Mecca & the Pilgrimage
Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is obligatory for every Muslim who is physically and financially able to perform it at least once in their lifetime.
Key Rituals
- Tawaf — Circumambulation of the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise
- Sa'i — Walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa, commemorating Hagar's search for water
- Wuquf at Arafat — Standing at the plain of Arafat in prayer and reflection — the most essential ritual of Hajj
- Stoning of the Jamarat — Symbolic stoning of pillars representing Shaytan (the devil)
- Qurbani — Animal sacrifice on Eid al-Adha
Umrah
Umrah is the lesser pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of year. It is not obligatory but highly recommended.