Muslims must visit Mecca for the hajj pilgrimage, the fifth pillar of Islam.
Hajj takes place in and around Mecca in Saudi Arabia during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. It is required once in a lifetime for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake it safely. The pilgrimage commemorates events associated with Abraham, Hagar, Ishmael, and Muhammad in Islamic tradition.
Pilgrims enter a sacred state called ihram, circle the Kaaba in the tawaf ritual, travel between Safa and Marwa, and gather on the plain of Arafat. Other rites include spending time at Muzdalifah and the symbolic stoning of pillars at Mina.
Hajj is different from umrah, a voluntary pilgrimage that can be performed at other times. Mecca is also different from Medina, where Muhammad migrated and was buried. The pilgrimage concludes around Eid al-Adha, which is also observed by Muslims who are not in Mecca.