Hajj is a sacred pilgrimage in Islam that is required of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime. It is one of the five pillars of Islam
. The pilgrimage takes place in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, during the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, between the eighth and 13th days of the month
. During Hajj, pilgrims perform a series of pre-Islamic rituals, reformed by Muhammad, including wearing a single piece of unstitched white clothing (Ihram), walking counter-clockwise seven times around the Kaaba, walking briskly back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times, and throwing stones at three walls (formerly pillars, symbolizing the Devil) on three successive days
. The pilgrimage is incumbent on all Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey, but only if their absence will not place hardships on their family
