Q&A: The hajj pilgrimage in Saudi and what it means in Islam

Muslim pilgrims pray on a rocky hill called the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015. Mount Arafat, marked by a white pillar, is where Islam's Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his last sermon to tens of thousands of followers some 1,400 years ago, calling on Muslims to unite. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy) Muslim pilgrims pray on a rocky hill called the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015. Mount Arafat, marked by a white pillar, is where Islam's Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his last sermon to tens of thousands of followers some 1,400 years ago, calling on Muslims to unite. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

By Associated Press September 24, 2015 6 min read

MOUNT ARAFAT, Saudi Arabia (AP) – Each year between 2 to 3 million Muslims from around the world take part in a five-day pilgrimage in Mecca called the hajj. They circle Islam’s most sacred site, the cube-shaped Kaaba, and take part in a series of intricate rituals. Here’s a look at some questions and answers about Islam’s holiest site and the pilgrimage:

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WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE HAJJ?

Muslims believe that taking part in the hajj pilgrimage leads to a spiritual rebirth. The Quran holds that on the Day of Judgment, God will weigh a person’s sins and good deeds and based on that they will face heaven or hell. The hajj is seen as a chance to wipe clean past sins and start fresh. Many unveiled women return from the hajj covering their hair in an effort to remain devout.

The hajj is a main pillar of Islam, required of all able-bodied Muslims to perform once in their lifetime.