What does Hajj mean?
The pilgrimage to Makkah in Dhul Hijjah, the fifth pillar, once in a lifetime for those able.
Hajj explained
Hajj gathers millions at the Ka'bah, Mina, Arafah and Muzdalifah over five days. Its heart is standing at Arafah on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah. An accepted Hajj has no reward but Paradise, and the pilgrim returns as free of sin as the day they were born.
Related terms
- Umrahعُمْرَة
The lesser pilgrimage to Makkah, performable at any time of year.
- Ihramإِحْرَام
The sacred state of a pilgrim, and the two white cloths men wear in it.
- Tawafطَوَاف
Circling the Ka'bah seven times, counter-clockwise, beginning at the Black Stone.
- Arafahعَرَفَة
The plain outside Makkah where pilgrims stand on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah; the heart of Hajj.
- Dhul Hijjahذُو الحِجَّة
The twelfth month, the month of Hajj, whose first ten days are the best days of the year.
Questions about Hajj
What does Hajj mean?
Hajj (حَجّ, Hajj) means: The pilgrimage to Makkah in Dhul Hijjah, the fifth pillar, once in a lifetime for those able.
How is Hajj written and pronounced in Arabic?
It is written حَجّ and pronounced Hajj.
Where does Hajj come from in the Quran or hadith?
Hajj gathers millions at the Ka'bah, Mina, Arafah and Muzdalifah over five days. Its heart is standing at Arafah on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah. An accepted Hajj has no reward but Paradise, and the pilgrim returns as free of sin as the day they were born. Source: Aal Imran 3:97; Sahih al-Bukhari 1521.
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