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What you need
to know about Hajj

A time of prayer, reflection, and community.

What is Hajj?

Complete the pilgrimage and minor pilgrimage for Allah.

Qur'an, 2:196

Surely the first House 'of worship' established for humanity is the one at Bakkah—a blessed sanctuary and a guide for 'all' people. In it are clear signs and the standing-place of Abraham. Whoever enters it should be safe. Pilgrimage to this House is an obligation by Allah upon whoever is able to undertake the journey. And whoever disbelieves, then surely Allah is not in need of 'any of His' creation.

Qur'an, 3:96-97

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam which is mandatory on all able-bodied Muslims to perform once in their lifetime, if they are financially capable to do so. The Hajj consists of a number of rituals which commemorate the faith and trials of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family, in and around the holy city of Mecca.

Millions of Muslims from across the globe prepare to walk in the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), whose unwavering faith and submission to Allah serve as the foundation of this sacred journey. The rituals of Hajj are not merely symbolic acts; they are a living reenactment of Ibrahim's legacy — his migration, his prayers, and his profound sacrifices. From the tawaf around the Kaʿbah, which he helped construct with his son Ismail (peace be upon him), to the Sa'i between Safa and Marwah that recalls the desperate search of Hajar for water, every step during Hajj is a testimony to the faith, resilience, and trust in Allah that Ibrahim's family embodied.

Sacred Sacrifice

Among the most powerful stories commemorated during Hajj is that of Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to a divine command. Though the command came through a vision, Ibrahim did not hesitate, and Ismail himself accepted it with remarkable submission: "O my father, do as you are commanded; you will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast" (37:102).

At the moment of sacrifice, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram, affirming that the true sacrifice was the surrender of the heart to God. This act is remembered every year during Eid al-Adha, which marks the culmination of Hajj, as Muslims around the world offer their own sacrifices to symbolize gratitude, obedience, and solidarity with those in need.

This story, central to the Hajj pilgrimage, reminds Muslims that true faith is measured not by ease or comfort but by one's willingness to prioritize the divine over all else. It challenges us to ask: What are we willing to give up for the sake of our values, our Creator, and our greater purpose? In a world often driven by self-interest and material pursuit, the Hajj and the legacy of Ibrahim offer a counter-narrative — one grounded in submission, sacrifice, and the hope that through sincere devotion, our actions will echo long after us, just as the legacy of Ibrahim continues to shape the spiritual lives of Muslims today.

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Then when the boy reached the age to work with him, Abraham said, "O my dear son! I have seen in a dream that I ˹must˺ sacrifice you. So tell me what you think." He replied, "O my dear father! Do as you are commanded. Allah willing, you will find me steadfast."

Then when they submitted ˹to Allah's Will˺, and Abraham laid him on the side of his forehead ˹for sacrifice˺, We called out to him, "O Abraham! You have already fulfilled the vision." Indeed, this is how We reward the good-doers.

That was truly a revealing test. And We ransomed his son with a great sacrifice, and blessed Abraham ˹with honourable mention˺ among later generations: "Peace be upon Abraham."

This is how We reward the good-doers.

Qur'an 37:102-111

Is this when Muslims circle around a black box?

Yes! That black cube structure is known to Muslims as the Ka'bah and it is believed to be the house of worship built by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismael (Ishmael). Muslims performing hajj will circle the Ka'bah seven times in a ritual known as Tawaf.


This ritual is meant to symbolize that God should be at the center of our lives, in the same way that God's House (the Ka'bah) is at the center of this ritual. It also symbolizes the connection to Prophet Ibrahim, who prayed for his descendants to inherit the message of monotheism.

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A tree symbolizing the beginning of humanity

Hajj is the ultimate spiritual journey for Muslims. It's like the biggest convention in the world – but there are no VIP passes, and everyone wears the same outfit (a simple white cloth called ihram). It is an exercise in equality, brotherhood, humility and devotion to God.

There were tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over the world. They were of all colors, from blue-eyed blondes to black-skinned Africans. But we were all participating in the same ritual, displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had led me to believe never could exist between the white and the non-white.

Malcolm X (El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz)

A Life Changing Opportunity

Undergoing the journey of hajj is meant to impart a deep spiritual, social and moral meaning upon the pilgrim. The themes of the hajj include:

Repentance and renewal

Hajj is the greatest opportunity for a believer to seek forgiveness and purification, allowing them to start a new spiritual life. Pilgrims often return with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to their faith.

Equality and unity

Hajj brings together Muslims from all races, nationalities and socio-economic backgrounds to the same plains, wearing the same garments, and performing the same rituals. This emphasizes the belief of equality before God and brotherhood between each other.

Connection to spiritual history

The rituals of Hajj follow the footsteps of the Prophets - Abraham to Muhammad (peace be upon them) and many Prophets in between who performed the same rituals. This reminds the believer of their connection to the primordial faith of oneness of God.

Submission to God

Pilgrims leave behind their worldly distractions, including their job and other daily activities, in order to focus totally on their monotheistic worship of God alone.

Patience and sacrifice

Hajj can be physically and emotionally challenging, which symbolizes perseverance in faith.

Frequently asked questions

Hajj lasts 5-6 days, starting on the 8th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic (lunar) Calendar, and ending on the 12th or 13th day of Dhul Hijjah.

However, most pilgrims spend 2-4 weeks away from home, including travel and preparation.

Hajj in 2025 is expected to take place from June 4th to June 9th. The exact dates may vary depending on the sighting of the moon.
Typically, between 2 to 3 million people perform Hajj annually.
Pilgrims prepare ahead of time in a number of ways. Spiritually, pilgrims will prepare through prayer, seeking forgiveness, and making amends. Financially, by saving money for travel expenses and fulfilling debt obligations. Physically, by increasing their exercise to prepare for a strenuous journey.
Hajj and Umrah are both forms of pilgrimage to Mecca, but the Hajj is considered the major pilgrimage. Hajj is mandatory on Muslims at least once in their lifetime (provided they are physically and financially capable) and can only be performed during specific dates during the year, whereas Umrah is voluntary and can be performed at any time during the year.