When is the annual Hajj (Pilgrimage) performed by Muslims every year?

Hajj, a five-day annual pilgrimage undertaken by Muslims to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, begins every year on the eighth day of the Dhu al-Hijjah lunar month in the Islamic calendar. In the Gregorian calendar that is followed in most parts of the world, the dates vary from year to year, drifting 11 days earlier annually.

The dates for Hajj and Eid al-Adha are announced every year by Saudi Arabia’s High Judicial court after studying and confirming moon sighting reports.

Muslims consider the Hajj as one of the five pillars of their faith. The other four pillars of the Islam are: Shahada (Faith), Salat (Prayer), Zakāt (Charity) and Sawm (Fasting).

All Muslims, having the necessary financial means, are required to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage at least once during their lives.

The Hajj is associated with the life of the Prophet Muhammad (7th century) but it is considered by Muslims to go back thousands of years to the time of Abraham. Muslims may go on a pilgrimage to Mecca at any time of the year, but such a journey is called the Umrah, instead of the Hajj.