Understanding ḤAJJATU ʾL-WADĀʿ: The Farewell Pilgrimage ✨
Etymology and Definition:
- ḤAJJATU ʾL-WADĀʿ (حجة الوداع)†: Translating to “The Farewell Pilgrimage,” this term represents the last pilgrimage performed by Prophet Muḥammad in the 10th year of Hijra (632 AD).
- Arabic Roots: The term is derived from “Ḥajj” (حج), meaning pilgrimage, and “Wadāʿ” (وداع), meaning farewell, reflecting the concluding nature of this journey in the Prophet’s life.
Background:
- Historical Context: Prophet Muḥammad’s ḤAJJATU ʾL-WADĀʿ, commenced in February 632 AD, is a cornerstone event in Islamic history. This final pilgrimage is irrevocably linked to the Prophet’s ideals, rituals, and the comprehensive guidance he provided to the Muslim ummah (community).
- Significance: Often referred to as Ḥajju ʾl-Akbar, or the Greater Pilgrimage, it is distinguished in the Qurʾān, specifically in Surah At-Tawbah (Chapter 9, Verse 3).
Cultural Impacts and Differences:
- The ḤAJJATU ʾL-WADĀʿ encapsulates pivotal speeches and teachings of Muḥammad, including the renowned Farewell Sermon, which emphasized equality, justice, and the importance of unity among Muslims.
- While the core rites of ḤAJJ remain consistent worldwide, cultural and national customs sometimes adapt these rituals, leading to nuanced differences in practice.
Related Terms and Definitions:
- 91REAM: Another name for the Farewell Pilgrimage.
- Sunnah: Reasoning from Muḥammad’s practices during this pilgrimage that serves as a model for various aspects of Islamic life.
- Umrah: A lesser pilgrimage that, while highly significant, does not have the same obligatory status as ḤAJJ.
Interesting Facts:
- Prophet Muḥammad delivered his famous Farewell Sermon on the mount of Arafat, addressing over 100,000 followers.
- The charter of human rights, within the sermon, precluded any sort of discrimination, emphasizing the sanctity and equality of all humans.
Quotations:
- Prophet Muḥammad’s Farewell Sermon highlighted: “O People, no prophet or messenger will come after me, and no new faith will be born. Reason well; therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you.” (Mishkāt)
Suggested Literature:
- “The Sealed Nectar” by Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri.
- “Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources” by Martin Lings.
- “Islam: A Short History” by Karen Armstrong.
Quiz Section: Test your knowledge on ḤAJJATU ʾL-WADĀʿ
### When did the Farewell Pilgrimage take place?
- [x] February 632 AD
- [ ] March 622 AD
- [ ] January 630 AD
- [ ] December 640 AD
> **Explanation:** The Farewell Pilgrimage took place in February 632 AD, during which Prophet Muḥammad gave his final sermon.
### What does "ḤAJJATU ʾL-WADĀʿ" translate to in English?
- [ ] Initial Journey
- [ ] Middle Pilgrimage
- [x] Farewell Pilgrimage
- [ ] Heartfelt Journey
> **Explanation:** "ḤAJJATU ʾL-WADĀʿ" directly translates to "Farewell Pilgrimage," marking the last pilgrimage of Prophet Muḥammad.
### True or False: The Farewell Sermon emphasized human rights and equality.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** The Farewell Sermon of Muhammad notably stressed the equality and rights of all humans, laying a strong foundation for justice in Islam.
### The Prophet's Farewell Sermon was delivered at:
- [x] Mount Arafat
- [ ] Mount Noor
- [ ] Jabal al-Rahma
- [ ] Mount Sufaat
> **Explanation:** The Prophet delivered his Farewell Sermon at Mount Arafat, also known as the "Mountain of Mercy."
As you embark on further studies of this noble journey, remember the emphasis on unity, compassion, and reverence that encapsulates the ḤAJJATU ʾL-WADĀʿ, providing a guiding light for believers worldwide.
Inspirational Farewell: May the teachings and unity encapsulated in the Farewell Pilgrimage inspire our hearts and actions daily, grounding us in values of compassion and justice.
Written with wisdom by: Zaid Khan | October 3, 2023
