Haji is the sacred ibadah haji to the holy city of Mekkah (Mecca) in Arab Saudi, and it stands as the fifth and final pillar of Islam. The word 'Haji' literally means 'to intend a journey,' and in Islamic terminology it refers to the specific ibadah haji undertaken during the prescribed days of Dzulhijjah (the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar). The rites of Haji trace back to Nabi Ibrahim (Abraham, shallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and were perfected by Nabi Muhammad (shallallahu alaihi wa sallam) during his Farewell Pilgrimage in 10 AH (632 CE). Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world converge on Mekkah to perform this profound act of worship.
Haji is wajib (fardhu) once in a lifetime for every Muslim who meets five conditions: (1) they must be Muslim; (2) they must have reached the age of puberty; (3) they must be of sound mind; (4) they must be physically able to undertake the journey; and (5) they must have sufficient financial means to cover the travel costs and provide for their dependents during their absence. The Al-Quran states: 'Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah by all who are able to make the journey' (3:97). If a person meets all these conditions and delays Haji without valid reason, they are considered sinful menurut jumhur ulama.
The core rites of Haji span approximately five to six days and include: entering the state of ihram (sacred consecration) at the designated boundary points (miqat); performing Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kabah); sa'i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah); standing at the plain of Arafah on the 9th of Dzulhijjah (the most essential rite); spending the night at Muzdalifah; throwing pebbles at the stone pillars in Mina; offering an animal sacrifice; and performing the farewell Tawaf before departing Mekkah. Each of these rites carries deep spiritual symbolism and connects the jamaah haji to the legacy of Prophets Ibrahim and Muhammad (peace be upon them both).