Hajj

[chicagohajj]

Each year in the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims in America and around the world begin observing activities associated with the annual hajjor pilgrimage to Mecca. Hajj is one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith. The other pillars include a declaration of faith, daily prayers, offering regular charity, and fasting during the month of Ramadan. Hajj activities take place during six days (8th-13th) of the Islamic lunar month of Dhul-Hijjah. Pilgrimageis an once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those Muslims who have the physical and financial ability to undertake the journey. It is also a form of worship that involves the entire being: body, mind and soul.
The hajj is the foremost of all Muslim rituals, even if less than 10% of all Muslims ever manage to complete it. In modern times about 2.5 million Muslims fulfill the hajj every year, and this number seems to be fairly close to the recorded maximum. Saudi authorities now regulate how many may come from each country, requiring pilgrims to file requests, many of which are declined. A person performing, and having performed the hajj, is called hajji. Many hajjis add 'Hajj' or 'Hajji' to their name after returning from Mecca.