Hajj is an important spiritual rite in Islam, says Imam Daayiee Abdullah, explaining its place in Muslim life.
As one of the 5 Pillars in Islam, this pilgrimage is an experience Muslims look forward to. Whether poor or rich, every Muslim tries to go through it at least once in a lifetime.
I had the opportunity to perform it when I was in Saudi Arabia during the 1990s. This was a time when I was still new to the faith. It was explained to me that it was required for Muslims who are physically and financially able.
It takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. Key rituals include circumambulating the Kaaba, spending time at Mina and Arafat, and experiencing a global influx of Muslims in one place.
For most Muslims, Hajj symbolizes obedience, humility, and charity, and while it is obligatory, many people also perform it more than once.
In this guide, I will go through the major aspects of it in order.
What is Hajj?
Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, required for Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it.
Linguistically, “hajj” (حجّ) means “to make a journey.” Spiritually, it symbolizes submission to God, purification of the soul, and seeking forgiveness.
This pilgrimage is a way to cultivate humility, equality, and unity, as pilgrims from all over the world gather in a shared sacred space.
For non-Muslims, the event is a unique religious or cultural practice. There is an association with themes of devotion, community, and the human quest for meaning and connection to the divine.
When is Hajj?
Because the Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage, it’s part of the Islamic calendar. It takes place during the month of the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, Dhu al-Hijjah, specifically from the 8th to the 12th day.
The Islamic calendar is lunar, so the pilgrimage shifts about 10–12 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
For most Muslims, the pilgrimage symbolizes spiritual purification, submission to God, and unity among Muslims, with pilgrims from around the world gathering in Mecca.
As a result, Muslims work hard (and even save long term) to experience it. Therefore, it tends to take place in one’s later years in life, usually after the age of 50.
An average trip to the pilgrimage can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000.
The Kaaba
The Kaaba (الكعبة) is a cube-shaped building in the Masjid al-Haram mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is the most sacred site in Islam.
According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham in the Bible) and his son Isma’il (Ishmael) built it as a house of worship dedicated to God.
During the Hajj, millions of pilgrims perform the Tawaf, walking around the Kaaba seven times.
The Kaaba is also the qibla. It is the direction Muslims face in prayer, and is, therefore, a central symbol of Islamic unity.
While the Kaaba itself is accessible only to Muslims today, anyone used to be able to visit Mecca and perform Umrah or Hajj if so desired.
Ihram on Hajj
Ihram is a state of spiritual and physical purity that a Muslim enters before performing Hajj or Umrah. Like Ramadan, it requires intention.
Linguistically, “Ihram” (إحرام) means “to make sacred.” It signifies a state that forbids certain actions, like fighting or arguing.
Ihram connects Muslims to the traditions of Prophet Ibrahim, who was in a state of Ihram when he performed the pilgrimage.
Pilgrims wear simple white clothing—two pieces for men and modest dress for women. This symbolizes purity, equality, and detachment from worldly distractions, focusing solely on worshiping God.
Tawaf
Tawaf is the ritual act of walking around the Kaaba during Hajj and Umrah, performed in a counterclockwise direction.
Linguistically, “Tawaf” (طواف) comes from the Arabic root “w-f,” meaning “to encircle” or “to go around.” Therefore, it symbolizes the pilgrim’s devotion to God.
Tawaf commemorates the practice of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Isma’il, who circled the Kaaba as part of their worship.
Pilgrims perform seven rounds of Tawaf, beginning at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), seeking spiritual renewal and closeness to God, while symbolizing the unity of believers in the worship of the one God.
Safa and Marwa
Safa and Marwa are two hills within the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. They are central to the Saa’i ritual of Hajj and Umrah.
There is an association with Hagar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim. She ran between these hills in search of water for her son, Isma’il.
In remembrance of her struggle, pilgrims walk seven times between Safa and Marwa. The experience symbolizes faith, perseverance, and trust in God’s provision.
This act is a key part of the pilgrimage.
Zamzam Water
Zamzam water is a sacred water source within the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, near the Kaaba.
Linguistically, “Zamzam” (زمزم) is derived from the Arabic root “z-m-z-m,” meaning “to gather.”
The name celebrates the well that miraculously sprang forth when Hagar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim, and her son Isma’il were in need of water in the desert.
The Zamzam well is believed to have been provided by God in response to Hagar’s desperate search for water. As a result, it symbolizes divine mercy and sustenance.
Pilgrims drink Zamzam water during Hajj as a blessing and spiritual nourishment, and they even take some back home to share with their families and friends.
Mina and Hajj
Mina is a small valley near Mecca, where pilgrims gather during Hajj. It has a historical role as a place of rest and reflection.
Mina is significant for its association with Prophet Ibrahim and his willingness to sacrifice his son Isma’il in obedience to God.
It is also the site where pilgrims perform the Stoning of the Jamarat, symbolizing the rejection of Satan.
It is also where they carry out the Qurban (sacrifice) as part of the rituals of Eid al-Adha.
Qurbani
Qurbani (also known as Udhiyah) is the ritual animal sacrifice performed during Hajj and on Eid al-Adha.
Linguistically, “Qurbani” (قرباني) comes from the Arabic root “q-r-b,” meaning “to bring closer,” and, in this case, through a sacrifice for God.
It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isma’il in obedience to God, who provided a ram to be sacrificed in Isma’il’s place.
During the sacred events, pilgrims sacrifice animals—usually sheep, goats, cows, or camels—after the Stoning of the Jamarat.
The meat is distributed among the poor, family, and friends. It is a way to symbolize obedience, charity, and the sharing of blessings with others.
Muzdalifah and Hajj
Muzdalifah is a sacred site between Arafat and Mina, where pilgrims spend the night on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah during Hajj.
The location has a role as a place of gathering and closeness to God. Muzdalifah is where Prophet Muhammad spent the night during his pilgrimage.
It is also the site where pilgrims collect pebbles for the Stoning of the Jamarat.
This is a time for reflection, prayer, and rest after the intense day at Arafat.
Mount Arafat
Arafat is a plain about 20 kilometers (12.5 miles or so) from Mecca, where pilgrims gather on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah during Hajj.
The trip symbolizes recognizing dependence on God for forgiveness.
Arafat is significant as the site where Prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon, and where Prophet Ibrahim and his family demonstrated their obedience to God.
The Standing at Arafat (Wuquf) is the pinnacle of Hajj, a day of prayer, supplication, and seeking God’s mercy and forgiveness.
Hajj Costs
Hajj travel for the average Muslim involves several key logistics. Pilgrims typically book packages through travel agencies.
In many Muslim countries, these are subsidized for the poor, but they may range from $2,000 to $25,000 depending on the services included.
These packages usually cover flights, accommodation, and transportation, including within Saudi Arabia.
A Hajj visa is an extremely part of the modern pilgrimage, obtained through authorized agencies, and requires specific documentation, including proof of financial means and health insurance.
Many pilgrims choose to travel in groups for convenience and support, especially if Arabic is not a first language.
Conclusion
Hajj is an important pilgrimage to Mecca, fulfilling a key pillar of Islam. This pilgrimage includes rituals of worship, devotion, and an experience of unity for Muslims worldwide.
If someone cannot afford Hajj and dies without performing it, they are not held accountable for missing the pilgrimage becuase it is only for those able physically and financially.
In Islam, God’s mercy is tremendous and individuals are judged based on their intentions and actions within their means.
May Allah continue to guide us all.
Imam Daayiee Abdullah is the Executive Director of MECCA Institute and the author of “Progressive Islam,” a historic book that defines Progressive Islam.