The Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca is called what?

• A. Zakat
• B. Sawm
• C. Hajj
• D. Shahada

Answer: (C)

In Islam, the pilgrimage to Mecca is called Hajj. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is required at least once in a Muslim’s life if they have the means and health to do it. The journey involves a set of rituals performed in a specific order, such as entering a state of ritual purity (Ihram), circling the Kaaba seven times (Tawaf), walking or running between the hills of Safa and Marwah (Sa'i), and spending a day at the plain of Arafat with other pilgrims, followed by additional rites in Muzdalifah and Mina. The purpose is to show devotion to God, seek forgiveness, and stand with Muslims from all over the world in unity.

Other terms refer to different practices: Zakat is charitable giving to the poor, Sawm is fasting during the month of Ramadan, and Shahada is the declaration of faith—“There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger.”