The Hajj is one of Islam's five essential pillars. It has been taking place annually without a break for over 1,400 years. This pilgrimage is the ultimate act of worship to Allah (SWT`). Today as before, every adult Muslim who is physically and financially able to do so is obligated to make this journey once in his or her lifetime.

The high point of the annual Hajj is the pilgrimage to the plains of Arafat outside of Mecca, and it takes place on the ninth day of the month of Zul-Hijjah on the Islamic lunar calendar. On that day, falling this year around December 8 (depending on the sighting of the new moon), more than 2 million people will gather on a desert plain of Arafat outside of Mecca to stand together in prayer before their Creator. Days of feasting follow this. Other rites are performed in the days leading up to, and after it.

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