It is ordained that every Muslim must perform the pilgrimage to Makkah, during the stipulated days of Hajj, once in his lifetime, provided he has the financial resources to do so and the physical strength to put up with the arduous journey and the performance of rituals during the five days of Hajj. If a person has some liabilities to take care of like the care of young children or old parents, which would suffer due to ones absence on pilgrimage or due to expenses to be incurred on Hajj, the  performance of pilgrimage may be delayed till better times.

The basic purpose behind the pilgrimage is to pay homage to Allah. It also provides a meeting place of Muslims from all over the world. Among the pilgrims are men in all stations and walks of life, rich and poor, men of letters, teachers, tradesmen, weavers, artisans, industrialist. This creates a sense of brotherhood and unity, there is no mark of distinction, where all congregate as brethren, and where every heart is full of the ardour and love that Islam inspires.  The spirit develops a social awareness and tolerance and accommodation in the environment. They also come to know about the problems faced by the community in other parts of the world, and it helps provide a common platform to chalk out a combined action plan to overcome common problems facing the Muslims.

During the pilgrimage the people are encouraged to live in austerity, to dress in two plain pieces of unstitched cloth, to be humble in conduct, and to be considerate to each other. This helps one appreciate the fact that worldly belongings and material wealth are the perfunctory clippings of worldly life. What matters is to live in peace and harmony with other human beings and the environment and earn pleasure of Allah, for a good reward in life hereafter.