The correct answer is One. While the Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) performed four Umrahs during his lifetime after the migration to Medina, he performed the Hajj pilgrimage only once. This singular event, occurring in the 10th year of the Hijrah... Read More
The correct answer is One. While the Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) performed four Umrahs during his lifetime after the migration to Medina, he performed the Hajj pilgrimage only once. This singular event, occurring in the 10th year of the Hijrah (632 CE), is formally known in Islamic history as Hajj-at-ul-Wida, or the Farewell Pilgrimage. It stands as one of the most significant milestones in the history of Islam, as it established the final rites of the fifth pillar of the faith and served as the occasion for the Prophet’s final comprehensive address to the Muslim Ummah.
In the lunar month of Dhu al-Qi'dah, 10 AH, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) announced his intention to perform Hajj. As word spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula, thousands of Muslims traveled to Medina to join the caravan. It is estimated that between 90,000 and 114,000 companions accompanied him on this historic journey.
The Prophet (P.B.U.H) departed Medina and stopped at Dhul Hulayfah, the designated Miqat for those traveling from the north. There, he entered the state of Ihram, teaching his followers the physical and spiritual discipline required for the pilgrimage. The journey to Makkah took several days, filled with the recitation of the Talbiyah, signifying the total submission of the pilgrims to the will of Allah.
Upon arriving in Makkah, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) performed the Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba) and the Sa'i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa). On the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah, he moved to Mina, and on the following day, the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, he proceeded to the Plain of Arafat.
It was at Arafat, on the Mount of Mercy (Jabal al-Rahmah), that the Prophet (P.B.U.H) delivered the Khutbah al-Wida (The Farewell Sermon). This sermon is regarded by historians as the first universal charter of human rights. In it, he abolished usury (Riba), ended the blood feuds of the pre-Islamic era, and emphasized the sanctity of life and property. He famously declared that no Arab has superiority over a non-Arab, nor a white person over a black person, except through piety and good action. He also gave specific instructions regarding the kind treatment of women, ensuring their rights were protected within the Islamic framework.
During this pilgrimage, specifically while the Prophet (P.B.U.H) was at Arafat, the final major verse of the Holy Quran was revealed (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:3): "This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion." This revelation signaled that the mission of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) was nearing its completion and that the legislative framework of Islam was now whole.
After completing the stay at Arafat, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) spent the night at Muzdalifah and then returned to Mina for the symbolic stoning of the pillars (Rami), the sacrifice of animals, and the shaving of the head. By performing these acts personally, he provided a living example of how the Hajj should be conducted for all generations of Muslims to come. This singular Hajj remains the definitive model for the millions of pilgrims who visit Makkah every year.
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