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The Conversation USA

The Muslim Hajj: A spiritual pilgrimage with political overtones

  • Written by Ken Chitwood, Ph.D. Candidate, Religion in the Americas, Global Islam, University of Florida

Nearly 2 million Muslims will gather in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia on Aug. 9 for an annual pilgrimage known as the hajj.

The five-day journey is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake it. It is considered the fifth pillar of Islamic practice, along with professing faith,...

Read more: The Muslim Hajj: A spiritual pilgrimage with political overtones

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