Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is a profound act of worship mandated upon every able Muslim. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed Hajj only once in his lifetime, in the year 10 AH (632 CE), an event known as the Farewell Pilgrimage (Ḥijjat-ul-Wida). This pilgrimage was not merely a ritualistic observance but a culmination of the Prophet’s mission, embodying spiritual depth, social reform, and the final consolidation of Islamic teachings.
Pre-Hijrah Pilgrimages
While the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed only one Hajj after the Hijrah (migration to Medina), there are varying accounts regarding the number of pilgrimages he undertook before this migration.
Two Pilgrimages: As narrated by Jabir ibn Abdullah.
Three Pilgrimages: According to Abdullah ibn Abbas.
Multiple Pilgrimages: Sufyan al-Thawri stated that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed numerous pilgrimages before the Hijrah.
Annual Pilgrimages: Ibn al-Athir and Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani noted that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) never missed a Hajj during his residence in Mecca, aligning with the Quraish’s tradition of annual pilgrimage.
Post-Hijrah Pilgrimages
Hajj
After the Hijrah, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed only one Hajj, known as the Farewell Pilgrimage, in 10 AH (632 CE). This event was pivotal, serving as a comprehensive demonstration of the Hajj rituals and a platform for delivering his final sermon to the Muslim Ummah.
Umrah
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed four Umrahs after the Hijrah.
Umrah of al-Hudaybiyah (6 AH): Though prevented from entering Mecca, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions halted at al-Hudaybiyah, where they sacrificed animals and exited the state of Ehram.
Umrah al-Qaza (7 AH): Following the Treaty of Hudaybiyah, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed this Umrah the next year, staying in Mecca for three days.
Umrah from al-Jiranah (8 AH): After the Battle of Hunayn, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed this Umrah upon returning to Mecca.
Umrah with Hajj (10 AH): This Umrah was performed in conjunction with the Farewell Hajj.
Events Leading to the Farewell Pilgrimage
Conquest of Mecca (8 AH)
The Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) successful return to Mecca marked a significant turning point. He cleansed the Kaaba from idols, restoring monotheistic worship and establishing the sanctity of the Holy Site.
Year of Delegations (9 AH)
Known as Aam-ul-Wufud, this year witnessed numerous tribes embracing Islam and sending delegations to Medina. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) remained in Medina, appointing Abu Bakr al-Siddique as the leader of the Hajj that year. Ali ibn Abi Talib was dispatched to proclaim the initial verses of Surah al-Tawbah, emphasizing the prohibition of idolatry and specific pre-Islamic practices during Hajj.
The Farewell Pilgrimage (10 AH / 632 CE)
Departure from Medina
In early Dhu al-Qadah, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) announced his intention to perform Hajj. This declaration prompted a massive gathering of Muslims, eager to accompany him. Estimates suggest that over 100,000 companions joined him on this sacred journey.
Rituals and Sermons
- 8 Dhu al-Hijjah (Yawm al-Tarwiyah): The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) proceeded to Mina, where he performed the five daily prayers.
- 9 Dhu al-Hijjah (Yawm al-Arafah): After Fajr prayer in Mina, he moved to Arafah, delivering the profound Farewell Sermon at the Valley of Uranah. Key themes included the sanctity of life and property, the abolition of usury, the rights of women, and the unity of the Muslim Ummah.
- 10 Dhu al-Hijjah (Yawm al-Nahr): The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed the ritual of animal sacrifice, shaved his head, and completed the Tawaf al-Ifadah.
- 11-13 Dhu al-Hijjah (Ayyam al-Tashriq): He stayed in Mina, performing the ritual of stoning the Jamarat each day.
Return to Medina
After completing the Hajj rites, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) returned to Medina. A few months later, in Rabi-ul-Awwal, He passed away, marking the end of His earthly mission.
Significance of the Farewell Pilgrimage
The Farewell Pilgrimage was a comprehensive demonstration of Islamic principles in practice. It served as a live tutorial for the Muslim community, detailing the rites of Hajj and emphasizing core Islamic values. The Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Farewell Sermon encapsulated the essence of Islam, reinforcing themes of justice, equality, and adherence to the Quran and Sunnah.
Conclusion
The Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) sole Hajj was not just a personal act of worship but a pivotal moment in Islamic history. It symbolized the culmination of his prophetic mission, offering a lasting legacy of guidance for the Muslim Ummah. The lessons imparted during this journey continue to resonate, reminding believers of the principles of faith, unity, and righteousness.
References:
- Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1623, 1626, 6361
- Sahih Muslim, Hadith 98
- Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 1906
- Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3074
- Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1628, 2046, 2085
- Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Hadith 19774
- IslamQA.info: “How Many Times Did Prophet Muhammad Perform ‘Umrah?”
- Wikipedia: “Farewell Pilgrimage”
- Wikipedia: “Farewell Sermon”
- Islamic Relief UK: “What is Umrah?”
