a long religious journey

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At Bodh Gaya, India, a fig tree such as this one shaded Buddha on his journey for enlightenment.

Top 10 Historic Pilgrimages

Find spiritual and physical transformation on the world's most sacred journeys.

Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India The spiritual hub of Buddhism is India's Bodh Gaya , whose famous fig tree was said to have sheltered Siddhartha Guatama as he meditated for seven days during his quest for enlightenment. Today, the tree (a descendant of the original) and the nearby pyramid-shaped Mahabodhi Temple are among Buddhism's holiest sites.

St. Paul Trail, Turkey This rugged 310-mile (500-kilometer) trail partly follows St. Paul’s journey to spread Christianity. Leading from Perg or Aspendos to Antioch, the route forges past fragrant pine forests and mirage-like lakes.

March for Jobs and Freedom, Washington, D.C. Photos of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom show a sea of people flooding the National Mall and enjoying the festive mood. More than 250,000 joined the rally between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, some having traveled up from the Deep South. Their reward—Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech—is surely one of the most stirring orations ever delivered.

St. Patrick’s Footsteps, Ireland To retrace St. Patrick's steps , you can either retreat to the island of Lough Derg, or climb—barefoot is the custom—Croagh Patrick. But other associated sites require less effort, such as the Northern Irish town of Downpatrick, which houses the saint's grave and a museum exhibition on his life and legacy.

Moffat Mission, Northern Cape, South Africa In 1838, missionary Rev. Robert Moffat set up his thatched-roof “Cathedral of the Kalahari,” aiming to convert the locals to Christianity. He arduously translated the Bible into Setswana, printing it on a press still in use at the mission .

Route of Saints, Kraków, Poland Wawel Hill features a 14th-century cathedral with 19 chapels and an ornate cluster of tombs, including one of Poland's patron, St. Stanislaus. See embroidered scenes from his life on a 500-year-old robe displayed in the cathedral museum.

Mormon Pioneer Trail, United States In 1846, more than 70,000 Mormons, driven by a wish to find somewhere they could follow their creed in peace, traveled west from Nauvoo, Illinois, to Salt Lake City, Utah. Using wagons and handcarts to cover what is now the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Tral , they crossed 1,300 miles (2,092 kilometers) of rough terrain. The lucky ones reached Utah in 1847.

Canterbury Cathedral, Kent, England A pilgrimage to Canterbury pays homage to a beloved saint, a glorious cathedral , a giant work of literature, and simple human history. Archbishop Thomas Becket’s murder on the altar by four knights of Henry II in 1170 almost immediately secured his fame as a miracle worker. His shrine drew pilgrims seeking cures—or simply a roistering good time—as immortalized in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.

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Salt Satyagraha, India In 1930, Mahatma Gandhi set out with 78 followers from Sabarmati Ashram to walk to the sea at Dandi, Gujarat, in nonviolent protest against the British salt tax. The 248-mile (400-kilometer) Salt Satyagraha march lasted from March 12 to April 5 and instigated widespread resistance to British rule of India.

Eleanor Crosses, England When Edward I's wife, Eleanor of Castile, died of a fever in 1290, he had her body carried 108 miles (174 kilometers) south, from Lincoln to London, for the funeral, ordering crosses to be built wherever the cortege rested. One even gave its name to London's official center, Charing Cross.

From the National Geographic book Sacred Places of a Lifetime .

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• Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/the-hajj-pilgrimage-and-why-its-significant-for-muslims

The Hajj pilgrimage and why it’s significant for Muslims

Once a year, Muslim pilgrims flowing into Saudi Arabia unite in a series of religious rituals and acts of worship as they perform the Hajj, one of the pillars of Islam. As they fulfill a religious obligation, they immerse themselves in what can be a spiritual experience of a lifetime for them and a chance to seek God’s forgiveness and the erasure of past sins.

Here’s a look at the pilgrimage and its significance to Muslims.

WHAT IS HAJJ?

Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia that is required once in a lifetime of every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to make it. Some Muslims make the journey more than once.

Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, in addition to the profession of faith, prayer, almsgiving and fasting.

WHEN IS HAJJ?

The Hajj occurs once a year during the Islamic lunar month of Dhul-Hijja, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar year. This year, Hajj will take place this month.

WHAT’S THE SIGNIFICANCE OF HAJJ TO MUSLIMS?

For pilgrims, performing Hajj fulfills a religious obligation, but it’s also a deeply spiritual experience of a lifetime for many. It’s seen as a chance to seek God’s forgiveness for past sins, to grow closer to God and to walk in the footsteps of prophets.

Communally, Hajj unites Muslims of diverse races, ethnicities, languages and economic classes from around the world in performing religious rituals and acts of worshipping God at the same time and place. That leaves many feeling a sense of unity, connection, humility and equality. Pilgrims also show up with their own personal appeals, wishes and experiences.

Many pilgrims bring with them prayer requests from family and friends that they would like to be said on their behalf.

Some spend years hoping and praying to one day perform Hajj or saving up money and waiting for a permit to embark on the trip.

In 2019, nearly 2.5 million Muslims performed Hajj before the coronavirus pandemic disrupted religious and other gatherings the world over and took its toll on the Islamic pilgrimage. Last year’s Hajj was the first to be held without COVID-19 restrictions since the start of the pandemic in 2020.

Ahead of the journey, preparations may include packing various essentials for the physically demanding trip, seeking tips from those who’ve performed the pilgrimage before, attending lectures or consuming other educational material on how to properly perform a series of Hajj rituals as well as spiritually readying oneself.

At times, pilgrims brave intense heat or other challenging conditions during the pilgrimage.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE RITUALS THAT PILGRIMS PERFORM?

Pilgrims make the intention to perform Hajj and they enter a state of “ihram.” Being in ihram includes abiding by certain rules and prohibitions. For instance, men are not to wear regular sewn or stitched clothes that encircle the body, such as shirts, during ihram; there are simple ihram cloth garments for men instead. Scholars say the intention is to discard luxuries and vanity, shed worldly status symbols and immerse the pilgrim in humility and devotion to God.

A spiritual highlight of Hajj for many is the standing on the plain of Arafat, where pilgrims praise God, plead for forgiveness and make supplications.

Other rituals include performing “tawaf,” circumambulating, or circling the Kaaba in Mecca counterclockwise seven times.

Muslims do not worship the Kaaba, a cube-shaped structure that they consider the metaphorical house of God; it’s the focal point toward which devout Muslims face during their daily prayers from anywhere in the world.

Pilgrims also trace the path of Hagar, or Hajar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim, Abraham to Jews and Christians, who Muslims believe ran between two hills seven times searching for water for her son.

Among other rituals, pilgrims throw pebbles in a symbolic stoning of the devil.

WHAT IS EID AL-ADHA?

Eid al-Adha, or the “Feast of Sacrifice,” is the Islamic holiday that begins on the 10th day of the Islamic lunar month of Dhul-Hijja, during Hajj.

Celebrated by Muslims around the world, Eid al-Adha marks Prophet Ibrahim’s test of faith and his willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of submission to God. During the festive holiday, Muslims slaughter sheep or cattle and distribute some meat to the poor.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

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• Introduction

• What is Pilgrimage?

The Origins of the Terms 'Pilgrim' and 'Pilgrimage'

Using this resource, what is pilgrimage, faith-based pilgrimage.

Journeying to a place of special significance plays a part in almost all cultures and religions (see Place and Journey in Cultures and Faiths Worldwide ). The goal may be a site given prominence by particular events, the shrine of a saint or other significant figure, or a remarkable geographical feature. Pilgrimage motivated by religious belief is still very much alive in the twenty-first century. It usually involves:

• journeying, alone or in a group
• reaching a destination
• encountering special rituals, objects and architecture
• enjoying particular experiences and benefits
• returning home

For some people pilgrimage acts as a rite of passage , for others it involves seeking spiritual or material rewards.

An image of life

'Pilgrimage' is often used to describe an individual's journey through life, sometimes as a general description of personal growth and exploration,sometimes, as in Christianity, outlining a particular spiritual focus or pathway which it is believed will lead to encounter with God.

Inner journeys

'Pilgrimage' is a term which can be used to portray an inner spiritual journey through prayer , meditation or mystical experience. In some faiths and cultures, withdrawal from the everyday world into a monastery or hermit 's cell, choosing to enter into a physically-restricted life of isolation and silence, is seen as a way of setting the soul free to travel inwardly.

Football, baseball and Graceland

Pilgrimage also has meaning outside religion: it is common to speak of 'pilgrimages' to sports arenas, such as football or baseball grounds, or to the resting places of celebrities, such as Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, or places of national significance such as the Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC. We also use the word to describe returning to places which have particular personal meaning, to celebrate, to mourn or simply to remember. An attachment to special places is a very persistent human characteristic which seems to extend across a wide range of cultures and belief systems.

Pilgrims and tourists

It is not always easy to tell the difference between pilgrims and tourists. Both may be found visiting religious sites such as great cathedrals. Both often aim to prolong the experience or transfer its benefits by recording their journeys and bringing back souvenirs (or relics ). A holiday can turn into a pilgrimage - or vice versa. Although tourism proper did not emerge until the nineteenth century or become a widespread phenomenon until the middle of the twentieth century, as affluence and leisure time increased, it is clear that for centuries many pilgrimages have involved both religious and secular motives and experiences.

A kaleidoscope of meanings

As this website seeks to show, pilgrimage is not a single idea but a cluster of images which generate a variety of patterns. Together, these multiple understandings of pilgrimage have profoundly influenced patterns of living across many cultures, through many centuries, shaping art, architecture, history, literature, social interaction, spirituality and travel.

'Pilgrim' and 'pilgrimage' are words that have carried a range of meanings over the centuries.

The English term 'pilgrim' originally comes from the Latin word peregrinus ( per , through + ager , field, country, land), which means a foreigner, a stranger, someone on a journey, or a temporary resident. It can describe a traveller making a brief journey to a particular place or someone settling for a short or long period in a foreign land. Peregrinatio was the state of being or living abroad.

Peregrinus was also used in the Vulgate version of the Bible to translate the Hebrew gur (sojourner) and the Greek parepidemos (temporary resident). These terms undergirded a central image of the Christian life. Christians were identified as temporary residents in this world whose true home was in heaven. They must therefore live and behave day by day according to the standards of their homeland as they journeyed through life. During the early centuries of the Church this was the primary understanding of the term.

As Christian pilgrimage to places considered especially holy developed in the fourth century (see The Development of Christian Holy Places ), peregrinus took on a further sense within Christian thought, describing a traveller with a particular religious goal. Peregrinatio was used of the journey undertaken.

This web resource can be navigated using the links in the left-hand navigation menu. The menu will expand to show all 'Pilgrimage Resources' once you enter this section.

Three forms of in-text link exist:

• Red : Glossary links - clicking these links will open a pop-up window containing a definition of the linked term or phrase. (enabling your pop-up to allow pop-ups from this site is recommended.)
• Green : Text links - these links open a pop-up window containing a literary or bible excerpt.
• Blue : Navigation links - these links enable different parts of the resource to be linked. Clicking these links will take you to a different page within the resource - don't worry if you get lost, since the 'previous page' link at the top of every page will return you to the last page you visited.
• Pilgrimage Resources
• Explore Pilgrimage Today
• Pilgrims & Pilgrimage CD-ROM
• Acknowledgements

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By: History.com Editors

Published: June 20, 2023

The Hajj is the most ritualistic obligation in Islam and one of the largest Muslim pilgrimages in the world. It takes place once a year across several sacred sites in and around the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia—the birthplace of Islam.

The Hajj involves performing a series of rituals set out by the Prophet Muhammad that link the pilgrimage to Adam and Hawa (biblical Eve), the prophets Ibrahim (biblical Abraham) and Ishmael, and the Day of Judgement.

Most Muslims consider the Hajj to be one of the five pillars of Islam alongside the declaration of faith ( shahadah ); observing daily prayer ( salah ); fasting during the month of Ramadan ( sawm ) and giving to charity ( zakat ). As a result, they believe every Muslim who has the means is obligated to perform the Hajj before they die. If someone is sick or otherwise unwell, a person may appoint another to perform the hajj by proxy.

When Is the Hajj in 2023?

The Hajj is performed every year between the 8 th -13 th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Muslim calendar. In 2023 the start of the Hajj falls on June 26 and numbers attending are expected to return to pre-pandemic averages of around 2.5 million pilgrims.

The Story of the Hajj

The Hajj rituals were formalized by the Prophet Muhammad when he performed his one and only pilgrimage in the year A.D. 628. Many of the key rituals are centered on stories about God testing the prophet Ibrahim.

The first example is when Ibrahim is ordered to abandon his wife, Hajirah (biblical Hagar), and their baby son Ishmael—later, a prophet in his own right—in the desert near the ruins of the Kaaba (the stone building near the center of the Great Mosque in Mecca) .

When mother and child run out of provisions, Hajirah puts down her baby and runs up and down two hills called Safa and Marwa looking for help. Defeated, she cries out to God and returns to her baby who is scratching away at the sand with his feet. When Hajirah lifts up Ishmael, she sees freshwater bubbling up from beneath him and immediately begins forming a well around this, thus saving both mother and child. Hajirah’s frantic search is re-enacted by pilgrims in the ritual called saiy, and throughout the Hajj, pilgrims drink water from the well of Zamzam , believed to be fed by the same spring Ishmael dug with his feet.

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The second example is when God tests Ibrahim’s faith by commanding him to sacrifice his son. Muslims believe that on his way to do this, Iblis ( Satan ) tries to dissuade Ibrahim. The spots where these "temptations" took place are now marked by three immense pillars in the desert outside of Mecca called Jamarat. One of the key Hajj rituals involves throwing stones at these pillars in a literal re-enactment of what Ibrahim did to cast Iblis aside, and in a symbolic rejection of one’s own temptations. Having rejected Iblis, when Ibrahim attempts to kill his son as he has been commanded to do, God replaces him with a ram to sacrifice instead. This act is also commemorated by pilgrims and Muslims around the globe on the 10 th of Dhu al-Hijjah when they sacrifice an animal to mark the start of the Eid al-Adha .

There is one other way the Hajj connects pilgrims to Ibrahim and this is at the Maqam Ibrahim or "Station of Ibrahim"—believed to be the platform he used to rebuild the Kaaba with Ishmael more than 4,000 years ago. Pilgrims try to pray behind this after performing tawaf (circling the Kaaba seven times).

However, the most important rite of the Hajj acknowledges the entire story of humanity at the plain of Arafat, also in the desert outside Mecca, where pilgrims must stand on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah. This is where Muslims believe God forgave Adam and Hawa; it is where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon to complete the faith of Islam, and where the Last Judgement is believed to take place in the future.

Hajj Rituals

Hajj can be performed in at least three ways; Hajj Qiraan, Thamattu and Ifraad . The most popular is Hajj Thamattu, in which pilgrims perform the "lesser Hajj," the Umrah , alongside the Hajj proper. Hajj Qiraan is the same but pilgrims perform both in one go. Hajj Ifraad sees pilgrims only perform the Hajj, and there is no obligation to sacrifice an animal.

To perform Hajj Thamattu Muslims first enter ihram (a state of purity) at one of the designated stations outside of Mecca; ihram is best symbolized by the two simple unstitched white sheets worn by men, resembling Muslim funerary shrouds.

The pilgrim then heads to the Kaaba to perform tawaf , starting and ending at the Black Stone. They then try and pray behind the Maqam Ibrahim before performing saiy , by walking and running seven times between the sacred hills, Safa and Marwah. After this the pilgrim come out of ihram by shaving or trimming their hair.

The pilgrim again assumes ihram ahead of the 8 th of Dhu al-Hijjah when they head to Mina, a large tent city in the desert outside Mecca to spend the day in worship, contemplation and prayer. The next day at dawn, they make for the plains of Arafat where they spend as much time as possible in prayer before sunset; this is the most important act of the Hajj. Every other rite can be missed for valid reasons (though a compensation must be paid), but not this one. Once the sun sets, pilgrims head to another site in the desert, Muzdalifah, to spend the night under the stars, praying and collecting the small stones they will use the following day.

At sunrise on the 10 th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the first day of Eid al Adha, all pilgrims make their way to one of the three Jamarat pillars called the Jamarat al-Aqabato and throw seven stones at it. After this each pilgrim arranges for an animal (cow, goat, sheep or camel) to be sacrificed on their behalf ( hady ) and the meat distributed to the needy before shaving or cutting their hair to exit ihram. The pilgrim then returns to Mecca to perform another tawaf; another prayer behind Maqam Ibrahim and another saiy .

Some Shi’a Muslims perform tawaf one more time at this point. All pilgrims then return to Mina for the next two or three days to stone all three pillars seven times each day and perform further acts of worship. After leaving Mina for Mecca, they perform one more tawaf , known as the farewell tawaf (if they didn’t do so earlier) to conclude their Hajj journey.

If properly conducted, the entire pilgrimage is believed to wipe out sins for true believers.

— Authored by Tharik Hussain, fellow at the Centre for Religion and Heritage at the University of Groningen and the Royal Geographical Society in London, and author of Minarets in the Mountains: a Journey into Muslim Europe published by Bradt.

"The Hajj Diaries," by Tharik Hussain, August 6, 2019, Lonely Planet . "A Brief History of the Hajj," by Alyssa Fetini, November 25, 2009, Time Magazine . "Hajj: When is it, how did it start, and other key questions explained," by Rayhan Uddin, July 17, 2021, Middle East Eye . "Practices in Islam," BBC Bitesize . Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca, BBC . "Hajj 2023: Dates, cost, packages and what you need to know," by Mariam Nihal, May 24, 2023, The National .

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Small mosques may have been built in America in the 16 th century, but these structures constructed later persist to this day.

Islam is the second largest religion in the world after Christianity, with about 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. Although its roots go back further, scholars typically date the creation of Islam to the 7th century, making it the youngest of the major world religions.

Eid al‑Adha

When Is Eid al‑Adha 2024? In the United States, Eid al‑Adha 2024 is predicted to begin on the evening of Sunday 16 June (depending on sightings of the moon) and will end with the culmination of the Hajj a few days later. The Story of Eid al‑Adha In the Quran, Ibrahim has a dream in which Allah […]

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Hajj: the journey of a lifetime 12 min read.

By: Ni’mah Isma’il Nawwab

The Hajj: A Spiritual Journey for Muslims from All Over the World

The hajj, or pilgrimage to Makkah, a central duty of Islam whose origins date back to the Prophet Abraham, brings together Muslims of all races and tongues for one of life’s most moving spiritual experiences.

For 14 centuries, countless millions of Muslims, men and women from the four corners of the earth, have made the pilgrimage to Makkah, the birthplace of Islam. In carrying out this obligation, they fulfill one of the five “pillars” of Islam, or central religious duties of the believer.

Muslims trace the recorded origins of the divinely prescribed pilgrimage to the Prophet Abraham, or Ibrahim, as he is called in Arabic. According to the Qur’an, it was Abraham who, together with Ishmael (Isma’il), built the Ka’bah, “the House of God,” the focal point toward which Muslims turn in their worship five times each day. It was Abraham, too – known as Khalil Allah, “the friend of God” – who established the rituals of the hajj, which recall events or practices in his life and that of Hagar (Hajar) and their son Ishmael.

The Hajj: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Pilgrimage to the Heart of Islam

In the chapter entitled “The Pilgrimage,” the Qur’an speaks of the divine command to perform the hajj and prophesies the permanence of this institution:

“And when We assigned for Abraham the place of the House, saying ‘Do not associate Anything with Me, and purify My House for those who go around it and for those who stand and bow and prostrate themselves in worship. And proclaim the Pilgrimage among humankind: They will come to you on foot and on every camel made lean by traveling deep, distant ravines…'” (Quran 22:26)

The hajj to Makkah is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation upon male and female adults whose health and means permit it, or, in the words of the Qur’an, upon “those who can make their way there.” It is not an obligation on children, though some children do accompany their parents on this journey.

Hajj: A Spiritual Journey with a Strict Preparation

Before setting out, a pilgrim should redress all wrongs, pay all debts, plan to have enough funds for his own journey and for the maintenance of his family while he is away, and prepare himself for good conduct throughout the hajj.

When pilgrims undertake the hajj journey, they follow in the footsteps of millions before them. Nowadays hundreds of thousands of believers from over 70 nations arrive in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by road, sea and air every year, completing a journey now much shorter and in some ways less arduous than it often was in the past.

Till the 19th century, traveling the long distance to Makkah usually meant being part of a caravan. There were three main caravans: the Egyptian one, which formed in Cairo; the Iraqi one, which set out from Baghdad; and the Syrian, which, after 1453, started at Istanbul, gathered pilgrims along the way, and proceeded to Makkah from Damascus.

The Hajj: A Spiritual Journey with a Long and Dangerous History

As the hajj journey took months if all went well, pilgrims carried with them the provisions they needed to sustain them on their trip. The caravans were elaborately supplied with amenities and security if the persons traveling were rich, but the poor often ran out of provisions and had to interrupt their journey in order to work, save up their earnings, and then go on their way. This resulted in long journeys which, in some cases, spanned ten years or more. Travel in earlier days was filled with adventure. The roads were often unsafe due to bandit raids. The terrain the pilgrims passed through was also dangerous, and natural hazards and diseases often claimed many lives along the way. Thus, the successful return of pilgrims to their families was the occasion of joyous celebration and thanksgiving for their safe arrival.

Lured by the mystique of Makkah and Madinah, many Westerners have visited these two holy cities, on which the pilgrims converge, since the 15th century. Some of them disguised themselves as Muslims; others, who had genuinely converted, came to fulfill their duty. But all seem to have been moved by their experience, and many recorded their impressions of the journey and the rituals of the hajj in fascinating accounts. Many hajj travelogues exist, written in languages as diverse as the pilgrims themselves.

The Ihram: A White Seamless Garment that Symbolizes Purity and Equality

The pilgrimage takes place each year between the eighth and the 13th days of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Muslim lunar calendar. Its first rite is the donning of the ihram.

The ihram, worn by men, is a white seamless garment made up of two pieces of cloth or toweling; one covers the body from waist to ankle and the other is thrown over the shoulder. This garb was worn by both Abraham and Muhammad. Women generally wear a simple white dress and a headcovering, but not a veil. Men’s heads must be uncovered; both men and women may use an umbrella.

The ihram is a symbol of purity and of the renunciation of evil and mundane matters. It also indicates the equality of all people in the eyes of God. When the pilgrim wears his white apparel, he or she enters into a state of purity that prohibits quarreling, committing violence to man or animal and having conjugal relations. Once he puts on his hajj clothes the pilgrim cannot shave, cut his nails or wear any jewelry, and he will keep his unsown garment on till he completes the pilgrimage.

The Talbiyah: The Primary Invocation of the Hajj

A pilgrim who is already in Makkah starts his hajj from the moment he puts on the ihram. Some pilgrims coming from a distance may have entered Makkah earlier with their ihram on and may still be wearing it. The donning of the ihram is accompanied by the primary invocation of the hajj, the talbiyah:

Here I am, O God, at Thy Command! Here I am at Thy Command! Thou art without associate; Here I am at Thy Command! Thine are praise and grace and dominion! Thou art without associate.

The thunderous, melodious chants of the talbiyah ring out not only in Makkah but also at other nearby sacred locations connected with the hajj.

On the first day of the hajj, pilgrims sweep out of Makkah toward Mina, a small uninhabited village east of the city. As their throngs spread through Mina, the pilgrims generally spend their time meditating and praying, as the Prophet did on his pilgrimage.

Hajj: The Wuquf at ‘Arafat, the Culmination of a Pilgrim’s Spiritual Journey

During the second day, the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, pilgrims leave Mina for the plain of ‘Arafat for the wuquf, “the standing,” the central rite of the hajj. As they congregate there, the pilgrims’ stance and gathering reminds them of the Day of Judgment. Some of them gather at the Mount of Mercy, where the Prophet delivered his unforgettable Farewell Sermon, enunciating far-reaching religious, economic, social and political reforms. These are emotionally charged hours, which the pilgrims spend in worship and supplication. Many shed tears as they ask God to forgive them. On this sacred spot, they reach the culmination of their religious lives as they feel the presence and closeness of a merciful God.

The Wuquf at ‘Arafat: A Pilgrim’s Journey to Spiritual Exaltation

The first Englishwoman to perform the hajj, Lady Evelyn Cobbold, described in 1934 the feelings pilgrims experience during the wuquf at ‘Arafat. “It would require a master pen to describe the scene, poignant in its intensity, of that great concourse of humanity of which I was one small unit, completely lost to their surroundings in a fervor of religious enthusiasm. Many of the pilgrims had tears streaming down their cheeks; others raised their faces to the starlit sky that had witnessed this drama so often in the past centuries. The shining eyes, the passionate appeals, the pitiful hands outstretched in prayer moved me in a way that nothing had ever done before, and I felt caught up in a strong wave of spiritual exaltation. I was one with the rest of the pilgrims in a sublime act of complete surrender to the Supreme Will which is Islam.”

The Prophet’s Last Address: How Pilgrims Feel Close to Him at ‘Arafat

She goes on to describe the closeness pilgrims feel to the Prophet while standing in ‘Arafat: “…as I stand beside the granite pillar, I feel I am on Sacred ground. I see with my mind’s eye the Prophet delivering that last address, over thirteen hundred years ago, to the weeping multitudes. I visualize the many preachers who have spoken to countless millions who have assembled on the vast plain below; for this is the culminating scene of the Great Pilgrimage.”

The Prophet is reported to have asked God to pardon the sins of pilgrims who “stood” at ‘Arafat, and was granted his wish. Thus, the hopeful pilgrims prepare to leave this plain joyfully, feeling reborn without sin and intending to turn over a new leaf.

The Stoning of the Devil: A Symbol of Humans’ Attempt to Cast Away Evil

Just after sunset, the mass of pilgrims proceeds to Muzdalifah, an open plain about halfway between ‘Arafat and Mina. There they first pray and then collect a fixed number of chickpea-sized pebbles to use on the following days.

Before daybreak on the third day, pilgrims move en masse from Muzdalifah to Mina. There they cast at white pillars the pebbles they have previously collected. According to some traditions, this practice is associated with the Prophet Abraham. As pilgrims throw seven pebbles at each of these pillars, they remember the story of Satan’s attempt to persuade Abraham to disregard God’s command to sacrifice his son.

Throwing the pebbles is symbolic of humans’ attempt to cast away evil and vice, not once but seven times – the number seven symbolizing infinity.

Following the casting of the pebbles, most pilgrims sacrifice a goat, sheep or some other animal. They give the meat to the poor after, in some cases, keeping a small portion for themselves.

This rite is associated with Abraham’s readiness to sacrifice his son in accordance with God’s wish. It symbolizes the Muslim’s willingness to part with what is precious to him, and reminds us of the spirit of Islam, in which submission to God’s will plays a leading role. This act also reminds the pilgrim to share worldly goods with those who are less fortunate, and serves as an offer of thanksgiving to God.

The Tawaf: A Symbol of Unity and Harmony in the Hajj

As the pilgrims have, at this stage, finished a major part of the hajj, they are now allowed to shed their ihram and put on everyday clothes. On this day Muslims around the world share the happiness the pilgrims feel and join them by performing identical, individual sacrifices in a worldwide celebration of ‘Id al-Adha, “the Festival of Sacrifice.” Men either shave their heads or clip their hair, and women cut off a symbolic lock, to mark their partial deconsecration. This is done as a symbol of humility. All proscriptions, save the one of conjugal relations, are now lifted.

Still sojourning in Mina, pilgrims visit Makkah to perform another essential rite of the hajj: the tawaf, the seven-fold circling of the Ka’bah, with a prayer recited during each circuit. Their circumambulation of the Ka’bah, the symbol of God’s oneness, implies that all human activity must have God at its center. It also symbolizes the unity of God and man.

Thomas Abercrombie, a convert to Islam and a writer and photographer for National Geographic Magazine, performed the hajj in the 1970’s and described the sense of unity and harmony pilgrims feel during the circling: “Seven times we circled the shrine,” he wrote, “repeating the ritual devotions in Arabic: ‘Lord God, from such a distant land I have come unto Thee…. Grant me shelter under Thy throne.’ Caught up in the whirling scene, lifted by the poetry of the prayers, we orbited God’s house in accord with the atoms, in harmony with the planets.”

The Black Stone: A Sacred Relic at the Heart of the Hajj

While making their circuits pilgrims may kiss or touch the Black Stone. This oval stone, first mounted in a silver frame late in the seventh century, has a special place in the hearts of Muslims as, according to some traditions, it is the sole remnant of the original structure built by Abraham and Ishmael. But perhaps the single most important reason for kissing the stone is that the Prophet did so.

No devotional significance whatsoever is attached to the stone, for it is not, nor has ever been, an object of worship. The second caliph, ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab, made this crystal clear when, on kissing the stone himself in emulation of the Prophet, he proclaimed: “I know that you are but a stone, incapable of doing good or harm. Had I not seen the Messenger of God kiss you – may God’s blessing and peace be upon him – I would not kiss you.”

The Sa’y: A Pilgrim’s Reenactment of Hagar’s Desperate Search for Water

After completing the tawaf, pilgrims pray, preferably at the Station of Abraham, the site where Abraham stood while he built the Ka’bah. Then they drink of the water of Zamzam.

Another, and sometimes final, rite is the sa’y, or “the running.” This is a reenactment of a memorable episode in the life of Hagar, who was taken into what the Qur’an calls the “uncultivable valley” of Makkah, with her infant son Ishmael, to settle there.

The sa’y commemorates Hagar’s frantic search for water to quench Ishmael’s thirst. She ran back and forth seven times between two rocky hillocks, al-Safa and al-Marwah, until she found the sacred water known as Zamzam. This water, which sprang forth miraculously under Ishmael’s tiny feet, is now enclosed in a marble chamber near the Ka’bah.

The Hajj: A Pilgrimage of Faith and Renewal, with a Visit to the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah

These rites performed, the pilgrims are completely deconsecrated: They may resume all normal activities. According to the social customs of some countries, pilgrims can henceforth proudly claim the title of al-Hajj or Hajji.

They now return to Mina, where they stay up to the 12th or 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. There they throw their remaining pebbles at each of the pillars in the manner either practiced or approved by the Prophet. They then take leave of the friends they have made during the Hajj. Before leaving Makkah, however, pilgrims usually make a final tawaf round the Ka’bah to bid farewell to the Holy City.

Before or after going to Makkah, pilgrims also avail themselves of the opportunity provided by the hajj to visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, the second holiest city in Islam. Here, the Prophet lies buried in a simple grave under the green dome of the mosque. The visit to Madinah is not obligatory, as it is not part of the hajj, but the city – which welcomed Muhammad when he migrated there from Makkah – is rich in moving memories and historical sites that are evocative of him as a prophet and statesman.

The Prophet’s Spirit Still Alive in Madinah, the City of Love

In this city, loved by Muslims for centuries, people still feel the presence of the Prophet’s spirit. Muhammad Asad, an Austrian Jew who converted to Islam in 1926 and made five pilgrimages between 1927 and 1932, comments on this aspect of the city: “Even after thirteen centuries [the Prophet’s] spiritual presence is almost as alive here as it was then. It was only because of him that the scattered group of villages once called Yathrib became a city and has been loved by all Muslims down to this day as no city anywhere else in the world has ever been loved. It has not even a name of its own: for more than thirteen hundred years it has been called Madinat an-Nabi, ‘the City of the Prophet.’ For more than thirteen hundred years, so much love has converged here that all shapes and movements have acquired a kind of family resemblance, and all differences of appearance find a tonal transition into a common harmony.”

As pilgrims of diverse races and tongues return to their homes, they carry with them cherished memories of Abraham, Ishmael, Hagar, and Muhammad. They will always remember that universal concourse, where poor and rich, black and white, young and old, met on equal footing.

The Hajj: A Pilgrimage of Awe, Serenity, and Hope

They return with a sense of awe and serenity: awe for their experience at ‘Arafat, when they felt closest to God as they stood on the site where the Prophet delivered his sermon during his first and last pilgrimage; serenity for having shed their sins on that plain, and being thus relieved of such a heavy burden. They also return with a better understanding of the conditions of their brothers in Islam. Thus is born a spirit of caring for others and an understanding of their own rich heritage that will last throughout their lives.

The pilgrims go back radiant with hope and joy, for they have fulfilled God’s ancient injunction to humankind to undertake the pilgrimage. Above all, they return with a prayer on their lips: May it please God, they pray, to find their hajj acceptable, and may what the Prophet said be true of their own individual journey: “There is no reward for a pious pilgrimage but Paradise.”

This article appeared in ARAMCO World, July-August 1992.

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Camino de Santiago: the ancient pilgrimage route of Spain

Recently updated on June 12th, 2024 at 03:24 pm

Spain’s famous pilgrimage trail, El Camino de Santiago, has become one of the world’s most popular walking holidays and spiritual journeys. Pilgrims travel from all over Europe, taking unique routes that all end at the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia’s capital city. Originally, it was to go see the legendary remains of the Apostle Saint James, but today people walk the Camino for all sorts of reasons. In fact, over 300,000 people lace up their boots every year to take on the pilgrimage! If you’re dreaming of trying the walk yourself, here is everything you need to know from which routes to take to how to get your Compostela certificate. Buen Camino!

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What is the Camino de Santiago?

The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James, is an ancient pilgrimage trail originating in medieval times. Made up of a vast network of roads and paths, pilgrims travel to arrive at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Legend has it that the remains of the Apostle Saint James the Great were buried here. He is the patron saint of Spain and the city is named after Saint James – Santiago de Compostela means St James of the Field of Stars.

The pilgrimage began in the 9th century and since then, it has grown massively in popularity. Around 350,000 Compostela pilgrim certificates were issued in 2019 alone (compared to just over seven in 1976). Today, people from over 190 different countries make the journey along this UNESCO-listed trail every year!

Pilgrims, known locally known as ‘peregrinos’, take up the journey on foot, bicycle or even horseback. Some walk alone, others with a partner, or in groups. However one decides to take on the Camino, there’s always a great sense of community. You always see pilgrims passing each other with a welcome of ‘Buen Camino!’ to wish each other well on their journey.

The Camino has encouraged invaluable cultural exchanges for centuries, and today, the Camino is more than a pilgrimage. It’s a trip of a lifetime that attracts thousands of people all over the world.

Discover the Camino on Northern Spain

Why walk the Camino de Santiago?

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Although it has traditionally been a religious pilgrimage, people of all ages and backgrounds now walk the Camino for many different reasons. Some take on the Camino to experience the culture and history of the trails, while others take it on as a fitness challenge. Others walk the Camino for the camaraderie and community. 

It’s often a journey of great self-development and a kind of meditation for many. The journey allows them to unplug from their daily life and spend time clearing their heads. It’s also a great chance to reconnect with nature as you become immersed in the stunning landscapes of rural Spain Galicia and Castilla y León. 

Whether your motivation for taking on the Camino is religious or not, the journey is always spiritual. It’s all about pushing your limits, enjoying simple pleasures and making friends. It’s a true journey of self-discovery. 

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How does the Camino work?

There are dozens of routes you could take, all weaving together like streams and meanders that find their way to one final lake. There’s an easy way to tell if you’re on a pilgrimage route: they’re all waymarked with the iconic scallop shell symbol.

The Camino is not just one path. It’s a whole network of routes. When the pilgrimage began in the Middle Ages, the aim was to arrive to the sacred city of Santiago de Compostela. There was no official starting point, but because it was safer for people to walk together, pilgrims created common roads and paths. Since pilgrims came from all over Europe, including France, Portugal, England and beyond, routes were established so people could travel from their home countries. Travelers choose their route based on many factors including weather, landscapes, popularity and amenities. Some routes are up to 1,000km long, while others are half that length. 

For more useful info check out our Spain Destination Guide  

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The Compostela

When choosing a route, try to aim to walk at least 100km (or 200km if you’re traveling by bicycle). Doing so will earn you the Compostela , a Latin certificate declaring the completion of your pilgrimage.

Because of this, the last 100km of the French Way and the English Way are extremely popular. The last 100km takes around six days to walk for most people, while the whole French Way takes around 35 days to walk. Cycling is usually two or three times faster than walking, while some people wander the Camino for months at a time! 

To receive your Compostela, you’ll need a ‘Pilgrim Passport’, also known as a ‘Credencial’, to collect stamps along the way to prove your journey. This certifies you as an official pilgrim, and harkens back to the Middle Ages, when pilgrims needed a document to allow access to places like the Royal Hospital of Santiago. Now, it is symbolic of your journey, where you get stamps from the ‘albergue’ (hostels) you’ll stay at, as well as churches, town halls, and many other places you’ll find on your way along the Camino.

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The Camino de Santiago routes

These are the most popular routes that all lead to Santiago de Compostela.

Camino Francés (the French Way)

The French Way is by far the most popular route and for good reason. It’s a spectacular walk with varied scenery, plus loads of nice hotels and restaurants along the way. It’s also popular as it’s the route which Martin Sheen’s character Tom travels in the movie ‘The Way’.

The French Way is just over 790 km and officially starts in St Jean Pied-du-Port (where most routes from other parts of Europe converge). Although it begins in France,  the route is mostly walked in Spain.

You’ll cross through some of the most stunning parts of the country, including rural mountain regions and beautiful cities like Leon, Burgos and Pamplona. It also passes through many important pilgrimage towns like Ponferrada, Logroño and Sarria.

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Camino de Finisterre (the Finisterre Way)

While Santiago de Compostela is the focal point of the Camino, many pilgrims continue on to Finisterre, one of the westernmost points in Europe on the Atlantic coast. The name Finisterre literally translates to “end of the world”, and this is the only Camino route that begins in Santiago de Compostela.

It travels nearly 100 km and you’ll still get your Compostela completion certificate for doing this route. You’ll pass through hillsides, pine groves and medieval villages, including Galician towns like Cee and Negreira. 

When reaching the “end of the world” in Finisterre, it was customary for pilgrims to collect a shell as proof they had reached their destination. This is why the scallop shell is now the symbol of the Camino.

Camino del Norte (the Northern Way)

This route starts in Irún on the border with France and travels along the gorgeous northern coast of Spain through the Basque region and Asturias. Traversing 820km, the Northern Way passes through wonderful cities like San Sebastian, Bilbao, Oviedo and Santander. 

You’ll cross through rolling green hills, inland meadows, quaint villages, beautiful beaches and old monasteries. There is also plenty of fantastic northern Spanish cuisine and Michelin-starred restaurants along this route, so it’s definitely one for the foodies.

Camino Portugués (the Portuguese Way)

Starting in Lisbon and passing through Porto and Pontevedra as it takes you north through Portugal, this has become the second most popular Camino route. It’s around 610km long and mostly flat without too many hills. 

It takes you along stunning coastlines with sandy beaches, passes close to the Catholic pilgrimage site of Fatima, and crosses into Spain and the lovely old town of Tui. If you want to take on a less crowded route that still has lots of amenities, the Portuguese Way is a great option.

Camino Portugues Coastal (the Portuguese Coastal Way)

This route is a variant of the original Portuguese Way and has grown in popularity as it takes you close to the spectacular Atlantic Ocean. You’ll get to walk along the coastline for several days and you can wander along the boardwalks by the seaside and explore the estuaries of this remote region. 

You’ll also pass through charming old towns like Baiona, the port town of Vigo, and Pontevedra, the ancient capital of Galicia. The last leg then takes you inland through woodlands and small villages to Santiago de Compostela. This route is also even flatter than the original Portuguese Way, so if you enjoy walking with sea views and through the forest, this is the path to take.

Camino Inglés (the English Way)

This path is around 110km, while the route from the  La Coruña is only 75km. The Ferrol route follows the shoreline through Galicia, serving up stunning beaches and sea views, before heading inland into rolling farmland with old chapels and leafy paths. The route is well marked and many of the milestones have interactive QR codes with information on towns along the way.

Camino Primitivo (the Original Route)

The Original Way is thought to be the first pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. And while it’s quite a challenging walk, it is one of the most beautiful and rewarding. The route starts in Oviedo and travels southwest to Santiago de Compostela for around 328km. You’ll see fewer people and fewer amenities and there are plenty of steep hills, however you’ll get to see the beautiful valleys, mountains and viewpoints from Asturias to Galicia. 

The route passes through farmlands, coastline, woodlands and small villages. It also stops in Lugo which is still surrounded by ancient Roman walls and towers. The last section meets the French Way in Melide and follows that route for 50km until Santiago de Compostela.

Via de la Plata

If you’re interested in Roman history, this is the path for you. Spanning 1,000km, this is the longest Camino route through Spain, and most of the route follows the old Roman road north starting from Seville. You’ll pass through great cities like Merida, Salamanca, Cáceres, Ourense and Zamora, and since it’s less crowded than other routes, it’s also quite peaceful. 

The terrain is mostly flat and you’ll pass through beautiful regions with lush forests, lakes and plenty of Roman ruins. You’ll then ascend through oak woodlands and farmland, before passing by hot springs in Ourense where you can soothe your weary legs. Although the terrain is easier than the French Way, the Via de la Plata route has stages of longer walking days with less frequent amenities.

Via Podiensis

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Also known as Le Puy Camino, the Via Podiensis route starts in the south of France. It’s one of the most beautiful Camino routes, travelling through the Auvergne region of France with stunning churches and historic monuments. You’ll pass through several UNESCO sites including the cathedral at Le Puy-en-Velay and the bridge at Conques, along with peaceful countryside dotted with woodlands, dairy cattle and quaint villages. 

You’ll also pass through the Armagnac vineyards and the pine trees of the Gascony region as you move toward the Pyrenees mountain range. There are plenty of steep ascents and hilly sections, but it is truly beautiful. The route arrives in Saint Jean Pied-de-Port, where the French Way begins and takes you on to Santiago de Compostela.

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What happens when you arrive in Santiago de Compostela?

Many pilgrims head straight to the Pilgrim’s Office to receive their final stamp. Those who travelled 100 km or more (or 200 km or more for those travelling by bicycle), will receive their Compostela certificate.

Many pilgrims then attend the Pilgrim’s Mass at the Cathedral. These run at 12pm and 7:30pm, and you should arrive at least half an hour early to get a seat. For the finale, they hoist the Botafumeiro (a huge thurible weighing 50 kilograms) high into the air. It swings across the mass, releasing incense over the crowd.

How fit do you need to be to walk the Camino?

The Camino is not to be underestimated. Although you don’t need a high degree of physical fitness, you will be walking a minimum of 100 km (if you want to ‘officially complete’ the Camino). You’ll also carry a large backpack, so you do need to be prepared. Make sure you get in some training in the weeks and months before you leave and be ready to walk some long stretches and strenuous climbs.

It’s a great idea to bring walking sticks as these take 20 percent of your weight off your knees. When you’re climbing, that can be the difference between having a wonderful time and wanting to throw your backpack off the next bridge! Remember, you can go as fast or slow as you like, and you can add in rest days whenever you need it. Walk the Camino your way.

Best time to walk the Camino

While July and August are the most popular months, they’re also the hottest with sweltering summer temperatures. If you prefer fewer crowds and milder weather, the best time to walk the Camino is May to June and September. You can make the journey any time of year, however autumn can be very wet and cold, while winter brings snow and ice.

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Where to stay along the Camino

There are many accommodation options along all the Camino routes. Albergues and refugios are hostel-like accommodations run exclusively for pilgrims. They range from privados (a privately-run albergue and the most luxurious and expensive option) to municipal (a local council-run albergue that are often the cheapest and most basic option).

There’s also parroquias, a church-run albergue with some offering mass or a blessing. Most albergues operate on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Preference is given first to walkers, then horse-riders, then cyclists.

Where to eat along the Camino

You can all find lots of wonderful local delicacies on the Camino, ranging from creamy croquettes to Galician-style octopus. Galicia is particularly known for its mouthwatering pintxos and it’s all best washed down with local wine. You can also look out for the menus del días (menus of the day). These are cheaper and offer delicious set starters, mains and desserts.

Want the perfect tour to unlock Europe’s holiest pilgrimage sites, like Fátima and Santiago de Compostela? Take our Days of Devotion tour for 12 days of sacred traveling, all with a fun group of like-minded  peregrinos.

Have you ever walked the Camino de Santiago? Are you dreaming of taking on this famous pilgrimage trail? Let us know in the comments below! 

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• Abrahamic / Middle Eastern
• Hajj and Eid Al Adha

The Stages of Hajj, the Islamic Pilgrimage to Mecca (Makkah)

• Important Principles
• Prayer Salat
• Prophets of Islam
• Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr
• M.Ed., Loyola University–Maryland
• B.S., Child Development, Oregon State University

Hajj, the religious pilgrimage performed in ritual stages in and around the holy city of Mecca (Makka), is required of Muslims at least once during their lifetimes. It is the largest annual gathering of human beings on earth, with approximately three million people gathering each year for three to five days between the eighth and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Muslim calendar. The pilgrimage has been occurring annually since 630 CE​ when the prophet Muhammad led his followers from Medina to Mecca. 

Fast Facts: Hajj

• Description: A three- to five-day pilgrimage involving several rituals in honor of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, and events pertaining to Muhammad and his ancestor Abraham (Ibrahim). 
• Key Participants: Nearly three million Muslims from all over the world. 
• Start Date: The eighth day of the lunar month of Dhul-Hijjah (the Gregorian date changes every year).
• End Date: The 12th day of Dhul-Hijjah. 
• Location: Mecca and several nearby locations.

Significance of the Hajj

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The great pilgrimage called the Hajj (Arabic for "pilgrimage") is significant for a number of reasons. First and probably most important, it is a time when approximately three million or more Muslims come together, mixing across lines of ethnicity, nationality, sect, and gender. Second, the pilgrimage was initiated by the Prophet Muhammad himself, who is said to have been sent with 1,400 of his followers on the pilgrimage to celebrate one of the founding myths of the Abrahamic religions. Third, one of the stops—the Plains of Arafat—is where Muhammad gave his farewell sermon.

Preparation for the Hajj

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In the modern pilgrimage, the  Hajj  pilgrims begin arriving by air, sea, and land during the days and weeks prior to the pilgrimage period. They usually arrive into Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the major port city closest to Mecca (about 45 miles away). From there they travel with their Hajj group to Mecca; many if not most travelers come with an official package group. As they approach Mecca, they stop at one of the designated areas to shower and  change clothing , entering into a state of devotion and purity (Ihram) for the pilgrimage. Men must wear two lengths of white cloth without seams (one wrapped around their shoulders and a second one around their waists). Women can wear regular clothing as long as it is clean and modest, with veils covering their heads but not their faces.

For the next three days, participants must not smoke, swear, shave, cut their nails, or have sex. Fighting and arguments are banned, and participants are prohibited from hunting or killing anything. All must avoid scented cologne, perfume, makeup, and soaps.

They then begin reciting an invocation:

Here I am, Oh God, at Your command! Here I am at Your command! You are without associate! Here I am at Your command! To You are all praise, grace and dominion! You are without associate!

The sound of this chant (said in Arabic) echoes over the land as the pilgrims begin arriving in Mecca by the thousands for the sacred rites.

Day 1 of the Pilgrimage (8th of Dhul-Hijjah)

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On the first official day of the pilgrimage, the millions of pilgrims perform the first rituals associated with the Hajj in the Masjid al-Haram (Sacred Mosque) complex, rituals that will be repeated throughout the journey. First is a "tawaf," in which pilgrims walk around the Ka'aba ("the Cube"), a stone shrine said to have been built by Abraham (Ibrahim in Arabic) and his son Ishmael (Ismail) some 4,000 years ago. The Ka'aba has four walls and a roof and in one corner on the outside wall is the Black Stone of Mecca, where Ibrahim laid out Ismail to be sacrificed. The Ka'aba is covered with a black silk cloth decorated with verses from the Quran in gold-embroidered Arabic calligraphy: The cloth is replaced every year on Day 2 of the Hajj. For the tawaf, pilgrims walk counterclockwise seven times around the shrine. If a pilgrim is near enough to the Ka'aba, he or she can touch the Black Stone, and if not, they raise their hands in a salute palm first facing the stone. Official sources estimate that over 10,000 people walked around the Ka'aba every hour during the Hajj in 2018.

Next, the pilgrims perform the Say'a, running seven times between the two hills Safa and Marwah, commemorating Hagar's (Hajira's) search for water for her son Ismail. Today the hills are contained within the Masjid al-Haram complex, and the ritual takes place along a long, beautiful air-conditioned gallery with marble floors; a moving walkway is provided for those who cannot walk.

Pilgrims then travel by foot or take a shuttle bus from Mecca to Mina, a small village east of the city. There they spend the day and night in one of the 160,000 tents supplied by the Saudi government to accommodate 50 pilgrims each. The tents are Teflon-coated fiberglass and air-conditioned, and they house men and women separately. People pray, read the Quran , hear lectures, and rest up for the next day.

Day 2 of the Pilgrimage (9th of Dhul-Hijjah)

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On the second day of the pilgrimage, the pilgrims leave Mina just after dawn to travel to the Plain of Arafat for the culminating experience of the Hajj. On what is known as the " Day of Arafat ,” the pilgrims perform the Wuquf, a rite in which they spend the entire day standing (or sitting) near Mount Arafat (the "Mount of Mercy"), asking Allah for forgiveness and making supplications. A cooling mist sprays the pilgrims from specially built towers, providing a bit of respite from the heat. The Plain of Arafat is where Muhammad gave his farewell sermon in 632, and the Wuquf honors that occurrence. Muslims around the world who are not at the pilgrimage join them in spirit by fasting for the day.

After sunset on the Day of Arafat, the pilgrims leave and travel to a nearby open plain called Muzdalifah, roughly halfway between Arafat and Mina. There they spend the night sleeping on the ground under the stars, praying and collecting small stone pebbles to be used the following day.

Day 3 of the Pilgrimage (10th of Dhul-Hijjah)

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On the third day, the pilgrims move before sunrise, this time back to Mina. Here they perform the Ramy ceremony, during which they throw the stone pebbles they collected on the previous day at three pillars that represent the temptations of Satan. The three pillars are Jamrat al-‘Aqaba (at the narrow pass of al-‘Aqaba, and the largest), Jamrat al-Wusta (the middle one), and Jamrat al-Sughra (the small one). The pillars are set separately in large depressions, and participants walk down a corridor to throw the pebbles.

When throwing the stones, the pilgrims recall the story of Satan’s attempt to dissuade Ibrahim from following God’s command to sacrifice his son. The stones represent Ibrahim's rejection of Satan and the firmness of his faith. This is by far the most dangerous of the rituals during Hajj, tense and emotional, with thousands of peoples throwing pebbles and not uncommon stampedes taking place, so sick or elderly people do not typically attend, but rather wait until evening or send another to throw pebbles for them.

After casting the pebbles, most pilgrims slaughter an animal (often a sheep or a goat) and give away the meat to the poor. Alternatively, pilgrims can purchase a sacrifice voucher from a qualified person who will sacrifice a lamb for each pilgrim or a camel for every seventh. This is a symbolic act known as the Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice ) that shows their willingness to part with something precious to them, as a remembrance of Ibrahim who was prepared to sacrifice his son at God’s command.​ After the sacrifice, people are released from their prohibitions and most cut their hair or shave for the next day's events.

Throughout the world, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha on this day. This is the second of the two major holidays in Islam each year.

The Closing Days of the Pilgrimage

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Over the next two to three days, the pilgrims return to Mecca and perform the tawaf and the sayee, and drink from the ancient spring known as Zamzam, said to have been created by the child Ismail, which continues to flow today. Today the water is brought from the well of Zamzam, purified, cooled, and pumped into the Mosque via a tap. There are no other requirements for performance, people are free to shop in the malls, or take tours, except that a final act before leaving Saudi Arabia is to perform a final tawaf.

Pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia are required to leave the country by the 10th of  Muharram , about one month after the completion of the pilgrimage.

After Hajj, pilgrims often return home with renewed faith and are given honorific titles of Hajji.

Foundation Myth of the Hajj

According to legend, Allah sent Muhammad to perform the Hajj in remembrance of the Quranic version of the biblical story of Abraham, Hagar, and Ishmael.

Abraham is the patriarch of the three great Abrahamic religions of the Western world: Islam, Judaism , and Christianity. As told in the book of Genesis in the Torah, Abraham's first wife, Sarah, could not conceive, and she arranged for Abraham to sleep with their Egyptian slave girl and Pharaoh's daughter Hagar, in order for him to have sons. Hagar had a boy, named Ishmael; after that, God made it possible for Sarah to conceive and she had a boy named Isaac. Ishmael, called Ismail in Quranic records, is the ancestor of the Prophet Muhammad. 

The version in Genesis says that Sarah had Hagar and Ishmael thrown out of Abraham's house, and they wandered the desert. The versions provided by the Quran and Muslim scholars are similar, except that Abraham (Ibrahim) takes his wife Hagar (Hajira or Hajar) and Ishmael (Ismail) into the desert, where he leaves them, returning to Canaan. Left in the desert, Hajira desperately seeks water for her son, running between the two hills called Safa and Marwa. She collapses and prays to Allah for deliverance. Ismail strikes his foot in the ground and finds the spring (later called Zamzam), and they are saved and found the city of Mecca. 

Ibrahim returned to Hajira and Ismail and, rejoicing that they survived the ordeal, Ishmael and Ibrahim build a shrine (the Ka'aba) at that place. The Quran says that Abraham must sacrifice his son; Islamic scholars say that son is Ismail (Genesis says that son was Sarah's son Isaac). The devil tempts Ibrahim three times, telling him that he should not sacrifice his son, but Ibrahim persists. Before he can kill his son, Allah intervenes and an unspecified "great sacrifice" is made instead.

Annual Dates of the PIlgrimage

The Hajj always takes place between the eighth and 12th day of Dhul-HIjjah ("The Month of the Pilgrimage" in Arabic), which is the last month in the Muslim lunar calendar. Matching Gregorian dates are not precisely predictable from year to year.

The Muslim calendar (or Hijiri Calendar) is used to determine the dates of religious events and observances, and the timing of the months is based on astronomical observation—Islamic astronomers and mathematicians are famous for their brilliance. Any new month can only begin when a waxing crescent moon is seen shortly after sunset. Lunar calendars are 11 days shorter than solar ones, so each festival starts 11 days earlier in the year than the previous year. The date of the Hajj, which falls in the last lunar month, is not determined until an authoritative body—in this case, Saudi Arabia's High Judicial Court—can see the waxing crescent moon in the sky shortly after sunset on the 29th day of the previous month. If the sky is obscured by clouds or other astronomical forces the new month must begin a day later. 

For financial and business uses and rather than relying on visual sightings, Saudi Arabia bases its calendar on a calculated astronomical moon. The Tabular Islamic calendar is 354 days long, broken into 12 months with predetermined lengths and adjustments for leap years. But the precise starting day of the Hajj is still not determined until eight days before the Hajj is set to begin.

Estimated Gregorian dates for the next few years have been calculated by several sources, but they don't coincide and the dates are tentative.

Modern Changes in the Pilgrimage

Jasmin Merdan/Getty Images

In 1950, only 100,000 people attended the Hajj; people were discouraged from taking photographs and cameras were even confiscated. Then, as now, the Hajj is a requirement, it is the fifth pillar of Islam, and it is required that each individual Muslim do so, if he or she is healthy and wealthy enough to make the pilgrimage during their adulthood. However, with the advance of modern freeways and charted air flights, more and more people make the journey more than once.

In addition to a complicated logistical structure that involves visas and crowd control, security details, GPS units, and security cameras, the Saudi government has created Mecca as a global marketplace, and the Sacred Mosque has expanded to become a place where tens of thousands of people can perform tawaf at once.

Participants in the 2018 Hajj were nearly equal numbers of men and women; people commonly bring their children, and their cell phones, and many blog or live stream the events as they experience them. Pilgrims still need to walk if they can, they still sleep outside at Mina, and they still stand or sit in the Plain of Arafat: but modern distractions have replaced some of the hardships of the early Hajj.

• Amanullah, Shahed. " Hajj 2.0: Technology's Impact on the Muslim Pilgrimage ." Georgetown Journal of International Affairs 10.2 (2009): 75–82. Print.
• Clingingsmith, David, Asim Ijaz Khwaja, and Michael Kremer. " Estimating the Impact of the Hajj: Religion and Tolerance in Islam's Global Gathering. " Quarterly Journal of Economics 124.3 (2009): 1133–70. Print.
• Din, Abdul Kadir Haji. " Economic Implications of Moslem Pilgrimage from Malaysia ." Contemporary Southeast Asia 4.1 (1982): 58–75. Print.
• Gatrad, Abdul Rashid, and Aziz Sheikh. " Hajj: Journey of a Lifetime ." BMJ: British Medical Journal 330.7483 (2005): 133–37. Print.
• Ladjal, Tarek, et al. "Asian Hajj Routes: The Reflection of History and Geography." Middle-East Journal of Scientific Research 14.12 (2013): 1691–99. Print.
• Ryad, Umar. " On His Donkey to the Mountain of Ἁrafāt: Dr. Van Der Hoog and His Hajj Journey to Mecca ." The Hajj and Europe in the Age of Empire . Ed. Umar Ryad. Brill, 2017. 185–216. Print.
• Williams, Jennifer. " Hajj, the Islamic Pilgrimage to Mecca, Explained for Non-Muslims ." Vox Culture . August 20, 2018. Web.
• Why Are Only Muslims Allowed to Visit the Holy City of Mecca?
• Ihram Clothing for Hajj--the Muslim Pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca)
• When Is the Hajj Held?
• Lesson Plans for Eid al Adha, an Islamic Celebration
• What happens after one performs Hajj?
• How Does One Prepare to Go for Hajj?
• Islamic Festival Eid al-Adha
• Authorized U.S. Travel Agents for Hajj and Umrah Trips
• Meaning and Significance of the Day of Arafat
• The Major Holidays Celebrated by Muslims
• The Specific Dates for the Day of Arafat from 2017 to 2025
• What Is the Ka'aba in Mecca?
• Makkah Visitors Guide
• The Architecture and History of the Kaaba
• What Is the Significance of the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah?

Blog / 25 Journeys of the Bible

25 Journeys of the Bible

1. In Genesis 11:1-9 , Noah’s descendants migrate from Mount Ararat to Babel:

Now the whole world had one language and a common speech.   As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there…But the  Lord  came down to see the city and the tower the people were building…[and] the  Lord  scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city…

2. In Genesis 12:1-9 , Abraham trusts God and travels from Ur of the Chaldees to the land of Canaan:

The  Lord  had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you…So Abram went, as the  Lord  had told him…

3. Once there, Abraham then must leave Canaan and stay for a time in Egypt, as told in Genesis 12:10-20 :

Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe…

4. Rebekah leaves her homeland of Haran to be Isaac’s wife in Canaan in Genesis 24 :

“The  Lord , the God of heaven, who brought me out of my father’s household and my native land and who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, ‘To your offspring I will give this land’—he will send his angel before you so that you can get a wife for my son from there…”

5. Isaac, like his father, Abraham, commands Jacob not to marry a Canaanite woman, but to return to his family’s people for a wife ( Genesis 28-29 ):

“…May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and increase your numbers until you become a community of peoples.   May he give you and your descendants the blessing given to Abraham, so that you may take possession of the land where you now reside as a foreigner, the land God gave to Abraham…”

6. In Genesis 32-35 , Jacob wrestles with God and His promises as he goes from Haran to Bethel:

Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac,  Lord , you who said to me, ‘Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,’   I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two camps.   Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children.   But you have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.’” … Then God said to Jacob, “Go up to Bethel and settle there, and build an altar there to God,who appeared to you when you were fleeing from your brother Esau.”

7. Jacob’s son Joseph is sold by his brothers from Canaan to Egypt in Genesis 37 :

…when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.

8. God puts Joseph in a position to aid his family when they flee the drought in Canaan to live in Egypt ( Genesis 42-46 ):

Then ten of Joseph’s brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt. … So Israel set out with all that was his, and when he reached Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.

9. By Exodus 2:15 , God’s people are enslaved in Egypt, and Moses flees from Egypt to Midian:

When Pharaoh heard of this, he tried to kill Moses, but Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in Midian, where he sat down by a well.

10. From Moses’ return as God’s mediator who leads the Israelites out of Egypt to Joshua’s leadership at Jericho, God leads his people gradually back from from Egypt to Canaan. Abraham’s line has come full circle, and God’s promises are never once forgotten.

11. Famine once again calls God’s people into exile in Ruth 1 . This time, however, God calls Ruth (a Moabite) out of Moab to go back to Bethlehem with those returning there.

In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab.   The man’s name was Elimelek, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there. … So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning.

12. In the days when God’s people were looking for a king, God granted their wish by leading Saul out of Gibeah to Samuel in Ramah ( 1 Samuel 9 ):

…Now the day before Saul came, the  Lord  had revealed this to Samuel:   16  “About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him ruler over my people Israel; he will deliver them from the hand of the Philistines. I have looked on my people, for their cry has reached me.”

13. After God rejects Saul as king, Samuel is told to go to Bethlehem to anoint David. ( 1 Samuel 16 ):

“…I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.”

14. When David is anointed king over Judah in 2 Samuel 2:1 , the Lord names the town where he should go:

David asked, “Where shall I go?” “To Hebron,” the  Lord  answered.

15. Word of the Lord continues to spread throughout the world in the days of King Solomon ( 1 Kings 10 ):

When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the  Lord , she came to test Solomon with hard questions…

16. Rehoboam is also called to a journey to accept his mantle as king. He travels from Jerusalem to Shechem in 1 Kings 12:1 :

17. Elijah, a prophet of the Lord, flees Jezebel—wife of Ahab and queen of Israel—and goes up to Mount Horeb where God reveals himself ( 1 Kings 19 ):

Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there,   while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness.

18. in 2 Kings 5 , Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, travels from Syria to Samaria to be healed by the God of Israel:

19. The captives of Judah, exiles in Babylon are allowed to return to Jerusalem when the Lord moves the heart of Cyrus king of Persia in Ezra 1 :

“‘The  Lord , the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah.   Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the  Lord , the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them…'”

20. Even the Romans were unwitting subjects to God’s will when Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world, sending Joseph to Bethlehem where Jesus was to be born ( Luke 2:1-4 ):

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.

21. Like the queen of Sheba visiting Solomon, once again foreign kings are compelled to journey for news of the Hebrew God ( Matthew 2:1-12 ):

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem   and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

22. Once the Great Commission has been given, Acts is the account of those earliest missionary journeys. God’s Word is to be spread to all nations and all peoples, and Philip follows this command by going to Samaria in Acts 8:5 .

23. Saul to converted on the road to Damascus where he had traveled from Jerusalem to attack the Jesus movement in Acts 9:

As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.   He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him,  “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

24. In Acts 11:19-26 , Barnabas goes out from Jerusalem to plant a church in Antioch:

Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews.

25. And finally, Paul goes himself to the heart of Jewish persecution in Rome, so that he may spread the Gospel there ( Acts 21:16-28:31 ).

Some content taken from Willmington’s Guide to the Bible , by Harold L. Willmington. Copyright 2011. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. (Available for purchase at BibleGatewayStore.com )

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Pilgrimage Travel: Inspiring Sacred Walks around the World

Dear reader: This article contains links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you.

Pilgrimage is act of devotion. In many religions, these sacred walks are prescribed, even considered a must in one’s lifetime, and followers from all of world’s major faiths make holy pilgrimages.

For most, non-believers are accepted or even welcome. Pilgrimage travel can be a meaningful, moving experience in which travelers can enrich their understanding of a local culture and broaden their understanding of the wide range of spiritual beliefs in our beautiful world.

Below, travel experts share their experiences walking the great pilgrimages around the world. For more European pilgrimages, see my detailed guides to the best pilgrimages in Europe and pilgrimages in India .

Also be sure to check out my related articles on mindful travel and a simple breathing meditation for travelers .

Table of Contents

Adam’s Peak, Sri Lanka

The 2243m conical mountain of Adam’s Peak, in Sri Lanka, is also known as Sri Pada, which translates as ‘Sacred Foot’. It has been a pilgrimage site for over 1000 years.

This name, and the mountain’s religious significance, derives from the foot shaped rock formation situated near the summit. Buddhists believe it’s the footprint of Buddha; Hindus that it’s the footprint of Shiva; Muslims and Christians that it’s the footprint of Adam (of Adam and Eve) as he descended to Earth from the Garden of Eden.

Some important facts:

–     The pilgrimage begins from Dalhousie in the central highland region of the country

–     It takes approximately 5-7 hours to complete, with roughly 5,500 steps to the top

–     Most people begin at about 2am to get to the top in time for sunrise.

–     The pilgrimage season runs from December to May, with its peak in January/February.

Climbing it with friends, my experience of the pilgrimage was truly special, but it probably wasn’t representative of what others experience.

We’d missed pilgrimage season and ended up climbing Sri Pada in July, when it’s quieter and the weather is unpredictable. We’d got up early, but not early enough—it was light by the time we got to the top and raining, with zero visibility. It was windy, cold and, except for a few monks we met along the way, my friends and I were the only ones there.

But it was absolutely worth it.

The route is beautiful, passing temples, shrines and monuments along the way, all the while walking through lush forest, with waterfalls cascading down mountain faces around you. The solitude of the experience added a poignancy to it. The steps beneath out feet were worn from the footsteps of a thousand years of religious devotion; it was hard to ignore the spiritual significance of this fact.

It would be interesting to walk the pilgrimage again in high season, when crowds flock to Sri Pada and queues form to the summit; to experience the summit view at sunrise, with clear skies to the horizon. However, the experience I had was special in its own way and I wouldn’t have changed it.

by Danny Newman of What’s Danny Doing

Camino de Fatima, Portugal

The Camino to Fatima is a pilgrimage to the town of Fatima in the Santarem district of Portugal. Fatima is the site where the Blessed Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to three shepherd children in 1917. The Catholic Church later recognized these events as “worthy of belief”.

The small chapel that was built at the site of the apparition developed into a shrine complex. This religious complex, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, is visited by thousands of pilgrims each year. Most modern day Pilgrims follow the blue arrow signs on the well-marked way that starts in Lisbon and follows the same route as the Camino Portuguese for 90km after which the path departs from the Portuguese Way for a further 60km to Fatima.

Pilgrims can stay in special hostels called albergues on the way. These hostels are cheap, €5 to 15 per night, with pilgrims sleeping in dormitory style accommodation. On this route albergues are far apart, resulting in long walking days of 30 to 40km per day; shorter days are possible if you stay in hotels.

Along the way you will walk through many fascinating towns. We took hundreds of pictures and stopped for many coffees. The route is flat and thus easy to walk, but the cobble stone surface can be hard on your feet. I think May or September is the best times for this pilgrimage, since you will avoid crowds, rain and unbearable heat by walking in the shoulder seasons.

by the Stingy Nomads

see here for more info on the Camino de Fatima

Camino de Santiago, Spain

The Camino de Santiago is a network of hundreds of kilometers of pilgrimage trails in Western Europe that lead to the shrine of Saint James in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain.

When I left for the Camino de Santiago in early March, I wasn’t prepared for how much it would affect me. I chose to do the last 113km from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. This was an impulsive decision based on the timing of a trip to Barcelona but it worked out for the best.

The route is normally crowded, but, because I went about two weeks ahead of the official season, I found myself alone in my thoughts often. There were several nights when I was one of only a handful of pilgrims at the municipal albergues.

I really loved the Camino, which took me by surprise. There were days when I wanted to rip my feet off, it rained all day almost every day, and my feet and hands were never warm for a single second. However, I felt like I was really getting inside my head and figuring out myself.

I’ll never forget what another pilgrim told me. He had started in the north of France in December, and it was his second time doing the Camino. He said that the Camino always gives you what you need, and you should keep going until you get it. He had plans to keep going and walk all the way south to the Algarve in Portugal.

He was right, though. I left with a lot of perspective on my life. I hope to go back and do a longer one, but I highly recommend you to go and just do the last part if that’s all you think you can manage. You’ll get hooked like I did and need to go back!

by Stephanie Craig of History Fangirl

Cape Camino, South Africa

Did you know that South Africa has a Camino of its own? South Africa’s Cape Camino was inspired by Spain’s Camino de Santiago. The current route is 550 kilometers and ever-expanding. The route includes a wide range of spiritual attractions to stop in at, including shrines, Islamic kramats, the Khoi and San caves, Buddhist teahouses and natural sacred spaces.

The walking route along Cape Camino traverse a vast region of abundant natural beauty between mountains and the sea. Four main sections include wineland, farmland & community, Sandvelt & Strand, and the Peninsula, with the endpoint being iconic, flat-topped Table Mountain.

Cape Camino is an organization that assists pilgrims to make necessary arrangements for the walk, including chaperones and homestays. Options range from 2 days to a full 32 days to walk the route, with an average of 12-25 km walking per day. There are also self-guided and volunteer options. By walking the Cape Camino, you can help to support a number of small, family-run businesses and individuals in communities along the route.

Croagh Patrick Pilgrimage, Ireland

Located in Co Mayo in the west of Ireland, Croagh Patrick is one of the most important pilgrimages in Ireland and, many some, one of their favorite things to do in Ireland . Croagh Patrick is a 764 metre tall mountain that overlooks Clew Bay and is considered the holiest mountain in the country with countless visitors climbing the mountain in honour of Saint Patrick, the Irish patron saint whom Croagh Patrick is named after.

Nicknamed ‘The Reek’, the pilgrimage to the top of Croagh Patrick dates back over 5,000 years to the Stone Age. It was also popular in Pagan times as a place to celebrate the new harvest and it was at the top of this mountain where Saint Patrick is said to have fasted for 40 days in 441 AD.

Today the most popular time to climb the mountain is the last Sunday in July, known as “Reek Sunday”. We’ve made the pilgrimage a number of times, joining around 25,000 other people on the relatively difficult trek up the mountain. People make the journey for any number of reasons: religious, spiritual or even simply for exercise and to witness the beauty of the surrounding area.

Some pilgrims even climb barefoot as an act of penance. On a clear day, the views of Clew Bay from the summit of the mountain are spectacular. We’ve been lucky to experience the climb in good weather (at times a rare occurrence in Ireland!) and the views are some of the best in the world.

by Elaine and David of Show Them the Globe

Hemkund Sahib, India

Nestled high up in the Indian Himalayas at fifteen thousand feet, is the world’s highest Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship), Hemkund Sahib, more formally known as Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib Ji.

Surrounded by seven Himalayan peaks with a glacial lake kissing its feet, Hemkund, its very name—Sanskrit for snow bowl—describes its stunning setting. Accessible only through a trekking route between the months of May and September, this Gurudwara in the state of Uttarakhand is one of the most important Sikh pilgrimage sites, next only to the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

The pilgrimage begins in Haridwar, yet another popular holy town for Hindus. From here to the last big town before the trek begins, Joshimath, is a nine-hour drive through the mountains. After that it is a three-day trek: the first day to reach Ghangaria, which serves as a base camp; the second to go up another three thousand five hundred feet into the Himalayas to Hemkund and back.

Every year families of both the old and frail and the young and enthusiastic take up this pilgrimage of over fourteen kilometers through the rugged mountain terrain. For me, the true spirit of this journey was in the encouraging smiles of those old couples who would always be ready with a kind word for the obviously struggling first timers.

For those who are unable to undertake this expedition on foot, helicopters fly in regularly during the day from Govindghat to Ghangaria, but from there to Hemkund, the only way to complete the pilgrimage would be by hiring a mule.

Along the trekking route beyond Ghangaria, a path leads you to the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a four-kilometer stretch of rare endemic flowers that bloom only during the monsoon. This is a popular side trip for those that wish to add a day’s trek to their itinerary.

by Neeharika Satyavada of Map in My Pocket

see here for awesome pictures of the Valley of Flowers

The Inca Trail, Peru

Walking the Inca Trail is more of an adventure than it is a pilgrimage nowadays, though this is the sacred route that Incas would use to get to Machu Picchu. Although there are several hiking trails that go to Machu Picchu around the Sacred Valley , there’s only one official Inca Trail that follows the sacred ancient route, and that ends on the actual Machu Picchu site. The 4-day Inca Trail hike is the classic and most popular option.

The only way to access the trail is via an organized, guided expedition that has to be booked months in advance. Indeed, the government issues permits for the trail and only sells them to tour companies, and since only 500 people are allowed to enter the trail per day (including all porters, guides, chefs, and so on), permits sell fast as soon as the government issues them every January. So make sure to start preparing for your Inca Trail hike early!

Also make sure to learn about the new circuits at Machu Picchu . There are also optional side hikes to Machu Picchu mountain , Huayna Picchu, Inca Bridge , and more.

Depending on the tour company and on the additions (porter services, sleeping bag rental, additional entrance fee to Wayna Picchu, etc.) costs range from $600 to $800 USD.

by Claudia Tavani of My Adventures Across the World

see here for more tips on hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Kumano Kodo, Japan

In the wild, mountainous Kii peninsula south of Osaka and Nagoya, there is a network of pilgrimage trails connecting the region’s Shinto-Buddhist religious sites. For over 1000 years, emperors and pilgrims have journeyed to the region to walk these trails, and today travelers can follow in their footsteps. These trails and the various shrines they connect are collectively classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are various routes, but most travelers spend 2-4 days walking part or all of the Nakahechi route, which begins near Tanabe on the west side of the peninsula terminates at the Kumano Sanzan , three very important shrines that are the headquarters for sects that are found across Japan.

One of them sits atop a mountain overlooking Nachi Waterfall, the highest in Japan. A more difficult route begins at the sacred cemetery village of Koyasan and also terminates at the Kumano Sanzan.

I visited the area at the coldest time of year, in February. Koyasan was covered in snow, making it looks like a Buddhist winter wonderland. I bused rather than walked to the Kumano Sanzan temples, but spent several days in the area soaking in amazing hot springs like Yunomine Onsen , and walking smaller sections of the pilgrimage.

The shrines as well as the trails were almost devoid of people at this time, so I think visiting this area is one of the best things to do in Japan in winter , if you don’t mind the cold.    

by Nick Kembel of Spiritual Travels

see here for more tips on hiking the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage

Lalibela, Ethiopia

The locals say that Lalibela’s monolithic, cross-shaped churches were built by angels. Nobody knows whether this is true, but it is for sure one special place to be. Located in the North of the West African country of Ethiopia, Lalibela is one of the most important places for all Ethiopian Orthodox Christians in the country, but also an appealing place for anybody interested in going on a pilgrimage.

Every year, thousands of pilgrims make their way to the churches during Ethiopian Christmas, Genna, which is usually in January. That’s the time when this small and dusty city turns into a super busy place with donkeys and pilgrims in the streets, buses, and Land Cruisers filled with Western tourists who want to experience this magical place.

For Ethiopians, the pilgrimage to Lalibela is a once-in-a-lifetime thing to do—but only if they can actually afford it. Then, they wander from anywhere in the country towards Lalibela and sleep along the way. Singing and dancing together is the number one activity in the evening when everyone sits together and thinks about Lalibela before they arrive.

If you are backpacking in Ethiopia and would like to join the pilgrimage, you can start anywhere in the country and simply make your way to Lalibela. Mostly, Ethiopians will leave their homes weeks before Christmas to arrive on time. There is no proper route, but one shared goal: Lalibela.

Apart from Christmas, the churches in Lalibela are visited daily by pilgrims. As a tourist you might want to either take the local bus to the city or do an organised trip with a tour operator. Above all, it’s very helpful to have a guide when being in the churches, as they resemble a maze of narrow alleys and hidden secrets.

Be ready to hear lots of singing in the 11 churches, as all the priests usually come together and start singing traditional songs, wearing their white garments and carrying their crosses, all in all a very special thing to see.

by Clemens Sehi of Travellers Archive

Matsu Pilgrimage, Taiwan

Every year on the birthday of Matsu, millions of people in Taiwan take part in an 9-day, 250-km pilgrimage in her honor, carrying an important icon of her on a palanquin. It the largest pilgrimage for a goddess in the world. In Chinese mythology, Matsu is the protector of fisherman and the sea, but she is worshiped more generally as the Queen of Heaven. She is especially loved in Taiwan, where there are more than 1000 temples dedicated to her, including several Matsu temples in Taipei .

Her birthday, which comes on the 23rd day of the third month after the Lunar New Year in Taiwan (which usually falls in April or early May in Taiwan ), is celebrated with firecracker explosions and street processions all around Taiwan, but the main pilgrimages traverses four counties, calling in at several important temples en route.

I didn’t walk the pilgrimage, but I showed up to observe the celebrations at the starting (and ending) point of Zhenlan Temple in Dajia, Taichung . In fact, most people don’t walk the whole route, but join for certain stops or parts of the pilgrimage, including many locals as the procession passes through their towns. They even have an app that followers can consult to find out where the procession is at any point, or where to sleep or get a meal along the way!

In Taiwan, there are often these types of folk religion street processions, even in my own neighborhood. One thing they are share in common is being very noisy, but this is easily one of the noisiest (and most crowded) of them all! For another very noisy Taiwanese festival, don’t miss the Yanshui Fireworks Festival in Tainan , where members of the crowd get shot with fireworks!

read more about how to visit Dajia’s Zhenlan Temple in my article on day trips from Taichung and see here for planning a trip to Taiwan

The Hajj to Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia

Doing to the Mecca Pilgrimage, the Hajj, is a ritual Muslims worldwide aim to do at least once in their lifetime. In many cases, people do the Hajj at a later stage of their life, in their 30s, 40s, 50s and even above.

I was lucky to do it in my early 20s. Being from Saudi helped with the logistics that other nationalities might find difficult. One of the requirements is for the Hajj to be paid for from savings or to be gifted. In my case, it was a graduation present from my mother and her family. They signed me up in a local caravan known as a Qafilah in Arabic, which is the norm for anyone doing to the Hajj.

These groups are experts at making arrangements and helping with the whole process. Getting there was easy; doing all the rituals in four specific days alongside two million people was a little challenging. It was hard at times with all the crowds and the heat, but I felt I had so much strength in me that kept me going and I ended up loving every part of it except for the mosquito bites!

Doing the hajj was a spiritual journey to remember that taught me about how I can be resilient and connected to my faith deeply.

After the Hajj, many people go on to Madinah (Medina) to visit the mosque and the grave of Prophet Muhammad, but this is not a required step of the Hajj.

by Esra Alhamal of Arabian Wanderess

see here for more info about her experience visiting Madina

Mount Kailash Kora, Tibet

The pilgrimage kora around Mount Kailash is one of the most remote, challenging and sacred walks on earth. Kailash, or Kang Rinpoche as she is known to Tibetans—the Precious Jewel of Snows—is located in far western Tibet and is holy to people of four different faiths: Buddhist, Hindu, Jain and Bon.

The pilgrimage walk around the base of the mountain is 32 miles (52 kms) long, starts at 15,000ft (4600m) and includes an 18,372ft (5600m) pass! Unbelievably, most Tibetans walk the whole circuit in a single very long day. But visitors break it up into three stages, like this:

·     Day 1: Darchen–Drirapuk Monastery

·     Day 2: Drirapuk Monastery–Zutrulpuk Monastery

·     Day 3: Zutrulpuk Monastery–Darchen

It is critical that you acclimatize to the extreme high altitude slowly, in stages as you make your way to Mount Kailash. Day two will be the hardest day, as you will have to cross the Dolma la pass, at 18,471ft (5630m).

It was, at least for me, also the absolute highlight of my most recent 30-day journey to Tibet. Starting out in total darkness in the early morning, we soon met up with other pilgrims on the path, and the growing light found us strung like a rosary along the rising zig zag of the pass, a fresh light snow on the ground, the brightening air filled with both the hum of prayers and strong breathing.

On ground that has been sacred for over a thousand years, I felt connected to the earth, to my fellow pilgrims, and to the best of what being human is.

by Yolanda of YoWangdu Experience Tibet

see here for more info on doing the Mount Kailash Kora

Rameshwaram, India

Having visited numerous temples all over India, my pilgrimage to the Rameshwaram temple turned out to be completely unique from what I could ever have anticipated, and one that required us to hire a guide. The pilgrimage began by walking up to the temple at 4 in the morning and offering prayers to the Sphatik Mani (pure crystal) lingam gifted by Adi Shankaracharya in the 12th century.

The main temple darshan were to come much later only after we had bathed in around 22 kunds or tanks or teerthams (out of the overall 64 in the town) present within the temple precincts and purified ourselves with its holy waters induced with a peculiar taste that is said to be therapeutic.

The route started with a little dip in the Agni Teertham, the sea of Bay of Bengal flowing a few meters away from the temple which was then followed by bathing in the 22 kunds within the temple. Each time, our guide poured a torrent of water from the kund on my head; he also narrated a distinctive legend associated with the teertham or freshwater well from the epic Ramayana. By the end of it all, my body was drenched in water but my heart was soaked in faith.

Walking through the much-admired, architecturally magnificent and ornate corridor (the longest in the world—197 meters long and 133 meters broad) framed by mammoth 1200 pillars leading to the main Ramanathaswamy temple, I was reminded of how the temple is one of the four holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites called ‘Char Dham’ comprising Badrinath, Puri and Dwarka, which are located in the four corners of India.

Concluding the exhilarating walk brought me to the final procedure of Rameshwaram darshan yatra, which involved praying to the Shiva Lingam, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in the world and worshiped by none other than Lord Rama Himself.

by Arti of My Yatra Diary

Tai Shan, China

Shandong province, south of Beijing, is famous for three things: Qingdao beer, the hometown of Confucius , and Tai Shan (Mount Tai), the most sacred of China’s five holy peaks. Confucius and Mao have both climbed it, not mention many ancient emperors.  

Over 5 million visitors, most of them Chinese, visit this mountain every year. Many of them walk up the 6660 steps to the 1545-meter summit. Needless to say, you won’t be alone if you make this pilgrimage, no matter what day of the year you do it.

I must admit that I cheated and took the bus and then gondola up the mountain. I stayed in one of the guesthouses on the summit for the night, which happened to be Chinese New Year’s Eve. It was FREEZING up there, but the sunset from the Daoist temples on the summit was phenomenal. After that, I could see fireworks going off in the villages on the plain far below.

The next morning, I walked down the 6660 steps, and I was going against the grain, as tens of thousands of Chinese people were walking up, huffing and puffing, many carrying temple offerings and enormous sticks of incense to burn in the mountains temples. It was a throng of human devotion, and an experience I’ll never forget!

see here for more info about hiking Tai Shan

Well, that brings us to the end of this list of the most fascinating pilgrimages for travelers around the world. Hopefully you’ve found some inspiration for your next sacred walk. Let us know how it goes!

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5 thoughts on “Pilgrimage Travel: Inspiring Sacred Walks around the World”

Walking the Inca Trail would be an unreal spiritual experience Nick. Hell; hanging out in Cusco was enough for me. I recall walking to the roof, taking a deep breath to be present, and looking around me at the Andes backed with impossibly blue skies. Speaks directly to your spirit.

Really it was an awesome article…very interesting to read. it was exceptionally helpful!

Thanks for reading, Jyoti. Glad you liked it!

It’s a great read and I am happy to have the Kailash Kora. Thanks again!

Because of its high elevation and hard weather, Kailash is the hardest pilgrimage in the world. I have been lucky enough to be able to visit it many times.

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Equipping People for Spiritual Growth

What is the Christian Journey?

Have you ever wondered why the Christian life is often described as a journey?

It’s because, just like any adventure, the Christian walk is full of learning, growth, and transformation.

Each step brings us closer to a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God.

But, how do we navigate this spiritual journey, and what does it mean for our everyday lives?

The journey to a meaningful Christian life involves building a personal relationship with Jesus Christ first, then actively living out our beliefs.

It’s not just simply about where we end up, but that we become more like Jesus along the way.

The Christian journey is a spiritual adventure marked by growth, faith, and transformation.

It’s a process that takes us closer to God, shapes our character, and allows us to reflect Christ’s love in everything we do.

Here’s what the Christian journey involves:

• A Growing Faith in God : We continuously learn to grow in faith that helps us trust in Him for every area of life.
• Growing in Love : Developing the love for others that Jesus modeled, even when it’s challenging.
• Maturing in the Gifts of the Spirit : Utilizing the unique gifts God has given you to serve others.
• Growing in the Fruits of the Spirit : We learn to Cultivate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and more as part of your daily life.
• Growing in Knowing God : We learn more about God’s nature and character.

Ultimately, the Christian journey is about becoming more like Jesus. It’s the process of conforming to His image, healing emotional wounds, and aligning our hearts with God’s will.

Key Elements of the Christian Journey

The Christian journey is filled with beautiful and challenging moments. Here are some of the key elements that make it such a transformative experience:

• Spiritual Growth : It’s the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ.
• Self-Discovery and Honesty : We learn to see ourselves through God’s eyes, which allows us to grow in self-awareness.
• Intimacy with God : As we journey, we develop a deeper connection with God, learning to hear His voice more clearly.
• Healing and Wholeness : Spiritual growth includes emotional healing and breaking free from harmful patterns of thinking.
• Transformation : We become more aligned with God’s purpose for our lives, and this transformation is ongoing.

This journey has been called many things: spiritual growth, discipleship, spiritual formation, and sanctification. But no matter the name, the heart of it remains the same: becoming more like Christ and drawing nearer to God.

Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth on the Christian Journey

How do we actively grow in our faith and navigate the Christian journey? Here are some practical steps to help you along the way:

• Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior : This is the foundation. Commit to following Jesus and allow Him to guide your life.
• Make Time for Prayer and Bible Reading : Seek God first in everything. Building a relationship with Him starts with spending time in His presence.
• Be Open to the Holy Spirit’s Leading : The Holy Spirit guides us, sometimes by opening or closing doors, providing new opportunities, or challenging us to grow.
• Forgive and Let Go of Offenses : Growth often involves learning to forgive, even when it’s difficult.
• Embrace Change : As you grow, you may need to adjust your lifestyle, values, and behavior to align with God’s will.
• Pursue Spiritual Gifts and Fruit : Seek to grow in the gifts God has given you while cultivating the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and more.
• Serve Others : The Christian journey is not just about personal growth but also about making a positive impact in the world.

Challenges on the Christian Journey

Like any journey, the Christian life comes with its share of challenges. It’s normal to encounter obstacles, but with God’s help, we can overcome them and continue to grow.

What happens when you feel stuck? You might:

• Face Temptation or Sin : Struggling with sin can make you feel disconnected from God.
• Experience a Crisis of Faith : Life’s challenges can sometimes shake your faith, leaving you uncertain.
• Feel Disconnected from God : There may be seasons where you feel distant or uninspired.

Action Steps to Get Back on Track

If you ever feel stuck or distant from God, here are some steps to help you get back on track:

• Confess, Repent, and Forgive : Confess your sins and turn back to God. Forgive others, just as God forgives you.
• Pray Regularly : Talk to God and seek His guidance. Prayer helps you stay connected to Him.
• Seek Support from Others : Join a small group or talk to a mentor. Fellow believers can encourage and hold you accountable.
• Read and Meditate on the Bible : God’s Word renews your mind and brings fresh insight.
• Serve and Volunteer : Shifting your focus to others can help reignite your faith and deepen your connection to God.

Remember, the Christian journey is lifelong. There will be ups and downs, but God’s grace is always there to help you move forward.

Going Deeper: The Quest for a Deeper Relationship with God

At its core, the Christian journey is a quest for intimacy with God. It’s about learning to recognize His presence, hear His voice, and respond to His love. As we grow in faith, we also grow in:

• Self-Knowledge : Through honest self-examination, we discover areas in our lives that need God’s healing touch.
• Trust in God : As we face life’s difficulties, our faith becomes stronger, and we learn to lean on God more fully.
• Character Transformation : A deeper relationship with God leads to changes in our character, making us more like Jesus.
• Fulfilling Our Purpose : As we grow, we become more aligned with God’s will and more equipped to fulfill His purpose for our lives .

Characteristics of Spiritual Growth on the Christian Journey

The Christian journey is marked by growth in these key areas:

• Understanding God’s Purpose : Discovering God’s unique calling for your life.
• Emotional and Mental Healing : Allowing God to heal past wounds and bring you to wholeness.
• Hearing God’s Voice : Learning to recognize and respond to God’s voice and guidance.
• Experiencing God’s Presence : Growing in the ability to feel and enjoy God’s presence in your daily life.
• Spiritual Wholeness : Becoming emotionally, mentally, and spiritually whole through the power of God’s transformative love.

Action Steps for Your Christian Journey

Ready to take the next step in your Christian journey? Here are some actionable steps to help you grow:

• Set Aside Time for Daily Prayer and Bible Study : Establishing a routine can deepen your relationship with God.
• Join a Christian Community : Surround yourself with like-minded believers who can support and encourage you.
• Seek Out Mentorship : Find a spiritual mentor who can offer wisdom and guidance.
• Practice Forgiveness Regularly : Make a habit of letting go of offenses.
• Serve Others : Look for ways to serve your church, community, or those in need.
• Keep a Journal : Write down your prayers, thoughts, and insights to reflect on your growth.
• Embrace Change : Be willing to grow and adapt as the Holy Spirit leads you.

The Christian journey is a lifelong adventure of faith, growth, and transformation.

It’s not always easy, but with God’s help, you can overcome any obstacle and grow into the person He created you to be.

Whether you’re just starting out or have been on this path for years, remember that the ultimate goal is a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God that brings glory to Him and impacts the world around you.

Keep walking, keep growing, and trust that God is with you every step of the way.

Related Resources

7 Things That Hinder Spiritual Growth

How to Seek God for Spiritual Growth

What Does God’s Voice Sound Like?

What Does God’s Presence Feel Like?

What is God’s Purpose For My Life?

[1] Exod 3:1; Isa 2:3; Ezek 28:13-14,16 ;  Ezek 28:13-14.

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Why should God let you into Heaven?

Do you know the answer? Are you confident in your salvation?

Bible Verses About Journey

What does the bible say about journey.

Have you recently trusted in Christ alone for salvation? Now it’s time to start your journey. Your Christian journey will not be easy, but God will give you strength to press on daily and overcome any situation. God promises to work in your life until the end to make you more like Christ. The Christian life is like a huge adventure with Christ.

You might have to take a few pit stops, you might get a flat tire here and there, you might go through a few thunderstorms , but though all your experiences, fruit is being built. You are becoming stronger, and your faith and reliance in Christ is growing.

God will take out bad habits and sin from our life. God has given us various things to help us on our journey such as prayer. We must spend time with the Lord daily . We are to have an intimate relationship with God. We are given the Bible to help us walk uprightly.

Scripture will help us connect and focus on the Lord. It will protect us from many different situations in life and give us daily wisdom. God has given believers the Holy Spirit to help us on our walk of faith. He will guide us in the right direction.

He will show us what to do. He will convict us when we’re going the wrong way. He will show us things in our lives that are holding us back and more.

We can also pray to the Spirit for help, peace, and comfort in times of trouble. We might be in the world, but we are not to follow the worlds desires. Allow your journey to glorify God.

Christian quotes about journey

“ My life is my journey with God . It may be hard sometimes but I am assured it would be all worth it.”

“Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.”

“The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.”

Trust in the Lord on your long journey.

1. Proverbs 3:5– 6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart , and do not rely on your own understanding.  Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight.

2. Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord , and whose hope the Lord is.

Journey of life with God

God will work in your life to conform you into the image of Christ. The little things that you might go through are to help change you.

3. Romans 8:29 For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son , so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers .

4. Philippians 1:6 I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

5. 2 Peter 3:18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.

6. Colossians 2:6-7 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

You will have to go through many trials and different obstacles.

7. James 1:2-4 Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance . But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

8. Romans 5:3-5 Not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Now this hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

9. John 16:33 I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”

10. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Press on with your journey of faith

11. Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Keep your eyes on your captain or you will get lost and distracted.

12. Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith ; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

You will not get through your walk of faith without prayer.

13. Luke 18:1 Jesus told his disciples a parable about their need to pray all the time and never give up.

14. Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit , and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints .

God gave you a helper. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life and guide your life.

15. John 14:16 I will ask the Father to give you another Helper , to be with you always.

16. Romans 8:26 At the same time the Spirit also helps us in our weakness , because we don’t know how to pray for what we need. But the Spirit intercedes along with our groans that cannot be expressed in words.

Meditate on the Word: Allow God to guide you through His Word.

17. Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

18. Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

Imitate Christ and do the will of God.

19. Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do , and he will establish your plan.

20. John 4:34 Jesus said to them, “ My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.

On our journey we must continually avoid Satan, confess our sins, and forsake them.

21. Ephesians 6:11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to s tand firm against all strategies of the devil.

22. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins , he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

23. 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Examples of journey in the Bible

24. Jonah 3:2-4 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it.  Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.”

25. Judges 18:5-6 Then they said, “Ask God whether or not our journey will be successful.” “ Go in peace,” the priest replied. “For the LORD is watching over your journey.”

Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God . I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.

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Faith: A Journey that Lasts a Lifetime

by Janet Schaeffler

See the Expanded Study Guide at the end of this article for additional Reflection Questions and Exercises.

As I spent time in reflection to prepare for writing this article, I become aware of how often we use the word faith :

Faith is the key ingredient that powers his drive for nomination.

You are in our thoughts and prayers as you continue on this faith journey.

The challenge of faith for many of us is…

We may discuss the principles of faith , not the works of faith .

Have a little faith .

I couldn’t have gotten through it without my faith .

A quick internet search of the word faith (which young people would immediately do) resulted in 553,000,000 results; “what is faith” yielded 255,000,000 results.

The Prologue and Part One of the Catechism of the Catholic Church explores topics such as “Handing on the Faith: Catechesis,” “The Interpretation of the Heritage of Faith,” “The Obedience of Faith,” “The Characteristics of Faith,” “The Language of Faith,” etc. A Bible concordance reveals 447 passages about faith in Scripture.

There is much to say and reflect on regarding this mystery, faith .

Is faith one of those words we use often, not realizing the depth of its meaning? Could we ever realize its expanse?

In many ways, we could make several distinctions of faith or look at faith through different lenses and, through each, see a new facet.

Faith and the Act of Faith

For instance, there is a difference between faith and the act of faith. “Faith” is a generous invitation from our loving God to each and every human person. This is a personal invitation to enter into an intimate, loving relationship with God, an invitation that never forces but always surrounds us with love and urging.

The “act of faith” is our response to this invitation, this gift. Saint Augustine prayed, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” We, as humans, are always searching; we are incomplete. Faith is God’s gift, God’s invitation to relationship, so that we may be filled with the life and love of God.

Because God is all-loving, because God created us free, and because faith is an invitation and a gift, it is never forced. The act of faith is our response; it comes from our search for our completeness; it is our response to God’s gift of love, life, and relationship. As a result, faith is about much more than an assent in our minds to beliefs and truths about God, the Trinity, the Church, and various teachings. It is an encounter with God; it is a relationship. Faith is alive. It is growing. It is never the same from day to day. It is a lifelong journey.

Three Dimensions of Faith

In some ways, we can understand our lifelong journey of faith as encompassing three dimensions: intellectual faith, relational faith, and practicing (or active) faith.

Intellectual faith: Our “intellectual faith” might be the first that comes to mind: that body of truths that we know, that we know about, that we can articulate. This is crucial to who we are and whose we are. As Catholic Christians, we profess our intellectual faith each Sunday in the Creed. This is further nurtured as we continue to learn, in lifelong formation, about what it is that grounds us as disciples of Jesus, the Christ.

Each Sunday we pray, “I believe.” In the early Church, credo was the verb form of the noun faith . The dictionary definition of believe is “to have confidence in the truth or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so.” Often, when we pray the Creed today, then, we transfer that definition so that we presume we’re praying, “I give my assent to.”

That is true, but it goes far beyond that. The Latin roots of the word combine to mean “I give my heart to.” The heart is where we are most truly ourselves, more so than in our intellect. In the giving of our heart, credo means “I commit my loyalty to.” When we pray “credo” at the beginning of the Creed, we are saying “I give my heart to God.”

The pre-modern meanings of the word believe also go deeper than just the intellect. Prior to the seventeenth century, the word believe did not mean believing in the truth of statements or propositions. Grammatically, the object of believing was not statements but a person.

The contexts in which it was used in pre-modern English made it clear that it was all about persons: to hold dear, to prize, to give one’s loyalty, to give one’s self to, to commit one’s self. Most simply, to believe meant “to love.”

In fact, the English words believe and belove (beloved) are related. What we believe is what we belove. To believe in someone is to belove that person. To be a disciple of Jesus is all about believing in him and all that he beloves. Intellectual faith is more than just facts and doctrines!

Relational faith: Thus, the second dimension of our lifelong faith journey, “relational faith,” flows naturally and is interrelated and interconnected to the first. It’s all that was described at the opening of the article: Relational faith is an invitation from our loving God, a divine gift, a grace from God that enables us to make an authentic human act of faith. We respond to God’s loving gift.

The centrality of faith as our relationship with God is clear as we—catechists—are continually reminded of the goal of catechesis: “The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch, but also in communion and intimacy, with Jesus Christ” ( General Directory for Catechesis , n. 80). The Catechism of the Catholic Church likewise reminds us, “Catechesis aims at putting ‘people…in communion…with Jesus Christ: only he can lead us to the love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Holy Trinity’” (n. 426).

Our relational faith is our personal response, yet it is an act linked to the faith of others. We never do it alone. An anonymous Christian is an oxymoron. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us:  “…faith is not an isolated act. No one can believe alone, just as no one can live alone. You have not given yourself faith as you have not given yourself life…I cannot believe without being carried by the faith of others…” (n. 166).

Practicing (or active) faith: Perhaps the best way to explain “practicing (or active) faith” is through something Daniel Berrigan, SJ, once said. He was asked, “Where does your faith reside, where is its real seat?” His answer is probably not what his questioner was expecting, yet it is clear and leaves us with much to reflect upon, as well as to be challenged by: “Your faith is rarely where your head is at and rarely where your heart is at. Your faith is where your ass is at! Inside what commitments are you sitting? Within what reality do you anchor yourself?”

Thus, practicing (or active) faith completes our intellectual and relational faith. Each is needed; each builds upon the other. We can’t bypass or eliminate one. Daniel Berrigan—as well as the Gospel—challenges us to be aware of the third dimension of faith: to continually look at what we are doing and how we are living. Perhaps an added beatitude for us today, reminding us of our practicing/active faith, would be “Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and live it.”

In his book titled The Future of Faith (HarperOne, 2010), Harvey Cox surveys today’s religious landscape and divides Christian history into three parts: the Age of Faith (the first centuries of the Church, during which time the followers of Jesus lived in his Spirit, embraced his hope, and followed him in the work he had begun); the Age of Belief (from the Council of Nicaea to the late twentieth century, during which time the Church replaced faith in Jesus with dogma about him); and the Age of the Spirit (our current times in which Christians are rediscovering the awe and wonder of faith in the tremendous mystery of God). According to Cox, the return to the Spirit that so enlivened the Age of Faith is now enlivening a global Christianity, returning to an age of faith marked not by a strict concentration on dogma but by practice. People today desire to live the faith and be disciples—not just know the facts, doctrines, and dogmas.

This Journey that Lasts a Lifetime

The incredible reality that faith is a journey that lasts a lifetime leaves us appreciating the fact that our faith journey can be chaotic, challenging, and comforting.

Chaotic: In the past few decades, there has been much “discovered” about chaos theory, the very complex way the world works. We need only return to Genesis 1:2: “…the earth was a formless wasteland, and darkness covered the abyss, while a mighty wind swept over the waters.”

The beginnings, described in Genesis, are often echoed in our lives of darkness, emptiness, tossing, and churning. Chaos, however, is not detrimental for those on the journey of faith, for those who see with the eyes of faith, for those in relationship with the One who offers faith.

What can happen in these chaotic times for those who respond to the gift of faith? Do the gentle winds of faith console? Do the fresh winds of faith support? Do the powerful winds of faith energize?

Challenging: The lifelong journey of faith is not a complacent one; it is not one that can be taken for granted or be put on the back burner. Because faith is fundamentally a relationship—as are all bonds—it must be nurtured.

Each of faith’s three dimensions (intellectual, relational, and practicing/active) needs continual tending. Friends in close relationship strive to know more and more about each other; lovers can’t learn enough. This describes the reality of intellectual faith. In many ways, the challenge of constant and ongoing learning in faith is made easy today because children, youth, and adults of all ages and needs are surrounded by creative and faith-filled opportunities to continue growing in faith.

Relational faith is nurtured through daily presence, such as prayer and meditation, the celebration of the Sacraments, and recognizing God in everyday life and ordinary moments.

Nurturing the dimension of practicing/active faith is a challenge—and a mandate—that flows from our baptismal promises. It’s who we are. Saint John Chrysostom reminds us, “The sincerity of our prayer is determined by our willingness to work on its behalf.” In faith, we are called to be what we have promised in Baptism: to live our prayers.

Comforting: In this fast-food, easily disposable culture, we are privileged to be on a journey of faith that is lifelong, permanent, enduring, and constant. We have been invited into a relationship with our God who loves unconditionally, cares completely, and forgives unceasingly.

Additional Resources

Amodei, Michael. Questions of Faith: A Workbook Companion to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Notre Dame, IN: Ave Maria Press, 2000.

Cooney Hathaway, Patricia. Weaving Faith and Experience: A Woman’s Perspective. Cincinnati, OH: St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2010.

Groome, Thomas H. Will There Be Faith? A New Vision for Educating and Growing Disciples. New York, NY: HarperOne, 2011.

Himes, Michael J. The Mystery of Faith: An Introduction to Catholicism (ten programs on DVD format). Available from AmericanCatholic.org.

Paprocki, Joe. A Well-Built Faith: A Catholic’s Guide to Knowing and Sharing What We Believe . Chicago, IL: Loyola Press, 2008.

Silf, Margaret. Simple Faith: Moving Beyond Religion as You Know It to Grow in Your Relationship with God. Chicago, IL: Loyola Press, 2012.

Tilley, Terrence W. Faith: What It Is and What It Isn’t . Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2010.

Weston Jesuit School of Theology. A Living Faith: Themes from the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  Eight hours of presentations and discussions on essential themes taken from the Catechism : Sacraments, ethics, morality, prayer, etc. Chicago, IL: Loyola Press.

Sister Janet Schaeffler, OP, is a facilitator of days of reflection, retreats, workshops/presentations, and online classes for the University of Dayton. She is an author, a college/university teacher, a member of the Project Team for Faith Formation Learning Exchange, and a presenter for Coaching Parents. She created and publishes “GEMS”—a monthly newsletter from an ongoing international best practices study on adult faith formation. In April 2010, Sr. Janet received the Distinguished Service Award in Catechetics from the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership.

Expanded Study Guide

Sister Janet Schaeffler, OP, sets the stage for the 2012-2013 University of Dayton catechist formation series titled “Life in Abundance: Celebrating the Year of Faith.” She encourages us to look at faith through different lenses. In its recommendations for observing and celebrating the Year of Faith, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith writes: “The Year of Faith is intended to contribute to a renewed conversion to the Lord Jesus and to the rediscovery of faith.” This series supports you on this journey.

We come to understand that faith is an invitation, a gift; it is never forced. Faith is relational. We confess and live our faith in Jesus only as members of the believing community. Just as in our daily life we need one another, so, too, in our faith journey. We need the support of others to help us remain focused and on track. Faith is a journey that lasts a lifetime and can be chaotic, challenging, and comforting. Pope Benedict XVI is calling Catholics to rediscover our journey of faith in a more reinvigorating way so that it will “arouse in every believer the aspiration to profess the faith in fullness and with renewed conviction, with confidence and hope” ( Porta Fidei, n. 9).

Reflection Questions

1. How has my understanding of faith changed over the years?

2. When have I discovered myself on a quest (searching) for God, Jesus, or a deeper grounding in faith? What was the result of my quest?

3. Saint Augustine wrote: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” How does his prayer resonate in my life today?

4. How do I practice a “living faith” each day of my life? (Be specific.)

5. Which practices of faith help me on my continuing lifelong journey of faith?

6. In my journey of faith, what is/has been chaotic, challenging, and comforting?

7. How do I, as a catechist, ensure that I am cultivating the goal of catechesis (see General Directory for Catechesis , n. 80) in my teaching with breadth, depth, and meaning?

8. Why is an “anonymous Christian” an oxymoron”?

9. Harvey Cox divides Christian history into three parts. How do I see the age of the Spirit reflected in Pope Benedict XVI’s call for a Year of Faith?

1. Have your students develop a timeline of their journey of faith thus far. Have there been twists, turns, construction points, and detours? Discuss their timelines with regard to what we come to understand about our personal journey of faith. Create an exhibit of the timelines behind your classroom’s prayer table.

2. Search YouTube video clips of Fr. Robert Barron’s “Faith Seeking Understanding.” How might these video clips be integrated into your catechesis as discussion starters? You may find other videos to support your lesson plans.

3. Have your students interview several adults about their understanding of faith and how it has changed over the years. Have each student prepare a three-minute presentation on the results.  (Because most students have access to some digital technology for audio and video recording, they might arrange these in PowerPoint presentations.)

4. Introduce your students to the lives of a number of faith heroes. Discuss what experiences in their lives nurtured or strengthened their faith. Ask students to research other significant faith heroes and create a faith-hero wall in the classroom or hallway. The “wall” could be created on a  large roll of shelf paper so that it easily can be rolled and stored for ongoing reference during the Year of Faith.

5. Demonstrate to students how to compose personal Faith Contracts. Ask each student to prayerfully reflect and compose a Faith Contract for consciously nurturing a reinvigorated faith during the year. Prepare a special prayer service blessing these Faith Contracts. Place them in a special box on the classroom prayer table and/or bring them up to the altar during a special liturgy, as an offering and blessing. Occasionally during the year, open the box and invite students to read their Faith Contracts for reflection, discernment, and re-commitment. Celebrate these Faith Contracts in November 2013 as not the end but the beginning of a “lifelong faith journey.”

Catechism of the Catholic Church . Washington, DC: USCCB Publishing, 1994 ( usccb.org ).

Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith: Recommendations for the Year of Faith ( vatican.va ).

Disciples Called to Witness: The New Evangelization . Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis. Washington, DC: USCCB Publishing, 2012 ( usccb.org ).

Porta Fidei (The Apostolic Letter for the Indiction of the Year of Faith). Benedict XVI. Vatican City, 2011 ( vatican.va ).

United States Catholic Catechism for Adults . Washington, DC: USCCB Publishing, 2006 (usccb.org).

Copyright 2012, Bayard, Inc. All rights reserved. This article is protected by United States copyright and other intellectual property laws and may not be reproduced, rewritten, distributed, redisseminated, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast, directly or indirectly, in any medium without the prior written permission of Bayard, Inc.

This article was written by the Catechist Staff and appeared in Catechist magazine, August 2012.

Image Credit: Shutter Stock 2510744

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Bible Verses About Journey

Photo credit: © Unsplash/Fancisco Delgado

1 Kings 19:4

Deuteronomy 10:11, exodus 3:18, exodus 40:36, genesis 29:1, jeremiah 29:11.

Proverbs 22:6

Psalms 23:4

Psalms 91:11

Psalms 119:105.

Psalms 146:9

Romans 15:24, numbers 9:13, proverbs 3:5-6.

Judges 18:5-6

Genesis 12:1-2.

What made Alexander ‘the Great’?

Alexander III of Macedon, who is better known as Alexander the Great, was born in 356 BCE in the city of Pella. His parents were King Philip II of Macedon and Queen Olympias.

He created one of the largest empires in history and one of the only military leaders in history who was never defeated in battle. 

Alexander’s early life

When Alexander was young, he showed great talent and intelligence. His father, Philip, saw this and made sure Alexander got an excellent education.

One of his teachers was the famous philosopher Aristotle , who taught him philosophy, science, and the arts.

Thanks to Aristotle, Alexander grew to love Greek culture, which motivated him to spread Greek ideas as he expanded his empire. 

Alexander's mother, Olympias , also influenced him a lot. She told him that he was descended from the hero Achilles and the god Zeus.

This belief made Alexander feel that he had a special destiny to fulfill. 

How Alexander became king

In 336 BCE, Alexander's father, Philip II, was assassinated. Alexander, who was only 20 years old, became king.

Right away, he took control by stopping revolts in Greece. In particular, he destroyed the city of Thebes to warn other Greek states not to rebel. 

After taking control of Greece, Alexander decided to continue his father's plan to conquer the mighty Persian Empire, which was the most powerful kingdom at the time.

This mission would become his life's goal. 

Alexander’s conquests

In 334 BCE, Alexander crossed from Greece and into Asia Minor, which was the western most region of Persia.

His first big battle was at the Granicus River , where he defeated the Persian forces and opened the way into Asia Minor.

In 333 BCE, he faced King Darius III of Persia at the Battle of Issus . Even though Alexander's forces were outnumbered, he won the battle thanks the powerful Macedonian phalanx.

However, Darius escaped. 

Next, in 332 BCE, Alexander attacked the island city of Tyre , which took him seven months to capture.

After finally capturing it, he marched south and entered Egypt, where the people welcomed him as a hero who freed them from Persian rule.

While in Egypt, Alexander founded the brand-new city of Alexandria, named after himself, which became a major center of learning and culture. 

In 331 BCE, Alexander faced Darius III again at the Battle of Gaugamela , near present-day Mosul in Iraq.

Again, he won even though the Persian army was much larger. However, once more, Darius fled but this time, he was killed by his own men.

As a result, Alexander became the ruler of Persia. 

Expansion into the East

After conquering Persia, Alexander wanted to push even farther east. In 327 BCE, he crossed the Hindu Kush mountains and entered India.

His most famous battle there was the Battle of the Hydaspes River in 326 BCE against King Porus.

The Indian army used war elephants, but Alexander outsmarted his enemy to still achieve victory.

At the end of the battle, Alexander was impressed by King Porus's bravery, he let him continue to rule his kingdom, but under Alexander’s control. 

Eventually, Alexander's army became tired of constant warfare and refused to go farther east.

Faced with their refusal at the Hyphasis River, Alexander decided to turn back and start the journey home. 

How did Alexander the Great die?

On the way back to Babylon, Alexander faced many challenges, including crossing the harsh Gedrosian Desert , where many of his soldiers died.

In 323 BCE, Alexander reached Babylon, where he started planning new conquests, but in June of that year, he fell ill and died at the age of 32.

Historians are still unsure about the cause of his death, with theories ranging from poisoning to illness. 

After Alexander's death, his empire, which stretched from Greece to India, was divided among his generals, called the Diadochi.

This division led to the creation of several new kingdoms. 

Why is Alexander so famous?

Alexander the Great spread Greek culture, philosophy, and science across his vast empire, which ultimately influenced the development of the Roman Empire and Western civilization.

His idea of a unified empire encouraged trade, cultural exchange, and the blending of traditions between East and West. 

Alexander's military fame also inspired future leaders like Julius Caesar and Napoleon Bonaparte.

In fact, his military tactics are still studied by modern militaries. 

What do you need help with?

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Private spiritual Journey with purification ceremony and lunch

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Experience Balinese Activities and Local Believes. Join us on a private full-day tour, that will change your life. Have you ever heard of a Balian, priest or spiritual healer? Healers are the ones who get the advantages of spirituality and most of us help people to heal themselves on their spiritual road. Ever wondered about the purification ceremony and local traditions. Want to learn about Bali history, Bali Hinduism and local living. Mingle with locals and immerse in the rich world of Balinese Hindu ritual as you take part in a purification ceremony, dress in a traditional sarong, give offerings, and pray to the gods, then enter the sacred springs and feel the spiritual energy cleanse away negativity. After the sacred ritual, visit local priest, experience-rich spiritual tradition with a sacred healer and get in touch with your spirituality. Feel the amazing rhythms of life in a traditional Balinese village. Have a delicious lunch at the village.

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