Hajj and Umrah GuideWhat is Hajj?
What the Hajj is, who must perform it, when it takes place, how it differs from Umrah, and why Makkah is the centre of Muslim worship, in plain words.
The Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Makkah in Saudi Arabia, and the fifth pillar of Islam. Every Muslim who is physically and financially able is required to perform it once in a lifetime. It takes place in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month, over about five or six days from the 8th to the 13th, and millions of people from all over the world take part each year.
The meaning
The pilgrimage follows the footsteps of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), his wife Hajar and his son Ismail, whose story is told in the Quran and the tradition. The rites recall their trust in God: the walk between the hills of Safa and Marwa remembers Hajar's search for water for her son, and the sacrifice at Eid al-Adha remembers Ibrahim's readiness to sacrifice his son at God's command.
Hajj and Umrah
The Umrah is a shorter pilgrimage to Makkah that may be performed at any time of the year, and has fewer rites. It is not a substitute for the Hajj. See Umrah step by step.
Equality
Men wear two simple white cloths and women plain modest clothes, so that rich and poor, rulers and workers stand together. For many pilgrims this is the strongest memory of the Hajj.
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Questions people ask
Is Hajj compulsory for every Muslim?
It is required once in a life for those who are able, in health and means. People who are not able are not required to perform it.
When is Hajj?
In Dhu al-Hijjah each year; see the expected dates on our dates page.
This is a plain introduction, not a manual and not a fatwa. Schools of thought differ on details, and pilgrims follow the guidance of the scholars of their group. Rules, fees and procedures are set by the Saudi authorities and your national Hajj authority and change every year: check the official sources. We do not sell packages.