Hajj
The Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, a duty once in a lifetime for those who can.
Also: pilgrimage to mecca
The hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca in the month of Dhul Hijjah, one of the five pillars of Islam. Pilgrims wear simple white garments, called ihram, which put all people in the same state, and perform a series of rites: circling the Kaaba seven times, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa, standing on the plain of Arafat, spending a night at Muzdalifah and throwing stones at pillars in Mina. It ends with Eid al-Adha. About two million people take part each year, from every country. Those returning are often greeted at home with garlands and feasts, and are called hajji.
Region: Middle East