Hac is the sacred hac ibadeti to the holy city of Mekke (Mecca) in Saudi Arabia, and it stands as the fifth and final pillar of Islam. The word 'Hac' literally means 'to intend a journey,' and in Islamic terminology it refers to the specific hac ibadeti undertaken during the prescribed days of Dhul Hijjah (the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar). The rites of Hac trace back to Hz. Peygamber Ibrahim (Abraham, sallallahu aleyhi ve sellem) and were perfected by Hz. Peygamber Muhammad (sallallahu aleyhi ve sellem) during his Farewell Pilgrimage in 10 AH (632 CE). Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world converge on Mekke to perform this profound act of worship.
Hac is farz (fard) 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 Kur'an 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 Hac without valid reason, they are considered sinful alimlerin cogunluguna gore.
The core rites of Hac span approximately five to six days and include: entering the state of ihram (sacred consecration) at the designated boundary points (miqat); performing Tavaf (circumambulation of the Kabe); Say (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah); standing at the plain of Arafat on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah (the most essential rite); spending the night at Muzdelife; throwing pebbles at the stone pillars in Mina; offering an animal sacrifice; and performing the farewell Tavaf before departing Mekke. Each of these rites carries deep spiritual symbolism and connects the haci to the legacy of Prophets Ibrahim and Muhammad (peace be upon them both).