A Lesson from the Farewell Pilgrimage

The Hajj of The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) this obstacle was removed. Despite this, the Prophet did not perform Hajj in 8 AH or 9 AH and only went for Hajj in 10 AH, two months before his passing. The reason for this delay was that he wanted to reform the Hajj system without breaking traditions. There are two types of calendars: lunar and solar. The lunar calendar is based on the waxing and waning of the moon, which everyone can observe directly. The solar calendar is calculated mathematically by astronomers based on the sun’s rotation. In other words, the lunar calendar is based on natural phenomena, specifically the moon’s cycles, while the solar calendar is based on mathematical calculations of the sun’s movements. For the system of worship, God preferred the lunar calendar. This preference is not because the lunar calendar is superior or sacred. The same God who ordained the moon’s orbit also ordained the sun’s orbit, so how could one be sacred and the other not? The reason is practical rather than doctrinal. Acts of worship are meant to be simple and natural, which is why they are based on the lunar calendar. This idea is supported by a hadith, which highlights this principle: Abdullah bin Umar reported that the Prophet Muhammad said, “We are an unlettered nation; we neither write nor calculate. The month is like this and like this and like this” (indicating 29 or 30 days by folding his thumb). (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 1913; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1080)