History of Hajj – Everything You Need To Know
Hajj is an Arabic term that literally means “to set out for a place.” Islamically, it refers to the sacred pilgrimage and the fifth pillar of Islam.
Every year, around two million Muslims visit the holy city of Makkah to perform the rituals of Hajj in the last month of the Islamic (lunar) calendar.
Little do Muslims know that the rites of Hajj were ordained by the Almighty during the era of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), whom Allah SWT entrusted with constructing the Holy Kaaba.
However, the first-ever Hajj was performed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his beloved companions in 10AH.
Here is everything you need to know about the history of Hajj.
Prophet Ibrahim (AS)
Prophet Ibrahim (AS), a messenger of Allah SWT who lived 4,000 years ago, isn’t only revered by Muslims but by Christians and Jews as well. He was the father of Prophet Ismail (AS), the architect of the Holy Kaaba, and one of the most devoted prophets of Allah SWT.
The life story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) isn’t only mentioned in the Holy Quran but in the Bible as well.
From being thrown in the fire pit by his own father at a very young age, to being instructed to abandon his wife and son in the middle of nowhere in the desert of Makkah and to sacrifice his only son in the name of Allah SWT, Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) life was filled with tribulations.
However, no matter how tough the test by the Almighty was, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) dealt with every situation with bravery and faith.
He trusted Allah SWT and devoted his whole life to preaching the message of the Almighty.
Building the Holy Kaaba
According to Islamic scriptures, Allah SWT instructed Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to construct the Holy Kaaba, a place of worship near the spring of Zamzam water.
Prophet Ibrahim (AS), along with his son Prophet Ismail (AS), worked day and night to build it so that it would be a place for Muslims to gather.
Allah Almighty says,
“The Kaaba has been reconstructed several times with its last renovation having took place in 1966”
When Was the First Hajj?
The origin of the Hajj dates back to 2,000 BC, when Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son, Prophet Ismail (AS), constructed the Holy Kaaba as commanded by Allah SWT.
However, the first official pilgrimage (Hajj) took place after Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions migrated to Madinah and succeeded in conquering Makkah in 10 AH (632 CE). It is also known as the Farewell Hajj, the Last Pilgrimage, and Hajjat-ul-Wida.
What Is the Purpose of Hajj?
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and so Allah SWT has instructed all financially and physically able Muslims to fulfil the obligations of this pilgrimage at least once in their life. Hajj gives Muslims a chance to wipe clean their past sins and have a clean slate.
It gives Muslims a chance to revive their faith and start over anew and live a better, more righteous life. While performing the rituals of Hajj, Muslims retrace the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), Hajar (RA), and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), commemorating their sacrifices and seeking ways to deepen their devotion to Allah SWT.
Allah SWT in the Holy Quran states,
The Holy Kaaba
Located in the city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, the Holy Kaaba is the most sacred site in Islam. Elegantly draped in a black cotton-silk veil, the Holy Kaaba is the house of Allah SWT. It is also known as the Qibla – the direction of prayer for Muslims.
With the intention to perform pilgrimage (Hajj or Umrah), every year, millions of Muslims circumambulate the Holy Kaaba as they perform Tawaf.
Why Is Hajj Important?
The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT said,
Every ritual of Hajj provides pilgrims with inner purity, tranquillity of heart, and fullness in understanding the creations of Allah SWT.
Each step that the pilgrim takes strengthens his belief in the ultimate authority of Allah SWT.
Why Is Hajj Important in Islam?
Each individual performing pilgrimage learns to worship and praise Allah SWT.
Below is a list of hadiths and quranic verses illustrating the importance of Hajj in Islam for muslims.
The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT also said,
“The Muslims; their lives are equal, they are united against those that oppose them, the protection offered by the humblest of them is inviolable, and they share with those not with them.” (Ibn Majah)
However, the reason that greatly highlights the significance of Hajj in Islam is that the Talbiyah declares Islamic monotheism to the world.
“I am responding to Your call, O God, I am responding to Your call! I am responding to Your call, You have no partner with You, I am responding to Your call. All praise, blessing, and dominion belongs to You, You have no partner.”
Throughout all the rituals and actions of Hajj, one confirms the oneness of God and performs each one with the sole intention of obeying Allah SWT and following the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
“They are those who God had guided, so follow that guidance.”[Holy Quran 6:90]
Who Performed First Hajj in Islam?
Reestablishing the traditions of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), the first Hajj in Islam was performed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) along with 1400 companions in 10AH (632 CE).
How Long Is Hajj?
The obligation of Hajj involves a series of rituals that take place in Makkah over a period of five to six days.
Muslims from all over the world start coming to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, from the 1st of Dhul-Hijjah till the 7th of Dhul-Hijjah.
However, the main rituals of Hajj take place between the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah and the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah.
Since different rituals of Hajj are performed on specific days, it is not possible to perform Hajj muliple times in a single trip
Importance of Hajj in Quran and Hadith
Allah SWT in the Holy Quran says,
The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah SWT stated,
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported,
Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said,
Different Types of Hajj
Listed below are the three types of Hajj:
- Hajj Tamattu: Performed during the days of pilgrimage (1 to 10 Dhul-Hijjah), Hajj Tamattu is accompanied by Umrah, for which you have to perform Qurbani (sacrifice) of a sheep separately. After completing the Sai and Tawaf for Umrah, the pilgrim is released from all restrictions of Ihram until the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, when they once again enter the state of Ihram with the intention of Hajj.
- Hajj Qiran: It is the Umrah followed by Hajj. Hajj Qiran requires the sacrifice of sheep. During Hajj Qiran, the pilgrim wears one Ihram to perform both Hajj and Umrah and stays in it until the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah.
- Hajj Ifrad: This doesn’t require the sacrifice of a sheep. During Hajj Ifrad, the pilgrim performs Sai for Hajj and Tawaf al-Qudum, and they must stay in the state of Ihram until Hajj has been completed.
Summary – History of Hajj
Despite consistent revolt from pagans and idolaters, the Messenger (SAW) of Allah SWT succeeded in abolishing ignorance from the house of Allah SWT, making Hajj the model of purity, austerity, simplicity, piety, and fear of Allah SWT.
Today, as pilgrims visit the Holy Kaaba, every action, from performing Tawaf to Sae to sacrifice (Qurbani), Halq and Taqsir, and drinking Zamzam water is a reminder of the greatness of Allah SWT and the devotion and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Remember, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The reward for an accepted Hajj is nothing less than paradise.”
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