Hajj is the Arabic name for the pilgrimage to Mecca required once, if possible, in a Muslim’s lifetime.
The obligation applies to Muslims who have the physical health, financial means, and safe opportunity to travel. Hajj is performed during specific days of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, making it distinct from pilgrimages that can be undertaken at any time.
Major rites include entering ihram, performing tawaf around the Kaaba, walking between Safa and Marwa, standing at Arafat, and participating in the rites at Muzdalifah and Mina. These actions connect pilgrims with narratives about Abraham’s family and with Muhammad’s final pilgrimage.
Hajj is often confused with umrah. Umrah is a shorter pilgrimage that may be performed throughout the year and is not one of the Five Pillars. Tawaf is one ritual within pilgrimage, not the name of the complete obligation.