The pillars of Islam: The hajj
Tents on the plains of Arafah. Stopping (wukuf) in Arafah is the most crucial part of the hajj.
The hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca is the fifth pillar of Islam. Every Muslim must perform this pilgrimage once in their lifetime (if able). The tradition of the pilgrimage dates back to Prophet Ibrahim and involves a number of rituals. Besides the hajj, there is another pilgrimage called the umrah, which is sometimes referred to as the ‘lesser pilgrimage'. This can be performed at any time except the eighth, ninth or tenth of Zulhijjah, which are the days fixed for the hajj, the great pilgrimage.
- Information in the full article includes
- The meaning and significance of the hajj
- The importance of the Kaabah
- Events during the life of Prophet Ibrahim
- Malay cultural influences
- The umrah