The Umrahs and Hajj of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS)
The First Umrah of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) – 6th Hijri
Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) performed a total of four Umrahs and one Hajj. His first Umrah took place in the 6th Hijri, leading to the Treaty of Hudaibiya.
During this journey, over 1,400 Muslims, including the Prophet (SAWS), donned ihram in Madinah and set out for Makkah. However, the Quraish, alarmed by their numbers, denied them entry. The Prophet (SAWS) then changed the route and reached Hudaibiya, where negotiations with the Quraish took place. The treaty included the following terms:
- A ceasefire for 10 years between Muslims and Quraish.
- Any tribe could align with either party freely.
- Any Makkan who went to Madinah would be returned, but any Muslim traveling to Makkah would not be sent back.
- The Muslims had to return to Madinah without performing Umrah but could come back the following year for three days to complete it.
Although the Muslims were unable to perform Umrah that year, it was still counted as an Umrah. Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) exited ihram, shaved his head, sacrificed his hadi (animal), and returned to Madinah. While some companions were disheartened, this treaty brought long-term peace and strategic benefits to Islam.
Second Umrah (7th Hijri)
This Umrah was performed as per the agreement in the Treaty of Hudaibiya, allowing the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) and his companions to return to Makkah and complete their pilgrimage.
Third Umrah (8th Hijri)
This Umrah took place after the Battle of Hunain, before the Prophet (SAWS) and his companions traveled back to Madinah.
Fourth Umrah & Hajj (10th Hijri) – The Farewell Pilgrimage
In the 10th year after Hijrah, Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) performed his only Hajj, known as Hujjat al-Wada (The Farewell Pilgrimage). During this time, he met Angel Jibreel, who recited the Quran twice that Ramadan, signifying that the Prophet’s (SAWS) life was nearing its end. Shortly after, Surah Nasr was revealed:
“When comes the help of Allah, and victory, and when you see the people enter Allah’s Deen in crowds, then celebrate the praise of your Lord, and pray for His forgiveness: for no doubt, He accepts repentance.”
The Journey to Hajj
The Prophet (SAWS) set out with his companions and wives, joined by over 100,000 followers. Companion Jabir (RA) described the massive crowd as stretching as far as the eye could see. They arrived in Makkah on the 4th of Dhu al-Hijjah to perform Hajj.
The Day of Arafah & The Farewell Sermon
The Day of Arafah is a crucial part of Hajj. Aishah (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAWS) said:
“There is no day on which Allah sets free more slaves from Hell than He does on the Day of Arafah.” (Muslim)
On this day, Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) delivered his Farewell Sermon to over 120,000 Companions in the Valley of Arafah, emphasizing equality, justice, and devotion to Allah. This was his final major address, marking the significance of this pilgrimage.
Completing the Hajj & Return to Madinah
The Prophet (SAWS) rode his camel throughout the pilgrimage, traveling from Makkah to Arafat, Muzdalifa, and Mina. After completing all rituals, he performed the Tawaf of Farewell around the Kaaba before returning to Madinah.
The Passing of the Prophet (SAWS)
Two months after the Farewell Hajj, as he had anticipated, Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) passed away.
A Beautiful Supplication for the Prophet (SAWS)
Ka’b bin Ujrah (RA) reported that when asked how to supplicate for the Prophet (SAWS), he replied:
“Allahumma salli ala Muhammadin, wa ala aali Muhammadin, kama sallaita ala aali Ibrahima, innaka Hamidum Majid. Allahumma barik ala Muhammadin, wa ala aali Muhammadin, kama barakta ala aali Ibrahima, innaka Hamidum Majid.”
(O Allah, exalt the mention of Muhammad and his family as You exalted the family of Ibrahim. You are Praised and Glorious. O Allah, bless Muhammad and his family as You blessed the family of Ibrahim. You are Praised and Glorious.) (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)
May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS).
