Before pilgrims arrive, they prepare and meditate on their intention (niyyah) to perform the Hajj.
Then it is time to enter the spiritual state of Ihram or ritual purity. Muslims wear special white garments to symbolise the equality of pilgrims in front of Allah – with no difference between the rich and poor, or ethnic backgrounds.
To reach a state of holiness, certain things such as sex, smoking or shaving parts of the body, are also prohibited during Hajj.
