The root meaning of the word, “Hajj” is to set out or to make a pilgrimage. Hajj means visiting sacred places in Hijaz in the month of Dhul Hijjah in order to perform the annual worship required of a believer once in his lifetime. Hajj is a symbol of Islamic unity and it is through Hajj that interaction takes place between Muslims on an international scale. It is also through Hajj that Muslims from all over the world are reminded of the sacrifice of Prophet Abraham (May peace be upon him). On the pilgrimage they also witness the historical places associated with the Prophet Muhammad. In this way they return with a long-lasting inspiration, which continues to activate them to adhere to the path of God throughout their lives. At least once in his or her lifetime, every adult Muslim who is physically and financially able, is required to make the sacrifice of time, money, comforts by becoming a pilgrim totally at God’s service.

The pilgrims wear simple garments, two seamless white clothes for men and a dress that entirely covers the body, except the face and hands, for women. These coverings symbolize purity as well as the unity and equality of all believers. Some important rituals to be performed during the Hajj are as follows:

—        Tawaf (circumambulation), i.e. going round the Kabah seven times.

—        Saee: the pilgrims undertake a brisk walk between Safa and Marwah,

            two hillocks near the Kabah.

—                    Standing on Arafat: the pilgrims gather at Arafat and pray to God throughout the day, reciting the Talbiyah. This standing on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah is very important. According to tradition, standing at Arafat is the culmination of the pilgrimage.

It was at Arafat that the Prophet delivered his farewell sermon to his people from the Mount of Mercy, a hill in the middle of the plane.

In one Hadith, the Prophet called it “the supreme act of worship.” But it is not just the rites of pilgrimage that constitute this importance; it is the spirit in which Hajj is performed. Hajj has been prescribed so that it may inspire us with a new religious fervour with one’s faith in God strengthened and rekindled – that is the hallmark of a true pilgrim.