FAQ About Hajj

Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is considered one of the five pillars of Islam, which are the fundamental acts of worship for Muslims. Hajj is a mandatory religious duty for adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey.

During Hajj, Muslims from all around the world gather in Mecca to perform a series of specific rituals and acts of worship that commemorate the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad. The pilgrimage takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

Hajj is a deeply spiritual and communal experience. It serves as a time of reflection, repentance, and seeking closeness to Allah (God). The pilgrimage is an opportunity for Muslims to detach from worldly affairs, focus on their devotion, and seek forgiveness for their sins. It is also a time of unity, as pilgrims from diverse backgrounds come together as equals, dressed in simple white garments known as Ihram.

The rituals of Hajj include circumambulating the Kaaba, running between the hills of Safa and Marwa, standing in the plain of Arafah, spending the night in Muzdalifah, pelting stones at pillars representing Satan, and performing the Tawaf al-Ifadah (the final circumambulation). The pilgrimage concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Adha, a major Islamic festival.

Hajj holds great significance in Islam as it symbolizes the unity of Muslims, their submission to Allah, and the equality of all believers before God. It also commemorates the acts of devotion and sacrifices made by the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), his wife Hajar (Hagar), and their son Ismail (Ishmael), as mentioned in the Quran and Islamic traditions.