Hajj is the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is an obligatory act of worship for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey at least once in their lifetime. Hajj takes place annually during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, specifically from the 8th to the 12th or 13th of the month.
Key Rituals of Hajj:
Ihram – Pilgrims enter a sacred state of purity, wearing special white garments (for men) and modest dress (for women).
Tawaf – Circling the Kaaba seven times in Masjid al-Haram.
Sa’i – Walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
Wuquf at Arafat – Standing in prayer at Mount Arafat, the most crucial part of Hajj.
Muzdalifah – Spending the night under the open sky and collecting pebbles.
Ramy al-Jamarat – Stoning the pillars that symbolize Satan.
Sacrifice (Qurbani) – An animal sacrifice to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son.
Tawaf al-Ifadah – Another circumambulation of the Kaaba.
Farewell Tawaf – Final circling of the Kaaba before leaving Mecca.
Hajj is a deeply spiritual experience that signifies unity, equality, and submission to Allah. It is a time of reflection, forgiveness, and renewal of faith.
