An Example of Noble Character

MERCY TO THE WORLDS Hijjah. In ancient times, the Quraysh tribe of Makkah were custodians of the Kaaba. Their main economic resource was the pilgrimage. Every year, all Arab tribes visited Makkah for pilgrimage and paid offerings. Additionally, these visits boosted trade in Makkah, similar to how modern tourism promotes trade in countries where large numbers of visitors arrive. The Quraysh noticed that when the month of Dhu al-Hijjah fell during pleasant weather, larger groups of pilgrims visited Makkah. Conversely, when Dhu al-Hijjah occurred during harsh weather, the number of visitors declined significantly. Based on this observation, the Quraysh changed the pilgrimage system. They shifted from a lunar calendar to a solar calendar, ensuring that pilgrimage always took place in favourable, moderate weather, thus securing uninterrupted economic benefits. Part of the mission of the Prophet of Islam was to restore the pilgrimage system to Prophet Abraham’s original method. He could have announced this change during the conquest of Makkah (8 AH), but he chose not to. The reason was his consistent principle in matters of social reform: implementing changes without disrupting established traditions. Had he declared this reform at the time of the conquest, it would have inevitably disrupted traditions. The lunar calendar is approximately eleven days shorter than the solar year, so both calendars align after a 33-year cycle. For instance, if Ramadan falls in February this year, it will again occur in February after 33 years. Two months