own folly, for in the ridiculous ceremonies of the Hajj, we see the law-giver, whose professed mission it was to uproot the idolatry of Arabia, giving one of its superstitious customs the authority of a Divine enactment. The pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the numerous inconsistencies of Muhammad's pretended revelation.
The following is the orthodox way of performing the pilgrimage, founded upon the example of the "Prophet" himself.
Upon the pilgrim's arrival at the last stage[1] near Mecca, he bathes himself, and performs two rakʾat prayers, and then divesting himself of his clothes, he assumes the pilgrim's sacred robe, which is called Ihrám. This garment consists of two seamless wrappers, one being wrapped round the waist, and the other thrown loosely over the shoulder, the head being left uncovered. Sandals may also be worn, but not shoes or boots. After he has assumed the pilgrim's garb, he must not anoint his head, shave any part of his body, pare his nails, nor
- ↑ These are six in number, and are situated about five or six miles from Mecca in different directions. They are called Míqát.
