Hajj 2025: All 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 significant spiritual journeys in the religion of Islam.

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

A pilar of Islam

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

The pilgrimage occurs 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 encompasses several significant rituals:

Ihram: Pilgrims begin by entering a state of spiritual purity known as ihram. This includes wearing simple, white garments 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 Marwa (sai).

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

Muslim pilgrims arrive at the Mina tent camp during the annual Hajj pilgrimage near the holy city of Mecca on June 14, 2024.

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

Muslim pilgrims pray at dawn on Saudi Arabia’s Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma or Mount of Mercy, during the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage on June 15, 2024.

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

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

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

Muzdalifah: After sunset, pilgrims then proceed 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 to Mina, pilgrims perform the symbolic stoning of the devil by casting pebbles at three pillars, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s rejection of Satan’s temptation.

Muslim pilgrims perform the symbolic ‘stoning of the devil’ ritual as part of the hajj pilgrimage in Mina, near Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca, on June 16, 2024.

Eid al-Adha: Eid al-Adha will take place on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah. The date of the holiday is yet to be determined.

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

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

Farewell Tawaf: Before departing Mecca, pilgrims perform a final tawaf, marking the conclusion of their pilgrimage.

Warnings against fraudulent Hajj visas, unauthorized agents

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

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

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

Repeat offenses could lead to increased penalties.

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

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