Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia that is required once in a lifetime of every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to make it.

Muslim pilgrims walk around the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in the Saudi holy city of Mecca on November 30, 2009. (Mahmud Hams/AFP/Getty Images) This Friday marks the beginning of the annual Hajj ...

A Muslim pilgrim prays during the annual Hajj pilgrimage on the Plain of Arafat, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Thursday, June 5, 2025.

Tens of thousands of Muslim pilgrims gathered in reverence on Sunday to perform the farewell circumambulation, circling around Mecca's Kaaba as Hajj reached its end.

Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, could begin May 28 and brings Eid al-Adha, an opportunity to complete Hajj and many special days.

[PHOTOS] CS Duale sees off Muslim pilgrims at JKIA Duale said this year, 4,500 pilgrims from the country will travel under the Kenya Hajj mission.

WHAT IS HAJJ? Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia that is required once in a lifetime of every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to make it.

Muslim pilgrims offer prayers at top of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Thursday ...

MECCA, Saudi Arabia (AP) — The annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia has begun. It’s required once in a lifetime by every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to make it.

Muslim pilgrims walk to cast stones at pillars in the symbolic stoning of the devil, the last rite of the annual Hajj, in Mina near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, June 7, 2025.

Tens of thousands of Muslim pilgrims embarked on a day of worship under a scorching sun at the Hajj in Saudi Arabia.