Hajj is a sacred pilgrimage that is required of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime – it is one of the five pillars of Islam. Each year, millions of Muslims from across the world travel to and perform Hajj in Makkah, modern day Saudi Arabia.

This year, Hajj is is expected to take place between 4th June to the 9th June 2025 in the Gregorian Calendar, depending on the sighting of the moon.

It takes place during the same time each year, in the sacred month of Dhul Hijjah – the twelfth month in the Islamic Calendar. Hajj begins on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah and lasts approximately five to six days depending on the sighting of the moon. When the new crescent moon is sighted, Muslims around the world welcome in the four-day festival of Eid al-Adha.

Muslims are commanded by Allah (SWT) to fulfil the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj as relayed in the Holy Qur’an:

You will enter the Sacred Masjid, God willing, perfectly secure, and you will cut your hair or shorten it (as you fulfil the pilgrimage rituals) there. You will not have any fear. Since He knew what you did not know, He has coupled this with an immediate victory.

Qur’an | Surah Al-Fath | 48:27

While Hajj is required of every Muslim, it is only required so long as they have the capacity. There are conditions which make Muslims eligible to perform Hajj and exempt from performing Hajj. 

What Is Hajj In Islam?

The sacred pilgrimage of Hajj is comprised of a series of rites and rituals – some in order – that provide a spiritual, emotional, and physical challenge for the pilgrim. For example, a pilgrim can expect to walk between 5km-15km per day, as Hajj requires some travel between several locations in and around the vicinity of Makkah. Much of the pilgrimage takes place at the Masjid al-Haram, where the Kaaba is located.

Hajj is a spiritual duty and a pillar of Islam, and for many, it is a once in a lifetime event. Going more than once during your lifetime is permitted whilst sincerely seeking Allah’s (SWT) (which means ‘The Most Glorified, The Most High) pleasure.

As the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah and does not utter any obscene speech or do any evil deed, will go back (free of sin) as his mother bore him.”

Why is Hajj important?

Hajj is one of the five Pillars of Islam, which form the basic foundations of a Muslim’s beliefs. Every Muslim is expected to undertake the pilgrimage at least once in their lives if they have physical and financial capacity.

What Happens On Hajj?

Muslims who perform the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj are required to undergo a series of rites and rituals which each offer their own unique purpose and wisdom.

Here are the 18 steps of Hajj at a glance:

The 18 Steps Of Hajj At A Glance:

1. Preparation and Intention
2. Enter state of Ihram
3. Tawaf x7
4. Safa and Marwa
5. Clip/Shave Hair (Umrah ends)
6. Resting and Praying
7. Enter state of Ihram
8. Arrive at Mina
9. Day of ‘Arafah
10. Muzdalifah (under the night sky)
11. Rami (stoning of the devil)
12. Qurbani
13. Shave Head
14. Tawaf al-Ifadha
15. Rami (stoning of the devil)
16. Spend night at Mina
17. Rami (stoning of the devil)
18. Farewell Tawaf al-Wida

Why Do Muslims Go On Hajj?

Hajj is one of the fifth pillars of Islam, meaning it is obliged of every Muslim.

Here are the Five Pillars Of Islam:

1. Profession of Faith (Shahada). The belief and declaration that “There is no diety worthy of worship except Allah, and Muhammad (‎ﷺ) is the final Prophet sent by Allah.”
2. Prayer (Salah)
3. Alms (Zakat)
4. Fasting (Sawm)
5. Pilgrimage (Hajj)

Unlike prayer, Alms and Fasting, Hajj is required of every Muslim only once during their lifetime, so long as they are physically, emotionally, and financially eligible. However, Muslims are permitted to go more than once if they have the means.

The Hajj pilgrimage is a test of patience and temperament, and can be spiritually, emotionally, and physically challenging. However the sanctity of this occasion provides an experience and opportunity like no other for drawing closer to Allah (SWT), and many Muslims around the world strive their whole lives for the opportunity to perform Hajj.

What is the purpose of Hajj?

As one of the five pillars of Islam, the purpose of Hajj for Muslims means fulfilling our spiritual duties to Allah (SWT) and showing our submission to Him.

Muslims believe Hajj offers a chance to wipe clean past sins and start anew before Allah. Additionally, the act of performing Hajj with increased Taqwa (being God-conscious) and to a high standard of perfection, is rewarded with Paradise.

A Mabroor Hajj, complete and accepted, has no reward for it but Jannah.

Hadith | Muslim

How Do You Prepare For Hajj?

While Hajj is first and foremost a spiritual duty, it is also very physically demanding and preparing for Hajj is greatly encouraged for Muslims around the world.

As pilgrims walk on average between 5km-15km per day, it is encouraged for Muslims to physically prepare for Hajj weeks in advance, so that the travel that is required between locations across the five-six-day pilgrimage is not a shock to the system. Being physically prepared provides an aide to the emotionally and spiritually demanding aspects of Hajj.

Difference Between Hajj And Umrah

Hajj and Umrah are both sacred pilgrimages in Islam and share many of the same qualities, rites, and rituals. However, there are some main differences, one of the biggest being that Hajj is a fifth pillar of Islam and required of every Muslim so long as they have the capacity, whereas Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage.

Here are some more differences between Hajj and Umrah:

• Hajj can only take place between the 8th and 12th or 13th of Dhul Hijjah each year, whereas Umrah can be performed at any time of the year.
• Hajj lasts approximately five to six days (depending on the sighting of the crescent moon), whereas Umrah can be performed within a much shorter period – even a day!
• There are 18 steps to perform in Hajj, whereas there are far fewer in Umrah.

Can non-Muslims go on Hajj?

Pilgrimage is not restricted to Muslims, and many religions have their own form of pilgrimage. However, only Muslims are permitted to enter or pass through the holy city of Makkah. In Medina, non-Muslims are not allowed to enter Nabawi Square.

History of Hajj

In 628 CE, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the Muslims performed the first Islamic pilgrimage (Hajj). He was instructed to re-establish the traditions started by the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) as instructed by Allah (SWT), millennia before.

Under the commandment of Allah, Ibrahim (AS) travelled to the barren desert of Makkah to perform various acts of worship, including building the Kaaba.