Hajj 2024: Date, Significance and Rituals

Hajj is the annual pilgrimage of Muslims from across the globe. This year, it starts on June 14 (Friday) and will last till June 19 (Wednesday).

This annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia allows devotees to attain spiritual enlightenment. It is believed that individuals who return from Hajj have successfully washed off their lifelong sins. If the rituals are performed sincerely it is said that the pilgrims will be rewarded with heaven after death.

Here are the major rituals that are performed during Hajj:

1. Ihram

The individuals who decide to go on this spiritual journey dress up in simple white clothes. This signifies equality among all the pilgrims.

2. Tawaf

Devotees perform circumambulations around the sacred back cube at the Masjid-al-Haram. This signifies their devotion to the almighty.

3. Sa'i

This act signifies perseverance. Devotees walk on the path that was taken by Ibrahim's wife to look for water for her son. They walk between the hills of Safa and Marwa.

4. Arafah

This is the most important day of the Hajj, the Day of Arafah. Individuals gather on the plain of Arafah and engage in prayer and contemplation.

5. Muzdalifah and Mina

Devotees collect pebbles during the night in Muzdalifah. The next morning, they proceed to Mina where they use the pebbles to symbolically hit the devil.

6. Eid-al Adha

Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is celebrated to mark the end of Hajj. To represent Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son, pilgrims usually sacrifice an animal, a sheep or a goat.