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
Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree)
The most sacred night in Islam, when the Quran was revealed.
Rak'ah (Prayer Cycle)
A single cycle of movements and recitations in the Islamic prayer.
Mafatih al-Jinan (Keys to Paradise)
The most widely used Shia prayer book, compiled by Shaykh Abbas al-Qummi.
Shafa'ah (Intercession)
The Prophet's and the Imams' intercession with Allah for the believers on the Day of Judgment.
Tayammum (Dry Purification)
Ritual purification with clean earth, when water is not available.
Sahih Muslim (Muslim's Authentic Collection)
The second most authoritative hadith collection in Sunni Islam, compiled by Imam Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj.