Hajj is one of the "five pillars" of the Islamic faith. (The other pillars include a declaration of faith, daily prayers, offering regular charity, and fasting during the month of Ramadan.) Pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who have the physical and financial ability to undertake the journey.
When the main portion of the pilgrimage is completed, Muslims worldwide gather for communal prayers on the first day (January 10*) of Eid ul-Adha (EED-al-ODD-ha), the second of the two major Muslim holidays.

The obligatory and optional activities of Hajj include:

• Entrance into a state of self-control called "Ahram," during which pilgrims are forbidden to harm living creatures, even insects or plants, or raise the voice in anger. The state of Ahram is signified (for men) by the wearing of two pieces of unsewn white cloth. This clothing signifies the equality of all before God. No specific clothing is prescribed for female pilgrims.
• Circling ("Tawaf") of the "Ka'aba," the stone building Muslims believe was originally built by Abraham and his son Ishmael. The Ka'aba is viewed as the first sanctuary on earth dedicated to the worship of the One God. It is a symbol of unity for Muslims because all prayers, wherever they are performed, are oriented in the direction of the Ka'aba.
• The "Sa'i," or "hastening" between two small hills near the Ka'aba, to commemorate Hagar's search for water to offer her son Ishmael.
• The "Day of Arafah" on January 9.* Arafah is a mountain and its surrounding empty plain near Mecca. On this day, the climax of the Hajj season, pilgrims assemble for supplication to God.
• The stoning of three pillars representing Satan's temptation of Abraham. The stoning indicates the pilgrim's rejection of evil deeds.
• Cutting the hair to symbolize the completion of Hajj.
• Sacrifice of an animal to help the poor, and in remembrance of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael at God's command. The meat is distributed to relatives and to the needy.
• (* Because the beginning of Islamic lunar months depends on the actual sighting of the new crescent moon, the start date for Hajj and Eid ul-Adha may vary.)

In the Quran, Islam's revealed text, God says: "Thus We settled Abraham at the site of the House (the Ka'aba) (saying): 'Do not associate anything with Me, and purify My house for those who walk around it, and those who stand there (praying), and those who bow down on their knees in worship. Proclaim the pilgrimage among mankind: they will come to you on foot and on every lean (beast of burden); Let them come from every deep ravine, to bear witness to the advantages they have, and to mention God's name on appointed days..." Chapter 22, Verses 26-28.

The main benefit of Hajj for many people is the sense of purification, repentance and spiritual renewal it instills.

Because Dhul-Hijjah is a lunar month, it begins about eleven days earlier each year.

The sacrifice commemorates the Prophet Abraham's readiness to sacrifice his son, identified in Islam as Ishmael, at God's request. This is not a blood offering. In the Quran God states: "Neither their meat nor their blood ever reaches God, but heedfulness on your part does reach Him." (Chapter 22, Verse 37) The meat is distributed to relatives and to the needy.

Yes, but only for those who are physically and financially able to make the trip.

All pilgrims must do "tawaf," or circling the Ka'aba. This obligation creates a stunning scene as thousands of people circle the building at all times of the day and night. Also, the standing at Arafah on the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah presents a scene in which several million people all dressed alike and with the same intention to worship God, gather on a barren plain.

Hajj is a high point in a Muslim's life. Questions are welcome and congratulations are in order. Most community’s welcome visitors at Eid ul-Adha prayers. Just ask a Muslim friend to act as an escort and guide.