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[00:00.38] Once a year, millions of Muslims from all over the world travel to Saudi Arabia, to complete an important religious duty called Hajj.

[00:12.17] The travelers gather in the city of Mecca, carrying out holy acts over several days.

[00:19.67] Hajj is one of the five pillars, or bases, of Islamic belief.

[00:25.93] Here is a look at the religious event and its meaning to Muslims:

[00:32.46] Every Muslim who is financially and physically able is expected to complete at least one Hajj.

[00:39.98] Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

[00:44.23] The others are declaration of belief, daily prayers, giving to those in need, and fasting.

[00:52.50] These acts are required.

[00:56.26] The Hajj takes place once a year during the Islamic lunar month of Dhul-Hijja.

[01:04.02] It is the 12th and final month of the Islamic year.

[01:09.03] The Hajj begins on June 14 this year and ends on June 19.

[01:16.55] Performing Hajj meets a religious requirement for Muslims.

[01:21.81] The pilgrims are to seek God’s forgiveness for their wrongdoings.

[01:26.81] They believe the act brings them closer to God.

[01:31.32] Many pilgrims bring with them prayer requests from family and friends that they would like to be said for them.

[01:40.09] Some Muslims spend years saving money and making preparations to make the pilgrimage.

[01:47.36] And other barriers can get in the way.

[01:52.62] In 2019, almost 2.5 million Muslims traveled to Mecca for Hajj.

[01:58.88] But the next year saw worldwide pandemic restrictions.

[02:03.65] Saudi officials restricted the event in 2020 to Muslims who lived in the country.

[02:10.66] Last year’s Hajj was the first to be held without COVID-19 restrictions since 2020.

[02:18.42] Close to 1.9 million people took part.

[02:23.18] Pilgrims declare the will to perform Hajj and they enter a state of “ihram.”

[02:29.45] Rules of ihram include the wearing of special clothes by men.

[02:35.48] The aim is to prepare oneself to be humble and a follower of God.

[02:42.25] A spiritual high point of Hajj for many is to stand on the plain of Arafat.

[02:48.76] Pilgrims pray at the site, praising God and asking for God’s forgiveness.

[02:55.54] Other religious acts include performing “tawaf” or circling the Kaaba structure in Mecca seven times.

[03:04.82] The Kaaba is a structure that represents the house of God.

[03:10.32] Muslims pray toward the Kaaba wherever they are in the world.

[03:16.08] Pilgrims also follow the path of Hagar, or Hajar.

[03:21.08] She is the wife of the Prophet Ibrahim, or Abraham to Jews and Christians.

[03:28.10] Muslims believe she ran between two hills seven times searching for water for her son.

[03:35.37] Among other religious acts, pilgrims throw small stones at structures that represent evil.

[03:42.88] Eid al-Adha, or the “Feast of Sacrifice,” is a holiday that begins on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijja, during Hajj.

[03:54.15] It is celebrated by Muslims around the world.

[03:58.42] It marks Prophet Ibrahim’s demonstration of religious belief by offering his son’s life to honor God.

[04:06.93] During the holiday, Muslims kill animals like sheep or cattle and give some meat to the poor.