Hajj 2025/ Everything you need to know about the annual pilgrimage to Mecca

Millions of Muslims around the world are preparing for Hajj 2025, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and one of the most important spiritual journeys in the Islamic faith.

The Hajj is expected to take place from June 4 to June 9, pending confirmation from Saudi Arabia's official moon-sighting committee.

A pillar of Islam

Hajj is one of the "Five Pillars" of Islam, making it obligatory for all physically and financially able Muslims to perform at least once in their lifetime.

The pilgrimage takes place during Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, and involves a series of rituals performed over five to six days.

The Hajj pilgrimage includes several important rituals:

Ihram: Pilgrims begin by entering a state of spiritual purity known as ihram. This involves wearing simple, white clothing, and abstaining from certain actions, such as cutting hair or nails, arguing, and engaging in sexual activity.

Tawaf and Sai: Pilgrims perform seven counterclockwise circuits around the Kaaba (tawaf), followed by walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwas (sai).

Mina: Pilgrims travel to Mina, a tent city outside Mecca, and spend the night in prayer and reflection.

Arafat: The Day of Arafat, which falls on the ninth of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, is considered one of the most important days, not only of the Hajj, but of the entire Islamic calendar.

After making the 15-kilometer journey from Mina, pilgrims spend the day at Jabal Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahmah - or the Mountain of Mercy - in a venerable prayer known as wuquf.

The site is particularly revered as the place where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon.

Many Muslims around the world also choose to fast on this day.

Muzdalifah: After sunset, pilgrims go to Muzdalifah, where they collect pebbles for the next day's ritual and spend the night under the open sky.

Ramy al-Jamarat: After arriving back in Mina, pilgrims perform the symbolic stoning of the devil, throwing pebbles at three pillars, commemorating the Prophet Ibrahim's rejection of the devil's temptation.

Eid al-Adha: Eid al-Adha will be held on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah. The date of the holiday has not yet been determined.

Animal Sacrifice: Pilgrims participate in the ritual slaughter of a lamb, reflecting the Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son.

Tawaf al-Ifadah: Pilgrims return to Mecca to perform another circumambulation around the Kaaba, signifying a deeper purification.

Farewell Tawaf: Before departing from Mecca, pilgrims perform the final Tawaf, marking the end of their pilgrimage.

Warnings against fraudulent Hajj visas and unauthorized agents

Ahead of the 2025 season, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah issued stern warnings against cooperating with unauthorized travel agents and fraudulent Hajj campaigns.

Pilgrims have been asked to book exclusively through the official Nusuk platform to secure legitimate Hajj packages.

The Interior Ministry announced that individuals found aiding or harboring holders of invalid visas, such as tourist or visit visas, during the Hajj season could face fines of up to $26,600 (SAR 100,000).

Repeated violations may lead to higher fines.

Additionally, fraudulent advertisements have been reported on social media promoting fake Hajj services.

Pilgrims are encouraged to verify the authenticity of any Hajj-related offers and report suspicious activities to authorities./ Al Arabiya English.