Hajj — Pilgrimage

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, an annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah that every Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime, provided they are physically and financially able. The Hajj takes place during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah (the 8th to 12th). Pilgrims wear ihram — simple white garments that erase distinctions of wealth and status, symbolizing equality before God. The rituals of Hajj include: Tawaf (circling the Kaaba seven times), Sa'i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa), standing at Arafat in prayer and supplication, and the symbolic stoning of the devil at Mina. The Hajj commemorates the actions of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family. It is one of the largest annual gatherings in the world, with over two million Muslims from every country converging on Makkah. The experience is profoundly transformative — pilgrims return with a sense of spiritual renewal and a deeper connection to the global Muslim community (ummah). The celebration of Eid al-Adha marks the conclusion of Hajj.

"And proclaim to the people the Hajj; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel" — Quran 22:27