Millions of Muslims from around the world gathered in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to perform Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage and one of the five pillars of Islam. As one of the largest religious gatherings on Earth,
Hajj is both a deeply personal spiritual journey and a powerful symbol of global unity. It occurs in Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, between the eighth and 13th days of the month. Hajj 2025 took place from June 4 to 9.
For Muslims, Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation, required for all physically and financially able believers. The pilgrimage retraces the footsteps of the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim in Arabic), his wife Hagar, and their son Ishmael.
Hajj emphasizes devotion, sacrifice, and obedience to Allah (God). Pilgrims wear simple white garments, known as ihram, symbolizing purity and equality before Allah (God). Regardless of nationality, race, or socioeconomic status, all pilgrims are unified in worship.
The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, the Eternal Leader of the Nation of Islam, wrote about the importance of the various principles and tenets of Islam in His seminal book “Message to the Blackman in America.”
On page 82, the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad named several of the main principles of action in Islam, including keeping up prayer, spending in the cause of truth, fasting especially during the month of Ramadan and pilgrimage to Mecca.
In 2019, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and a Nation of Islam delegation concluded Ramadan with “Umrah,” or minor pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam.
Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year. Minister Farrakhan spoke on the significance of being in the holy city in remarks on the Ramadan Prayer Line (now the Ummah Reflects podcast).
“For us, a delegation of 17 to start in Madinah, the city of the Prophet, at his masjid and to see how that masjid, that started with the hijra (flight of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, from Mecca to Madinah to escape religious persecution) as he set foot in Madinah and when he put his foot down, this is where his mosque would be.
There was nothing there but stone at the time and now here we are, at the most beautiful city. In my life, this is the most beautiful city that I call home,” said Minister Farrakhan on June 4, 2019, remarks to the prayer line from Mecca.
For Muslims, going to Hajj is a lifetime opportunity. Over the course of five days during Hajj, pilgrims perform a series of sacred rituals. They perform tawaf—circling the Kaaba, (a black silk-clad stone structure at the heart of the Grand Mosque in Mecca) Islam’s holiest site, seven times—and walk between the hills of Safa and Marwa in remembrance of Hagar’s desperate search for water.
The 9th day of Dhul Hijjah is the Day of Arafat. Pilgrims travel from the city of Mina about 12.5 miles to Mount Arafat. While there, Muslims pray for Allah’s (God’s) abundant forgiveness and tears are often shed by those making repentance. Pilgrims recite words of prayer and gather as equals before God.
Around the world, many Muslims choose to fast on this day. Eid Al Adha, (June 6) happens on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah. It is the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. It marks the end of the major Hajj rituals.
Beyond the rituals, Hajj fosters a sense of global Muslim identity and solidarity. Pilgrims often describe the journey as a celebration of diversity and unity, where linguistic, cultural, and national barriers dissolve. Many return home with a renewed sense of purpose and a deepened commitment to justice, compassion, and service.
“If we reflect over the series of ancient rites presented in the actions of the Muslim Pilgrimage (Hajj), we see signs of guidance that help us in our pilgrimage of self, family, and nation.
What is your goal in life and where do you seek the ability to fulfill our life’s purpose?” explained Nation of Islam Student National Imam Sultan Rahman Muhammad in a previous Final Call article.
Hajj is a massive undertaking for Saudi authorities, who must ensure the safety and logistics of millions in intense desert conditions. Recent years have seen improvements in crowd management, health care, and digital tools to help guide pilgrims.
In a recent news conference, Saudi Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to utilizing all available capabilities to serve pilgrims.
The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, in his introductory letter to Study Guide 19A, “Who Is God,” writes about the significance of Hajj. “The very ritual of Hajj is a sign of what the world will be like in totality when The Mahdi establishes the Kingdom of Islam.
In that day, there will be no racism to corrupt the Spirit of Islam. There will be no sexism, there will be no materialism and there will be no nationalism. All of the corrupters of the True Spirit of Islam will be completely destroyed,” Minister Farrakhan wrote.