Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to perform Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. But where do Muslims go during Hajj, and why is it so important?
Hajj takes Muslims through a sacred route that includes iconic places like the Kaaba in Masjid al-Haram, Mount Arafat, Mina, and Muzdalifah. These sites are rich in spiritual and historical meaning, linked to the legacy of Prophets Abraham and Muhammad. The pilgrimage includes powerful rituals—walking around the Kaaba (Tawaf), standing in prayer at Arafat, and symbolic stoning of evil—all meant to cleanse the soul and reconnect with God.
So, what do Muslims do on Hajj? They worship, reflect, and renew their faith alongside fellow believers from every corner of the globe. It’s a deeply personal and communal journey of humility, sacrifice, and devotion. keep reading for more!
Where Do Muslims Go During Hajj?
During Hajj, Muslims travel to the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia, embarking on a life-changing spiritual journey. Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world gather in Makkah to perform this sacred pilgrimage, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
The focal point of the pilgrimage is the Kaaba, the sacred cube-shaped structure located in the heart of Masjid al-Haram. The Kaaba is believed to be the first house of worship established for humanity and plays a central role in all Hajj rituals.
In addition to Makkah, pilgrims visit several important nearby sites, including:
- The Plain of Arafat: Where pilgrims gather for the most significant rite of Hajj, known as Wuquf, standing in prayer and reflection.
- Muzdalifah: An open, level area where pilgrims collect pebbles for the next ritual.
- Mina: Where pilgrims stay in tents and perform the symbolic stoning of the devil at Jamaraat al-Aqabah.
- Safa and Marwa hills: Two small hills within Masjid al-Haram, where pilgrims perform the ritual of Sa’i, walking back and forth in remembrance of Hagar’s search for water.
These locations are integral to the performance of Hajj and hold deep spiritual and historical significance in Islam.
Read: Do Muslims worship The Kaaba?
What Do Muslims Do on Hajj?
Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah, includes a series of symbolic rituals that reflect spiritual devotion, historical events, and moral lessons. Here’s a simplified overview of the main rites Muslims perform during Hajj:
- Tawaf (Circling the Kaaba)
Pilgrims walk around the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction, symbolizing unity and submission to God. - Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwa)
Muslims walk between two hills, Safa and Marwa, recalling the story of Hajar’s desperate search for water for her son, Prophet Isma’il. - Standing at Arafat (Wuquf)
Pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat for prayer and reflection. This is considered the most important part of Hajj, symbolizing repentance and forgiveness. - Rami (Stoning the Devil)
At Mina, pilgrims throw stones at pillars representing the devil, reenacting Prophet Ibrahim’s rejection of Satan’s temptation. - Sacrifice (Nahr)
Pilgrims sacrifice an animal (like a lamb or camel) to show piety to Almighty God recalling Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. The meat is shared with the poor. - Halq and Taqsir (Hair Cutting)
Men shave or shorten their hair, and women trim a small portion. The act of Halq and Taqsir symbolizes a Muslim’s complete devotion to Allah (SWT) and detachment from worldly appearances.
These rituals are deeply meaningful and rooted in Islamic history, offering pilgrims a chance for spiritual rebirth and closeness to God.
Read: How to perfom Hajj?
Why Do Muslims Go on Hajj?
Muslims go on Hajj because it is a sacred obligation commanded by God. According to the Quran, pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah is a duty for every Muslim who is physically and financially able:
“Pilgrimage to this House is an obligation by Allah upon whoever is able among the people…”
— Quran 3:97
Moreover, there are many benefits for the Hajj journey on the level of individual and community:
- Faith Renewal: Hajj strengthens faith and offers a chance for sincere repentance.
- Moral Training: Pilgrims develop virtues like patience, sacrifice, generosity, and punctuality.
- Avoiding Sin: They commit to righteous actions such as prayer, Quran study, and fasting.
- Spiritual Purification: By sacrificing animals and giving to the poor, they cleanse themselves of traits like selfishness and greed.
- Unity in Diversity While True Worth is Piety: Muslims from all nations gather, reflecting equality and shared devotion to God. As taught in Quran 49:13, “the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you.”
Interestingly, Muslims can trade during this journey, which shows how Islam provides beautiful balance between our spiritual and materialistic needs. To explore the rewards and benefits of hajj in details, read: Goals of Hajj in Islam
How does Muslims prepare for hajj ?
A successful Hajj requires thoughtful preparation, patience during the journey, and a sincere commitment to self-improvement afterward. Muslims are encouraged to adopt a balanced approach and maintain a positive attitude throughout the experience. Most importantly, they continuously ask Allah for ease and guidance, knowing that without His help, nothing is possible.
1. Physical Preparation
- Gather all necessary supplies to avoid forgetting anything essential.
- Write down a few supplications to memorize or repeat frequently.
- Record notes or reflections to preserve the spiritual experience.
2. Spiritual and Mental Preparation
- Read notes and articles about Hajj rites in advance to build the right mindset.
- Set realistic expectations by learning what to expect during the journey.
- Evaluate personal flaws and make sincere repentance before leaving. As one experienced Hajji stated, “Look at your personal weaknesses and flaws. Make repentance from all the sins you are committing and all the weaknesses you have. Do not go to Hajj with the intention of continuing on any known sin when you return. Your intention needs to be that you will discontinue it and fight it.”
- Intend to abandon known sins and strive for lasting spiritual growth.
Overall, a balanced approach and positive attitude will be the Muslims’ best friends during this trip. The ingredients of a successful Hajj are preparation before the journey, extra patience during the trip, and sincere effort towards improving yourself after the journey.
Read: What are the pillars of Hajj?
How do Muslims dress for the hajj?
At the start of Hajj, Muslims wear special clothing known as Ihram. For men, this consists of two simple white, seamless cloths—one wrapped around the waist and the other draped over the shoulder. This style is believed to reflect the clothing worn by the prophets Abraham and Muhammad.
Women wear their usual modest clothing, which must meet Islamic guidelines, but there is no specific style or color required. Men must leave their heads uncovered, while both men and women may use an umbrella for protection from the sun.
The Ihram represents purity, humility, and equality before God. Wearing it marks the beginning of a sacred state in which certain actions are not allowed, including:
- Arguments or disputes
- Harm to people or animals
- Intimate relations
- Cutting hair or nails
- Wearing perfume
Muslim men remain in this simple attire until they complete the pilgrimage, reflecting their focus on spiritual goals rather than physical appearance.
To know more about Ihram, refer to this article about Ihram.
Can a Non-Muslim Go to Hajj?
Hajj is a deeply sacred pilgrimage and one of the Five Pillars of Islam, specifically meant for Muslims. Because it involves spiritual rituals closely tied to Islamic beliefs, only those who have embraced Islam are permitted to perform Hajj.
This helps keep the pilgrimage a genuine act of worship, practiced with sincere faith and understanding. It wouldn’t make sense for someone to take part in rituals they don’t believe in.
However, non-Muslims interested in learning about Hajj can respectfully observe and learn about the rituals through online videos and resources, gaining insight into this important journey for Muslims around the world.
Read more: Is Muslim Hajj A Sign of Tawheed or Polytheism?
How Often Must Muslims Participate in Hajj?
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and a mandatory act of worship for Muslims. Every adult Muslim—male or female—is required to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime, but only if they have the physical and financial ability to do so.
Once a Muslim fulfills this obligation, they are not required to perform it again, although some choose to return voluntarily if they are able.
How Many Muslims Perform Hajj Every Year?
The number of Hajj pilgrims varies annually based on official quotas, health regulations, and global circumstances. In 2024, a total of 1,833,164 performed the pilgrimage:
- From outside Saudi Arabia: 1,611,310 (87.9%)
- From within the Kingdom: 221,854 (12.1%)
These figures are determined by authorities and may fluctuate each year.
Conclusion
To conclude, Hajj is more than a journey—it’s a profound spiritual obligation that unites millions of Muslims in worship and humility. For those exploring Islamic practices, knowing where Muslims go during Hajj, what they do, and why they go offers a deeper appreciation of the faith. The article covered the following questions in more detail:
- Where do Muslims go during Hajj?
They travel to Mecca and visit sacred sites like the Kaaba, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. - What do Muslims do on Hajj?
They perform rituals such as Tawaf, standing at Arafat, and symbolic stoning to seek forgiveness and spiritual renewal. - Why do Muslims do Hajj?
It is a divine command in the Quran and a pillar of Islam, performed to fulfill an obligation to God. - Can a non-Muslim go to Hajj?
No, only Muslims are permitted to perform Hajj due to its religious significance and specific spiritual requirements. - How often must Muslims participate in Hajj?
Once in a lifetime, provided they are financially and physically able.
Experience the spirit of Hajj up close by visiting a local Islamic center or watching the sacred rituals online. It’s a powerful way to connect with one of the world’s largest spiritual gatherings.
Have questions about Hajj or Islam? Our team is here to help—don’t hesitate to reach out. Send us your question today!
