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About 2 million Muslims are preparing for the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, which begins on May 25, following the sighting of the moon in Saudi Arabia.
The Hajj is the largest annual gathering of Muslims from around the world and an annual pilgrimage for many. It is also the fifth pillar of Islam.
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In this commentary, we look at how Muslims perform Hajj, including the necessary steps, rituals and preparations.
What is Hajj?
The Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is the fifth and final pillar of Islam, along with the declaration of faith (shahada), five daily prayers, obligatory charity (zakat), and fasting during the month of Ramadan.
The word comes from the Arabic root “hjj”, which means “to seek a journey” or “to set out with a definite purpose”.
It is a once in a lifetime opportunity for all senior Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake this pilgrimage.
When is Hajj performed?
Hajj takes place between the 8th and 12th (or 13th) of Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th and last month of the Islamic calendar.
The period falls approximately 70 days after the end of Ramadan, although this may vary slightly depending on the lunar cycle.
In 2026, the Hajj will take place from May 25 to May 27, but many pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia a few weeks before planning the trip.
Because the Islamic calendar is based on the moon, and months have 29 or 30 days, the Hajj moves 10 to 12 days each year in the Gregorian calendar.
Why do Muslims perform Hajj?
Muslims believe that Hajj is a direct command from God, as described in the Qur’an.
The “farewell journey” of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 AD confirmed the steps of the 10th year of the Islamic calendar, and is mentioned in the Qur’an about a dozen times.
Hajj begins before pilgrims enter Mecca.
The pilgrimage is spiritual, and is considered an opportunity to allow Muslims to ask for forgiveness, purify their lives and show their submission to God.
How is Hajj performed?
Muslims perform many rituals and ceremonies during the five days of Hajj, which can be explained in the following ways.
Day 1
Ihram: Entering the Hajj prayers
Before entering Mecca, pilgrims enter the sacred state known as ihram. When they intend to perform Hajj, the men change into two white clothes and the women wear them respectfully. The large robes represent equality, humility, and unity before God, where differences of race, wealth, and status disappear.
2. Tawaf: Circling the North
After entering Mecca, pilgrims circle the Kaaba – the cubic building in the Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) that acts as the qibla, which Muslims face when praying – seven times in a row. This song represents unity in the worship of One God.
3. Sa’i: Traveling between Safa and Marwah
Pilgrims can then perform the sa’i, the ritual of walking seven times between the mountains of Safa and Marwa.
This tradition goes back to the search for water in the valley of Mecca by the wife of the Prophet Ibrahim (Ibrahim) Hagar (Hajar), for their son, Ismail (Ismail). Well done it has been discovered.
In Islamic tradition, this well has provided fresh water in the dry desert for over 4,000 years and continues to feed pilgrims to this day.
4. Mina: The city of tents
Then the hajjis go to Mina, 8km (5 miles) east of the Kaaba, where they spend the night praying and meditating.
Mina is also known as the “tent city” due to the expansion of 100,000 white tents to accommodate millions of pilgrims.
Day 2
5. Arafat: The middle day of Hajj
On the second day of Hajj, pilgrims arrive early in the plains of Mount Arafat, about 15km (9 miles) from Mina. He spends the day in wuwuf (standing) from noon to sunset, praying and doing penance.
Arafah is the most important ritual of the Hajj and represents the foreshadowing of the Day of Judgment. Muslims around the world are encouraged to fast on this day in prayer and meditation.
6. Muzdalifah: Sleeping under the open sky
At sunset, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah, a distance of 9km (5.5 miles). There they pray the Maghrib and Isha prayers before collecting the stones for the next day’s ritual.
Day 3
On this day, Muslims around the world celebrate the first day of Eid al-Adha, or the festival of sacrifices.
Starting early in the morning, pilgrims perform a series of rituals, starting with the journey back to Mina.
7. Rocking pillars
Pilgrims enter Mina, where they throw seven stones at the largest of three stone pillars. This ritual represents the stoning of the devil, which shows resistance to Satan’s temptations.
8. Sacrifice during Eid al-Adha
Pilgrims, or representatives on their behalf, sacrifice animals in memory of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
9. Shaving or cutting hair
Men shave or shave their heads, and women shave a small part of their hair. This represents spiritual renewal.
10. Play tawaf
Pilgrims return to Mecca to perform tawaf, circumambulating the Kaaba, then sa’i, walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa.
Days 4 and 5
Pilgrims return to Mina and perform rami (throwing stones) at three stone pillars every day. Pilgrims who stay for an extra day repeat the ritual of throwing stones at all three pillars again.
Before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform a final tawaf around the Kaaba, known as tawaf al-wada or “farewell tawaf”, meaning a spiritual farewell to the holy place.
How do Muslims mark the end of Hajj?
Muslims commemorate the end of Hajj with Eid al-Adha, which is celebrated on 10 Dhul-Hijjah and lasts three days in most countries.
The day begins with a special prayer after sunrise, when Muslims gather in mosques or open spaces, dressed in their best clothes. The whole day is spent sharing food, exchanging gifts, and visiting family and friends. The greeting “Eid Mubarak”, which means “Happy Eid,” is often changed.
Eid al-Adha also involves the ritual of animal sacrifice, known as Qurbani. Muslims who can sacrifice a sheep, goat, cow or camel, and the animal is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for those who need help.
