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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, Nabi entered ihram at Dhul Hulayfah and performed every Haji rite, instructing the ummah: 'Take your rituals from me.' His Farewell Sermon at Arafah addressed human rights, equality, and the completion of Islam.
In Dhul Qi'dah 10 AH, Nabi (PBUH) announced his intention to perform Haji. Over 100,000 Muslims joined him from across Arabia. He entered ihram at Dhul Hulayfah, arrived in Mekkah, performed tawaf and sa'i, then proceeded to Mina on the 8th of Dzulhijjah. On the 9th, he stood at Arafah 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 Haji methodically, saying 'Take your rituals from me, for I do not know if I will perform Haji again after this year.' He passed away approximately 80 days later.
The Farewell Pilgrimage is the definitive model for all Haji rituals. Nabi's instruction 'Take your rituals from me' established every step of Haji 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 Haji that the verse 'Today I have perfected for you your religion' (5:3) was revealed.
The Farewell Pilgrimage route follows the standard Haji route that millions retrace annually: Madinah to Dhul Hulayfah (ihram), Mekkah (tawaf, sa'i), Mina (8th), Arafah (9th), Muzdalifah (night of 10th), Mina (stoning and sacrifice, 10th-13th), and back to Mekkah (farewell tawaf). Every Haji jamaah haji essentially follows this same route. Understanding the prophetic Haji enriches every step of the modern ibadah haji. Read about the Farewell Haji before departing to understand the significance of each location.