Nearly 2 million Muslims are preparing to embark on the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, which begins on May 25, following the sighting of the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia.The Hajj is the largest annual gathering of Muslims from all over the world and a once-in-a-lifetime journey for many. It is also the fifth pillar of Islam.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of listIn this visual explainer, we look at how Muslims perform the Hajj, including the key steps, rituals and preparations.What is Hajj?The Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is the fifth and final pillar of Islam, along with the declaration of faith (shahada), five daily prayers, obligatory charity (zakat), and fasting during the month of Ramadan.The word comes from the Arabic root “h-j-j”, which means “intending a journey” or “to set out for a definitive purpose”.It is obligatory once in a lifetime for all adult Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey. When is the Hajj performed?The Hajj is performed between the 8th and 12th (or 13th) of Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar.The timing falls roughly 70 days after the end of Ramadan, though this can vary slightly depending on the lunar cycle.In 2026, the Hajj will take place from May 25 to May 27, but many pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia weeks before to prepare for the journey.Because the Islamic calendar follows a lunar cycle, with mont …
