The Fifth Pillar: Hajj

The fifth Pillar of Islam is hajj (HAJZH), the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.  In the twelfth month of the Islamic year, millions of believers from all over the world come together at Mecca.   All adult Muslims who are financially and physically able to make the journey are expected to perform the hajj at least once during their lifetime.  By bringing Muslims from many places and cultures together, the hajj promotes fellowship and equality.

In Mecca, pilgrims follow what Muslims believe are the footsteps of Abraham and Muhammad, and so draw closer to God. For five days, they dress in simple white clothing and perform a series of rituals, moving from one sacred site to another.

Upon arrival, Muslims announce their presence with these words: “Here I am, O God, at Thy command!” They go to the Great Mosque, which houses the Ka'bah. Muslims believe that Abraham built the Ka'bah as a shrine to honor God. The pilgrims circle the Ka'bah seven times, which is a ritual mentioned in the Qur'an. Next, they run along a passage between two small hills, as Hagar did when she searched for water for her baby Ishmael. The pilgrims drink from the Zamzam spring, which is believed to have appeared miraculously at Ishmael's feet.

Later, pilgrims leave Mecca to sleep in tents at a place called Mina. In the morning, they move to the Plain of Arafat to pray until sunset, asking God's forgiveness. Some climb Mount Arafat, where Muhammad preached his Last Sermon. After spending another night camped in the desert, they reject evil by casting stones at pillars representing Satan.

Afterward, pilgrims may celebrate with a four-day feast. In honor of Abraham's ancient sacrifice, as recounted in religious scriptures, Muslims sacrifice animals, typically sheep or goats, and share the meat with family, friends, and the poor. Then, having completed the hajj, they dress again in their own clothes. Before leaving Mecca, each pilgrim circles the Ka'bah seven more times. Muslims around the world celebrate this “farewell” day as Eid al-Adha (eed-AL-adh-hah).