The Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, is considered to be the Fifth Pillar of Islam.

Muslims believe that to undertake the Hajj is a moral obligation, and every able-bodied believer is required to attend the pilgrimage at least one in their lifetime.

The Hajj is fixed in time to the Islamic lunar calendar, occurring from the 7th to the 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month.

Ihram is the name given to the special state in which Muslims live whilst on the pilgrimage. This involves observing cleansing rituals to enable one to enter a sacred state of mind and body.

The Hajj is deeply associated with the life of the 7th century Islamic prophet Muhammad, but the ritual of pilgrimage to Mecca is considered by Muslims to stretch back thousands of years to the time of Ibrahim (Abraham).

   »»» Sofia News Agency (Bulgaria)

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