Hajj

Hajj is the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, performed by Muslims who are physically and financially able. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory at least once in a lifetime for eligible Muslims. The rites take place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, usually over several days and culminate with visits to the Kaaba in the Grand Mosque.

Key rites include entering a state of ritual consecration called ihram, which involves wearing simple white garments and refraining from certain activities. Pilgrims then perform tawaf, seven circumambulations of the Kaaba, followed by sa'i, a journey of seven laps between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorating Hagar’s search for water.

A central moment is standing in the plain of Arafat on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, considered the pinnacle of Hajj. After sunset, pilgrims move to Muzdalifah for an overnight stay and collect pebbles for the stoning ritual. On the 10th day, rites at Mina include the stoning of the three jamarat (the pillars symbolizing the devil), the animal sacrifice (qurbani) in commemoration of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice, and the shaving or trimming of hair to symbolize spiritual renewal. The final rites include performing another tawaf known as tawaf al-ifadah and a farewell tawaf (tawaf al-wada’) before leaving Mecca. Some pilgrims perform Hajj in one of the accepted modes: Hajj al-Tamattu’, Hajj al-Qiran, or Hajj al-Ifrad.

Hajj has deep religious significance, recalling Abraham’s submission to God and, in Islamic teaching, fostering unity among Muslims. The Saudi authorities regulate visas, crowd management, and logistics to accommodate the large number of pilgrims each year.