muslims go on hajj because:
ihram
arrive in Mecca in a state of purity- putting on plain white clothes- abstain from violence sex and rude language while on hajj- equality before god
tawaf
sa’y
run between 2 hills of safa and marwa now a long corridor and part of al-haram mosque- recalls Hagar and Ishmail look for water seeking gods mercy showing gods love and provision
travel to mt Arafat and pray to god, recognise sin and ask for forgiveness and commit themselves to stopping sin- takes place where Adam and Eve were forgiven by god and where Muhammad gave his last sermon- where judgement takes place
collect stones at the muzdalifah to stone 3 pillars at mina- each pillar is stoned with 7 stones and muslims make a commitment to resist temptation- Ibrahim was tempted by the devil not to sacrifice Ishmail- try to be like Ibrahim and reject temptation
festival of sacrifice where sheep or goat is sacrificed- the meat is called Qurbani and is donated to those in need- god calling Ibrahim to sacrifice Ishmail showing gods mercy- members muhammads message to care for the poor
tawaf (2nd time)
take off ihram clothes and return to Mecca and circle the kaba 7 times completing hajj
further pilgrimages
may go to where Muhammad is buried- remembering life and teachings of prophet Muhammad