Hajj is the pilgrimage to Makkah and the fifth pillar of Islam. It is a once-in-a-lifetime duty for adult Muslims who are physically able to make the journey and can afford it. Its rituals include tawaf around the Kaaba, walking between Safa and Marwah, and standing at Arafat.
Who is required to perform Hajj?
Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime for an adult Muslim who is able to undertake and afford the journey. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said:
“Islam is built on five: testifying that there is no god, but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, praying regularly, paying zakat, fasting Ramadan, and pilgrimage to Kaaba for those who can afford it.”
The Quran also calls people to Hajj:
And proclaim the Hajj among the people, they will come to you on foot and every lean camel, they will come from every deep valley.
How does Hajj fit into the five pillars of Islam?
Hajj is the fifth pillar, alongside the testimony of faith, prayer, zakat and fasting in Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, described these pillars in the following hadith:
(Islam is built on five: bearing witness that there is no god, but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing prayer, paying zakat, performing the Hajj, and fasting in Ramadan).
- Testimony of faith: Bearing witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad, peace be upon him, is His Messenger.
- Prayer: The obligation to perform five prayers each day and night.
- Zakat: The obligation on the wealthy to give zakat from their wealth to the poor.
- Fasting: Abstaining from things that break the fast, including eating, drinking and sexual intercourse, during the day in Ramadan until sunset.
- Hajj: The obligation to make the pilgrimage for an adult Muslim who is able.
For a broader introduction to these duties, read our guide to the rules of Islam.
When does Hajj take place?
Hajj takes place during Dhul-Hijjah. Its main days include the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina on the eighth day, standing at Arafat on the ninth, and the rites that follow on the tenth.
Our guide to special days for Muslims during the year places Hajj within the wider Islamic year.
What are the main steps of Hajj?
The main stages include entering ihram, performing tawaf, walking between Safa and Marwah, and visiting Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah. This is a brief overview of the pilgrimage's sequence:
- Enter ihram and perform the arrival tawaf. The pilgrim enters ihram, then goes to the Kaaba at the Sacred Mosque for tawaf, or circumambulation.
- Walk between Safa and Marwah.
- Spend the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina. The pilgrim goes to Mina on the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah.
- Stand at Arafat, then go to Muzdalifah. Standing at Arafat takes place on the ninth day. After sunset, the pilgrim travels to Muzdalifah.
- Perform the tenth-day rites. These include stoning Jamrat al-Aqaba, slaughtering the sacrifice, shaving or shortening the hair, and performing Tawaf al-Ifadah in Makkah.
- Return to Mina for the days of Tashreeq. Pilgrims spend the nights in Mina and throw pebbles at the three Jamarat: the minor, middle and Aqaba.
- Conclude with the farewell tawaf. The pilgrim returns to Makkah for the farewell circumambulation before leaving the holy places.
For background on the Kaaba itself, read our guide to Kaaba history.
Why is Hajj important for Muslims?
Hajj is an act of worship and obedience to Allah. It also brings Muslims together and offers opportunities to practise patience, compassion and mutual care.
These benefits include:
- Meeting other Muslims: Pilgrims gather from different countries and get to know one another.
- Sharing knowledge and experience: These exchanges can strengthen affection and mercy between Muslims.
- Strengthening relationships: Learning about one another's circumstances encourages care and support.
- Developing patience: Bearing the hardships of the journey is part of the experience of worship.
How can families continue learning about Islam?
Families can continue their learning through one-to-one Islamic studies for kids at Murouj Academy. You can explore the teacher profiles and book a free trial class with a teacher you choose.
For Quran and Arabic study, the course overview also includes Quran memorization, Tajweed classes and Standard Arabic classes.
Frequently asked questions
What does Hajj mean in English?
Hajj means pilgrimage. In this context, it refers to the journey to Makkah to perform the rituals described above.
Must a Muslim perform Hajj every year?
Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime duty for an adult Muslim who is physically able to undertake it and can afford the journey. The pilgrimage takes place each year, but this does not make it an annual obligation for each individual.
What happens after standing at Arafat?
Pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah after sunset on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah. The pilgrimage then continues with the tenth-day rites and the return to Mina before the farewell tawaf.
