Islam
The fast is to encourage a feeling of nearness to God, and during it
Muslims should express their gratitude for and dependence on him, atone for their
past sins, and think of the needy. Sawm is not obligatory for several groups for whom
it would constitute an undue burden. For others, flexibility is allowed depending on
circumstances, but missed fasts usually must be made up quickly.
· The Hajj, which is the pilgrimage during the Islamic month of Dhu alHijjah in the city
of Mecca. Every ablebodied Muslim who can afford it must make the pilgrimage to
Mecca at least once in his or her lifetime. When the pilgrim is about ten kilometers
from Mecca, he must dress in Ihram clothing, which consists of two white seamless
sheets. Rituals of the Hajj include walking seven times around the Kaaba, touching
the Black Stone, running seven times between Mount Safa and Mount Marwah, and
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