Every year, millions of Muslims travel to Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj, one of the holiest acts of worship in Islam. The pilgrimage brings together believers from different countries and cultures in a shared spiritual journey marked by prayer, devotion and religious rituals.

This year’s Hajj comes amid regional uncertainty linked to the fragile ceasefire surrounding the Iran conflict and wider tensions in the Middle East. Earlier this year, some Muslims performing Umrah — often called the minor pilgrimage — faced travel disruptions caused by the conflict, leaving several stranded in Saudi Arabia.

The Hajj is one of Islam’s five pillars
Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and is considered a religious duty for every Muslim who is financially and physically capable of undertaking the journey at least once in their lifetime. Many believers, however, aspire to perform it multiple times.

The pilgrimage is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, alongside the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity and fasting.

The pilgrimage follows the Islamic lunar calendar
Hajj takes place during Dhul-Hijja, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and officially begins this year on Monday.

Because the Islamic calendar shifts each year, the pilgrimage rotates through different seasons. When Hajj falls during summer, pilgrims often endure extreme temperatures. In 2024, Saudi authorities reported that more than 1,300 people died during the pilgrimage amid severe heat, with most victims identified as unauthorized pilgrims exposed to long hours under the sun.

A journey of faith and spiritual renewal
For Muslims, Hajj is not only a religious obligation but also a profound spiritual experience. Pilgrims view the journey as an opportunity to seek forgiveness from God, strengthen their faith and follow the path of prophets.

The pilgrimage also symbolizes unity among Muslims regardless of nationality, race, language or social background. Many pilgrims carry personal prayers and requests from relatives and friends, hoping their supplications will be accepted during the sacred journey.

For some, preparing for Hajj takes years of saving money, waiting for travel permits and studying the rituals through lectures, books and guidance from experienced pilgrims.

Pilgrims perform a series of sacred rituals
Pilgrims begin by entering a spiritual state known as “ihram,” during which they follow specific rules and avoid certain activities. Men wear simple white garments intended to promote humility and equality by removing signs of wealth or social status.

One of the most significant moments of Hajj is the gathering at the plain of Arafat, where pilgrims pray, seek forgiveness and make heartfelt supplications.

Another major ritual is “tawaf,” the act of circling the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. The Kaaba is the sacred structure toward which Muslims around the world face during daily prayers.

Pilgrims also reenact the journey of Hagar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim, who according to Islamic tradition ran seven times between two hills searching for water for her son.

Eid al-Adha and its religious importance
Eid al-Adha, known as the “Feast of Sacrifice,” begins during Hajj on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijja.

The festival commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. Muslims around the world observe the occasion through prayers, family gatherings and the sacrifice of animals such as sheep or cattle, with part of the meat distributed among the poor and needy.