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
Wilayah (Divine Authority)
The concept of divine authority and leadership in Shia Islam.
Salat al-Wahsha (The Prayer of Loneliness)
A prayer performed on the first night after burial for the soul of the deceased.
Muharram (The Sacred Month)
The first and one of the four sacred months in the Islamic calendar.
Sahifa al-Sajjadiyyah (The Psalms of Sajjad)
A collection of supplications from the 4th Imam, called "The Psalms of Islam."
Nisf Sha'ban (Mid-Sha'ban)
The 15th of Sha'ban — the birthday of Imam al-Mahdi and a night of forgiveness.
Shahadah (Declaration of Faith)
The first pillar of Islam: the testimony that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger.