The Hajj

The practice

The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the fifth pillar of Islam. Every Muslim who is physically and financially able is required to make it once in a lifetime. About two million pilgrims now gather each year in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah.

How it is kept

Pilgrims enter a state of consecration called ihram and wear simple white garments that erase signs of wealth and rank. Over five days they circle the Kaaba seven times, walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah in memory of Hagar's search for water, stand in prayer at Arafat, and stone the pillars at Mina before the festival of Eid al-Adha.

What it means

The Hajj is a rehearsal for the Day of Judgment and a picture of the unity of the ummah, the worldwide Muslim community. King and labourer wear the same cloth and stand on the same plain, and pilgrims return home with the honoured title of Hajji.