A Lesson from the Farewell Pilgrimage

The Hajj of The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) completing a cycle every 33 years. Consequently, Hajj would fall on different dates within this cycle and only return to the original Abrahamic dates in the 34th year. When Makkah was conquered in Ramadan 8 AH, this 33year cycle was nearing its end. The Hajj of 8 AH and 9 AH took place in the month of Dhul Qa’dah, according to the previous system. However, in 10 AH, the cycle was completed, and Hajj returned to its original date in Dhul Hijjah. The Prophet Muhammad, in a way, was a restorer of the faith of Ibrahim. He was divinely appointed to reestablish the Hajj system on its original Abrahamic basis. As the conqueror of Makkah in 8 AH, he could have announced this change then. Similarly, in 9 AH, he could have instructed that Hajj be performed according to the original Abrahamic dates. However, he remained silent both times. The Prophet only made this necessary change in 10 AH when the Hajj dates naturally aligned with the original Abrahamic dates. The reason for this was that in 8 AH and 9 AH, implementing the change would have required breaking centuries-old traditions. In contrast, in 10 AH, the same objective was achieved without disrupting any traditions. Traditions hold great significance in social life, which is why the Prophet always sought to achieve his objectives without breaking traditions. In 10 AH, he performed Hajj according to the established Abrahamic date and then announced that this would be the practice in the future.