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[[File:Al-Haram mosque - Flickr - Al Jazeera English.jpg|thumb||Pilgrims at the [[Masjid al-Haram]] on ''Hajj'' in 2008]]
{{Islam |practices}}
The '''''Hajj''''' ({{lang-ar|{{large|حج}}}} ''{{transl|ar|DIN|Ḥaǧǧ}}'' "[[wikt:pilgrimage|pilgrimage]]") is an [[Islam]]ic pilgrimage to [[Mecca]] and the largest gathering of [[Muslim]] people in the world every year.<ref>[http://english.irib.ir/radioislam/news/islam-in-asia/item/85314-about-18-million-devotees-commemorate-arbaeen-in-karbala Imam Husayn Shrine : by numbers]</ref><ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/24/hajj-2012-muslim-pilgrimage-mecca-photos_n_2010818.html Hajj 2012: Muslims Embark On Pilgrimage To Mecca]</ref> It is one of the [[Five Pillars of Islam|five pillars of Islam]], and a [[Fard|religious duty]] which must be carried out by every able-bodied [[Muslim]] who can afford to do so at least once in his or her lifetime.<ref>[http://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/resources/traditions/islam Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs - Islam] See drop-down essay on "Islamic Practices"</ref> The state of being physically and financially capable of performing the Hajj is called ''istita'ah'', and a Muslim who fulfils this condition is called a ''mustati''. The Hajj is a demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people, and their submission to [[God in Islam|God]] ([[Allah]]).<ref>Dalia Salah-El-Deen, [http://www.islamonline.net/english/introducingislam/Worship/Pilgrimage/article01.shtml Significance of Pilgrimage (Hajj)]</ref> The word Hajj means "to intend a journey" which connotes both the outward act of a journey and the inward act of intentions.<ref>Hamza Yusuf, Pilgrims with a Purpose</ref>

The pilgrimage occurs from the 8th to 12th [[Dhu al-Hijjah]], the 12th and last month of the [[Islamic calendar]]. Because the Islamic calendar is a [[lunar calendar]], eleven days shorter than the [[Gregorian calendar]] used in the Western world, the Gregorian date of the Hajj changes from year to year. [[Ihram]] is the name given to the special spiritual state in which pilgrims wear two white sheets of unstitched cloth and abstain from certain things.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hajj.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=29&Itemid=53 |title=Ihram - Summary |work=Hajj Portal |publisher= |accessdate=20 November 2013}}</ref>
[Muzdalifa]] and throws stones at symbolic pillars of Satan at Zamarat in a ritual [[Stoning of the Devil]]. The pilgrims then shave their heads, perform a ritual of animal sacrifice, and celebrate the three day global festival of [[Eid al-Adha]].<ref name=armstrong>{{cite book|pages=10–12|title=Islam: A Short History|author=Karen Armstrong|isbn=0-8129-6618-X|date=2000,2002}}</ref><ref name=ngeo/><ref name="bbc.co.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/holydays/eiduladha.shtml|title=BBC - Religion & Ethics - Eid el Adha|accessdate=December 2007, December 30, 2012}}</ref><ref>Sahih Bukhari-hadith No-732-733</ref>

== History == <!--Linked from [[Template:Hajj topics]]-->
[[File:Mecca-1850.jpg|thumb|right|Depiction of Mecca in 1850]]
[[File:OldmapofMecca.jpg|thumb|right|A 16th century illustration of [[Islam]]'s holiest shrine, the Ka'aba.]]

The Hajj is based on a pilgrimage that was ancient even in the time of Muhammad in the 7th century. According to tradition, elements of the Hajj trace back to the time of [[Abraham in Islam|Abraham]] (Ibrahim), around 2000 BCE. Abraham's wife, Sarah, was unable to conceive, and upon her request, Abraham had taken their female servant, Hagar, as a second wife. Hagar bore Abraham a son, Ishmael. It is believed that Abraham was ordered by God to leave [[Hagar (Bible)|Hagar]] ([[Hagar in Islam|Hājar]]) and [[Ishmael]] ([[Ishmael in Islam|ʼIsmāʻīl]]) alone in the desert. Looking for shelter, food and water, Hagar ran back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times with her son. In desperation, she laid the baby on the sand and begged for God's assistance. The baby cried and hit the ground with his heel (some versions of the story say that the [[angel]] [[Gabriel]] ([[Holy Spirit (Islam)|Jibrail]]) scraped his foot or the tip of his wing along the ground), and the [[Zamzam Well]] miraculously sprang forth.

In the [[Jahiliyyah|days before the mission of Muhammad]], tribes from all around the [[Arabian Peninsula]] would converge annually on Mecca in pilgrimage. The respective faiths of the tribes was not important at that time, and [[Arab Christians and Arabic-speaking Christians|Christian Arabs]] were as likely to have made the pilgrimage as the [[Paganism|pagan]] Arabs.<ref>Armstrong, ''Jerusalem: One City, Three Faiths'', p. 221. "Each year the tribes would assemble from all over the peninsula to take part in the arduous and intricate rites of the ''hajj'' pilgrimage, Christian Arabs alongside the pagans. By Muhammad's time, the Ka'bah was dedicated to the [[Nabatean]] deity [[Hubal]] and surrounded by effigies of the Arabian pantheon, but it may well originally have been the shrine of Allah, the high god."</ref> Muslim historians refer to the time before Muhammad as ''[[jahiliyyah]]'', the "Days of Ignorance", during which the Kaaba contained hundreds of idols&nbsp;– totems of each of the [[Tribes of Arabia|tribes of the Arabian Peninsula]], with [[Arabian mythology|idols of pagan gods]] such as [[Hubal]], [[Allat|al-Lat]], [[Al-‘Uzzá]] and [[Manāt|Manat]].

Muḥammad was known to regularly perform the ''[['Umrah]]'', even before he began receiving revelation.<ref name="armstrong"/> Historically, Muslims would gather at various meeting points in other great cities, and then proceed en masse towards Mecca, in groups that could comprise tens of thousands of pilgrims. Two of the most famous meeting points were in [[Damascus]] and Cairo, where the [[Sultan of Egypt|Sultan]] would stand atop a platform on the famous [[Bab Zuwayla|Zuweila Gate]] to officially see pilgrims off.<ref>{{cite book |title=Eyewitness Travel: Egypt |date=2001, 2007 |isbn=978-0-7566-2875-8 |publisher=Dorling Kindersley Limited, London |page=103}}</ref>

In 630 CE, Muhammad led his followers from [[Medina]] to Mecca in what was the first Hajj to be performed by Muslims alone, and the only one Muhammad attended. He cleansed the Ka'aba by destroying all the pagan idols, and then reconsecrated the building to Allah.<ref>''In the Lands of the Prophet'', Time-Life, p. 31</ref> It was from this point that the Hajj became one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Performing the Hajj was a hazardous journey for early pilgrims; [[Ibn Jubayr]] noted the skeletons of the faithful who had died of thirst en route. In the 17th century, a group of [[Egypt]]ian pilgrims lost over 1,500 people and 900 camels. In 1924 around one-fifth of a group of [[Syria]]n pilgrims died and two years later, 12,000 are thought to have died during the journey.<ref>Islam in the World by Malise Ruthven. Page 2. Granta Publications, 2006 ISBN 1-86207-906-4</ref>

== Preparations ==
{{see also|Ihram}}

During the Hajj, male pilgrims are required to dress only in the ''ihram'', a garment consisting of two sheets of white unhemmed cloth, with the top draped over the torso and the bottom secured by a white sash; plus a pair of sandals. Women are simply required to maintain their [[Hijab#Women|hijab]]—normal modest dress, which does not cover the hands or face.<ref name=AtoZ/>

The Ihram is meant to show equality of all pilgrims, in front of [[God]]: there is no difference between a prince and a pauper. Ihram is also symbolic for holy virtue and pardon from all past sins. A place designated for changing into Ihram is called a ''[[Miqat]]'' ( like Zu 'l-Hulafa, Juhfa, Qarnu 'l-Manāzil, [[Yalamlam]], Zāt-i-'Irq, Ibrahīm Mursīa).

While wearing the Ihram, a pilgrim may not shave, clip their nails, wear perfume, swear or quarrel, have sexual relations, uproot or damage plants, kill or harm wild animals, cover the head [for men] or the face and hands [for women], marry, wear shoes over the ankles, or carry weapons.

== Rites ==
[[File:Hajj.ogg|thumb|right|The ''Kaaba'' during ''Hajj'']]
[[File:La mecque pelerinage.png|thumb|300px|right|Diagram indicating the order of the ''Hajj'' rituals.]]

Upon arrival in Mecca the pilgrim, now known as a ''[[Hajji]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/practices/hajj_3.shtml |title=Guide to going to Mecca |publisher=BBC |accessdate=December 8, 2008}}</ref> performs a series of ritual acts symbolic of the lives of Ibrahim (Abraham) and his wife Hajar (Hagar). The acts also symbolize the solidarity of Muslims worldwide.

The greater Hajj (''al-hajj al-akbar'') begins on the eighth day of the 12th lunar month of Dhu al-Hijjah. On the first day of the Hajj (the 8th day of the month),<ref>[http://islam.about.com/od/hajj/ss/hajj_steps_2.htm Steps of Hajj: Day 1<!--Bot-generated title-->]</ref> if they are not already wearing it upon their arrival, pilgrims put on ihram clothing and then leave Mecca for the nearby town of [[Mina, Saudi Arabia|Mina]] where they spend the rest of the day. The Saudi government has put up thousands of large white tents at Mina to provide accommodations for all the pilgrims.<ref name=ngeo>{{cite news |title=Inside Makkah |format=video documentary |publisher=[[National Geographic Society|National Geographic]] |year=2003 |author=Anisa Mehdi, John Bredar (writers)}}</ref>

After spending a day at Mina pilgrims go to the plain of Arafat on 9th Jul Hajj and stay there to perform the rite of Ukufe Arafah till sunset and thereafter proceed towards the nearby plain of Mujdalifa. Pilgrims stay overnight at Mujdalifa under the open sky and collect pebbles, to perform stoning devil rite at Zamarat. From Mujdalifa pilgrims go in the morning to Mina and therefrom to Zamarat to perform the rite of Stoning the devil. After that pilgrims perform the rite of sacrificing an animal, which day is also called the day of Eid-al-Adha. After sacrificing an animal, the next rite of Hajj is shaving their head for men or cutting a tip of the hair for women. After this pilgrims go to Kaaba and perform the Tawafe ziarah. Thereafter they perform salah at Maqam Ibrahim and drink Zamzam water and perform Sayee between Safa and Marwa and go to Mina again to perform three more days of stoning devils. After stoning on 13th of Jul hajj most of the pilgrims go to Madinah to visit the Rawza Sharif (Holy Tomb of Prophet). Finally, pilgrims perform farewell tawaf before leaving for their own countries.<ref> 1.Sahih Bukhari-Book of Hajj, 2.Sahih Muslim- Book of Hajj, 3.Kitabul Hajj by Maulana M.S.Banoo Nadwi</ref>

===Tawaf and Sayi===
[[File:Tavaf.jpg|right|thumb||Direction of the [[Tawaf]] around the [[Kaaba]]]]
The pilgrims perform their first ''[[Tawaf]]'', which involves all of the pilgrims visiting the Kaaba and walking seven times counter-clockwise around the Kaaba. They may also kiss the Black Stone (Al Hajar Al Aswad) on each circuit. If kissing the stone is not possible because of the crowds, they may simply point towards the Stone on each circuit with their right hand. In each complete circuit a pilgrim says "Here I am at Thy service O Lord, here I am. Here I am at Thy service and Thou hast no partners. Thine alone is All Praise and All Bounty, and Thine alone is The Sovereignty. Thou hast no partners." (Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik. Labbaik, La Shareek Laka, Labbaik. Innal Hamdah, Wan Nematah, Laka wal Mulk, La Shareek Laka) with 7 circuits constituting a complete tawaf. The place where pilgrims walk is known as "Mutaaf". Only the first three shouts are compulsory, but almost all perform it seven times.

The tawaf is normally performed all at once. Eating is not permitted but the drinking of water is allowed, because of the risk of dehydration due to the often high humidity in Mecca. Men are encouraged to perform the first three circuits at a hurried pace, followed by four times, more closely, at a leisurely pace.<ref name=AtoZ>{{cite book | title=Hajj to Umrah: From A to Z | last = Mohamed | first= Mamdouh N. | year = 1996 | publisher=Amana Publications | isbn= 0-915957-54-X}}</ref>

After the completion of Tawaf, all the pilgrims have to offer two [[Raka'ah|Rakaat]] prayers at the Place of Abraham (Muqaam Ibrahim), a site inside the mosque that is near the Kaaba. However, again because of large crowds during the days of Hajj, they may instead pray anywhere in the [[mosque]].

Although the circuits around the Kaaba are traditionally done on the ground level, Tawaf is now also performed on the first floor and roof of the mosque because of the large crowd.

After Tawaf on the same day, the pilgrims perform ''sa`i'', running or walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. This is a re-enactment of the frantic search for water for her son Ishmael by Abraham's wife and Ishmael's mother Hajar. As she searched, Hazrat Ismail, an infant, hit his heels on the ground while crying, upon which the water of the Zamzam started gushing from the ground.<ref>Sahih Bukhari, [http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/bukhari/055.sbt.html#004.055.583 Volume 4, Book 55, Number 583]</ref> The back and forth circuit of the pilgrims used to be in the open air, but is now entirely enclosed by the [[Masjid al-Haram]] mosque, and can be accessed via air-conditioned tunnels. Pilgrims are advised to walk the circuit, though two green pillars mark a short section of the path where they are allowed to run. There is also an internal "express lane" for the disabled. As part of this ritual the pilgrims also drink water from the Zamzam Well, which is made available in coolers throughout the Mosque. After the visit to the mosque on this day of the Hajj, the pilgrims then return to their tents.

===Arafat===
{{Main|Mount Arafat}}
[[File:Mount Arafat.jpg|thumb|Mount Arafat]]
[[File:Tents at Mina.JPG|thumb|Tents at Mina]]
[[File:Arafat pilgrims.jpg|thumb|Pilgrims on [[Mount Arafat|Plains of Arafat]] on the day of Hajj]]

The next morning, on the eighth of Dhu al-Hijjah, the pilgrims proceed to Mina where they spend the night in prayer.

On the ninth day, they leave Mina for Mount Arafat where they stand in contemplative vigil and pray and recite the Qur'an, near a hill from where Muhammad delivered his last sermon, this mountain is called Jabal Al Rahmah (The Hill of Forgiveness, Mount Arafat). This is known as Wuquf, considered the highlight of the Hajjah. Pilgrims must spend the afternoon within a defined area on the plain of Arafat until after sunset. No specific rituals or prayers are required during the stay at Arafat, although many pilgrims spend time praying, and thinking about the course of their lives. A pilgrim's Hajj is considered invalid if they do not spend the afternoon on Arafat.<ref name=ngeo/> Pilgrims must leave Arafat towards Muzdalifah after sunset without praying maghrib salah (evening prayer) at Arafat.<ref> Sahih Muslim-Hadith No 2941.2944</ref>

===Muzdalifah===
As soon as the sun sets, the pilgrims leave Arafat for [[Muzdalifah]], an area between Arafat and Mina. Upon reaching Muzdalifah pilgrims perform Maghrib and Isha prayer jointly as it is the Sunnah of the Prophet. Pilgrims spend the night praying and sleeping on the ground with open sky, and they gather pebbles for the next day's ritual of the stoning of the [[Devil]] ([[Devil (Islam)|Shaitan]]) after returning to Mina.<ref>Sahih Bukhari Hadith No: 732,733,and 734</ref>

===Ramy al-Jamarat===
[[File:According to the historic tradition, when Abraham went to sacrifice his son, he found that God had placed a ram there instead. - Flickr - Al Jazeera English.jpg|thumb|left|[[Stoning of the devil]], 2010]]
{{Main|Stoning of the Devil}}
At Mina the pilgrims perform ''Ramy al-Jamarat'', throwing stones to signify their defiance of the Devil. This symbolizes the trials experienced by Abraham while he was going to sacrifice his son as demanded by God. The Devil challenged him three times, and three times Abraham refused. Each pillar marks the location of one of these refusals. On the first occasion when Ramy al-Jamarat is performed, pilgrims stone the largest pillar known as Jamrat'al'Aqabah.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.easyhajj.co.uk/throwingpebbles.php |title=easyhajj.co.uk |publisher=easyhajj.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2011-12-19}}</ref> Pilgrims climb ramps to the multi-levelled [[Jamaraat Bridge]], from which they can throw their pebbles at the jamarat. On the second occasion, the other pillars are stoned. The stoning consists of throwing seven pebbles.<ref name=ngeo/> Because of the crowds, in 2004 the pillars were replaced by long walls, with catch basins below to collect the pebbles.

===Eid al-Adha===
{{Main|Eid al-Adha}}

==== Animal sacrifice ====

After the casting of stones, animals are slaughtered to commemorate the story of Abraham and Ishmael. Traditionally the pilgrims slaughtered the animal themselves, or oversaw the slaughtering. Today many pilgrims buy a sacrifice voucher in Mecca before the greater Hajj begins, which allows an animal to be slaughtered in their name on the 10th, without the pilgrim being physically present. Centralized butchers sacrifice a single sheep for each pilgrim, or a camel can represent the sacrifice of seven people. The meat is then packaged and given to charity (zakat) and shipped to poor people around the world.<ref name=ngeo/> At the same time as the sacrifices occur at Mecca, Muslims worldwide perform similar sacrifices, in a three day global festival called ''Eid al-Adha''.<ref name="bbc.co.uk"/>

==== Hair removal ====

After sacrificing animal another important ritual of Hajj is Halak(Shaving head or trimming hair). All male pilgrims shave their head or trim their hair after sacrificing animal on the day of Eid al Adha. Women pilgrims only cut their tip of hair.<ref>Sahih Muslim Hadith no:2985,2994</ref>

===Tawaf Al-Ifaadah===
On the same or the following day the pilgrims re-visit the Masjid al-Haram mosque in Mecca for another tawaf, to walk around the Kaaba. This is called Tawaf al-Ifadah, which symbolizes being in a hurry to respond to God and show love for Him, an obligatory part of the Hajj. The night of the 10th is spent back at Mina.

On the afternoon of the 11th and again the following day the pilgrims must again throw seven pebbles at each of the three jamarat in Mina.

Pilgrims must leave Mina for Mecca before sunset on the 12th. If they are unable to leave Mina before sunset, they must perform the stoning ritual again on the 13th before returning to Mecca.

===Tawaf al-Wida===
[[File:Kaaba mirror edit jj.jpg|thumb|Pilgrims performing the tawaf around the kaaba]]
Finally, before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform a farewell tawaf called the Tawaf al-Wida. 'Wida' means 'to bid farewell'.<ref name=ngeo/>

===Journey to Medina===
Almost all pilgrims choose to travel to the city of Medina and the [[Al-Masjid al-Nabawi]] (Mosque of the Prophet), which contains Prophet Muhammad's tomb and Riad ul Jannah and also pay visit to the graves of Muhammad [[Sahabah|companions]], ''[[Muhammad's wives|Ummahāt ul-Muʾminīn]]'' and ''[[Ahl al-Bayt]]'' in [[Al-Baqi']].<ref>{{cite web | title = Hajj | publisher = Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. | url = http://www.saudiembassy.net/issues/hajj/ | accessdate = 2009-07-30}}</ref> The [[Quba Mosque]] and [[Masjid al-Qiblatain]] are also usually visited.<ref>[http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=QlozJ12_C-8C&pg=PA32&dq=Quba+Mosque+Qiblatain&hl=en&ei=QDsdTb6-CZSxhAf21Iy3Dg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCsQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Quba%20Mosque%20Qiblatain&f=false A life that matters: a spiritual experience] By Norani Noridin and Nordin Yusof - Page 32</ref>

===Umrah===
{{main|Umrah}}
Umrah can be performed any time of year, and unlike Hajj, it is optional. Umrah does not contain as many steps as Hajj. For Umrah preparation, Ihram is to be done. Tawaaf and Sai is to be completed as described above. Hair cutting as per norms is last step to symbolise they are making a fresh start.

== Transportation ==

Pilgrims generally travel to Hajj in groups, as an expression of unity. Various institutions and government programs, such as the [[Haj subsidy]] offered in India or the [[Tabung Haji]] based in Malaysia assist pilgrims in covering the costs of the journey.

In the 19th century, many pilgrims began arriving in Mecca by steamship and this continued for some time, until after Egypt introduced the first airline service for Hajj pilgrims in 1937.<ref name="Miller2006">{{cite journal|last1=Miller|first1=M. B.|title=Pilgrims' Progress: The Business of the Hajj|journal=Past & Present|volume=191|issue=1|year=2006|pages=189–228|issn=0031-2746|doi=10.1093/pastj/gtj009}}</ref> Some airlines and many travel agents have packages for Muslims going to Mecca. [[King Abdulaziz International Airport]] in Jeddah and [[Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport]] in Medina have special facilities to accommodate the arrival of pilgrims.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pilgrims Start Arriving From India, Pakistan as Haj Terminal Is Officially Opened|url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/276926|work=Arab News|accessdate=26 February 2013}}</ref> Other international airports around the world, such as [[Indira Gandhi International Airport#Hajj Terminal|Indira Gandhi]] in [[New Delhi]], [[Rajiv Gandhi International Airport]] in [[Hyderabad]], [[Jinnah International Airport|Jinnah]] in [[Karachi]] and [[Soekarno-Hatta International Airport#Haji Terminal|Soekarno-Hatta]] in [[Jakarta]] also have smaller dedicated terminals or temporary facilities to service pilgrims as they depart and return home.

== Modern crowd-control issues ==

As of 2010, about three million pilgrims participate in the hajj.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2010/11/16/Hajj-attracts-some-3-million-pilgrims/UPI-21981289926713/ |title=Hajj attracts some 3 million pilgrims |date=November 16, 2010 |work=[[UPI]] |accessdate=November 18, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.altmuslim.com/a/a/a/as_hajj_begins_more_changes_and_challenges_in_store/ |title=As Hajj begins, more changes and challenges in store |publisher=altmuslim |date= |accessdate=2011-12-19}}</ref> 3,161,573 in 2012, according to Saudi Foreign Embassy.<ref name=number>{{cite web|title=3,161,573 pilgrims perform Hajj this year|url=http://www.saudiembassy.net/latest_news/news10271201.aspx|work=October 27, 2012|publisher=Embassy of KSA|accessdate=17 March 2014}}</ref> Crowd-control techniques have become critical, and because of the large numbers of people, many of the rituals have become more symbolic. It is not necessary to kiss the [[Black Stone]], but merely to point at it on each circuit around the Kaaba. Throwing pebbles was done at large pillars, which for safety reasons in 2004 were changed to long walls with catch basins below to catch the stones. The slaughter of an animal can be done either personally, or by appointing someone else to do it, and so forth.<ref name=AtoZ/> But even with the crowd control techniques, there are still many [[incidents during the Hajj]], as pilgrims are trampled in a crush, or ramps collapse under the weight of the many visitors. Pilgrims can also go to Mecca to perform the rituals at other times of the year. This is sometimes called the "lesser pilgrimage", or [[Umrah]]. However, even if one chooses to perform the Umrah, they are still obligated to perform the Hajj at some other point in their lifetime if they have the means to do so. Mass gathering events like the gathering of huge numbers of pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia's holy sites during Ramadan and Hajj may give infections such as [[Middle East respiratory syndrome]] the opportunity to spread.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Eaves|first1=Elisabeth|title=WHO's Maurizio Barbeschi Talks About MERS and Mass Events|url=http://thebulletin.org/whos-maurizio-barbeschi-talks-about-mers-and-mass-events7230|website=Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists|publisher=Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists|accessdate=June 9, 2014}}</ref>

== Social effect ==
{{refimprove section|date=May 2012}}
{{Mosques}}

Early after the founding of Islam, Muslims began to expand their territory. By 750 CE, they came to conquer most of the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe, ushering in an era of learning, science, and invention known as the [[Islamic Golden Age]]. The knowledge and skills of the ancient Middle East, of Greece, and of Persia were preserved by Muslims who also added new and important innovations from outside such as the manufacture of paper from China and decimal positional numbering from India. Much of this learning and development can be linked to geography.

Even prior to Islam's presence, the city of Mecca had served as a center of trade in Arabia. With the new Islamic tradition of the Hajj, the city became even more a center for exchanging goods and ideas. The influence held by Muslim merchants over African-Arabian and Arabian-Asian trade routes was tremendous. As a result, Islamic civilization grew and expanded on the basis of its merchant economy, in contrast to the Europeans, Indians, and Chinese who based their societies on an agricultural landholding nobility. Merchants brought goods and their faith to [[Islam in China|China]], [[Muslim conquest in the Indian subcontinent|India]], [[Islam in Southeast Asia|Southeast Asia]], and the kingdoms of western [[Islam in Africa|Africa]], and returned with new discoveries and inventions.

[[Malcolm X]], an American [[African-American Civil Rights Movement (1955–1968)|civil rights activist]], describes the sociological atmosphere he experienced at his Hajj in the 1960s as follows:

{{quote|There were tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over the world. They were of all colors, from blue-eyed blondes to black-skinned Africans. But we were all participating in the same ritual, displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had led me to believe never could exist between the white and the non-white. America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society the race problem. You may be shocked by these words coming from me. But on this pilgrimage, what I have seen, and experienced, has forced me to rearrange much of my thought patterns previously held.|<ref name="XHaley1999">{{cite book |author1=Malcolm X |author2=Alex Haley |title=The Autobiography of Malcolm X |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=NlkifTXux_cC |accessdate=26 February 2013 |year=1999 |publisher=Ballantine Books |isbn=978-0-345-35068-8 |page=346}}</ref>}}

Due to lack of communication between more than three million pilgrims from all over the globe and the immensity of the gathering itself, there have been many incidents during the Hajj that have led to the loss of hundreds of lives. The worst of these incidents have usually occurred during the ritual known as 'Stoning of the Devil'. During the 2006 Hajj on 12 January, 362 pilgrims died. Tramplings have also occurred when pilgrims try to run between the two hills known as Al-Safa and Al-Marwa. In 2006, there were some 600 [[casualty (person)|casualties]] among pilgrims performing the Hajj. After these events, the Saudi government made improvements for pilgrims such as providing separate pathways for travelling to and from Al-Safa and Al-Marwa.

A 2008 study on the longer-term effect of participating in the Islamic pilgrimage found that Muslims' communities become more open after the Hajj experience. Entitled ''Estimating the Impact of the Hajj: Religion and Tolerance in Islam’s Global Gathering'', a study conducted in conjunction with [[Harvard University]]'s [[John F. Kennedy School of Government]] found that the Hajj experience promotes peaceful coexistence, equality, and harmony.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1124213 |title=Estimating the Impact of the Hajj: Religion and Tolerance in Islam's Global Gathering |publisher=Papers.ssrn.com |date= |accessdate=2011-12-19}}</ref> Specifically, the report states that the Hajj "increases belief in equality and harmony among ethnic groups and Islamic community and that "Hajjis (those who have performed the Hajj) show increased belief in peace, and in equality and harmony among adherents of different religions". During the 2013 Hajj, some American pilgrims reported Salafist threats and violence, which was accompanied by official discrimination.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/american-muslim/2013/oct/18/americans-performing-hajj-attacked-saudi-arabia/ |title=Americans performing Hajj attacked in Saudi Arabia |publisher=Washington Times |date= |accessdate=2013-10-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/10/21/detroit-muslims-hajj-attack/3147385/ |title=Detroit Muslims say they were attacked at hajj |publisher=USA Today |date= 2013-10-22 |accessdate=2014-04-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.freep.com/article/20131022/NEWS05/310220034/Metro-Detroit-Muslims-attacked-at-Hajj |title=Metro Detroit Shias say they were attacked at hajj in Saudi Arabia |publisher= Detroit Free Press|date= 2013-10-22 |accessdate=2014-04-18}}</ref>

== Number of pilgrims per year ==
[[File:Masjid al-Haram panorama.JPG|thumb|center|800px|{{center|[[Masjid al-Haram]] panorama during Hajj, 2007.}}]]

There has been substantial progress in the number of pilgrims during the last 92 years, and only the number of foreign pilgrims has increased phenomenally by approximately 2,824 percent, up from just 58,584 in 1920 to 1,712,962 in 2012.<ref name=History>[http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-2-139473-Number-of-foreign-Hajis-grows-by-2824-percent-in-92-years "Increase in Pilgrims"], [[The News International]]. Retrieved on March 12, 2013.</ref> The following number of pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia each year, to perform the hajj.<ref>{{cite book |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=EK5MqskDYC0C&hl=en&q=statistics&btnG.x=8&btnG.y=6#v=snippet&q=statistics&f=false |title=The Hajj: The Muslim Pilgrimage to Mecca and the Holy Places |first=F. E. |last=Peters |publisher=Princeton University Press |location=Princeton, N.J. |isbn=9780691026190 |year=1995 |accessdate=2011-12-19}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! [[Year]] !! [[Hijri year]] !! Saudi pilgrims !! Foreign pilgrims !! Total
|-
| 1920 || 1338 || || 58,584<ref name=History/> ||
|-
| 1921 || 1339 || || 57,255<ref name=History/> ||
|-
| 1922 || 1340 || || 56,319<ref name=History/> ||
|-
| 1996 || 1416 || 784,769 || 1,080,465 || 1,865,234<ref>[http://www.saudiembassy.net/1997News/News/HajDetail.asp?cIndex=3949 Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia]{{dead link|date=December 2011}}</ref><ref name=MOH>[http://www.hajinformation.com/main/l.htm "Hajj and Umrah Statistics"]</ref>
|-
| 1997 || 1417 || 774,260 || 1,168,591 || 1,942,851<ref name=MOH/><ref>{{cite web |title=Record number of pilgrims arrive for 1417 Hajj |publisher=Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia |date=1997-04-15 |url=http://www.saudiembassy.net/archive/1997/news/page208.aspx |accessdate=2009-07-30}}</ref>
|-
| 1998 || 1418 || 699,770 || 1,132,344 || 1,832,114<ref name=MOH/><ref>{{cite web |title=Final statistics for Hajj 1418 pilgrims |publisher=Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia |date=1998-04-08 |url=http://www.saudiembassy.net/archive/1998/news/page352.aspx |accessdate=2009-07-30}}</ref>
|-
| 1999 || 1419 || 775,268 || 1,056,730 || 1,831,998<ref name=MOH/>
|-
| 2000 || 1420 || 571,599 || 1,267,555 || 1,839,154<ref name=MOH/>
|-
| 2001 || 1421 || 549,271 || 1,363,992 || 1,913,263<ref>{{cite web |title=Successful culmination of Hajj 1421 |publisher=Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia |date=2001-03-09 |url=http://www.saudiembassy.net/archive/2001/news/page514.aspx |accessdate=2009-07-30}}</ref>
|-
| 2002 || 1422 || 590,576 || 1,354,184 || 1,944,760<ref name=MOH/>
|-
| 2003 || 1423 || 610,117 || 1,431,012 || 2,041,129<ref name=MOH/>
|-
| 2004 || 1424 || 592,368 || 1,419,706 || 2,012,074<ref name=MOH/>
|-
| 2005 || 1425 || 629,710 || 1,534,769 || 2,164,469<ref name=MOH/><ref>{{cite web |title=Prince Abdulmajeed declares Hajj 1425 a success |publisher=Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia |date=2005-01-25 |url=http://www.saudiembassy.net/archive/2005/news/page806.aspx |accessdate=2009-07-30}}</ref>
|-
| 2006 || 1426 || 573,147 || 1,557,447 ||2,130,594<ref name=MOH/><ref>{{cite web |title=More than 2.3 million pilgrims perform the Hajj this year |publisher=Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia |date=2006-12-30 |url=http://www.saudiembassy.net/archive/2006/news/page5.aspx |accessdate=2009-07-30}}</ref>
|-
| 2007 || 1427 || 746,511 || 1,707,814 || 2,454,325<ref name=MOH/><ref>{{cite web |title=More than 1.7 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj |publisher=Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia |date=2007-12-17 |url=http://www.saudiembassy.net/archive/2007/news/page15.aspx |accessdate=2009-07-30}}</ref><ref name=SCDS>[http://xrdarabia.org/2007/12/23/how-many-attended-the-hajj/ "Saudi Central Department of Statistics"]</ref>
|-
| 2008 || 1428 || || 1,729,841<ref name=MOH/><ref>{{cite web |title=Record number of pilgrims arrive for Hajj |publisher=Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia |date=2008-12-06 |url=http://www.saudiembassy.net/affairs/recent-news/news12060801.aspx |accessdate=2009-07-30}}</ref> ||
|-
| 2009 || 1429 || 154,000 || 1,613,000 || 2,521,000<ref>{{cite web |title=2,521,000 million pilgrims participated in Hajj 1430 |publisher=Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia |date=2009-11-29 |url=http://www.saudiembassy.net/latest_news/news11290904.aspx |accessdate=2009-12-08}}</ref>
|-
| 2010 || 1430 || 989,798 || 1,799,601 || 2,854,345<ref>{{cite web |title=2.8 million pilgrims participated in Hajj 1431 |publisher=Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia |date=2010-11-18 |url=http://www.saudiembassy.or.jp/En/PressReleases/2010/20101118.htm |accessdate=2010-12-28}}</ref>
|-
| 2011 || 1431 || 1,099,522 || 1,828,195 || 2,927,717<ref>{{cite web |title=2,927,717 pilgrims performed Hajj this year |publisher=Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia |date=2011-11-06 |url=http://www.saudiembassy.net/latest_news/news11061102.aspx |accessdate=2012-11-16}}</ref>
|-
| 2012 || 1432 || 1,408,641 || 1,752,932 || 3,161,573<ref>{{cite web |title=3,161,573 pilgrims perform Hajj this year| publisher=Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia |date=October 27, 2012| url=http://www.saudiembassy.net/latest_news/news10271201.aspx| accessdate=2013-03-12}}</ref>
|-
| 2013 || 1433 || 700,000 (approx.) <ref>{{cite web | title=Two million pilgrims taking place in Hajj |publisher=Euronews |date=October 14, 2013| url=http://www.euronews.com/2013/10/14/two-million-pilgrims-taking-part-in-hajj-at-mecca-reach-mount-arafat/| accessdate=2014-02-13}}</ref> || 1,379,531 <ref>{{cite web |title=1,379,531 pilgrims from 188 countries arrived for Hajj| publisher=Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia |date=October 13, 2013| url=http://www.saudiembassy.net/latest_news/news10131302.aspx| accessdate=2014-02-13}}</ref> || 2,061,573 (approx.)
|}

Due to fears of the [[Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus|MERS virus]], attendance in the hajj was lower in 2013 compared to 2012.<ref name="2 million 2012">{{cite web | url=http://www.afp.com/en/node/1119289 | title=Two million Muslim pilgrims begin annual hajj | publisher=AFP | date=13 October 2013 | accessdate=17 October 2013}}</ref><ref name="hj 2013">{{cite web | url=http://www.afp.com/en/node/1120742 | title=Muslim pilgrims urged to heal rifts at hajj zenith | publisher=AFP | date=14 October 2013 | accessdate=17 October 2013}}</ref> The Saudi government asked elderly and chronically ill Muslims to avoid the Hajj and have restricted the number of people allowed to perform the pilgrimage.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.yahoo.com/qatar-announces-second-mers-virus-death-150003242.html | title=MERS virus claims three more lives in Saudi Arabia | publisher=AFP via Yahoo|quote= Authorities have urged the elderly and chronically ill Muslims to avoid the hajj this year and have cut back on the numbers of people they will allow to perform the pilgrimage.| date=September 7, 2013<!-- 8:42 PM -->| accessdate=8 September 2013}}</ref><ref name="time 2013">{{cite web | url=http://science.time.com/2013/10/16/as-the-hajj-unfolds-in-saudi-arabia-a-deep-look-inside-the-battle-against-mers/ | title=As the Hajj Unfolds in Saudi Arabia, A Deep Look Inside the Battle Against MERS | publisher=Time Magazine | date=16 October 2013 | accessdate=17 October 2013 | author=Katz , Andrew}}</ref><ref name="mail a 2013">{{cite web | url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2454273/Revealed-How-Hajj-pilgrimage-cause-outbreak-deadly-Mers-virus-million-gather-Islamic-event-hundreds-camels-slaughtered-possible-cause-disease.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490 | title=Hajj pilgrimage could cause deadly Mers virus outbreak as millions gather for Islamic event where camels are slaughtered… a possible cause of the disease | publisher=Mail newspaper | date=<!--09:02 EST--> 11 October 2013 | accessdate=17 October 2013 | author=Edwards, Anna}}</ref> Saudi Health Minister [[Abdullah Al-Rabia]] said that authorities had so far detected no cases among the pilgrims of MERS,<ref name="2 million 2012"/><ref name="Spain reports its first MERS case; woman travelled to Saudi Arabia for Hajj">{{cite web | url=http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Spain+reports+first+MERS+case+woman+travelled+Saudi+Arabia+Hajj/9133754/story.html | title=Spain reports its first MERS case; woman travelled to Saudi Arabia for Hajj | publisher=Vancouver Sun | date=7 November 2013 | accessdate=12 November 2013 | author=Branswell, Helen}}</ref> He also said that despite few cases of MERS, Saudi Arabia is ready for 2014 Pilgrimage.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hajj pilgrimage to continue despite deadly MERS Epidemic|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/04/hajj-pilgrimage-to-continue-despite-deadly-mers-epidemic/|work=IANS|publisher=news.biharprabha.com|accessdate=23 April 2014}}</ref>

== See also ==
* ''[[Arba'een]]''
* [[Glossary of Islam]]
* [[Journey to Mecca (2009 film)|''Journey to Mecca'' (2009 film)]]
* [[Le Grand Voyage|''Le Grand Voyage'' (2004 film)]]
* [[List of largest peaceful gatherings in history]]
* [[Saudi Red Crescent Authority]]
* [[Tourism in Saudi Arabia]]
* [[Incidents during the Hajj]]

== Notes ==
{{reflist |colwidth=30em}}

== References ==
* {{cite book |title=Atlas of Holy Places & Sacred Sites |author=Colin Wilson |isbn=978-0-7894-1051-1 |publisher=<!--DK ADULT--> |year=1996}}
* {{en icon}} {{es icon}} {{cite DVD notes |title=Inside Mecca |titlelink=http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/product/159/1526/116.html |origyear=2009 |others=Anisa Mehdi |publisher=National Geographic |location= |id= |year=}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite book
| last = Bianchi
| first = Robert R.
| year = 2004
| title = Guests of God: Pilgrimage and Politics in the Islamic World
| publisher = [[Oxford University Press]]
| isbn = 978-0-19-517107-5}}
*{{cite book
| last = Hammoudi
| first = Abdellah
| year = 2006
| title = A Season in Mecca: Narrative of a Pilgrimage
| publisher = [[Hill and Wang]]
| isbn = 978-0-8090-7609-3}}
* Khan, Qaisra, "Hajj & 'Umra", in Muhammad in History, Thought, and Culture: An Encyclopedia of the Prophet of God (2 vols.), Edited by C. Fitzpatrick and A. Walker, Santa Barbara, ABC-CLIO, 2014, Vol I, pp.&nbsp;239–245.
*{{cite book
| last = Shariati
| first = Ali
| year = 2005
| title = HAJJ: Reflection on Its Rituals
| publisher = Islamic Publications International
| isbn = 1-889999-38-5}}
*{{cite book
| last = Trojanow
| first = Ilija
| year = 2007
| title = Mumbai To Mecca: A Pilgrimage to the Holy Sites of Islam
| publisher = [[Haus Publishing]]
| isbn = 978-1-904950-29-5
| authorlink = Ilija Trojanow}}

== External links ==
{{external links|date=May 2014}}
{{sisterlinks|d=Q234915|species=no|mw=no|m=no|voy=Hajj|s=Hajj|commons=Category:Hajj|b=Islam Way of Life/Practising Islam|v=Islam/5 Pillars|n=Hajj|q=no}}<!--Wikinews and Wikisource have several entries on the Hajj but no category/unified listing yet-->
*{{DMOZ|Society/Religion_and_Spirituality/Islam/Pilgrimages/Hajj_and_Umrah/}}
* [http://www.hajjbound.com/when-is-hajj-2014/ Hajj 2014]
* [http://www.hajjexplorer.com Hajj Explorer - One Stop Hajj Shop]-Preparation resources, blogs, reviews, search and compare of Hajj Packages
* [http://www.hajjbound.com/when-is-hajj-2014/ Dates for the Hajj Pilgrimage]
* [http://aapkaislam.com/hajj.html Articles on Hajj]
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/holydays/eiduladha.shtml BBC - Religion & Ethics - Eid el Adha]
* [http://www.hajjbound.com Hajjbound - Planning for Hajj]—Hajj packages, reviews, and ratings from across the globe
* [http://www.islam-globe.com/books/Fisabilillah/12%20Ultimate%20Journey.pdf Hajj & Umrah - Journey of a Lifetime]—an e-book
* [http://www.qul.org.au/islamic-occasions/hajj-the-pilgrimage Hajj - The Pilgrimage]—The most comprehensive resource available
* [http://www.islamicity.com/mosque/hajj Hajj Information Center] - An online Hajj resource from IslamiCity
* [http://www.haqislam.org/articles/hajj/ Hajj] - Excellent Resources by Haq Islam
* [http://uqu.edu.sa/page/en/3192 The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute of Hajj researches]
* [http://www.haj.gov.sa The official Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj website]
* [http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/11/24/marker.map.hajj/index.html Mapping Faith: The Pilgrimage to Mecca]—CNN interactive feature
* [http://www.pbs.org/muhammad/virtualhajj.shtml Virtual Hajj] by ''PBS''
* [http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1865298,00.html The Hajj Goes High Tech]—''Time'' magazine photo essay
* [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/27/stoning-of-the-devil-phot_n_372183.html Muslims Cast Stones On 3rd Day Of Hajj]—slideshow at ''[[The Huffington Post]]''
* [http://umre.be/sistem/ Hajj Umrah Belgium Turkish Archive]
* [http://www.geotauaisay.com/2010/06/pakistan-hajj-policy-2010/ Pakistan Hajj Policy 2010]
* [http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1013428 Sequence of Hajj explained through Google Earth]
* [http://ahadith.co.uk/searchresults.php?q=%22Perform+Hajj%22 Hadith on Hajj]
* [http://www.zikr.co.uk/books/Hajj.html Complete Interactive Online Guide to Hajj including rites, rituals and duas ]
* [http://www.al-islam.org/hajj/shariati/ Hajj (The Pilgrimage)]—Online version of the book ''Hajj: Reflection on Its Rituals'' by Dr. Ali Shariati
* [http://www.theholidayspot.com/hajj/ Hajj, a Holy Perspective]
* [http://nuralhuda.com/hajj-umrah.php Hajj, Hajj Umrah]
* [http://madinahmakkah.com/umrah-dua-2.html Umrah]
* [http://dawntravels.com/how-to-perform-umrah.htm How To Perform Umrah Tips, Duas & Packages]

{{Hajj topics |expanded}}
{{Islam topics |collapsed}}

[[Category:Hajj| ]]
[[Category:Arabic words and phrases]]
[[Category:Islam]]
[[Category:Islamic pilgrimages]]
[[Category:Mecca]]

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