“The first Sanctuary established for the people is the one in Bakk’a, blessed, and a guidance for the worlds. In it are clear signs: the stationof Abraham. And whoever enters it will be secure. And God is owed from mankind to make Pilgrimage to the sanctuary, whoever can make a path to it. And whoever rejects, then God has no need of the worlds.” (Quran 3:96-97)
Every year we see millions of Pilgrims heading towards Mecca for the annual “Pilgrimage/Hajj”. The Pilgrimage takes place in the Arabic month of “Zul Hujja” and lasts for a period of 3 days in which the Pilgrims perform a number of rites, of which is being dressed in a white cloth “Ihraam”, circling the Kaab’a several times, running between the two stones of the “Safa” & “Marwa”, and throwing the pebbles at the devil.
This article will examine the subject of Pilgrimage using the Quran to try and re-create its details in full.
1. Who is the Audience?
“And call out to mankind with the Pilgrimage, they will come to you walking and on every transport, they will come from every deep enclosure.” (Quran 22:27)
The single most overlooked clue regarding Pilgrimage is regarding the “audience”. Abraham is calling out to “mankind” and not to the “believers or Muslims”. This information poses a serious problem to the belief that Pilgrimage is a set of rituals as non-believers would not be able to identify with any of these rituals and would thus not carry them out.
2. Why would People Gather?
“The first Sanctuary established for the people is the one in Bakk’a, blessed, and a guidance for the worlds. In it are clear signs: the station of Abraham. And whoever enters it will be secure. And God is owed from mankind to make Pilgrimage to the sanctuary, whoever can make a path to it. And whoever rejects, then God has no need of the worlds.” (Quran 3:96-97)
“So that they may witness benefits for themselves and recall God’s name in the appointed days over what He has provided for them of the animal livestock. So eat from it and feed the needy and the poor. Then let them complete their duties and fulfill their vows, and let them partake at the ancient sanctuary.” (Quran 22:28-29)
Here are the three reasons people would gather:
- To be made aware of the system established by God for the people.
- To witness benefits for themselves.
- To recall God’s name over the animal livestock.
The first objective of making “Pilgrimage” is to share with all mankind the system of laws and government and teachings that God has decreed to us through the Prophets.
The second objective of Pilgrimage comes naturally from such a large gathering of different people at an appointed time(s) and place. This opens the door to opportunities of trade, information exchange, cultural exchange, networking, etc. This idea of the meeting and mixing of people/races can be clearly seen in 49:13 below as part of God’s decree for humanity:
“O mankind, We created you from a male and female, and We made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Surely, the most honourable among you in the sight of God is the most righteous. God is Knowledgeable, Expert.” (Quran 49:13)
As for the third, it is the great "feast" which is offered to the pilgrims showing them God's bounty and how we should be appreciative of all these blessings which are sometimes overlooked.
3. Location of Pilgrimage
“The first Sanctuary established for the people is the one in Bakk’a, blessed, and a guidance for the worlds. In it are clear signs: the place of Abraham. And whoever enters it will be secure. And God is owed from mankind to make Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary, whoever can make a path to it. And whoever rejects, then God has no need of the worlds.” (Quran 3:96-97)
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Photograph of Mecca - Arabia
The Quran identifies the first place for the Pilgrimage as “Bakk’a”. Now, while Mecca and Bakk’a may rhyme, they are clearly not the same name. Many Muslims have claimed that Mecca used to be known as Bakk’a, but that its name was later changed. Now, this presents a problem to any student of the Scripture as no verification is able to be made that this was indeed the case of a “name change”. Looking at ancient maps from the time of the Prophet (from Roman times or otherwise) there is no indication that what is today called “Mecca” has ever carried the name “Bakk’a”.
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Photograph of Jerusalem (Dome of the Rock)
The mystery further deepens when we look to Islamic history itself and the claim that they (the Muslims) used to assemble towards Jerusalem for a number of years and then the focal point (Qibla) was changed to Mecca. Until today, the Muslims refer to Jerusalem as the “first of the two Qiblas” (Uwla Al-Qiblatain) and, while they may deny it, the name Bakka does occur in the Torah as a description for "Jerusalem":
"Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion." (Pslams 84:5-7)
“Arafat” the Mount of Olives?
One of the mountains near Mecca is called “Arafat” and it is said that the Pilgrims must journey to that location as decreed in 2:198 and then return back to Mecca again.
[PICKTHAL] “It is no sin for you that ye seek the bounty of your Lord (by trading). But, when ye press on in the multitude from 'Arafat, remember Allah by the sacred monument. Remember Him as He hath guided you, although before ye were of those astray.” (Quran 2:198)
Naming a mountain “Arafat” and then claiming it is the one referred to in the Quran is no great feat. However, it is more important to ask is the question “why would people invited for Pilgrimage who are not believers perform rituals and come and go to a mountain a few kilometers away?”
The word “Arafat” in Arabic simply means “High Place” (that is why the scholars have chosen a mountain to be given this name). And, if we follow the notion that the Kaaba (place of Pilgrimage) is the Temple Mount area, then the verse becomes clear as the Temple Mount itself is on an elevated platform (i.e. Arafaat).
The Change in Focal Point (Qibla)
It seems that spark to all this confusion about where the Pilgrimage is held can be traced back to the change in the “Qibla” which occurred during the Prophet’s mission.
According to the traditionalist’s history, all Muslims were performing the Salat (Prayer) facing Jerusalem for quite some time and then God gave a new decree which told them to face the “Restricted Temple”. As such, the Prophet suddenly turned his face while praying away from Jerusalem and began facing Mecca. In-fact, the traditionalists to this day refer to Jerusalem as the 1st Qibla.
This story of the change in Qibla is also found confirmed in the Quran:
“The foolish from amongst the people will say: “What has turned them away from the focal point that they were on?” Say: “To God is the east and the west, He guides whomsoever He wishes to a straight path. And as such, We have made you a balanced nation so that you may be witness over the people, and that the messenger may be witness over you. And We did not make the focal point that you were on except to know who follows the messenger from those who will turn on their heels. It was a great thing indeed except for those whom God had guided; God was not to waste your belief. God is Merciful and Compassionate over the people.” (Quran 2:142-143)
The only way to explain the current state of Islam (giving priority to Mecca) is that the change back to the Restricted Temple in Jerusalem did not take place until very near the end of the Prophet’s mission and that he died shortly afterwards whereby the Muslims fragmented and entered into several civil wars as per the Islamic history books. Thus, the bulk of the new entrants to Islam have only ever known Mecca and that is the belief they hold until death.
Summary of points in-favor of Jerusalem being Bakk’a:
• Islamic history records Jerusalem as being the first focal-point “Qibla” before Mecca.
• The recipients of the Torah and Injeel (Jews and Nazarenes) acknowledge the significance of Jerusalem, but deny any knowledge of Mecca.
• The name “Bakka” is found in the Jewish bible (Psalms 84) as people are on their way to Jerusalem for Pilgrimage (to stand before God at Mt. Zion in Jerusalem).
• The name “Jerusalem” (city of peace) fits the prayer of Abraham for Bakka to be a “city of peace” (Quran 2:126).
• The Quran speaks of “olives” growing in the vicinity of the town where the Prophet is situated (Ref. Quran 95:1-3). Olives are natural to the area of the Mediterranean (near which Jerusalem is situated) but not Arabia.
• The “Maqam Ibrahim” are mere footprints in Meca which have no bearing on Pilgrimage, while the “Maqam Ibrahim” in Jerusalem is designed for animal sacrifice.
• The Sanctuary/Bayt in Jerusalem is an “elevated platform” which matches the description given in the Quran of the Pilgrims emerging from “Arafat” (the high/elevated place)
4. Timing of Pilgrimage
“They ask you regarding the crescent moons, say: “They are a timing mechanism for the people as well as for the Pilgrimage.” And piety is not that you would enter a home from its back, but piety is whomever is righteous and come to the homes from their main doors. And be aware of God that you may succeed.” (Quran 2:189)
“And remember God during a few number of days. Whoever hurries to two days, there is no sin upon him; and whoever delays, there is no sin upon him if he is being righteous. And be aware of God, and know that it is to Him that you will be gathered.” (Quran 2:203)
“And complete the Pilgrimage and the visit for God. But, if you are prevented, then make what is affordable of donation, and do not shave your heads until the donation reaches its destination; but whoever of you is ill or has an affliction to his head, then he may redeem by fasting or giving a charity or a sacrifice. But if you are able, then whoever continues the visit until the Pilgrimage, then he shall provide what is affordable of donation; but for he who cannot find anything, then he must fast for three days during the Pilgrimage and seven when he returns; this will make a complete ten; this is for those whose family is not present at the Restricted Temple. And be aware of God, and know that God is severe in retribution.” (Qur'an 2:196)
"The Pilgrimage months are made known. So whosoever decides to perform the Pilgrimage therein, then there shall be no sexual approach, nor vileness, nor baseless argument in the Pilgrimage. And any good that you do, God is aware of it; and bring provisions for yourselves, though the best provision is righteousness; and be aware of Me O people of understanding. " (Qur'an 2:197)
“Therefore, roam the land for four months and know that you will not escape God, and that God will humiliate the rejecters. And a declaration from God and His messenger to the people, on the day of the Greater Pilgrimage: “That God and His messenger are innocent from all those who set-up partners.” If you repent, then it is better for you, and if you turn away, then know that you will not escape God. And give news to those who have rejected of a painful retribution. Except for those with whom you had a treaty from among those who have set-up partners if they did not reduce anything from it nor did they plan to attack you; you shall continue the treaty with them until its expiry. God loves the righteous. So when the restricted months have passed, then you may kill those who have set-up partners wherever you find them, and take them, and surround them, and stand against them at every point. If they repent, and hold the assembly, and contribute towards betterment, then you shall leave them alone. God is Forgiving, Merciful.” (Quran 9:2-5)
"The count of the months with God is twelve months in God's record the day He created the heavens and the Earth; four of them are restricted. This is the correct system; so do not wrong yourselves in them; and fight those who set up partners collectively as they fight you collectively. And know that God is with the righteous." (Qur'an 9:36)
"Those who have remained are happy with their position of lagging behind the messenger of God, and they disliked striving with their money and lives in the cause of God; and they say: "Do not mobilize in the heat." Say: "The fire of Hell is much hotter," if they could only understand." (Qur'an 9:81)
"O you who believe, honour your contracts. Made lawful for you are all the animals of the livestock, except that which is being recited to you, and what you are not allowed to hunt of the game while you are under restriction. God decrees as He pleases." (Qur'an 5:1)
"Lawful for you is the catch of the sea, to eat it as enjoyment for you and for those who travel; and forbidden for you is the catch of the land as long as you are under restriction; and be aware of God to whom you will be gathered." (Qur'an 5:96)
The Qur'an as usual gives us a treasure trove of information that allows us to reconstruct the calender and determine the correct timings even if all the external data has been lost of corrupted. Here is a summary of what we can find:
- The Pilgrimage is to be carried out during the four "Restricted Months" (2:197)
- The Pilgrimage is done during the crescent moon (2:189)
- The "Restricted Months" are sequential (9:2-3).
- There are two Pilgrimages per year, greater and lesser (9:3).
- The Pilgrimage is for a "few days" (3-days)
- The "Restricted Months" end with the summer heat (9:81).
Given the above data, we can acsertain that the greater Pilgrimage would be around early-mid March each year (the first crescent moon that appears on or before the equinox) and would end with the lesser Pilgrimage at the end of June when all the people would head back and the tribes would go back to the trading caravans of the summer and winter (106:2).
5. Rules of Pilgrimage
Since this call is to all mankind to gather and benefit in one location, certain “rules of conduct” have been spelled out which must be observed by all who have agreed to attend:
“And complete the Pilgrimage and the visit for God. But, if you are prevented, then make what is affordable of donation, and do not shave your heads until the donation reaches its destination; but whoever of you is ill or has an affliction to his head, then he may redeem by fasting or giving a charity or a sacrifice. But if you are able, then whoever continues the visit until the Pilgrimage, then he shall provide what is affordable of donation; but for he who cannot find anything, then he must fast for three days during the Pilgrimage and seven when he returns; this will make a complete ten; this is for those whose family is not present at the Restricted Temple. And be aware of God, and know that God is severe in retribution.” (Quran 2:196)
“The Pilgrimage are months which have been appointed. So whosoever decides to perform the Pilgrimage in them, then there shall be no sexual approach, nor vileness, nor baseless argument in the Pilgrimage. And any good that you do, God is aware of it; and bring provisions for yourselves, though the best provision is righteousness; and be aware of Me O people of understanding. (Quran 2:197)
“There is no sin upon you to seek goodness from your Lord. So when you disperse from the elevated location, then remember God towards the decree which is restricted, and remember Him as He has guided you, for you were before that straying.” (Quran 2:198)
“Then you shall disperse from where the people dispersed, and seek God’s forgiveness; God is surely Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Quran 2:199)
“When you have completed your rites, then remember God as you remember your fathers or even greater. From among the people are those who say: “Our Lord, give us from this world!”, but in the Hereafter he has no part.” (Quran 2:200)
“And some of them say: “Our Lord, give us good in this world, and good in the Hereafter, and spare us from the retribution of the Fire.” (Quran 2:201)
“These will have a benefit for what they have gained; and God is quick in judgment.” (Quran 2:202)
“And remember God during a few number of days. Whoever hurries to two days, there is no sin upon him; and whoever delays, there is no sin upon him if he is being righteous. And be aware of God, and know that it is to Him that you will be gathered.” (Quran 2:203)
“And the plump animals for offering, We have made them for you as decrees from God, in them is goodness for you. So mention God’s name upon them while being orderly, so once their body becomes still, then eat from them and give food to the poor and the needy. It was thus that We have made them in service to you, that you may be thankful.” (Quran 22:36)
Does God need blood and animal sacrifice?
“Neither their meat nor their blood reaches God, but what reaches Him is the righteousness from you. It was thus that He made them in service to you, so that you may glorify God for what He has guided you to, and give news to the good doers.” (Quran 22:37)
After all the Rites of Pilgrimage are complete:
“Then let them complete their duties and fulfill their vows, and let them traverse at the ancient Sanctuary.” (Quran 22:29)
“The Safa and Marwah are amongst God’s decrees. So whosoever makes Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary, or is merely passing through, commits no error that he should traverse them. And whoever donates for goodness, then God is Appreciative, Knowledgeable.” (Quran 2:158)
This is a period of “feasting” in which the people who have come to attend the Pilgrimage conference are now fed and provided with sustenance.
Summary of Pilgrimage
1. Pilgrimage is a call to all mankind (to learn about the system of God Alone, to witness benefits for themselves, to feast).
2. The location of the original Pilgrimage was at “Bakk’a” (Jerusalem), centering around the Temple Mount (the area on which the “Dome of the Rock” is constructed).
3. A total of two pilgrimages (greater & lesser) are carried out each year with the length of each pilgrimage being the time of the crescent moon.
4. During Pilgrimage, the highest moral decency shall be upheld (no sexual fornication, no vileness, no baseless arguing).
5. A period of feasting and feeding the poor and needy shall follow the end of the Pilgrimage.
The time has come for Mulsims to realign themselves with God’s Scripture and to call for the Pilgrimage to Bakk’a as a system of guidance and not a series of empty rituals as it has become…
Written for www.Free-Minds.Org
