As one of the five pillars of Islam, the Hajj attracts a diverse crowd of millions of Muslims from around the globe. The symbolic rites of this pilgrimage are deeply rooted in prophetic tradition and Islamic history. Learning about the history and origins of the Hajj is truly an enlightening experience. You will learn about the pilgrimage’s roots, how this incredible spiritual retreat started, and the significance of its rituals.
You will journey through time while learning about Hajj and its origin. It is surprising to know that the history of this spiritual retreat goes back to pre-Islamic times when the Holy Kaabah was built. Millions gather around the Kaabah yearly to prove their devotion to the Almighty and fulfill their religious obligation. If you are a UK citizen who has already got Hajj 2025 deals, you will also fulfil your religious obligation to the Almighty this year. So, before you embark on the spiritual retreat, you must learn about the history of Hajj, which will enlighten you about the pilgrimage and motivate you more.
Legacy of the Prophets: Pre-Islamic Origins of Hajj
Although the Hajj is an obligatory pilgrimage for Muslims, its history dates back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Hajj is a spiritual retreat that involves embarking on a journey to worship God. During this journey, pilgrims regard the prophetic lineage flowing from Adam (AS) to Ibrahim (AS) to Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Islamic history states that the Almighty commanded Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to take his son Ismail (AS) and wife Hagar and shift in a barren land. This place is now the sacred city of Mecca. After some years, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS) also built the sacred cubic structure, the Holy Kaabah, here with the commandment of the Almighty. Now millions of Muslims gather around this cubic structure to perform their Hajj and Umrah.
The Holy Kaabah was first built for the Hajj, but it has also been the centre of many pre-Islamic tribal and traditional practices, rituals, and polytheistic beliefs. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) later purified and reformed this pilgrimage site after Islam was revealed. After that, this beautiful cubic structure became the hub of Islam, the symbolic house of the Almighty on earth, and the primary pilgrimage site for Muslims.
Reformation of Hajj in the Time of the Prophet (SAW)
Now that you know about the pre-Islamic history of Hajj and the pilgrimage sites, it is time to see how the Hajj was reformed during the time of the Prophet (SAW). As mentioned above, Mecca was the centre of polytheistic worship before Islam. It might surprise you now, but there was a time when the most sacred site of Muslims, the Holy Kaabah, contained many idols, representing various deities that the tribes of Mecca worshipped.
With the first revelation of the Holy Quran to the Holy Prophet (SAW), his primary mission as the messenger of the Almighty was to restore the Holy Kaabah. He wanted to purify it for his followers and make it the pilgrimage centre for those who worshipped one God alone.
In 630 CE, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) with the help of his followers successfully conquered the sacred city of Mecca. With this victory, they purified the Kaabah from all the idols and restored the Holy Kaabah as the Muslims’ Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage site. This was when the Hajj was institutionalised and taught by the Prophet (SAW) to his followers like in its current form.
From that year onwards, every year Muslims gather around the Holy Kaabah to fulfill their obligation to the Almighty. You will also be one of these Muslims if you have booked Hajj deals for the year.
History of the Hajj Rituals
Performing Tawaf around the Holy Kaabah is an older ritual that dates back to pre-Islamic times. As we have already discussed, the tribes of Mecca used to worship idols within this cubic structure and perform Tawaf around it. After its purification, Muslims started performing Tawaf around it under the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as one of the primary rituals of Hajj and Umrah.
Another prominent ritual of the Hajj is Sa’i. During this ritual, pilgrims commemorate the hardships and struggles of Hagar, the mother of Prophet Ismail (AS). According to history, she ran between the two hills in the desert for water for her infant. She ran seven times between the mountains of Safa and Marwa before she found that the Zamzam well had miraculously appeared under Prophet Ismail’s (AS) feet.
Muslims do the same now, making seven rounds between the two hills and supplicating to complete their Hajj ritual. This ritual teaches Muslims to be patient and to trust the Almighty in all matters of life, and He will help them miraculously. It is a symbolic experience that soothes their souls and gives them hope.
Final Words
After learning about its history and origin, do you feel more motivated to perform Hajj? You should contact an accredited Islamic travel agency and plan your pilgrimage this year. This is your chance to have the most spiritually enlightening experience and start your life anew without the burden of your past sins.
