Nearly Two Million Muslims Prepare for Annual Hajj Pilgrimage Beginning May 25

Nearly two million Muslims are preparing to travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the annual Hajj pilgrimage that begins on May 25. The Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, along with the declaration of faith, five daily prayers, obligatory charity, and fasting during Ramadan. It is obligatory once in a lifetime for adult Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey.

The Hajj is performed between the 8th and 12th or 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. In 2026, the main rites will take place from May 25 to May 27, though many pilgrims arrive weeks earlier to prepare. The Islamic calendar follows a lunar cycle, so the Hajj date shifts 10 to 12 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.

Pilgrims first enter a sacred state called ihram before entering Mecca. Men wear two white garments and women wear modest attire to symbolize equality and humility. Pilgrims then circle the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise at the Grand Mosque. They next walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, retracing the search for water by Hagar for her son Ishmael.

On the second day, pilgrims gather at the plain of Arafat from midday until sunset for prayer and reflection. After sunset, they travel to Muzdalifah to collect pebbles for the following day. On the third day, pilgrims return to Mina and throw seven pebbles at the largest of three stone pillars.

They or their agents then offer an animal sacrifice and men shave or trim their heads while women cut a small portion of their hair. Pilgrims return to Mecca for a final circling of the Kaaba and walking between Safa and Marwa. On days four and five, they return to Mina to throw pebbles at all three pillars each day.