Hajj to Mecca , Saudi Arabia

The most significant religious ritual that marks the Islamic society is the pilgrimage to Mecca that is considered to be one of the pillars of Islam and a religious duty. The significance of this event is obvious from the fact that it is mandatory for every Muslims that he/she must pay a visit to this holy destination at least once in the lifetime.

Out and out an religious fiesta, Hajj reflects the surrender of the Muslim people to the almighty- Allah in Arabic and at the same time conveys the message of the united strength of the community.

The Hajj begins on the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah (Zul-Hijjah) - the 12th month of the Muslim lunar calendar. As a result there is no fixed date for this pilgrimage and it is observed on the basis of the right day which differs every year.

The Hajj celebrations are deeply associated with the life and teaching of prophet Muhammad who is the founder of the faith. Each year, Islam followers flock to Mecca from every corner of the world to offer prayer in the Kaaba, a cube sized structure.

Afterwards there are a series of customs and rituals including kissing the Black Stone (a pious Muslim relic), running between the hills of Al- Marwah and Al- Safa and drinking from the holy Zamzam Well. Then comes one of the most heard of customs of Hajj, the Stoning of the Evil that takes place in the Mount Arafat.

Millions of devotees crowd this Saudi Arabia city during the festival making it one of the largest religious event in the world.