Pilgrimage Main articles: Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims circumambulating the Kaaba. The Haram is the focal point of the hajj and umrah pilgrimages[2] that

Pilgrimage
Main articles: Hajj and Umrah
Pilgrims circumambulating the Kaaba.

The Haram is the focal point of the hajj and umrah pilgrimages[2] that occur in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar and at any time of the year, respectively. The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, required of all able-bodied Muslims who can afford the trip. In recent times, about 3 million Muslims perform the hajj every year.

Some of the rituals performed by pilgrims are symbolic of historical incidents. For example, the episode of Hagar's search for water is emulated by Muslims as they run between the two hills of Safa and Marwah whenever they visit Mecca.