Hajj & Eid al-Adha

Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world make the journey to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the annual pilgrimage (or Hajj). Dressed in the same simple white clothing to represent human equality, the pilgrims gather to perform rites dating back to the time of Abraham.

Every year, Muslims gather from all corners of the globe for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. When is the Hajj?

An overview of the steps of Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, day by day. Before the Hajj begins, pilgrims begin to gather in Mecca and make preparations.

Have you traveled for Hajj? Share your personal Hajj stories and photos with other readers.

The Ministry of Hajj has provided the following list of approved Hajj service providers for Muslims coming for the pilgrimage from outside Saudi Arabia.

The Ministry of Hajj has approved the following travel agencies for Hajj and Umrah trips for U.S. Muslims.

If you plan on traveling for Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) in the near future, these books and multimedia presentations are handy guides.

The Hajj has been performed by Muslims every year for the past 14 centuries. The largest gathering of humanity in any one time or place is the culminating spiritual experience for a Muslim, as well as a logistical challenge for the government of Saudi Arabia.

Guest author Ahmad Al-Akhras (CAIR) describes the sense of equality that is fostered among people during Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage.

One would think that the most holy experience in the "birthplace of Islam" would be free from deliberate personal injury, theft, or fraud. Unfortunately, even in Mecca one must be on guard and careful to protect one's self and personal belongings. Any big city filled with "tourists" is a breeding ground for crime.

Officials in Saudi Arabia are taking measures to prevent spread of the H1N1 flu virus during the 2009 Hajj season. If you are planning to attend the Hajj, keep up to date about the requirements and regulations.

According to the Prophet Muhamamad, peace be upon him, the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah are a special time for devotion. Why?

The 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah (the Month of Hajj) is called the Day of Arafat. This day is the culminating event of the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Description of the meaning and practice of the Muslim holiday "Eid al-Adha" (the Festival of Sacrifice), which follows the annual Islamic pilgrimage (Hajj).

The fifth "pillar" of Islam is the pilgrimage to Mecca, the Hajj, required of any Muslim with the physical and financial capability to make the journey. The rituals performed date back to the Prophet Abraham. Most books about Hajj are aimed at the adult reader, but these selections can be shared with younger readers as well, offering general information and stunning photographs.

Most books about Hajj are aimed at the adult reader, but these selections can be shared with younger students, offering general information and stunning photographs.

Although the city of Mecca is closed to non-Muslim visitors, several media agencies in recent years have filmed the Hajj for a wider audience. Witness the Hajj experience yourself, with these documentaries by CNN and ABC's Nightline.

During the actual pilgrimage season, watch live Saudi TV coverage of the Hajj, online!

Watch the Hajj online... In this video, ABC's Nightline follows an American Muslim during his Hajj experience.

Watch the Hajj online... In this video, CNN correspondents take an in-depth look at the complete Hajj experience.