The correct answer is 9 Hijri. In the timeline of Islamic history, Hajj was made an obligatory religious duty (Fard) in the 9th year after the Migration (Hijrah) to Madinah. While the Kaaba had been cleared of idols after the... Read More
The correct answer is 9 Hijri. In the timeline of Islamic history, Hajj was made an obligatory religious duty (Fard) in the 9th year after the Migration (Hijrah) to Madinah. While the Kaaba had been cleared of idols after the Conquest of Makkah in 8 Hijri, the formal command to establish Hajj as a permanent pillar of the faith for all able-bodied Muslims was revealed shortly thereafter. This commandment is rooted in the Quranic verse of Surah Al-Imran: "And Hajj to the House is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses" (3:97).
Although Hajj was made compulsory in 9 Hijri, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) did not lead the pilgrimage himself that year. Instead, he appointed Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (R.A) as the Amir-ul-Hajj (Leader of the Pilgrimage). Hazrat Abu Bakr led a group of approximately 300 Muslims from Madinah to Makkah to perform the rituals.
During this 9 Hijri pilgrimage, Hazrat Ali (R.A) was also sent by the Prophet (PBUH) to recite the opening verses of Surah Al-Tawbah to the gathered crowds. These verses officially prohibited polytheists from performing Hajj in the future and banned the pre-Islamic practice of performing Tawaf (circumambulation) while naked. This year served as a transitional period, purifying the Hajj from all remnants of the "Days of Ignorance" (Jahiliyyah) and setting the stage for the purely Islamic form of worship.
Many students often confuse the year Hajj became compulsory (9 Hijri) with the year the Prophet (PBUH) performed his only Hajj, which was in 10 Hijri. This final pilgrimage is known as Hajjat-ul-Wida (The Farewell Pilgrimage). The Prophet (PBUH) delayed his own participation until 10 Hijri to ensure that the sanctuary was entirely purified of pagan customs and that the new Islamic regulations were firmly in place.
During the 10 Hijri pilgrimage, more than 100,000 companions joined the Prophet (PBUH). It was during this journey that the Prophet (PBUH) demonstrated the exact rituals of Hajj—the Manasik—telling his followers, "Learn your rituals from me." This was also the occasion of the famous "Sermon at Arafat," where he delivered his final comprehensive message regarding human rights, equality, and the completion of the religion.
The declaration in 9 Hijri established Hajj as one of the five pillars of Islam, but it came with specific conditions. Unlike Salah (prayer) or Sawm (fasting), Hajj is only compulsory once in a lifetime and only for those who possess the "Istita'ah" (the means). This includes physical health, financial ability to cover the journey and support one's family during absence, and a safe route to Makkah.
Understanding that 9 Hijri is the year of obligation helps researchers distinguish between the administrative setup of the pilgrimage under Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) and the spiritual perfection of the ritual led by the Prophet (PBUH) a year later. It marks the final phase of the establishment of Islamic law before the passing of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
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