Hajj is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially capable, men or women, will try their best to carry out it at least once in Mecca in their lifetime. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, alongside Shahadah, Salat, Zakat and Sawm.It is also a demonstration of their solidarity and submission to Allah.
The pilgrimage ceremony lasts for five to six days, starting from the last month of the Islamic calendar extending from the 8th to the 12th or 13th. Since the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, and the Islamic year is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar year, the Gregorian calendar date of Hajj changes every year.This year (2021AD) it well begin on July 18th, namely 8th of December 1442AH.
During the Hajj, the pilgrims joined the procession of millions. They gathered in Mecca for a week of pilgrimage and performed a series of rituals: everyone walk around the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise, trot (quickly Walk) seven times back and forth between the hills of Safa and Maewah, then drink from Zamzam Well, go to the plain of Mount Arafat to vigil, and spend the night on the plain in Muzdalifa.
Muslims may also undertake an Umrah (عُمرَة) to Mecca at other times of the year. But this can't be a substitute for the Hajj they are still obligated to perform the Hajj.
Last year because of the pandemic COVID-19, Saudi Arabia suspended all Umrah pilgrimages from March. The international pilgrim ban remained in place through the days of Hajj in 2020, which meant the Hajj was cancelled for all but privileged or domestic pilgrims who were able to perform the rites following strict COVID protocols.So there are many peopel concern about"Will there be a Hajj in 2021?"We hope that the country can introduce relevant policies to help people carry out this sacred ceremony。