Hajj is both a spiritual and communal event, drawing millions of Muslims from across the globe. It is designed to promote a sense of unity, humility, and equality before God. The pilgrimage includes rites that commemorate significant events in Islamic history, such as the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family. The Qur’an emphasizes the obligation and sanctity of Hajj, stating, “Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to God by all people who are able to undertake it” (Qur’an 3:97).

The term Hajj derives from the Arabic root ḥ-j-j, which conveys the meaning of "to set out for a place" or "to make a definitive intention." In pre-Islamic Arabic usage, the term referred broadly to pilgrimage or visitation of sacred sites. In Islam, it specifically denotes the journey to Mecca and the associated rituals defined by prophetic tradition.

Pre-Islamic Period
The Kaaba in Mecca was already a revered sanctuary in the centuries preceding Islam. Various Arabian tribes made annual pilgrimages to the site, which was associated with multiple deities and contained idols representing tribal gods. Many of the rituals later incorporated into Islamic Hajj, such as circumambulation (tawaf) around the Kaaba and the wuquf at Arafat, were practiced in modified forms. However, these pre-Islamic practices were often associated with polytheistic beliefs and idolatry.

Early Islamic Period
The Prophet Muhammad reoriented the pilgrimage exclusively toward the worship of one God (monotheism). In 630 CE, following the conquest of Mecca, he cleansed the Kaaba of idols and reestablished it as the center of monotheistic worship. The Farewell Pilgrimage of 632 CE, during which the Prophet performed and standardized the rituals of Hajj, is considered a foundational event. Key Qur’anic verses outlining Hajj obligations and sanctity, such as Qur’an 2:196–203, were revealed during this period.

Medieval Period
During the medieval era, Hajj became more institutionalized. Various Muslim empires, caliphates and emirates including the Abbasids, Fatimids, Mamluks, and Ottomans, facilitated and protected the pilgrimage routes, often building infrastructure such as caravanserais, water stations, and roads. The pilgrimage caravans from major Islamic centers like Cairo, Damascus, and Baghdad were significant social and political events. Hajj during this period was also a major source of cultural and economic exchange.

Modern Period
In the modern era, the development of modern transportation, especially steamships and later air travel, significantly increased the number of pilgrims. Following the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the early 20th century, the Saudi state assumed responsibility for the administration and expansion of Mecca's holy sites. In recent decades, large-scale infrastructure projects have been undertaken to accommodate millions of pilgrims each year, making Hajj one of the largest annual gatherings of people in the world.

Hajj holds profound spiritual significance for Muslims. It symbolizes submission to God, equality among believers, and remembrance of key prophetic figures, especially Ibrahim and his family. The pilgrimage is also seen as a means of attaining forgiveness and spiritual renewal. The Qur’an highlights its purpose as a time of devotion and remembrance, stating, “That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of God on appointed days” (Qur’an 22:28).

Ihram
Pilgrims enter a state of ritual consecration called ihram before arriving in Mecca. Men wear two unstitched white garments, while women wear modest clothing. The state of Ihram imposes restrictions on certain activities such as cutting hair, engaging in marital relations, and hunting, symbolizing purity and equality before God.

Tawaf
Tawaf involves circumambulating the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction and is performed in an open area around the Kaaba called the Mataaf. This act symbolizes the unity of believers in the worship of one God and their connection to the center of Islamic faith.

Sa’ee
Pilgrims perform sa’ee, walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, reenacting the search for water by Hājar (biblical Hagar), the wife of prophet Ibrahim, for her son Isma’il. This ritual, performed in a purpose built gallery called al-Masaá, is a powerful reminder of faith, perseverance, and divine providence.

Standing at Arafat (Wuquf)
The most essential component of Hajj is the gathering or wuquf (standing) at the plain of Arafat, where pilgrims spend the afternoon in prayer and reflection. The Prophet Muhammad stated, “Hajj is Arafat”, underscoring the importance of this act of supplication and forgiveness.

Ramy al-Jamarat
After Arafat, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah, where they collect pebbles for the ritual stoning of the devil (ramy al-jamarat) at Mina. This act commemorates Ibrahim’s rejection of Satan’s temptations. Pilgrims also sacrifice an animal in Mina, symbolizing Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command, a practice tied to the festival of Eid al-Adha.

Tahallul
Upon completing major rituals, pilgrims shave or cut their hair as a sign of humility and spiritual renewal, marking the partial exit from the state of ihram.

Final Tawaf
Before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform tawaf al-ifadah as part of the essential Hajj rites and tawaf al-wada (farewell circumambulation) as a concluding act of devotion.