Hajj 2026 LIVE: Muslims begin the annual pilgrimage to Mecca as Saudi city hits 42C | World | News

Hajj is the yearly Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia and is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it a mandatory act of worship for all adult Muslims who are physically and financially able to complete it at least once in their lives.

It takes place during Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and spans several days of sacred rituals.

These include entering the state of ihram, performing tawaf by circling the Kaaba, completing sa’i by walking between Safa and Marwa, standing in prayer at Arafat, and visiting key sites such as Mina and Muzdalifah.

Each step carries deep spiritual significance, reflecting devotion, humility, equality, and the reenactment of events linked to the Prophet Abraham, Hajar, and their son Ishmael.