Islamic History
The Prophet's Farewell Pilgrimage
Our Prophet (PBUH), during his stay in Medina, performed the Hajj once.[1] This Hajj has been referred to by various names such as: 1. Farewell Hajj, 2. Hajj of Islam, 3. Hajj of Clarification, 4. Perfect Hajj. According to Abdullah b. Umar, when our Prophet (PBUH) bid farewell to the Muslims during this Hajj, he said: ‘This is the Farewell Hajj!’ [2] Our Prophet (PBUH) did not perform another Hajj after this; thus, this was his Farewell Hajj.[3] Abdullah b. Abbas, however, disliked calling it ‘Farewell Hajj’ and found ‘Hajj of Islam’ more appropriate; he said: ‘The Prophet (PBUH) referred to the Farewell Hajj as ‘Hajj of Islam.’ [4][5] Our Prophet (PBUH), during this Hajj, personally demonstrated the rituals of Hajj to the Muslims; taught them the sacrifices, the gathering at Arafat, and the circumambulation; and explained what is permissible and what is forbidden. Therefore, this Hajj became known as ‘Hajj of Clarification.’ [6] The verse “…Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion” (Mâide: 3) was revealed during the Farewell Hajj; hence, it is also called ‘Haccetü’tTemam.’ [7][8]