Hujjaj

Hujjaj is the Arabic term for Muslims who are performing or have completed the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The word is the plural form of hajji and is commonly used to refer to pilgrims gathered in Mecca during the Hajj season. The Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is an obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake it at least once in their lifetime.

The pilgrimage takes place annually during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah and includes a sequence of rites performed in and around Mecca. Key rites include entering a state of ihram, circumambulating the Kaaba (tawaf), walking or running between the hills of Safa and Marwah (sa'i), spending a day at Arafat in what is considered the spiritual pinnacle of the Hajj, and then staying in Muzdalifah and Mina. The rites conclude with the stoning of the devil (jamarat), a sacrifice if possible, and shaving or trimming the hair, followed by a farewell tawaf.

Hujjaj come from diverse countries and backgrounds, with Saudi authorities issuing visas and coordinating logistics to manage large crowds and ensure safety. The experience is often described as spiritually meaningful and transformative, while also presenting logistical and safety challenges that have prompted ongoing infrastructure improvements and crowd-management measures.