5th Pillar: Pilgrimage
The pilgrimage to Makkah (the Hajj) is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who are physically and financially able. Over two million people, from all corners of the globe, go for Hajj each year making it the largest gathering for peace. Hajj provides a unique opportunity for people from different nations to meet one another.
The annual Hajj begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic year. The Islamic year is lunar, consequently Hajj occours throughout all seasons during one's lifetime.
Pilgrims enter a state of sacredness where arguing and fighting, cutting a plant or even harming a fly is prohibited. They wear simple garments that strip away distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand equal before Allah.
The rites of the Hajj go back to Prophet Abraham (peace and blessing be upon him) and his family. They include visiting the Ka'bah and standing together on the wide plains of 'Arafat (a large expanse of desert outside Makkah). Here pilgrims pray for Allah's forgiveness, in what is often considered a preview of the Day of Judgment. The Hajj provides a unique opportunity for Muslims to reflect on their lives, to refocus on Allah, and to return to their families and homes spiritually rejuvenated.
The close of the Hajj is marked by the Festival of the Sacrifice, Eid al Adha. Pilgrims sacrifice a sheep or goat, commemorating Prophet Abraham's (peace and blessing be upon him) readiness to sacrifice his own son. The sacrificial meat is distributed to the needy. Muslims around the world celebrate this day with prayers, ritual sacrifice, and an exchange of gifts.
Read the other Pillars of Islam
1st Pillar: Testimony
2nd Pillar: Prayer
3rd Pillar: Charity
4th Pillar: Fasting
5th Pillar: Pilgrimage
Read the other article to learn about Islam
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Who is Allah
Who is Mohammad (pbuh)
What Do Muslim think about Jesus (pbuh)?
What Do Muslim think about Mary (pbuh)?
Five Pillars of Islam
Common Misunderstanding about Islam
Misunderstanding about Muslim Women
What is Qur'an
Why do Women dress the way they do
Why is the family so important to Muslims
Apart from the Qur'an is there any other Sacred Source?
Do Islam, Christianity and Judaism have different origins?
Does Islam give Women Equal Rights?
Does Islam Protect Women from Violence?
Does Islam Want Women to be Public and Political?
How are Muslim and America related?
How Did Muhammad (pbuh) become a Messenger of Allah?
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How did the spread of Islam affect the World?
How do Muslim view the Elderly death and the Afterlife?
How does Islam Elevate the status of Women
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Is Islam respectful of other Beliefs?
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What does the Qur'an say about women's Creation and purpose?
What is written in the Quran about Motherhood?
Misunderstanding about Muslim Women
Who are American Muslims?
Who were some of the Great Muslim Scientists and Thinkers