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
Mab'ath (The Prophet's Calling)
The day when Prophet Muhammad received the first revelation and was called to prophethood.
Mustahab (Recommended)
Actions that are recommended but not obligatory, and that give extra reward.
Ikhlas (Sincerity)
Pure sincerity in worship — acting solely for the sake of Allah.
Qabd (Folding the Arms in Prayer)
The practice of folding the arms over the chest or below the navel during the standing position in prayer.
Haram (Forbidden)
Actions that are strictly forbidden in Islamic law.
Ijma' (Consensus)
Agreement among Islamic scholars on a legal question, considered the third source of Islamic law.