Hajj, << haj, >> also spelled hadj, is a holy pilgrimage to Mecca, the holy city of the Islamic religion. The Ka`ba, the most sacred shrine of Islam, is in Mecca and is the chief goal of the pilgrimage. The Islamic religion requires every Muslim to make this journey at least once, if possible. Going on the hajj is one of the five pillars (duties) of Islam. The hajj includes a number of ceremonies that last several days. Muslims believe a person who makes the hajj secures great religious merit. Such a person is called a hajji and is held in esteem. See also Id al-Ad-ha ; Ka`ba ; Mecca ; Muslims .
