Hajj: The Pilgrimage to Mecca

Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, is the fifth pillar of Islam, obligatory once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is physically and financially able to undertake it. It takes place during a specific week of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and draws millions of pilgrims from around the world each year. The rites of Hajj retrace events connected to the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), his wife Hajar, and their son Ismail. Pilgrims enter a state of ihram, simple unstitched white garments for men, symbolizing equality and humility before God. Central rites include circling the Kaaba seven times (tawaf), walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times (sa'i) in remembrance of Hajar's search for water, standing in prayer at the plain of Arafat, and the symbolic stoning of pillars representing the rejection of temptation, at Mina. Hajj concludes with Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorating Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God before God provided a ram in his place. Pilgrims who complete Hajj are given the honorific title Hajji (male) or Hajjah (female), and the pilgrimage is widely described by those who perform it as one of the most significant experiences of their spiritual life.