Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam: the great pilgrimage to the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia that every Muslim should try to make at least once in their life, if they are healthy and can afford it.

Hajj takes place during the 12th month of the Islamic year. Around 2 million Muslims attend every year, making it the largest annual gathering of people on earth.

Ihram

Before entering Mecca, pilgrims put on ihram - simple white clothes (two unsewn sheets for men; modest clothes for women). Ihram strips away all signs of wealth and class, showing that all Muslims are equal before Allah.

The Main Rituals

Tawaf - walking seven times anti-clockwise around the Kaaba, the cube-shaped black building at the heart of the Grand Mosque.
Sa'i - walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, remembering Hagar searching for water for her baby Ismail.
Drinking from the well of Zamzam, which Muslims believe sprang up to save Hagar and Ismail.
Standing in prayer all afternoon on the plain of Arafat - the central act of Hajj. This is where Muhammad gave his Farewell Sermon.
Throwing pebbles at three pillars at Mina to symbolise rejecting the devil.
Sacrificing a sheep or goat for the festival of Eid-ul-Adha, remembering Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son.

Returning pilgrims are called hajji (men) or hajja (women) - a title of great honour.

Y9 Islam

Hajj - Pilgrimage to Mecca