What Happens During the Hajj Pilgrimage?

During Hajj, Muslims travel to Makkah and carry out a series of acts of worship. The pilgrimage includes circling the Ka'bah, standing at Arafat and symbolically rejecting evil by throwing pebbles at pillars in Mina. Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Muslims who are physically and financially able are expected to make the pilgrimage once in their lifetime. Worshipping together expresses the unity of the ummah, the worldwide Muslim community.

The main stages

Pilgrims enter a state called ihram before beginning Hajj. This means following special rules and focusing on worship. Many wear simple clothing, which expresses equality before Allah.

In Makkah, pilgrims perform tawaf, walking around the Ka'bah seven times. They also perform sa'i, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa. This recalls Hajar's search for water for her son Isma'il. The exact point at which pilgrims perform sa'i can vary.

Pilgrims then travel to Mina, where they spend time in prayer, before going to Arafat. At Arafat, they stand in prayer and ask Allah for forgiveness. This is a central part of Hajj: without the standing at Arafat, the pilgrimage is not complete.

After sunset, pilgrims go to Muzdalifah, where they pray and collect pebbles. They return to Mina to throw the pebbles at pillars, an act that symbolises rejecting Satan and temptation. Many pilgrims also arrange an animal sacrifice, recalling Ibrahim's obedience to Allah. The sacrifice is linked to Eid al-Adha and can also provide food for people in need. Pilgrims cut or shave their hair, return to Makkah for further tawaf, and continue the stoning rites over the following days. Before leaving Makkah, most perform a farewell tawaf.

Exam point: Do not confuse Arafat with Mina. Arafat is where pilgrims stand in prayer and seek forgiveness; Mina is where they throw pebbles at the pillars.