The Historical Development of Hajj: From Pre-Islamic Rituals to a Global Islamic Institution
Keywords:
Hajj, Islamic History, pilgrimage, Mecca, Islamic institutionsAbstract
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and represents a central religious obligation for Muslims worldwide. Beyond its ritual dimension, Hajj has evolved into a complex historical, social, political, legal, and economic institution. This article provides a comprehensive historical analysis of the development of Hajj from its pre-Islamic origins, its reformation during the Prophetic era, its institutionalization under classical Islamic governance, its transformation under Ottoman and colonial administrations, and its contemporary management within the framework of the modern nation-state. Employing a qualitative historical-analytical approach based on classical Islamic sources and modern academic literature, this study demonstrates that Hajj is not a static ritual but a dynamic institution continuously shaped by changing historical contexts, political authority, technological advancements, and global mobility. The article argues that understanding the historical evolution of Hajj is essential for addressing contemporary challenges related to governance, legal regulation, public health, sustainability, and international cooperation in the administration of the pilgrimage.
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