The Islamic pilgrimage to Islam’s holiest site, Mecca, Saudi
Arabia, is done by millions of Muslims every year and is called the
Hajj, meaning ‘to intend a journey’. It is the largest gathering of
Muslims in the world with more than six million in the city during
the week of Hajj. Every able-bodied Muslim who can afford the trip
is expected to do so, which is part of his or her religious duty
and a demonstration of their submission to God. Muslims who do so
are called a mustati. Non-Muslims are not allowed to
enter the city.
The date for the Hajj changes every year as the Islamic calendar
differs from the more widely used Western calendar. Hajj typically
occurs from the 8th to 12th day of the last
month in the Islamic calendar, otherwise known as Dhu al-Hijjah and
is considered their most sacred month of the year.
The pilgrimage dates back thousands of years to the time of
Ibrahim, although the Hajj is more commonly associated with the
Prophet Muhammad from the seventh century. A series of rituals
are performed during the week of the Hajj – a few of which involves
running back and forth between the Al-Safa and Al-Marwah hills
and drinking from the Zamzam Well. Pilgrims also shave their heads
and perform an animal sacrifice.
Praying in front of the door of the Kaaba, a cuboid building known
as the Sacred House of Ancient House.
The most sacred mosque in Islamic culture called the Al-Masjid
al-Haram, is built around the Haaba.
Muslims praying in front of the door of the Kaaba
Two women attempt to climb to the top of the al-Noor mountain.
A man enters the cave of the Hira, where the Prophet Mohammad is
believed to have received his first revelations from God through
the angel Jabril.
Muslims gathering on the peak of Al-Noor, outside of the cave of
Hira.
People walking on the streets of Mecca
Pilgrims make their way to the Mosque for their Friday prayers.
A man reads the Koran during Friday prayers in the Grand Mosque
A man praying on the top of Mount Thor, Mecca.
The view of Mecca from Mount Thor.
