Cultural aspects in Christian and Islamic religions - unesdoc - Unesco

Hajj in Islam (Pilgrimage)
Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam. It is about heading
to Mecca for tawaf (circumambulation) around
the Kaaba, going back and forth between Al-Safa
and Al-Marwa, and standing in vigil (wuquf) on
This pilgrimage should be carried out at least once
in a lifetime by all able-bodied Muslims who can
afford to do so, be they men or women. Should
one not be able to carry out the pilgrimage, it is not
imposed on him for God said in the Glorious Koran:
to the Sanctuary; whoever can make his way to it.’
The right time for Hajj starts in Shawwal, through
Dhu-l-Qi’dah, and ending on the ninth of Dhu-l-
of Dhu-l-Hijjah. Hajj starts with Ihram (putting
on white, seam-less, and stitch-less, loose-fitting
clothing) at a specific distance from Mecca in a place
called Miqat. Pilgrims who are all dressed in white
then perform tawaf (circumambulation) around the
Kaaba in one simple outfit, the simplicity of which
reminds people that they are all poor, in need of
God.
Tawaf is to
circumambulate the
Kaaba seven times
during which Muslims
remember the Prophet
Abraham who built
Kaaba. Kaaba is a slightly
elevated square structure
which is covered with
The black stone in Kaabah. Muslims touch it during pilgrimage
for baraka / blessing.
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