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When Hajj Became Farz?

Every religion has its own unique set of practices and rituals. For Muslims, the Hajj pilgrimage holds a special place of reverence. But when did this sacred journey become obligatory, or 'Farz'? What is the significance of this pillar of Islam? In this comprehensive guide, we delve deep into the history, significance, and benefits of Hajj, and the crucial question: when Hajj became Farz?

History of Hajj and When it Became Obligatory in Islam

The roots of Hajj can be traced back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). However, it was during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad, precisely in 9 AH (630 AD), that Hajj was declared an obligatory act in Islam. The Qur'an states:

"And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House - for whoever is able to find there to a way." (Qur'an 3:97)

This divine commandment signaled the advent of a new era, with Hajj becoming an essential practice for Muslims worldwide.

When did Hajj become a pillar of Islam?

Hajj became a pillar of Islam during the 'Farewell Pilgrimage' of Prophet Muhammad in 10 AH. During his farewell sermon, the Prophet laid emphasis on the pillars of Islam, including Hajj, underlining its importance. Thus, Hajj became a cornerstone of Islamic faith and practice.

The Significance of the Year 9 AH in the Obligation of Hajj

The year 9 AH marked a turning point in the history of Islam. The Qur'anic verse obligating Hajj was revealed during this year, at a time when Muslims had achieved a measure of stability and security after years of struggle. This obligation served to strengthen the Muslim community's commitment to their faith.

The Benefits and Blessings of Performing Hajj in Islam

Performing Hajj reaps immense spiritual benefits. Some of these are:

Purification of the soul: The Prophet Muhammad said, "Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of pleasing Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed, shall return from it as free from sin as the day on which his mother gave birth to him" (Bukhari & Muslim).
A chance for spiritual renewal: Hajj provides Muslims an opportunity to renew their commitment to Allah and their faith.
Unity and brotherhood: Hajj brings together Muslims from all walks of life, reinforcing a sense of unity and brotherhood.

The Importance of Hajj as a Religious Duty in Islam

Hajj is not just a pilgrimage; it's a spiritual journey and a religious duty that holds immense significance in Islam. This profound act of worship encapsulates the essence of Islam, reflecting its principles of monotheism, brotherhood, and equality.

One of the Five Pillars of Islam, Hajj is a duty that every Muslim is expected to perform at least once in their lifetime, provided they are physically and financially able to do so. This pilgrimage is seen as a manifestation of the Muslim's surrender and devotion to Allah.

Hajj serves as a vivid metaphor for life after death. The pilgrims, dressed in simple white garments called Ihram, symbolize the equality and unity of all Muslims. This equality mirrors the Day of Judgment, where all individuals will stand equal before Allah, their worldly ranks and riches rendered insignificant.

The rites of Hajj are laden with deep spiritual significance. The circling of the Kaaba represents the Muslim's orbit around their faith's nucleus - Allah. The standing at Arafat signifies standing before Allah on the Day of Judgment. The Sa'ee between Safa and Marwah symbolizes the human struggle and quest for survival. The stoning of the Jamarat is a symbolic rejection of evil and temptation.

Thus, Hajj serves as a spiritual journey that purifies the soul atones for sins, and brings the pilgrim closer to Allah. It reinforces the sense of belonging to a global community of believers united by a common faith.

The Impact of Hajj on the Spread of Islam in Arabia

The institution of Hajj played a transformative role in the spread and consolidation of Islam, particularly in the Arabian Peninsula. Prior to Islam, the Kaaba in Mecca was a pilgrimage site for various Arab tribes. When Hajj was ordained as a pillar of Islam, it transformed into an annual gathering of Muslims from all walks of life.

Hajj served as a powerful means of integrating new converts into the Islamic community, providing them with an immersive experience of Islamic teachings and values. It served as a forum for Muslims from different regions to interact, learn, and exchange ideas. The pilgrimage also allowed the central message of Islam to be disseminated to distant lands, facilitating the spread of the religion.

The unity and solidarity fostered by Hajj played a crucial role in the formation of a cohesive Muslim community, bound by shared religious beliefs and practices. This unity bolstered the spread of Islam across the Arabian Peninsula and beyond, contributing significantly to the religion's expansion during the early years.

Also Read: Can I Perform Hajj Every Year?

How did Prophet Muhammad Establish the Obligation of Hajj?

Prophet Muhammad, the last messenger of Allah, played a crucial role in formalizing the rituals of Hajj and establishing it as a pillar of Islam. His actions, teachings, and the manner in which he performed his only Hajj - known as the Farewell Pilgrimage - have served as a model for Muslims ever since.

The Farewell Pilgrimage took place in 10 AH (632 AD),

Two years after Hajj was made obligatory. This was Prophet Muhammad's first and only Hajj after the migration to Medina. The Prophet, accompanied by thousands of his followers, set out from Medina to Mecca to perform the Hajj rituals.

Upon reaching Mecca,

Prophet Muhammad commenced the Hajj rites. He started with the Tawaf, the circumambulation of the Kaaba, the most sacred site in Islam. The Prophet performed seven rounds of Tawaf, touching the Black Stone (Hajr-e-Aswad) at the start of each round, thereby establishing this act as a key ritual of Hajj.

After the Tawaf,

The Prophet performed the Sa'ee, the brisk walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times. This rite commemorates the desperate search for water by Hagar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim, for her infant son Ishmael. The Sa'ee ends at the well of Zamzam, where water had miraculously sprouted beneath baby Ishmael's feet.

On the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah,

The Prophet led the pilgrims to Mina, where they spent the night in prayer and remembrance of Allah. The next morning, they proceeded to the plains of Arafat, where the Prophet delivered his famous Farewell Sermon emphasizing the principles of equality, justice, and brotherhood. The pilgrims spent the day at Arafat in prayer and reflection, which is considered the pinnacle of Hajj.

After sunset, the pilgrims moved to Muzdalifah,

Where they collected pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil (Ramy al-Jamarat) in Mina, which the Prophet performed over the next few days. This act represents the rejection of evil and temptation.

The Prophet then performed the sacrifice of an animal,

Commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael in obedience to God's command. This was followed by the act of shaving or cutting the hair, symbolizing a state of purification.

Throughout the Hajj,

Prophet Muhammad maintained an attitude of humility, devotion, and mindfulness of God. His every act and word served to instruct the Muslim community on how to perform the Hajj. His actions during the pilgrimage have been recorded in Hadiths, which Muslims refer to when seeking guidance on Hajj rituals.

In this way, Prophet Muhammad established the obligation of Hajj. His pilgrimage laid down the blueprint for how Hajj should be performed, and it serves as a model that Muslims strive to emulate in their own Hajj journeys. Even today, millions of Muslims follow in his footsteps each year, reenacting the sacred rituals and drawing spiritual strength from this profound act of worship.

Recommended Books About Hajj

Hajj & Umrah and Visitors by Abdullah ibn Said ibn Jirash
Hajj - Umrah & Ziyarah by Shaikh Ibn Baz
Hajj & Umrah (Pocket Guide) by Abu Muneer Ismail Davids
Getting the Best Out of Al Hajj (Pilgrimage) by Abu Muneer Ismail Davids
Tell Me About Hajj by Saniyasnain Khan
75 Questions & Answers on Hajj, Umrah by Dr. Zahoor Ali Shaikh
Messenger Performed Hajj by Sheikh Saleh Bin Abdul Aziz Bin Muhammad Al-Sheikh
Easy guide to perform Hajj Umrah Ziyarah
Masnoon Hajj, Umrah by Darussalam Research Center
The Methodology of Hajj and Umrah by Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-Uthaymeen

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When did Hajj become Farz?

Hajj became Farz, or obligatory, in 9 AH according to the Islamic calendar, following a verse revealed in the Qur'an.

Q. How often is Hajj performed?

Hajj is performed once a year during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah.

Q. Who should perform Hajj?

Hajj is obligatory for every adult Muslim who is physically and financially able to undertake the journey. It is not required for those who are physically incapable or financially unable.

Q. What are the main rites of Hajj?

The main rites of Hajj include the Tawaf around the Kaaba, the Sa'ee between the hills of Safa and Marwah, standing at the plains of Arafat, and the symbolic stoning of the devil at Mina.

Q. What is the significance of Hajj in a Muslim's life?

Hajj serves as a spiritual journey that purifies the soul, instills a sense of unity and brotherhood, and strengthens the Muslim's relationship with Allah. It also serves as a reminder of the Day of Judgment, where all humans will stand equal before God.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the obligation of Hajj in 9 AH was a significant milestone in Islamic history. This religious duty, marked by its distinct rituals and profound meanings, continues to inspire millions of Muslims around the world. The benefits of performing Hajj are manifold, ranging from spiritual purification to the fostering of unity and brotherhood.

The Hajj, since it became Farz, remains a unique and powerful demonstration of Islamic faith and devotion. Whether you are preparing for your first Hajj or simply seeking to understand this pillar of Islam better, the journey of Hajj offers a profound and transformative experience.

As you walk the path trodden by millions before you, you are not only fulfilling a religious duty but also joining a timeless tradition of faith, unity, and spiritual awakening. The journey of Hajj is not just a physical journey, but a spiritual one, offering every Muslim a chance to renew their faith and draw closer to Allah. As the Prophet Muhammad said, "A Hajj which is accepted will have no less a reward than Paradise."