What and when is Hajj? An illustrated guide, answers to 10 common questions

Al Jazeera

3 days ago

An estimated 1.8 million Muslims are preparing to embark on the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca which begins on June 4.
The Hajj is the largest annual gathering of Muslims from all over the world and a once-in-a-lifetime journey for many.
In this visual explainer, we cover 10 frequently asked questions about the Hajj, providing insights into its significance, rituals and preparations.
The Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and it is the fifth and final pillar of Islam, along with declaration of faith (shahada), five daily prayers, obligatory charity (zakat), and fasting during the month of Ramadan.
The word comes from the Arabic root 'h-j-j', which means 'intending a journey' or 'to set out for a definitive purpose'.
It is obligatory once in a lifetime for all adult Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey.
The Hajj is performed between the 8th and 12th (or 13th) of Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar. The timing falls roughly 70 days after the end of Ramadan, though this can vary slightly depending on the lunar cycle.
In 2025, the Hajj will take place from June 4 to June 9, but many start arriving in the days and weeks ahead to prepare for the journey.
Because the Islamic calendar follows a lunar cycle, with months lasting 29 or 30 days, the Hajj shifts 10 to 12 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. Notably, this year marks the last time for the next 16 years that the Hajj will fall during Mecca's peak summer heat.Muslims believe that the Hajj is a direct commandment from Allah (God), as outlined in the Muslim holy book, the Quran.
It was affirmed during Prophet Muhammad's 'farewell pilgrimage' in 632 AD, in the 10th year of the Islamic calendar.
Islamic tradition holds that the Kaaba, a stone structure draped in black silk at the centre of Mecca's Grand Mosque where many Hajj rituals take place, was built by Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) and his son Ishmael (Ismaeel) under God's command. This marks the origins of the Hajj, which was instituted as a divine ritual for the first time.
The journey is a spiritual one, and it is considered to allow Muslims to seek forgiveness, purify their souls and demonstrate their submission to God. The word Hajj is mentioned 12 times across the Quran, including one chapter named after it.
Hajj also serves as a reminder of the Day of Judgement, and by performing it, Muslims follow the example of Prophet Abraham and his family, whose actions are commemorated during the pilgrimage rituals. Ultimately, it is a way to fulfil a key religious obligation and strengthen one's faith.
The Hajj lasts five to six days, depending on how it is performed. It begins on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, a day known as Tarwiyah, when many pilgrims travel to Mina, a desert valley located about 8 kilometres (5 miles) from Mecca, where they spend the night in preparation for the next day's rituals.
It ends with Tashreeq days, where pilgrims return to Mina for the symbolic stoning of the Devil at a site called Jamarat, after which they perform final rituals to symbolise the end of the Hajj. Some may leave on the 12th if they complete their rites early, while others stay until the 13th.
While the Hajj is a compulsory pilgrimage for all able-bodied Muslims once in their life, Umrah is a recommended smaller and simpler pilgrimage that Muslims can perform any time throughout the year.
The graphic below shows some of the key differences between the Hajj and Umrah:Muslims perform many rites and rituals during the days of the Hajj, which can be explained in the following steps.On this day, Muslims from around the world celebrate the first day of Eid al-Adha, or the celebration of the sacrifice.
Farewell Tawaf
Before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform a final Tawaf around the Kaaba, known as the Tawaf al-Wada or a 'farewell tawaf,' signifying a spiritual farewell to the holy sanctuary.
There are three types of Hajj to facilitate the pilgrimage for Muslims from different locations and abilities:
The etiquette of the Hajj bans several actions that are otherwise permitted in Islam, including sexual relations (and anything leading to it, like embracing or kissing), cursing, arguing, hunting, shaving or cutting hair and nails, using perfume, arranging or conducting a marriage, wearing stitched clothes (for men), covering the head (for men), and covering the face (for women).
If a pilgrim unintentionally or unknowingly does something prohibited during the Hajj, there are usually specific actions and steps to rectify their situation. This often involves repentance, as well as making up for the mistake by offering charity or an animal sacrifice.
Packing for the Hajj requires careful planning to ensure you have everything you need without overloading. The graphic below provides a practical checklist of things one should pack before embarking on the journey.
Muslims mark the end of the Hajj with Eid al-Adha, celebrated on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah and lasting up to three days in many countries.
The day begins with a special prayer shortly after sunrise, as Muslims gather in mosques or open areas wearing their finest clothes. The rest of the day is spent sharing meals, exchanging gifts, and visiting family and friends. The greeting 'Eid Mubarak', meaning 'Blessed Eid,' is commonly exchanged.
Eid al-Adha also involves the ritual of animal sacrifice, known as Qurbani. Muslims who are able to do so sacrifice a sheep, goat, cow or camel, and the meat is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for those in need.