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
Nisf Sha'ban (Mid-Sha'ban)
The 15th of Sha'ban — the birthday of Imam al-Mahdi and a night of forgiveness.
Salat al-Layl (Night Prayer)
The voluntary night prayer consisting of 11 rak'ah, highly recommended in Shia Islam.
Nafilah (Voluntary Prayer)
Voluntary extra prayers beyond the five obligatory daily prayers.
Laylat al-Mi'raj (The Night of Ascension)
The night when Prophet Muhammad journeyed to the heavens and received the gift of prayer.
Minaret (Prayer Tower)
The mosque's tower, from which the adhan (call to prayer) is traditionally recited.
Sunan Abu Dawud (Abu Dawud's Hadith Collection)
One of the six canonical hadith collections in Sunni Islam with a special focus on legal narrations.