HAJJ: TRACING ITS ORIGINS AND HISTORICAL JOURNEY
Key Insights And Answers To Commonly Asked Questions
Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, has deep historical and spiritual roots that trace back to the sacrifices, trials, and unwavering faith of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his family. Later, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ re-established and perfected the rituals of Hajj during his Farewell Pilgrimage.
To truly understand the essence of Hajj, we must explore its origins and the remarkable journey of devotion that led to its establishment.
Hajj and Prophet Ibrahim (AS)
The story of Hajj is inseparable from the life of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who demonstrated profound faith and submission to Allah. His trials and devotion laid the foundation for the pilgrimage that millions of Muslims perform each year.
Hajar (AS) and Ismail (AS) in the Desert of Mecca
Following Allah’s command, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) took his wife, Hajar (AS), and their infant son, Ismail (AS), to the barren valley of Mecca and left them there with limited provisions. When Hajar (AS) realized her husband was leaving, she asked whether it was by Allah’s will, and upon confirmation, she accepted it with faith.
As days passed, their water supply ran out, and baby Ismail (AS) cried in thirst. In desperation, Hajar (AS) ran back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwa, seeking help. Seeing her perseverance, Allah sent the Angel Jibril (AS), who struck the ground with his wing, causing a miraculous spring to emerge—Zamzam. This blessed water sustained Hajar (AS) and Ismail (AS) and later became a life-giving source for the people who settled in Mecca, making it a thriving city and the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Hajar’s (AS) unwavering faith and determination became an integral part of Hajj. Today, Muslims commemorate her struggle by performing Sa’i, the act of walking between Safa and Marwa, and drinking from the sacred Zamzam well.
The Trial of Sacrifice—Eid al-Adha
Years later, Ibrahim (AS) faced another profound test of faith. He saw a dream in which Allah commanded him to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (AS). Without hesitation, both father and son prepared to obey.
At the moment of sacrifice, Allah replaced Ismail (AS) with a ram, signifying that true devotion lies in submission to Allah’s will, not in the act itself. This event is commemorated during Eid al-Adha, when Muslims around the world perform Qurbani (animal sacrifice) between the 10th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah, whether they are performing Hajj or not.
Building the Kaaba—The House of Allah
Under divine instruction, Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS) constructed the Kaaba, the first house of worship dedicated to Allah. While building it, they supplicated:
“Our Lord, and send among them a messenger from themselves who will recite to them Your verses and teach them the Book and wisdom and purify them. Indeed, You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise.”
(Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:129)
Their sincere supplication was answered centuries later with the arrival of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Other Rituals of Hajj Originating from Ibrahim (AS)
Several rituals of Hajj are directly linked to Ibrahim (AS):
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Pelting of Jamarat—When Ibrahim (AS) set out for the sacrifice, Satan attempted to mislead him three times. Each time, Ibrahim (AS) rejected him by throwing stones. This act, known as Rami, is now an essential part of Hajj, symbolizing the rejection of evil.
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Maqam-e-Ibrahim—The stone where Ibrahim (AS) stood while constructing the Kaaba remains preserved near it. Allah instructed believers to offer prayers at this blessed site:
“And take, [O believers], from the standing place of Abraham a place of prayer.”
(Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:125)
Thus, the fundamental rituals of Hajj are deeply rooted in the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his family.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the Re-Establishment of Hajj
In the early 7th century, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received divine revelation and began spreading the message of Islam. Due to hostilities from the Quraysh, Muslims faced difficulties in performing Hajj. However, in the 8th year of the Hijrah, after the conquest of Mecca, the Kaaba was purified of idols.
The First Official Hajj in Islam
In 9 AH, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ appointed Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA) as the leader of Hajj, issuing new commandments—prohibiting polytheists and inappropriate practices in the sacred pilgrimage.
In 10 AH, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself led the Farewell Hajj, demonstrating the correct way to perform every ritual. He addressed the pilgrims in his famous Farewell Sermon, emphasizing justice, unity, and devotion to Allah. He said,
“Take your Hajj rituals from me, learn them, and perform them as I do.”
(Sahih Muslim)
This pilgrimage set the standard for Hajj as performed by Muslims today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hajj
Who is eligible to perform Hajj?
Hajj is obligatory for adult Muslims who are physically, mentally, and financially capable of undertaking the journey.
When was the first Hajj?
The origins of Hajj trace back to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) nearly 4,000 years ago. However, the first official Hajj in Islam took place in 9 AH, led by Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA) after the conquest of Mecca. The complete rituals were established in 10 AH by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ during the Farewell Hajj.
How did Hajj begin?
Hajj began with Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and was later revived and perfected by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in 10 AH.
What is the purpose of Hajj?
The primary purpose of Hajj is to seek Allah’s mercy, purification, and spiritual renewal. It symbolizes unity, devotion, and submission to Allah’s will.
What do pilgrims wear during Hajj?
Pilgrims wear ihram, a simple white garment. Men wear two unstitched white cloths, while women wear modest, loose-fitting attire without intricate designs. This uniform dress symbolizes equality before Allah, eliminating social and economic distinctions.
What are the main rituals of Hajj?
The key rituals of Hajj include:
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Wearing Ihram—Entering the state of spiritual purity.
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Tawaf—circling the Kaaba seven times.
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Sa’i—walking between Safa and Marwa.
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Standing at Arafah—the most significant part of Hajj, symbolizing judgment day.
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Muzdalifah—collecting pebbles for stoning the Jamarat.
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Rami al-Jamarat—stoning the pillars representing Satan.
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Qurbani—sacrificing an animal in remembrance of Ibrahim (AS).
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Hair cutting (Halq or Taqsir)—symbolizing spiritual renewal.
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Farewell Tawaf—a final circumambulation of the Kaaba before leaving Mecca.
Conclusion
Hajj is more than just a physical journey—it is a profound spiritual experience that connects Muslims to their faith, history, and Creator. It embodies the ultimate acts of devotion, unity, and submission to Allah, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS), Hajar (AS), and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
For centuries, Hajj has been a source of inspiration for millions of Muslims, reminding them of their purpose, faith, and commitment to righteousness. As pilgrims walk the sacred path of Mecca, they follow in the footsteps of those who came before them, seeking nearness to Allah and His eternal mercy.
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