What is the Hajj Pilgrimage?
Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world go on a pilgrimage to Mecca. This journey is one of the five pillars of Islam. But why is it so important and how is it done?

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The Hajj is a yearly journey that Muslims make to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It takes place in the last month of the Islamic calendar, usually in June or July. Every year, millions of Muslims from all over the world go on this pilgrimage. In 2026, the Hajj will take place from May 25th to May 30th. The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, which are five important tasks that every Muslim must do in their lifetime. These tasks are: declaring faith, praying five times a day, giving to those in need, fasting during Ramadan, and going on the Hajj pilgrimage. Mecca is the city where the Islamic faith was born, and it's where the Prophet Muhammad was born and received his first revelations. The city is home to the Kaaba, which is the holiest place in Islam. During the Hajj, Muslims perform several important rituals. Men wear two pieces of white cloth, while women wear traditional clothes and cover their heads. This shows that all Muslims are equal in the eyes of God. The first part of the Hajj involves walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. This is done to show that all Muslims are equal. The next ritual is running between two hills, Safa and Marwa, seven times. Muslims believe that the Prophet Ibrahim's wife, Hagar, ran between these hills looking for water for her baby, Ismail. During the Hajj, Muslims also go to the plain of Arafat, where the Prophet Muhammad gave his last sermon. They ask for forgiveness and guidance from God. Muslims also go to the city of Mina, where they throw stones at three pillars called the Jamarat. This is a reminder of when the Prophet Ibrahim was tempted by Satan. The Hajj also includes the celebration of the Eid al-Adha, which commemorates the story of when God asked the Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Ismail. Did you know that the Hajj is a very important event for Muslims, and every year millions of Muslims make this journey? The Hajj shows Muslims' devotion to God and their love for each other. It's a symbol of equality and brotherhood among Muslims.
📰 Source:BBC Newsround


