Muslims are unaware that the rites of Hajj were commanded by Allah SWT during the time of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), whom Allah SWT entrusted with the construction of the Holy Kaaba.
"And remember when We showed Ibrahim the site of the [Sacred] House [saying]: Associate not anything [in worship with Me and purify My House for those who circumambulate it [i.e., perform tawaaf] and those who stand up for prayer and those who bow down and make prostration [in prayer, etc.]." [Surah Al-Hajj 22:26 of the Holy Quran]
The first Hajj, however, was undertaken in 10AH by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his devoted companions. Here's everything you need to know about Hajj's history.
Building the Holy Kaaba
Allah SWT commanded Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to build the Holy Kaaba, a site of worship near the spring of Zamzam water, according to Islamic scriptures. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Prophet Ismail (AS) toiled day and night to build it so that Muslims could meet there."And [mention] while Ibrahim was raising the foundations of the House and [with him] Ismail, [saying], "Our Lord, accept [this] from us," Allah Almighty says. You are, indeed, the Hearing and Knowing. Our Lord, and make us Muslims [in submission] to You, as well as a Muslim country [in submission] to You through our generations.
And accept our repentance and show us our rites. You are, indeed, the Acceptant of Repentance, the Merciful. Our Lord, and send among them a messenger from themselves to recite Your verses, teach them the Book, and purify them. Indeed, you are the Wise and Exalted in Might." [Surah Al-Quran 2:127-129]
"Truly, the first House [of Worship] established for mankind was that of Makkah - blessed and a guide for the worlds." Wherein exist unmistakable signs, such as Ibrahim's standing place; and anyone enters it will be safe. And a trip to the House is [owed] to Allah from the people - for whoever can find a path there. But whosoever disbelieves, Allah is really free from the necessity of the worlds." [Surah Aali Imran (3: 96-7) of the Holy Quran]
When Was the First Hajj?
The Hajj dates back to 2000 BC, when Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son, Prophet Ismail (AS), built the Holy Kaaba as Allah SWT ordered.
The first official pilgrimage (Hajj) took place, however, when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions relocated to Madinah and successfully conquered Makkah in 10 AH (632 CE). It is also known as the Last Pilgrimage, Farewell Hajj, and Hajjat-ul-Wida.
What Is the Purpose of Hajj?
Hajj is one of Islam's five pillars, and Allah SWT has commanded all financially and physically capable Muslims to perform the trip at least once in their lives. Hajj provides Muslims with the opportunity to purge their sins and start over.It allows Muslims to rediscover their faith, start afresh, and live a better, more ethical life. Muslims retrace the footprints of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), Hajar (RA), and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during Hajj rites, honouring their sacrifices and seeking methods to increase their devotion to Allah SWT.
In the Holy Quran, Allah SWT says, "And proclaim to mankind the Hajj (pilgrimage)." They will come to you on foot and by lean camel, from every deep and far (broad) mountain roadway (to do Hajj)." [Surah al-Hajj 22: Ayah 27 of the Holy Quran]
Who Performed First Hajj in Islam?
The first Hajj in Islam was done by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and 1400 companions in 10AH (632 CE), reestablishing the traditions of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
How Long Is Hajj?
The Hajj requirement entails a sequence of rites that take place in Makkah during a five or six-day period. Muslims from all over the world begin arriving in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on the 1st of Dhul-Hijjah and continue until the 7th of Dhul-Hijjah.The primary ceremonies of Hajj, however, take place between the 8th and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah.
Importance of Hajj in Quran and Hadith
"Wherein are plain memorials (of Allah's guidance); the place where Abraham stood up to pray; and whosoever entereth it is safe," Allah SWT declares in the Holy Quran. And pilgrimage to the House is a responsibility owed to Allah by all humanity, for everyone who can find a path there.For those who do not believe, let him know that Allah is independent of (all) creation." [Surah Al' Imran, 3:97 of the Holy Quran]
"And [mention] when We made the House a place of return for the people as well as [a place of] security." [Surah Al-Quran 2:125]
"Perform the pilgrimage and visit (to Makka) in the name of Allah." [Surah al Baqara, 2:196 of the Holy Quran
"O people!" said Allah SWT's Messenger (PBUH). Allah SWT had decreed fardh Hajj worship. "Make haste to perform the Hajj." (Muslim)
According to Abu Hurairah (RA), "Allah's Messenger was questioned, 'What is the noblest deed?' 'To believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad (SAW)).' 'What is the next (in goodness)?' inquired the questioner.
'To participate in jihad for Allah's sake,' he said. The questioner inquired once more, 'What is the next (in goodness)?' 'To undertake Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makka) 'Mubrur, (which is acceptable by Allah and is performed with the goal of seeking Allah's pleasure exclusively, not to show off, without committing a sin, and in conformity with the Prophet's traditions).'" (Bukhari, Hadith 25, Book 2) (Tirmidhi, Nasai, Ibn Maja, Muslim)
Different Types of Hajj
Hajj Tamattu: Performed throughout the pilgrimage days (1 to 10 Dhul-Hijjah), Hajj Tamattu is accompanied by Umrah, for which a sheep Qurbani (sacrifice) is required separately. After completing the Sai and Tawaf for Umrah, the pilgrim is free of all Ihram restrictions until the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, when they enter the state of Ihram again with the goal of Hajj.
Hajj Qiran: Umrah is followed by Hajj. Sheep must be sacrificed at Hajj Qiran. The pilgrim wears one Ihram for both Hajj and Umrah during Hajj Qiran and stays in it till the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah.
Ifrad Hajj: This does not necessitate the sacrifice of a sheep. The pilgrim performs Sai for Hajj and Tawaf al-Qudum during Hajj Ifrad, and they must remain in the state of Ihram till Hajj is accomplished.
Conclusion
Despite constant opposition from pagans and idolaters, the Messenger (SAW) of Allah SWT was successful in eliminating ignorance from Allah SWT's abode, making Hajj an example of cleanliness, austerity, simplicity, piety, and fear of Allah SWT.
Today, as pilgrims visit the Holy Kaaba, every action, from Tawaf to Sae to sacrifice (Qurbani), Halq and Taqsir, and sipping Zamzam water, serves as a reminder of Allah SWT's majesty and Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) devotion and Sunnah.
Remember what Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "The reward for performing an accepted Hajj is nothing less than paradise."