Hajj
Fifth Pillar of Islam: Hajj is the fifth of the Five Pillars of Islam and the pilgrimage occurs from the 8th to 12th (or in some cases 13th) of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Significance: The rites of Hajj are believed to trace the footsteps of the prophets Ibrahim (Abraham), Ismail (Ishmael), and Muhammad. It is a demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people, and their submission to Allah (God).
Ihram: Before entering Mecca, pilgrims enter a state of spiritual purity known as Ihram. They wear special white clothes, which are supposed to signify equality before God, as there is no distinction of wealth, status, or class.
Tawaf and Sa'i: Upon arrival in Mecca, pilgrims perform the 'Tawaf', which is circling the Kaaba seven times, and then perform 'Sa'i', walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
Mount Arafat: Pilgrims then move to the plains of Mount Arafat, where they stand in vigilant prayer and Quranic recitation near the Mount of Mercy, where Muhammad is believed to have delivered his last sermon.
Stoning the Devil: After Arafat, pilgrims move to Muzdalifah and then to Mina to perform a symbolic stoning of the devil (Ramy al-Jamarat), throwing pebbles at three walls, which represents resisting temptation.
Animal sacrifice: Pilgrims then perform the sacrifice of an animal (Qurbani), a ritual that honors the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to God. The meat is often donated to the needy.
Ending the State of Ihram: After the sacrifices, men generally shave their heads and women clip a portion of their hair, which signifies the end of Ihram.
Farewell Tawaf: Before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform a final Tawaf called the Tawaf al-Wada.
Global gathering: Hajj is the largest annual gathering of people in the world and a unique opportunity for Muslims from all walks of life, from every corner of the globe, to come together in a spirit of peace and harmony.
Spiritual Renewal: Completing the Hajj is often seen as a chance to start a new life chapter, with past sins forgiven, and a renewed focus on living a life in accordance with Islamic principles.
The completion of the Hajj is associated with a Muslim's duty to view their life and actions through the lens of spiritual consciousness and commitment to Allah. The collective aspect of millions of people engaging in these rituals together is also a powerful expression of Muslim unity and equality.
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Hajj
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Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey and can support their family during their absence.
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