Khan Academy: The Rituals of the Hajj

There are two pilgrimages to Mecca. Hajj--known as the Greater Pilgrimage and 'Umra-the lesser pilgrimage. Hajj can only be undertaken between the 8th and the 13th of Dhu al-Hijja - the twelfth month of the Muslim calendar. At all other times of the year, pilgrims may travel to Mecca to undertake 'Umra. Both pilgrimages begin at stations known as miqat, which pilgrims cannot cross unless they are in the white garments known as ihram. It is here that they put them on, make their intention for Hajj and recite the talbiya, a prayer to announce to God their arrival for pilgrimage.