What Hajj and Eid al-Adha mean to muslims: A journey of faith and sacrifice in Islam
Each year, millions of Muslims from across the globe gather in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj, the holy pilgrimage to Mecca that represents one of the five central pillars of Islam. It is not merely a physical journey but a profound spiritual awakening—an act of devotion, equality, and renewal.
For many pilgrims, Hajj is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, one that requires months, if not years, of planning, saving, and spiritual preparation.
According to The Economic Times report, this year, Hajj 2025 will begin on Wednesday, June 4, coinciding with the 8th day of Dhul-Hijja, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. As global travel stabilizes after recent years of pandemic-induced restrictions, Saudi authorities are expecting a record turnout of over 2 million pilgrims, bringing heightened focus on crowd safety, heat management, and accessibility for elderly and disabled worshippers.
The Hajj continues to hold enormous religious, social, and emotional significance for Muslims worldwide.
What is the Hajj and why is it important
Hajj is an obligatory pilgrimage for every Muslim who is physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey at least once in their lifetime. It is rooted in events dating back over 4,000 years, linked to the stories of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), his wife Hagar, and their son Ismail. For Muslims, Hajj symbolizes surrender to the will of God, spiritual rebirth, and unity among believers.
The pilgrimage is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, alongside:
Shahada (faith in one God),
Salah (prayer),
Zakat (charity),
Sawm (fasting during Ramadan).
By performing the Hajj, pilgrims aim to cleanse themselves of past sins, deepen their relationship with God, and demonstrate solidarity with the global Muslim community (ummah).
When is Hajj 2025 taking place
The Hajj follows the Islamic lunar calendar, and its dates vary each year. In 2025, it is expected to start on the evening of June 4 and end on June 9 or 10, depending on moon sightings.
These days correspond to the 8th to 13th of Dhul-Hijja, the twelfth month in the Islamic calendar.
Due to the desert climate of Mecca, Hajj occurring in early June means temperatures may soar above 45°C (113°F). As per The Economic Times report, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has urged pilgrims to take precautions against heatstroke and dehydration, especially when performing outdoor rituals like the Standing at Arafat and the Stoning of the Devil (Ramy al-Jamarat) in Mina.
Major rituals performed during Hajj
Pilgrims must complete several rites in a set order, with each carrying deep religious symbolism:
1. Ihram – The State of Purity
Before entering Mecca, pilgrims don the Ihram garments—white seamless cloth for men and simple modest attire for women—to signal spiritual purity and equality before God. While in this state, pilgrims must avoid arguments, vanity, and any worldly distractions.
2. Tawaf – Circling the Kaaba
Upon arriving in the Grand Mosque in Mecca, pilgrims perform Tawaf, which involves walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction.
The Kaaba is considered the holiest structure in Islam, and this act symbolizes unity in worship and submission to God.
3. Sa'i – Walking Between Safa and Marwah
This ritual commemorates Hagar's desperate search for water for her son, Ismail. Pilgrims walk briskly between the two small hills of Safa and Marwah seven times, retracing her path.
4. Arafat – The Day of Standing
Perhaps the most important part of the Hajj, pilgrims gather at the Plain of Arafat on the 9th of Dhul-Hijja.
Here, they pray and reflect from noon until sunset, asking for forgiveness in what is seen as a rehearsal for the Day of Judgment.
5. Muzdalifah – Night Under the Stars
After sunset, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah, a plain between Arafat and Mina, to spend the night under the open sky. They also collect pebbles here for the next day's ritual.
6. Ramy al-Jamarat – The Stoning of the Devil
On the 10th of Dhul-Hijja, pilgrims throw pebbles at three stone pillars in Mina, representing Satan.
This act reenacts Prophet Ibrahim's rejection of Satan's temptation.
7. Qurbani (Sacrifice)
This day also marks the
Eid al-Adha
celebration. Pilgrims perform the ritual slaughter of an animal, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The meat is distributed among the poor.
8. Tawaf al-Ifadah and Farewell Tawaf
After returning to Mecca, pilgrims perform another round of Tawaf and complete final rites before returning home spiritually renewed.
Eid al-Adha: A festival of sacrifice and compassion
Eid al-Adha begins on the 10th of Dhul-Hijja and coincides with the Hajj. Muslims around the world commemorate Prophet Ibrahim's test of faith. Families sacrifice an animal—typically a sheep, goat, or cow—and distribute the meat in three parts: for the family, relatives, and the poor.
The holiday is a time for festivity, generosity, and community prayers, reminding believers of the values of selflessness, obedience, and gratitude.
Safety and health measures for Hajj 2025
With record temperatures expected, Saudi authorities have implemented key measures to ensure pilgrim safety:
Cooling stations with mist sprays and shade zones.
Distribution of free water bottles, umbrellas, and hydration kits.
Over 30,000 health workers and 5,000 hospital beds allocated specifically for Hajj-related emergencies.
Special tracking bracelets for elderly pilgrims to monitor health and prevent loss.
Electronic permit systems to control crowd flow and prevent unauthorized pilgrims from joining.
Hajj 2025: Pilgrim limits, permit process, and new tech for muslim travelers
Each Muslim-majority country is allocated a Hajj quota based on its population. In 2025, over 180 countries are participating, with Indonesia, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh receiving the largest quotas. Pilgrims must apply for Hajj permits through official government portals, and all travelers must be vaccinated and physically fit.
This year, the Hajj Smart App will help pilgrims with navigation, real-time updates, multilingual support, and emergency contact assistance.
Hajj: A spiritual journey that transcends borders
Hajj is more than a religious obligation—it is a global manifestation of Muslim unity, humility, and submission to God. People from vastly different cultures walk side by side, dressed identically, performing the same rituals. This unique pilgrimage breaks down social barriers and leaves participants with a sense of deep spiritual accomplishment.
As pilgrims return from Mecca, they are often referred to as 'Hajji,' carrying newfound wisdom and renewed faith. For millions who cannot make the journey this year, Hajj remains a spiritual aspiration that reflects the heart of Islamic devotion.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
3 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Bandi Sanjay dares KTR for open debate on BJP MP Ramesh's allegations
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar has dared BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao for an open debate on the charges made against him by BJP MP from Anakapalli C.M. Ramesh accusing him of making a proposal to merge BRS with BJP in 2023. Talking to reporters in Karimnagar on Sunday, Mr. Sanjay alleged that the BRS rule was steeped in corruption. 'BRS leaders had come up with the merger proposal unable to run their party,' he said in reply to a question. However, during his speech at a public meeting in Nizamabad in 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it crystal clear that BJP is against family-centric parties and politics of nepotism, he noted. 'Let him (KTR) decide the time and venue. I will arrange a public debate either in Karimnagar or Hyderabad to prove Mr. Ramesh's allegations against Mr. Rama Rao,' he said. 'BRS is on the verge of extinction and its leadership is incapable of running the party,' he charged, accusing Mr. Rama Rao of spearheading a false propaganda against the BJP through social media platforms. 'Such lies will not be tolerated anymore,' he warned, and alleged that the Congress leaders in Telangana were not reacting to KTR's 'abusive language' against their own leaders. Accusing the ruling Congress of 'pursuing appeasement politics', he demanded that 42% quota be exclusively earmarked for BCs by excluding Muslims from the BC list. New block Earlier, the Union Minister inaugurated the Critical Care Block constructed with Central fund at an estimated cost of ₹23.75 crore at the Government General Hospital in Karimnagar.
Hans India
13 hours ago
- Hans India
God is inside you: Your body is a temple
In a world constantly seeking validation from the outside, we often forget one of the most profound truths ever spoken: God is not somewhere out there—God is within you. The body you inhabit, often neglected or taken for granted, is not just a vessel—it is a sacred temple. Ancient wisdom across cultures and religions echoes this very idea. Whether it is the Upanishadic mantra 'Aham Brahmasmi' (I am Divine) or the Biblical passage 'Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit,' the message is clear: divinity resides not in distant heavens but in the innermost chambers of your being. The Sacred Architecture of the Self Your body is not a coincidence of biology. It is the most intricate and divinely designed sanctuary. Every breath you take, every heartbeat, every impulse of your nerves, speaks of an intelligence far beyond comprehension. When we disrespect our bodies—through unhealthy habits, negative thinking, or disconnection—we do more than harm ourselves. We dishonour the divine presence that lives within. The Inner Pilgrimage You don't need to climb mountains or wander forests in search of God. You only need to turn inward. The journey toward the divine is not outward—it is inward: a quiet, consistent return to the self. Meditation, mindful living, gratitude, and self-awareness are the steps of this inner pilgrimage. When you honour your body as a temple, you create the space for this divine connection to awaken fully. Beyond Rituals: Living the Sacred It's easy to light a lamp or visit a shrine, but the deeper worship begins when you treat yourself and others with reverence. Your thoughts become prayers. Your actions become offerings. Every moment of silence, every act of kindness becomes a ritual. That is when life itself becomes sacred. Guarding the Temple Just as a physical temple is protected and preserved, your body and mind need the same care. Feed it well, move it, rest it, and speak lovingly to it. Keep the temple clean—not just on the outside, but on the inside too. Let go of guilt, grudges, and self-judgment. Fill it with light, joy, and purpose. Conclusion: Return to the Center When we begin to recognize the divine within, everything changes. Our relationships, our choices, our sense of purpose—all begin to align with something higher, something purer. The God you're searching for isn't lost. He's waiting—in your heartbeat, your breath, your silence. You are the shrine. You are the priest. You are the seeker. And you are the divine. The sooner we realize this, the more sacred life becomes.
India.com
a day ago
- India.com
Hajj Yatra: Saudi government makes big change in Hajj pilgrimage rules, married couple will not be allowed to....
Hajj- File image Hajj pilgrimage 2026: In a significant update for Hajj pilgrims, the Saudi Arabia government has announced new rules for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. Under the recently announced 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, husbands and wives will no longer be allowed to stay in the same room. As per the rule, Male and female pilgrims will be accommodated separately, and men will not be permitted to enter women's rooms during the pilgrimage. Separating females and males of the family, these new regulations mark a major change in accommodation policy for Hajj. Earlier, the Haj Committee of India used to arrange shared rooms in rented hotels for pilgrims from the same state, often accommodating husbands and wives together depending on room size and availability. Notably, Hajj is a sacred pilgrimage that is required of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime, being one of the five pillars of Islam. Delhi Hajj Committee begin registration for Hajj 2026 In another important update for the Hajj pilgrims, Kausan Jahan, Chairperson of the Delhi Hajj Committee informed that registrations for Hajj 2026 commenced on July 7 and will conclude on July 31. As per the rules of the committee, the passports of the applicants should be valid until December 2026. Notably, as per the instructions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the committee is committed to providing the best facilities to the Hajj pilgrims. 'Registration for Haj 2026 has begun. It will go on from 7 July to 31 July… The passports of applicants should be valid till 31 December 2026… The committee, as per the instructions of PM Narendra Modi, is committed to providing the best facilities to Haj pilgrims', Kausar Jahan told ANI. As per a report by ANI news agency, Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju announced that the Union Government will begin accepting applications for the Haj pilgrimage in 2026 within a week, urging pilgrims to ensure timely submissions of documents to avoid future complications ahead of the pilgrimage. (With inputs from agencies)
