What Hajj and Eid al-Adha mean to muslims: A journey of faith and sacrifice in Islam
What Hajj and Eid al-Adha mean to muslims: A journey of faith and sacrifice in Islam
Each year, millions of Muslims from across the globe gather in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj, the holy pilgrimage to Mecca that represents one of the five central pillars of Islam. It is not merely a physical journey but a profound spiritual awakening—an act of devotion, equality, and renewal.
For many pilgrims, Hajj is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, one that requires months, if not years, of planning, saving, and spiritual preparation.
According to The Economic Times report, this year, Hajj 2025 will begin on Wednesday, June 4, coinciding with the 8th day of Dhul-Hijja, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. As global travel stabilizes after recent years of pandemic-induced restrictions, Saudi authorities are expecting a record turnout of over 2 million pilgrims, bringing heightened focus on crowd safety, heat management, and accessibility for elderly and disabled worshippers.
The Hajj continues to hold enormous religious, social, and emotional significance for Muslims worldwide.
What is the Hajj and why is it important
Hajj is an obligatory pilgrimage for every Muslim who is physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey at least once in their lifetime. It is rooted in events dating back over 4,000 years, linked to the stories of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), his wife Hagar, and their son Ismail. For Muslims, Hajj symbolizes surrender to the will of God, spiritual rebirth, and unity among believers.
The pilgrimage is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, alongside:
Shahada (faith in one God),
Salah (prayer),
Zakat (charity),
Sawm (fasting during Ramadan).
By performing the Hajj, pilgrims aim to cleanse themselves of past sins, deepen their relationship with God, and demonstrate solidarity with the global Muslim community (ummah).
When is Hajj 2025 taking place
The Hajj follows the Islamic lunar calendar, and its dates vary each year. In 2025, it is expected to start on the evening of June 4 and end on June 9 or 10, depending on moon sightings.
These days correspond to the 8th to 13th of Dhul-Hijja, the twelfth month in the Islamic calendar.
Due to the desert climate of Mecca, Hajj occurring in early June means temperatures may soar above 45°C (113°F). As per The Economic Times report, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has urged pilgrims to take precautions against heatstroke and dehydration, especially when performing outdoor rituals like the Standing at Arafat and the Stoning of the Devil (Ramy al-Jamarat) in Mina.
Major rituals performed during Hajj
Pilgrims must complete several rites in a set order, with each carrying deep religious symbolism:
1. Ihram – The State of Purity
Before entering Mecca, pilgrims don the Ihram garments—white seamless cloth for men and simple modest attire for women—to signal spiritual purity and equality before God. While in this state, pilgrims must avoid arguments, vanity, and any worldly distractions.
2. Tawaf – Circling the Kaaba
Upon arriving in the Grand Mosque in Mecca, pilgrims perform Tawaf, which involves walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction.
The Kaaba is considered the holiest structure in Islam, and this act symbolizes unity in worship and submission to God.
3. Sa'i – Walking Between Safa and Marwah
This ritual commemorates Hagar's desperate search for water for her son, Ismail. Pilgrims walk briskly between the two small hills of Safa and Marwah seven times, retracing her path.
4. Arafat – The Day of Standing
Perhaps the most important part of the Hajj, pilgrims gather at the Plain of Arafat on the 9th of Dhul-Hijja.
Here, they pray and reflect from noon until sunset, asking for forgiveness in what is seen as a rehearsal for the Day of Judgment.
5. Muzdalifah – Night Under the Stars
After sunset, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah, a plain between Arafat and Mina, to spend the night under the open sky. They also collect pebbles here for the next day's ritual.
6. Ramy al-Jamarat – The Stoning of the Devil
On the 10th of Dhul-Hijja, pilgrims throw pebbles at three stone pillars in Mina, representing Satan.
This act reenacts Prophet Ibrahim's rejection of Satan's temptation.
7. Qurbani (Sacrifice)
This day also marks the
Eid al-Adha
celebration. Pilgrims perform the ritual slaughter of an animal, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The meat is distributed among the poor.
8. Tawaf al-Ifadah and Farewell Tawaf
After returning to Mecca, pilgrims perform another round of Tawaf and complete final rites before returning home spiritually renewed.
Eid al-Adha: A festival of sacrifice and compassion
Eid al-Adha begins on the 10th of Dhul-Hijja and coincides with the Hajj. Muslims around the world commemorate Prophet Ibrahim's test of faith. Families sacrifice an animal—typically a sheep, goat, or cow—and distribute the meat in three parts: for the family, relatives, and the poor.
The holiday is a time for festivity, generosity, and community prayers, reminding believers of the values of selflessness, obedience, and gratitude.
Safety and health measures for Hajj 2025
With record temperatures expected, Saudi authorities have implemented key measures to ensure pilgrim safety:
Cooling stations with mist sprays and shade zones.
Distribution of free water bottles, umbrellas, and hydration kits.
Over 30,000 health workers and 5,000 hospital beds allocated specifically for Hajj-related emergencies.
Special tracking bracelets for elderly pilgrims to monitor health and prevent loss.
Electronic permit systems to control crowd flow and prevent unauthorized pilgrims from joining.
Hajj 2025: Pilgrim limits, permit process, and new tech for muslim travelers
Each Muslim-majority country is allocated a Hajj quota based on its population. In 2025, over 180 countries are participating, with Indonesia, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh receiving the largest quotas. Pilgrims must apply for Hajj permits through official government portals, and all travelers must be vaccinated and physically fit.
This year, the Hajj Smart App will help pilgrims with navigation, real-time updates, multilingual support, and emergency contact assistance.
Hajj: A spiritual journey that transcends borders
Hajj is more than a religious obligation—it is a global manifestation of Muslim unity, humility, and submission to God. People from vastly different cultures walk side by side, dressed identically, performing the same rituals. This unique pilgrimage breaks down social barriers and leaves participants with a sense of deep spiritual accomplishment.
As pilgrims return from Mecca, they are often referred to as 'Hajji,' carrying newfound wisdom and renewed faith. For millions who cannot make the journey this year, Hajj remains a spiritual aspiration that reflects the heart of Islamic devotion.
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