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طريق حجة الوداع
The Farewell Pilgrimage (Hajjat al-Wada) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) took place in 10 AH (632 CE). Setting out from Madinah with over 100,000 Muslims, the Prophet entered ihram at Dhul Hulayfah and performed every Hajj rite, instructing the ummah: 'Take your rituals from me.' His Farewell Sermon at Arafat addressed human rights, equality, and the completion of Islam.
In Dhul Qi'dah 10 AH, the Prophet (PBUH) announced his intention to perform Hajj. Over 100,000 Muslims joined him from across Arabia. He entered ihram at Dhul Hulayfah, arrived in Makkah, performed tawaf and sa'i, then proceeded to Mina on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah. On the 9th, he stood at Arafat and delivered his Farewell Sermon, addressing the sanctity of life, property, and honor, women's rights, abolition of riba (usury), and racial equality. He performed every rite of Hajj methodically, saying 'Take your rituals from me, for I do not know if I will perform Hajj again after this year.' He passed away approximately 80 days later.
The Farewell Pilgrimage is the definitive model for all Hajj rituals. The Prophet's instruction 'Take your rituals from me' established every step of Hajj as it is performed today. The Farewell Sermon is considered one of the greatest speeches in history, establishing principles of human rights and equality. It was during this Hajj that the verse 'Today I have perfected for you your religion' (5:3) was revealed.
The Farewell Pilgrimage route follows the standard Hajj route that millions retrace annually: Madinah to Dhul Hulayfah (ihram), Makkah (tawaf, sa'i), Mina (8th), Arafat (9th), Muzdalifah (night of 10th), Mina (stoning and sacrifice, 10th-13th), and back to Makkah (farewell tawaf). Every Hajj pilgrim essentially follows this same route. Understanding the prophetic Hajj enriches every step of the modern pilgrimage. Read about the Farewell Hajj before departing to understand the significance of each location.