Today, June 4, 2025 marks the first official day of the Hajj pilgrimage for this year!

Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah, and it’s one of the five pillars of Islam. That means it’s a core part of the faith, and every Muslim who is physically and financially able is expected to perform it at least once in their lifetime. It’s a deeply spiritual journey that brings together millions of Muslims from around the world each year.

Hajj takes place during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, from the 8th to the 13th day

Each rite of Hajj is a blessed waypoint—completing a sacred journey and opening the gates to immense reward and nearness to Allah.#Ease_and_Tranquility pic.twitter.com/e7QzynOKxH

— Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) June 3, 2025

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It’s not just a trip — it’s a carefully guided set of rituals that follow the steps of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), his wife Hajar, and their son Ismail (Ishmael).

Here’s a quick breakdown of what happens during these sacred days:

• 8th Dhul Hijjah (Day of Tarwiyah): Pilgrims enter a special state called Ihram and head to Mina, a tent city where they spend the night preparing for the days ahead.
• 9th Dhul Hijjah (Day of Arafah): This is the most important day of Hajj. Pilgrims travel to the plains of Arafat and spend the day in prayer and reflection. After sunset, they move to Muzdalifah to spend the night under the open sky.
• 10th Dhul Hijjah (Eid Al Adha): Time to return to Mina for a busy and meaningful day! Pilgrims throw pebbles at the pillars known as Jamarat, symbolizing the rejection of evil. Then, they sacrifice an animal — just like Prophet Ibrahim was willing to do — and either shave their heads (for men) or cut a small piece of hair (for women). This day also marks Eid Al Adha, a major Islamic holiday celebrated around the world.
• 11th to 13th Dhul Hijjah (Days of Tashreeq): Pilgrims stay in Mina and continue the ritual of stoning the Jamarat each day. It’s a time of patience, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
• Final steps: Before leaving Makkah, pilgrims perform Tawaf al-Ifadah (circling the Kaaba) and the Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah). Many stay another night in Mina and finally perform Tawaf al-Wada — the farewell Tawaf — before heading home.

Eid Al Adha, which falls on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, is deeply connected to the story of Prophet Ibrahim

According to Islamic belief, Ibrahim had a dream that God was asking him to sacrifice his son Ismail as a test of faith. Both father and son were willing to obey, but at the last moment, God replaced Ismail with a ram — a powerful symbol of reward for sincere faith and obedience.

Today, Muslims remember this act of devotion by sacrificing animals, sharing meat with the needy, and renewing their own commitment to trust and obedience to God.

Hajj and Eid Al Adha together serve as powerful reminders of submission, unity, and the deep spiritual legacy of Islam!