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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books History of Islam Chapter Three : the Farewell Pilgrimage and the Demise of the Prophet The Farewell Pilgrimage The founder of Hajj, the most prominent politico-religious ceremony, was Prophet Abraham. In the second chapter of this book, we discussed the chaotic status of religion and the power and influences of Quraysh prior to the rise of Islam.

We also mentioned that until the appearance of Islam, Quraysh and all unbelievers performed Hajj and `Umrah ceremonies. However, it was not Hajj in the true sense of the word. They had altered the Abrahamic Hajj and performed it in a defective form mingled with superstitions.

We should mention here that Quraysh called themselves the true dwellers of God's shrine[^127] and since Mount `Arafat territory is located outside the shrine, Quraysh, contrary to all unbelievers, would not go to `Arafat in the Hajj seasons; rather, they would stay at al-Muzdalifah[^128] from where they headed for Mina.

On the other hand, the people of Yathrib used to put on the Hajj uniform (ihram) next to the idol Manat, which was on the Mecca-Yathrib route at the seashore[^129] and those who put the Hajj form on from there would not cross the distance between safa and Marwah, which they had to cross seven times.[^130] The unbelievers, contrary to the Abrahamic traditions, moved to al-Muzdalifah from `Arafat prior to sunset.[^131] All these had contributed to the deformation of the true features of the Abrahamic Hajj and to its mixing with all sorts of superstitions.

With the revelation of the verse on the obligation of Hajj (22:27), the Holy Prophet informed the Muslims in advance and headed towards Hajj with great numbers of the people of Medina and nomads.[^132] He taught the Muslims the genuine Abrahamic Hajj for the first time.

He insisted that Muslims should learn the ceremony very carefully.[^133] He used to say, “Take good care of all the rituals of Hajj because they are handed down to us by Prophet Abraham.”[^134] During this journey, the Holy Prophet could abolish all the innovations of the unbelievers, especially those of Quraysh.

Despite the fact that he himself was from Quraysh, he stayed at `Arafat and then moved to al-Muzdalifah.[^135] This was an order issued by Allah, stating, Then, hasten on from the place from which the people hasten on and ask the forgiveness of Allah; surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.