The Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, is a central duty of Islam for every Muslim who is physically and financially able to perform it. Its origins date back to the time of the Prophet Abraham. The pilgrimage brings together Muslims of all races and tongues, of whom many have to save for years and travel thousands of miles in order perform the Hajj. Pilgrims wear special clothes called Ehram and observe rites in accordance with the method prescribed by the Holy Qur'an. During the six days of the pilgrimage the Muslims are lodged in tent cities on the outskirts of Mecca, the birthplace of Islam. The Hajj occurs during the final month of the Islamic year and culminates with the celebration of the Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice) by sacrificial killing of goats, cows or camels. The slaughter commemorates the biblical story of Prophet Abraham, who was on the verge of sacrificing his son, Ismail to obey God's command when God interceded by substituting a ram in the child's place. 

​

​

​

​