03/06/2025
From June 4 to June 8, 2025, millions of Muslims worldwide will undertake the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, fulfilling a once-in-a-lifetime religious obligation. This journey encompasses a series of spiritual rites that trace the footsteps of prophets and symbolize unity, humility, and devotion.
Pre-Hajj: Entering the State of Ihram
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Before commencing Hajj, pilgrims enter a state of spiritual purity known as Ihram. Men don two unstitched white cloths, while women wear modest attire. This uniformity eliminates distinctions of class, wealth, and nationality, emphasizing equality before Allah.
Day 1: Arrival in Mecca and Journey to Mina
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• Tawaf and Sa’i: Upon arrival in Mecca, pilgrims perform Tawaf, circling the Kaaba seven times anti-clockwise, symbolizing the unity of believers in the worship of the One God - Allah. Following this, they perform Sa’i, walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, commemorating Hagar's (Hajrah) search for water for her son Ishmael.
• Travel to Mina: Pilgrims proceed to Mina, approximately 8 kilometers east of the Kaaba, where they spend the night in prayer and reflection within a vast tent city designed to accommodate the multitude of worshippers.
Day 2: The Day of Arafah
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• Stand at Arafat: Pilgrims travel to the plains of Arafat, about 15 kilometers from Mina, to perform the pivotal rite of Wuquf, standing in prayer and contemplation from midday to sunset. This act symbolizes the climax of Hajj and is considered a preview of the Day of Judgment.
• Evening at Muzdalifah: After sunset, pilgrims journey to Muzdalifah, where they perform the Maghrib and Isha prayers and collect pebbles for the upcoming ritual of stoning the devil. They spend the night under the open sky, engaging in prayer and rest.
Day 3: Eid al-Adha and the Stoning Ritual
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• Stoning of the Devil: At Mina, pilgrims perform the Ramy al-Jamarat, throwing seven pebbles at the largest of three pillars, symbolizing the rejection of evil.
• Animal Sacrifice: Pilgrims partake in the ritual sacrifice of an animal, commemorating Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The meat is distributed among the needy, reflecting the spirit of charity.
• Hair Cutting/Shaving: Men shave their heads or cut their hair, and women cut a small portion of their hair, signifying spiritual renewal.
• Return to Mecca: Pilgrims return to Mecca to perform another Tawaf around the Kaaba, known as the Tawaf al-Ifadah, marking the completion of the major rites of Hajj.
Days 4-5: Continued Stoning and Farewell
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• Stoning Rituals: Over the next two days, pilgrims continue the stoning ritual by throwing pebbles at all three pillars in Mina, reaffirming their commitment to resisting temptation.
• Farewell Tawaf: Before departing Mecca, pilgrims perform the Tawaf al-Wada, a farewell circumambulation of the Kaaba, bidding goodbye to the sacred city.
Photos courtesy of AP Photo and Getty Images