[ti:What Is the Hajj?]
[al:Arts and Culture]
[ar:VOA]
[dt:2024-06-14]
[by:www.voase.cn]
[00:00.00]Once a year, millions of Muslims from all over the world travel to Saudi Arabia, to complete an important religious duty called Hajj. 
[00:11.27]The travelers gather in the city of Mecca, carrying out holy acts over several days.
[00:19.19]Hajj is one of the five pillars, or bases, of Islamic belief.
[00:25.56]Here is a look at the religious event and its meaning to Muslims:
[00:31.97]Every Muslim who is financially and physically able is expected to complete at least one Hajj. 
[00:39.61]Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The others are declaration of belief, daily prayers, giving to those in need, and fasting. These acts are required.
[00:55.88]The Hajj takes place once a year during the Islamic lunar month of Dhul-Hijja.
[01:03.27]It is the 12th and final month of the Islamic year.
[01:08.83]The Hajj begins on June 14 this year and ends on June 19.
[01:15.75]Performing Hajj meets a religious requirement for Muslims. 
[01:21.69]The pilgrims are to seek God's forgiveness for their wrongdoings.
[01:25.93]They believe the act brings them closer to God.
[01:30.62]Many pilgrims bring with them prayer requests from family and friends that they would like to be said for them.
[01:39.18]Some Muslims spend years saving money and making preparations to make the pilgrimage.
[01:47.27]And other barriers can get in the way.
[01:50.21]In 2019, almost 2.5 million Muslims traveled to Mecca for Hajj. 
[01:57.96]But the next year saw worldwide pandemic restrictions. Saudi officials restricted the event in 2020 to Muslims who lived in the country.
[02:10.67]Last year's Hajj was the first to be held without COVID-19 restrictions since 2020. Close to 1.9 million people took part.
[02:22.17]Pilgrims declare the will to perform Hajj and they enter a state of "ihram." 
[02:29.08]Rules of ihram include the wearing of special clothes by men. 
[02:34.99]The aim is to prepare oneself to be humble and a follower of God.
[02:40.77]A spiritual high point of Hajj for many is to stand on the plain of Arafat.
[02:48.07]Pilgrims pray at the site, praising God and asking for God's forgiveness.
[02:55.01]Other religious acts include performing "tawaf" or circling the Kaaba structure in Mecca seven times.
[03:04.21]The Kaaba is a structure that represents the house of God. 
[03:09.49]Muslims pray toward the Kaaba wherever they are in the world.
[03:16.12]Pilgrims also follow the path of Hagar, or Hajar.
[03:20.89]She is the wife of the Prophet Ibrahim, or Abraham to Jews and Christians. 
[03:27.29]Muslims believe she ran between two hills seven times searching for water for her son.
[03:34.63]Among other religious acts, pilgrims throw small stones at structures that represent evil.
[03:42.79]Eid al-Adha, or the "Feast of Sacrifice," is a holiday that begins on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijja, during Hajj.
[03:53.45]It is celebrated by Muslims around the world. 
[03:57.85]It marks Prophet Ibrahim's demonstration of religious belief by offering his son's life to honor God. 
[04:06.83]During the holiday, Muslims kill animals like sheep or cattle and give some meat to the poor.
[04:14.42]I'm Gena Bennett.