Once the pilgrims arrive in Mecca, a series of rituals unfold, including circumambulating the Kaaba, a cube-shaped structure whose foundation Muslims believe was built by Adam and raised to its current height by Abraham.

"It's a kind of worship and prayer, and it gives you a sense of unity," said Samar Shihab, who went on the hajj for the first time in December with her husband, Fuad. "It's symbolic of the universe — just as the planets move around the sun. You feel your heart is attracted to that place because it is the center of the Earth."

Many of the rituals symbolize events in Abraham's life, as recorded in the Quran. On one day, the pilgrims travel between two hills near Mecca, Safa and Marwa, in remembrance of when Abraham's wife, Hagar, searched frantically for water, eventually finding it in a miraculous well. Other events include the stoning of Satan, during which pilgrims throw stones at pillars to represent their denouncement of evil and sin.

The pinnacle of the hajj occurs on the ninth day of the lunar month at Mount Arafat, a hillside near Mecca. From dawn to sunset, pilgrims stand in earnest supplication, praying for forgiveness and imagining themselves standing before God on Judgment Day.

"It gives you a sensation that life is not going to last forever and there is a big question (as to) what you did with your life," Samar Shihab said. "(It reminds you) this life has a meaning. We came here for a purpose."

The day ends on an emotional and spiritual high for all.

"Believe me, it was the most beautiful day of my life," Shihab said.

During the hajj, pilgrims don white, seamless garments, creating an egalitarian environment.

"You can't tell who's rich, who's poor, who's educated, who's uneducated," Shihab said. "It's all about human kinship."

Spending time in the holy city reminded some pilgrims of the need to educate others about the basic tenets of Islam.

"The reason most people do not understand (Islam) is not their fault — it's our fault," said Baioumy, the Muslim representative on the Utah Valley Ministerial Association. "We get attacked (by the media), and we are quiet. We need to speak out."

Education will foster mutual understanding, Baioumy said.

"I believe in my mind most of the hate and violence we have is based in ignorance," he said. "We go in a circle — there is no way to break it (but) to educate ourselves about each other."

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