The Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, stands as one of the five pillars of Islam, a profound act of worship.

Historically, the journey to perform Hajj has deep roots. In a significant year, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) dispatched 300 Muslims under the leadership of Hazrat Abubakr Siddique (may Allah be pleased with him) to Mecca for pilgrimage. This was the year when polytheists were prohibited from entering the Ka’ba, and the practice of performing Tawaaf (circling the Ka’ba) unclothed was also forbidden.

The following year, the 10th Hijra, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) announced his own intention to perform Hajj. He subsequently led tens of thousands of Muslims, demonstrating all the rites and rituals of the pilgrimage. This momentous journey is historically known as Hajjatul Wida’, or the Farewell Pilgrimage, as it was the last Hajj performed by the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). At its conclusion, the divine revelation, which had spanned 22 years, was completed with the verse from Surah Al-Maidah:

“This day have I completed My commandments for you, and have brought to its fullness the favor that I have bestowed upon you, and have chosen Islam as your religion.”

Much like Salat (five daily prayers) and Sawm (fasting in Ramadan), Hajj is a dedicated act of worship. Muslims from across the globe converge in Mecca during the final month of the Islamic calendar to worship Allah. Lasting several days, Hajj offers a unique opportunity, uniting Muslims of all nationalities, colors, and races at the Ka’ba for collective worship in a grand assembly.