Hajj: A Pillar of Islam
Hajj is an Islamic and spiritual activity Muslims perform at the holy Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It stands as the fifth pillar of Islam, and the holy Quran obliges every Muslim capable of performing Hajj to do so once in their lifetime.
Key Locations in Hajj Pilgrimage
Makkah, the holiest site in Islam and the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), houses many historical sites that pilgrims visit during Hajj rituals.
The Kabba, the direction of Qibla and the first house of worship built by Ibrahim and Ismail, is said to hold the Al-Hajaru al-Aswad (the Black Stone) from Jannah (Tirmidhi). Mount Arafat holds significance as the location where Prophet Muhammad (SAW) delivered his last sermon before passing.
Safa and Marwa are two hills where Hajar (RA) ran seven times in search of water for her son Ismail after being tested by Allah in the desert. Following this test, Allah blessed her with the miracle of the Well of Zamzam. Muslims reenact this event during Hajj by walking between the hills.
