The Rites of Hajj

What does a person do while on Hajj? Even though there are several historic landmarks in Mecca, the pilgrimage is not a sightseeing trip. Muslims must perform various rites in order for their pilgrimage to be accepted by Allah.
Here are the basic rites of Hajj:

• Enter the state of Ihram – Ihram is a state of purification which the Muslim must observe before starting the Hajj. While in this state, Muslim men can only wear two simple white cloths. Muslims in this state are not allowed to cover their heads (men only), cut their hair, clip their nails, kill any animal, or engage in sexual intercourse.
• Tawaf – Tawaf means to circle the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction.
• Sa’iy – Sa’iy is the rite commemorating Hajjar’s search for water for her baby Ismail. Muslims are to run or walk between the two mountains of Safa and Marwa.
• Departure to Mina – After the rites of Tawaf and Sa’iy, the Muslims then leave Mecca and spend a day in Mina.
• Praying at Arafat – After the morning prayer at Mina, the Muslims head for the plains of Arafat. While at Arafat, the Muslims spend the day praying to Allah until sunset.
• Spend the night at Muzdalifah – After sunset at Arafat, the Muslims head for the area of Muzadalifah. While in Muzadalifah, the Muslims pray the last two prayers of the evening and spend the night. They also collect the stones for the ramiyal jamarat (stoning the devil).
• Return to Mina – The Muslims return to Mina and perform one stage of the ramiyal jamarat. After the first devil stoning ceremony, the Muslims sacrifice an animal, shave their head (men only), and partially leave the state of Ihram.
• Tawaf Ifadha – The Muslims return to Mecca and circle the Kaaba seven times again. They also pray at the Station of Ibrahim, perform Sa’iy again (running between the mountains of Safa and Marwah), and drink from the well of Zamzam. At this stage, the Muslims completely leave the state of Ihram.
• A third trip to Mina – The Muslims can spend up to three days in Mina. During this time, they are to complete the final two stages of ramiyal jamarat (stoning the devil). The three stages of ramiyal jamarat represent the three attempts by the devil to influence Prophet Abraham and his family.
• Farewell Tawaf – After departing Mina, the Muslims return to Mecca and perform a final Tawaf (circling) around the Kaaba. This final rite concludes the Hajj.

   Source: http://islamiclearningmaterials.com/hajj/