The
Hajj (; "") is an annual
Islamic pilgrimage to
Mecca, and a
mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult
Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey, and can support their family during their absence. It is one of the
five pillars of Islam, alongside
Shahadah,
Salat,
Zakat, and
Sawm. The gathering during Hajj is considered the largest annual gathering of people in the world. The state of being physically and financially capable of performing the Hajj is called
istita'ah, and a Muslim who fulfills this condition is called a
mustati. The Hajj is a demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people, and their submission to
God (
Allah). The word Hajj means "to intend a journey", which connotes both the outward act of a journey and the inward act of intentions.
