Hajj

Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Each year, millions of Muslims who are physically and financially able gather for five to six days during Dhu'l-Hijja, the last month of the Islamic calendar, to perform a series of sacred rites.

• One of the Five Pillars of Islam
• Held annually in Mecca, Saudi Arabia
• Rituals recall the actions of Abraham and Muhammad
• Pilgrims wear simple white garments called Ihram
• Culminates with the festival of Eid al-Adha

What it is

Hajj is a central act of worship and unity for Muslims, drawing believers from across the globe to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. It is a religious duty required once in a lifetime for those who are able, symbolizing submission to God and spiritual renewal. Pilgrims gather to perform rituals that commemorate the actions of the Prophet Abraham, his family, and the Prophet Muhammad, expressing both individual devotion and a sense of global Muslim brotherhood. The experience is deeply meaningful, offering a chance for reflection, repentance, and the reaffirmation of faith.

Where it comes from

The roots of Hajj reach back to the time of Abraham, who, according to Islamic tradition, built the Kaaba with his son Ishmael in Mecca. The rituals recall events in the lives of Abraham, Hajar, and Ishmael, such as Hajar’s search for water and the building of the Kaaba. Over centuries, the pilgrimage evolved, with the Prophet Muhammad establishing its current form in the 7th century. After cleansing the Kaaba of idols, Muhammad performed and taught the rites, making Hajj a pillar of Islam. Medieval pilgrims often traveled in large, state-sponsored caravans for safety and support.

How it is celebrated

Hajj unfolds over five to six days, beginning with pilgrims entering a state of spiritual purity called Ihram, marked by simple white garments. The rituals include walking seven times around the Kaaba, touching or kissing the Black Stone, and moving between the hills of Safa and Marwah. Pilgrims drink from the Zamzam Well, spend a day in prayer at Mount Arafat, and gather pebbles to symbolically stone pillars representing the devil at Mina. The pilgrimage culminates with the sacrifice of an animal, followed by shaving or trimming hair, and the global celebration of Eid al-Adha. Throughout, the focus is on humility, equality, and devotion.

Joining in

The heart of Hajj is in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, where the main rites take place in and around the Masjid al-Haram. For visitors, the city becomes a sea of pilgrims from every corner of the world, all dressed in white, moving together in worship. The atmosphere is both solemn and communal, with a sense of shared purpose and spiritual anticipation. Non-Muslims are not permitted in the holy sites, but for Muslims able to attend, expect intense crowds, careful organization, and a journey that is both physically and spiritually demanding.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Hajj, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Hajj on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• Hajj travel guide on WikivoyageTravel guide
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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