The history of Hajj is associated with the lives of the Prophets—Abraham and Ishmael, who laid the foundation of ushering in the age of monotheism.
Hajj is a global and congregational act of worship. Its dates are determined according to the lunar months. The rituals of Hajj are performed within five days, from the 8th to the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, in and around the places of Makkah. The history of Hajj is associated with the lives of the Prophets—Abraham and Ishmael.
It was God’s plan to establish a revolution based on monotheism. For this purpose, God sent many prophets in ancient times. However, no team was formed through these prophets. As a result, the desired revolution based on monotheism could not be established in ancient times. Afterward, God Almighty devised a new plan through Prophet Abraham. In accordance with this plan, Prophet Abraham settled his wife Hajar and his son Ishmael in the desert of Arabia. The Quran refers to this event with the following words of Prophet Abraham: “O Lord! I have settled some of my offspring in an uncultivable valley near Your Sacred House” (14:37).
Prophet Abraham was born approximately four thousand years ago in Iraq and died at the age of 175. He called the people of his time to monotheism, but polytheism and idol worship had become so deeply ingrained in their minds that they were unable to accept the message of monotheism. Prophet Abraham spread the message of monotheism to several generations. However, during that period, polytheism had become deeply rooted in society, making it difficult for people to disengage from it and think independently. From the moment of birth, individuals were exposed to the influence of polytheism, to the extent that their minds became completely conditioned under the influence of their environment.
At that time, following the command of God Almighty, Prophet Abraham formulated a new plan. The plan involved creating a new generation outside of the urbanized cities, in an uninhabited desert. To accomplish this, Prophet Abraham settled his wife Hajar, and his infant son Ishmael in Makkah. Over a long period of time in this desert environment, a living nation was produced through the process of prolonged procreation. It was in this nation that the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad bin Abdullah (peace be upon him), was born in 570 AD. After he received Prophethood he worked among these people, and thus a team was formed. It is these people who are known as the Companions of the Prophet (Sahaba).
The great history that was created in the wake of Prophet Muhammad’s mission was established in accordance with the divine plan. Prior to the advent of the Prophet of Islam, numerous prophets appeared over the course of thousands of years. While these prophets proclaimed monotheism, they were unable to establish a social revolution based on monotheistic principles as desired by God Almighty. God desired that through the Prophet, a monotheistic revolution would be established, bringing an end to the era of polytheism and ushering in the era of monotheism worldwide. Ultimately, God intervened in history to facilitate this revolution through special divine succour, which was necessary according to God’s creation plan. The realization of this project unfolded according to God’s law of cause and effect. Prophet Muhammad served as the fundamental cornerstone of this revolution. He was the founder of this revolution.
The special plan of God Almighty began four thousand years ago in the Arabian desert through Prophet Abraham, Hajar, and Prophet Ishmael. This plan was carried out over a long period of time, resulting in the formation of a unique generation known as the descendants of Ishmael. Recognizing the exceptional qualities of this race, a scholar bestowed upon them the title of “a nation of heroes.” It was within this distinguished lineage that the Prophet of Islam and his Companions were born. Consequently, through God’s superior arrangement, favourable circumstances unfolded. From its inception to its culmination, it was an immensely profound divine plan. The Prophet of Islam and his Companions, who laid the foundation for the glorious history of Islam, were indeed the outcome of this very divine plan.
The Quran explicitly states that the significant revolution that took place during the time of the Prophet and his Companions was not the personal accomplishment of any individual, but rather the direct result of God’s superior plan. In this regard, there are two verses in the Quran:
“They wish to put His light out with their mouths. But He will perfect His light, much as those who deny the truth may dislike it; it is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the true religion, so that He may cause it to prevail over all religions, however much the polytheists may dislike it.” (61:8-9)
This means that these people intend to extinguish the light of God through their words, but God will ensure the perfection of His light despite the opposition of the disbelievers.
Prophet Muhammad has also emphasized this fact clearly. One notable example is the conquest of Makkah, which took place around 20 years after the commencement of his mission in 610 AD. During that time, Makkah held great significance throughout the Arab region. Traditions recount that during the conquest of Makkah, as the Prophet entered the city as a conqueror, he humbly lowered his neck out of a sense of humility. Witnesses observed that his beard touched the saddle of his mount. Then, at the gate of the Kabah, he delivered a sermon that included the following words: “There is no god but God, Who has fulfilled His promise, granted His succour to His servant, and defeated the confederates alone.” (Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith No. 4547)
