Hajj (Pilgrimage)
The annual pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam, obligatory for every Muslim with the ability.
Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which takes place during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. It is the fifth pillar of Islam and is obligatory at least once in a lifetime for every adult Muslim who has the physical and financial ability. Allah says in the Quran: "Pilgrimage to the House is a duty mankind owes to Allah — for those who can afford the journey" (3:97).
Hajj rituals include: ihram (pilgrim garb), tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba), sa'i (walking between Safa and Marwa), wuquf (standing at Arafat), and ramy al-jamarat (stoning of the pillars). Prayer plays a central role during Hajj — pilgrims pray shortened prayers (qasr) and combine Dhuhr with Asr on the Day of Arafat.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever performs Hajj and commits neither indecency nor sin returns as the day his mother bore him" (Sahih al-Bukhari). Hajj is unique because it gathers millions of Muslims from all countries, races, and social classes in the same worship at the same place.
Related terms
Tayammum (Dry Purification)
Ritual purification with clean earth, when water is not available.
Niyyah (Intention)
The conscious intention in the heart to perform a specific prayer.
Tilawah (Quran Recitation)
Recitation of the Quran, which is a central part of prayer and daily worship.
Sujud al-Shukr (Prostration of Gratitude)
A prostration to Allah in gratitude, recommended after prayer and upon receiving blessings.
Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)
The greatest Islamic holiday, celebrated in remembrance of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son.
Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)
The ritual of walking seven times around the Kaaba counterclockwise as part of Hajj and Umrah.