The Hajj is the largest yearly Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, taking place in the month of Zulhijjah, the last month of the Arabic lunar year. It is an obligatory religious duty for all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of making the journey and supporting their families while away.

Hajj is a pillar of Islam, as stated by the Prophet (ﷺ): “Islam is built on five (pillars): the testimony that there is no Deity but Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah, establishing regular prayer, paying zakaah, fasting Ramadaan and performing pilgrimage to the sacred House of Allaah.” [Sahih Bukhari 8; Sahih Muslim 120]

The Book of Allah, the Sunnah of His Messenger (ﷺ), and Muslim consensus all support this obligation. The Messenger of Allaah says: “And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka’bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allaah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence) ; and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allaah], then Allaah stands not in need of any of the ‘Aalameen (mankind, jinn and all that exists)” [Quran, 3:97]