiya. They then touch or kiss the black stone present in the Kabah and then offer prayers twice in the direction of Abraham and Kabah. The haji then has to move seven times in between mountains of Marwa and Safa.
In second stage of pilgrimage to Mecca on 7th day haji hear khutba or sermon at Mosque and on 8th day they stay at Arafat or Mina. On 9th day they complete the ritual of wuquf that is held at Jabal –al Rahma hill in Arafat. The tenth day is Eid al Adha the day of sacrifice where the hajji spend entire day in Mina pelting 7 stones at three pillars of sin and devils. The hajji completes the pilgrimage to Mecca by returning back to the hold town to perform tawaf and getting their head shaved or trimmed.
It is believe that more than 2 million Islam followers visit Kabah every year and complete pilgrimage to Mecca only if god commands them to do so. When allah calls, hajji says “labbaik”. Labbaik is an Arabic word which means am ready to follow you orders my great master. The beauty of labbaik is captured in following phrases of Quran:
Innallaha wa Malaaikatahoo Yusalloona 'ala'n Nabiyy
Yaa ayyuhalladheena Aamanu Salloo 'alaihi wa Saallimoo Tasleemaa
Labbaik Allahumma Rabbee wa Sa'dayk
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