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alHajj

Al-Hajj, meaning "The Pilgrimage" in Arabic, can refer to two related Islamic concepts: the annual pilgrimage to Mecca and the 22nd chapter of the Qur'an named Al-Hajj. As a pillar of Islam, the Hajj is obligatory for Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it at least once in a lifetime. It takes place in Mecca during the month of Dhu al-Hijjah and comprises a sequence of rites intended to express worship, equality, and submission to God. Core rites include entering the state of ihram, tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba), and sa'i (between Safa and Marwah); on the day of Arafat, pilgrims stand in vigil, followed by stays in Muzdalifah and Mina, where the stoning of the pillars and an animal sacrifice are performed. The pilgrimage ends with a farewell tawaf; it emphasizes humility, unity, and obedience, and attracts millions of pilgrims annually under Saudi oversight for safety and coordination.

Al-Hajj as a surah: The 22nd chapter of the Qur'an, Al-Hajj, has 78 verses and is generally

regarded
as
a
Meccan
surah.
Its
themes
include
faith,
worship,
divine
signs,
and
the
Day
of
Judgment,
with
emphasis
on
the
obligation
and
sacredness
of
pilgrimage
to
the
Kaaba.
It
recounts
Abraham
and
Ishmael
establishing
the
Kaaba
and
directs
believers
to
proclaim
the
Hajj
to
all
people.
The
chapter
links
pilgrimage
to
broader
moral
and
eschatological
lessons
and
reinforces
tawhid
(monotheism)
and
righteous
conduct.