Hajj
الحج
The pilgrimage to Mecca - examining its pre-Islamic pagan origins, rituals, and the troubling history of the Kaaba.
What is Hajj?
Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca that every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it must perform at least once in their lifetime. It occurs during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah and involves specific rituals over several days.
The rituals include circling the Kaaba seven times, running between two hills, and throwing stones at pillars representing Satan - all practices that predate Islam.
Pre-Islamic Pagan Origins
The Kaaba Was a Pagan Shrine
Before Islam, the Kaaba housed 360 idols representing various deities. The structure was a center of pagan worship for centuries. Key facts:
- • The Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) was venerated and kissed in pre-Islamic times
- • Circling the Kaaba (tawaf) was a pagan practice that Islam retained
- • The Quraysh tribe (Muhammad's tribe) were custodians of the pagan Kaaba
- • "Allah" was the name of the chief deity among the 360 idols
Rituals Borrowed from Paganism
- Tawaf (Circling): Walking around the Kaaba seven times was done by pre-Islamic Arabs, often naked. Islam kept the ritual but required clothing.
- Kissing the Black Stone: This stone was worshipped as sacred before Islam. Umar ibn al-Khattab famously said: "I know you are a stone that can neither harm nor benefit. Had I not seen the Prophet kiss you, I would not have kissed you."
- Running Between Safa and Marwa: This ritual commemorates Hagar's search for water, but the hills were associated with the pagan idols Isaf and Na'ila.
- Stoning the Pillars: Throwing stones at the jamarat existed in pre-Islamic rituals.
- Animal Sacrifice: Sacrificing animals was common in Arabian paganism.
The Black Stone
The Black Stone is set into the eastern corner of the Kaaba and Muslims try to kiss or touch it during Hajj. Consider:
- • It was venerated as sacred in pre-Islamic paganism
- • The practice of kissing sacred stones was common in ancient Arabian religion
- • Muslims believe it descended from heaven, but science suggests it's a meteorite
- • Despite condemnation of idol worship, Muslims kiss and revere this stone
The Hajj Rituals
Day 1
Enter state of Ihram, perform initial Tawaf and Sa'i
Day 2
Travel to Mina, pray and stay overnight
Day 3
Stand at Arafat from noon to sunset (wuquf)
Day 4
Collect pebbles at Muzdalifah, stay overnight
Day 5
Stone Jamrat al-Aqaba, sacrifice animal, shave head
Days 6-7
Stone all three pillars, perform farewell Tawaf
Modern Concerns
Deaths and Stampedes
The Hajj regularly sees deadly stampedes and incidents. The 2015 Mina stampede killed over 2,400 people. Extreme heat, overcrowding, and the stoning ritual create dangerous conditions annually.
Exclusivity
Non-Muslims are completely banned from entering Mecca. Road signs direct non-Muslims away. This is one of the most exclusive religious sites in the world - the city of the "universal" religion is closed to most of humanity.
Commercialization
Hajj generates billions in revenue for Saudi Arabia. Luxury hotels tower over the Kaaba, historical sites have been demolished for development, and the experience varies drastically based on wealth.
Quranic References
"And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House - for whoever is able to find thereto a way."
— Quran 3:97
"Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs 'umrah - there is no blame upon him for walking between them."
— Quran 2:158
Note: This verse addresses reluctance to walk between Safa and Marwa because of their association with pagan idols.
Critical Questions
- 1.If Islam condemns idolatry, why does it retain the veneration and kissing of a stone from pagan times?
- 2.Why would God's "universal" religion have its holiest site ban the majority of humanity from entering?
- 3.If the rituals were commanded by Allah through Abraham, why are there no historical or archaeological records of this before Muhammad?
- 4.Why would God require pilgrimage to a physical location when Jesus said worship would not be confined to any mountain or temple (John 4:21-24)?
- 5.How can these pre-Islamic pagan practices be justified as divine commandments?