Almost 2 million Muslims are getting ready to embark on the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, which begins on Could 25, following the sighting of the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia.
The Hajj is the biggest annual gathering of Muslims from everywhere in the world and a once-in-a-lifetime journey for a lot of. Additionally it is the fifth pillar of Islam.
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On this visible explainer, we take a look at how Muslims carry out the Hajj, together with the important thing steps, rituals and preparations.
What’s Hajj?
The Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It’s the fifth and last pillar of Islam, together with the declaration of religion (shahada), 5 each day prayers, compulsory charity (zakat), and fasting throughout the month of Ramadan.
The phrase comes from the Arabic root “h-j-j”, which implies “intending a journey” or “to set out for a definitive objective”.
It’s compulsory as soon as in a lifetime for all grownup Muslims who’re bodily and financially in a position to undertake the journey.
When is the Hajj carried out?
The Hajj is carried out between the eighth and twelfth (or thirteenth) of Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth and last month of the Islamic calendar.
The timing falls roughly 70 days after the tip of Ramadan, although this may fluctuate barely relying on the lunar cycle.
In 2026, the Hajj will happen from Could 25 to Could 27, however many pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia weeks earlier than to organize for the journey.
As a result of the Islamic calendar follows a lunar cycle, with months lasting 29 or 30 days, the Hajj shifts 10 to 12 days earlier annually within the Gregorian calendar.
Why do Muslims carry out the Hajj?
Muslims imagine that the Hajj is a direct commandment from God, as outlined within the Quran.
Prophet Muhammad’s “farewell pilgrimage” in 632 AD affirmed the steps within the tenth yr of the Islamic calendar, and it’s talked about within the Quran practically a dozen occasions.
The Hajj begins earlier than pilgrims even enter Mecca.
The journey is a non secular one, and it’s thought-about to permit Muslims to hunt forgiveness, purify their souls and exhibit their submission to God.
How is the Hajj carried out?
Muslims carry out many rites and rituals throughout the 5 days of Hajj, which might be defined within the following steps.
Day 1
Ihram: Getting into the pilgrimage
Earlier than getting into Mecca, pilgrims enter a sacred state referred to as ihram. After making the intention to carry out the Hajj, males become two white clothes and ladies put on modest apparel. The fundamental clothes symbolises equality, humility, and unity earlier than God, the place variations of nationality, wealth, and standing disappear.
2. Tawaf: Circling the Kaaba
After getting into Mecca, pilgrims circle the Kaaba – a cubic constructing on the Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) that serves because the qibla, the path Muslims face throughout prayer – seven occasions in a counterclockwise path. This shared rhythm symbolises unity within the worship of the One God.
3. Sa’i: Strolling between Safa and Marwah
Pilgrims can then carry out the sa’i, a ritual of strolling seven occasions between the hills of Safa and Marwa.
The ritual retraces the seek for water within the desert valley of Mecca by Prophet Abraham’s (Ibrahim) spouse, Hagar (Hajar), for his or her son, Ishmael (Ismail), earlier than the Zamzam well emerged.
In Islamic custom, this properly has equipped pristine water within the arid desert for greater than 4,000 years and continues to nourish pilgrims to at the present time.
4. Mina: The tent metropolis
Pilgrims then proceed to Mina, about 8km (5 miles) east of the Kaaba, the place they are going to spend the evening in prayer and reflection.
Mina is famously referred to as the “metropolis of tents” as a result of huge expanse of 100,000 white tents to accommodate the tens of millions of pilgrims.
Day 2
5. Arafat: The central day of Hajj
On the second day of the Hajj, pilgrims arrive early on the plains of Mount Arafat, about 15km (9 miles) from Mina. They spend the afternoon in wuquf (standing) from noon to sundown, praying, and repenting.
Arafah is crucial ritual of the Hajj and symbolises a preview of the Day of Judgement. Muslims worldwide are inspired to quick on at the present time and have interaction in prayer and reflection.
6. Muzdalifah: Sleeping underneath the open sky
After sundown, pilgrims journey to Muzdalifah, 9km (5.5 miles) away. There, they carry out maghrib and isha prayers earlier than gathering pebbles for the following day’s ritual.
Day 3
On at the present time, Muslims from world wide have a good time the primary day of Eid al-Adha, or the celebration of the sacrifice.
From the early hours of the morning, pilgrims carry out a sequence of rituals, beginning with strolling again to Mina.
7. Stoning of the pillars
Pilgrims enter Mina, the place they throw seven pebbles on the largest of three stone pillars. This ritual represents the stoning of the satan, which symbolises the rejection of Devil’s temptations.
8. Sacrifice throughout Eid al-Adha
Pilgrims, or brokers on their behalf, supply an animal sacrifice in remembrance of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
9. Slicing or shaving hair
Males shave or trim their heads, and ladies reduce a small portion of their hair. This symbolises non secular renewal.
10. Most important tawaf
Pilgrims return to Mecca to carry out tawaf, circling the Kaaba, adopted by sa’i, strolling seven occasions between the hills of Safa and Marwa.
Days 4 and 5
Pilgrims return to Mina and carry out rami (stoning) of all three stone pillars on every day. Pilgrims who stay for an additional day repeat the stoning ritual in any respect three pillars as soon as extra.
Earlier than leaving Mecca, pilgrims carry out a last tawaf across the Kaaba, referred to as the tawaf al-wada or a “farewell tawaf”, signifying a non secular farewell to the holy sanctuary.
How do Muslims mark the tip of Hajj?
Muslims mark the tip of the Hajj with Eid al-Adha, celebrated on the tenth of Dhul-Hijjah and lasting as much as three days in lots of nations.
The day begins with a particular prayer shortly after dawn, as Muslims collect in mosques or open areas, sporting their most interesting garments. The remainder of the day is spent sharing meals, exchanging presents, and visiting household and buddies. The greeting “Eid Mubarak”, that means “Blessed Eid,” is usually exchanged.
Eid al-Adha additionally entails the ritual of animal sacrifice, referred to as Qurbani. Muslims who’re ready to take action sacrifice a sheep, goat, cow or camel, and the meat is split into three elements: one for the household, one for relations and buddies, and one for these in want.
