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The ancient city of Mecca, in Saudi Arabia is known for its golden history. The city is extremely important from both a religious and a trade perspective. The highlight of the city is the Kaaba, fabled to be built by Abraham. However, it is also admitted that the city of Mecca was a hallowed land even before the times of Muhammad. Hajj is the religious pilgrimage every Muslim wills to undertake once at least in a lifetime. Hajj to Mecca holds not only sightseeing but also religious and spiritual significance. Every able and healthy Muslim cherishes an ambition to visit the sacred Masjid Al Haram and perform the rituals enjoined in the Koran and other scriptures. Preparations to undertake the Hajj, Mecca are often accompanied by donning the Ihram, a simple garment, distinguishing the pilgrims from other tourists. Miquats are special tents where the pilgrims pledge their intention to undertake this sacred journey and take up austerities with the chanting of the Talbiyah. Women are also permitted to make the trip, albeit in the company of a male relative. The Dhu al-Hijja, is the sacred month of the Islamic calendar and most Muslims prefer to undertake the Hajj in this month. After 7 walks around the stone of Kaaba and the trips between Safa and Marwah, the devout pilgrims deems his life a success. Other pilgrimages to lesser shrines such as the Hill of Arafat in Mecca are also undertaken as part of the Hajj, Mecca. A trip to the nearby city of Medina is often undertaken along with Hajj, Mecca. The Muslim who has completed this arduous pilgrimage successfully is given a special position in his or her society. Revered as a Hajji, the person is accorded special privileges in religious congregations. Subsequent Hajj pilgrimages only enhance the person's status in the Islamic society. Sightseeing in Mecca is often taken up during a hajj pilgrimage.
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