Written By: Dr. Siraj A. Jalali

Right now, millions of Muslims from around the world are gathered in Saudi Arabia to perform the pilgrimage called Hajj. They gather to show their faith and devotion and to complete a ritual that is sacred in Islam.

Hajj (pilgrimage) is the fifth pillar of Islam and is closely associated with the life of Prophet Muhammad in the seventh century AD. However, Muslims believe that the pilgrimage to Makkah dates back thousands of years to the time of Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael. Hajj is required once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is physically and financially able to undertake the journey.

During Hajj, millions of pilgrims from around the world gather in Makkah and perform a series of sacred rituals over several days. Pilgrims circle the Kaaba (the black cube shaped mosque in Makkah) seven times in a counter-clockwise direction – symbolizing unity in the worship of Allah. Then, they perform Sa‘i by walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, drink from the Zamzam water well, gather at Plain of Arafat for prayer and reflection, spend the night at Muzdalifah (an open, sacred plain in Saudi Arabia located between Mount Arafat and the “tent city” of Mina), and perform the symbolic stoning of the devil at the “tent city” of Mina.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, takes place at the end of Hajj. It commemorates Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha with special prayers, charitable acts, family gatherings, and the sacrifice of an animal such as a sheep, goat, or cow, with the meat shared among relatives, friends, and those in need. The festival highlights values of faith, gratitude, obedience, and compassion.