ABSTRACT
The fifth pillar of Islam is the hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca. It is an obligation on all free adult Muslims to perform the hajj at least once in a lifetime provided that it does not cause financial hardship to their families. The hajj comprises a series of rituals performed in and around Mecca. It must be performed during the second week of Dhu 1-hijja, the twelfth month of the Muslim year. There is also a lesser pilgrimage known as the umra. This is not an obligation and may be performed at any time. After performing hajj or umra many pilgrims visit the Prophet's mosque in Medina.
