What is Hajj and When is Hajj 2024?

Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the foundational acts of worship and practice for Muslims. It is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey and can support their family during their absence.

Key Aspects of Hajj

1. Spiritual Significance:

    - Hajj is a demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people and their submission to Allah (God).

    - It is a time for Muslims to seek forgiveness, spiritual renewal, and a closer connection to Allah.

2. Historical Background:

    - The rituals of Hajj commemorate the actions of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), his wife Hajar (Hagar), and their son Ismail (Ishmael).

    - Significant events include Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah and the miracle of the Zamzam Well.

3. Rituals of Hajj:

    - Ihram: Pilgrims enter a state of spiritual purity and wear special white garments.

    - Tawaf: Pilgrims perform seven counter-clockwise circuits around the Kaaba, the sacred cube-shaped structure in the center of the Masjid al-Haram.

    - Sa’i: Pilgrims walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, reenacting Hajar’s search for water for her son Ismail.

    - Arafat: Pilgrims spend the day on the Plain of Arafat in prayer and reflection.

    - Muzdalifah: Pilgrims collect pebbles to use in the ritual of stoning the devil.

    - Ramy al-Jamarat: Pilgrims throw pebbles at three pillars in Mina, symbolizing the rejection of evil.

    - Qurbani: The sacrifice of an animal, usually a sheep, in remembrance of Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son.

    - Tawaf al-Ifadahis another circumambulation of the Kaaba performed after the day of Arafat.

4. Timing:

    - Hajj takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, specifically from the 8th to the 12th or 13th day of the month.

5. Global Gathering:

    - Hajj is one of the largest annual gatherings of people in the world, attracting millions of Muslims from various countries and cultures.

The completion of Hajj is a profound and life-changing experience for many Muslims, reinforcing their faith and sense of unity with the global Muslim community.


When is Hajj 2024?

Hajj will begin on the eighth day of Dhul Hijjah and end on the twelfth day, it is predicted to start on June 14 and end on June 19, lasting five to six days.

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