THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME WITH PROPHET MUHAMMAD THE PROPHET OF ALLAH 072 THE FIRST PILGRIMAGE AFTER THE OPENING OF MECCA by Khadeijah A. Stephens Copyright © 1984-2012 by Allah.com Muhammad.com Mosque.com Khadeijah A. Stephens Bismillah Ir Rahman Ir Raheem The First Pilgrimage after the Opening of Mecca 9H The year was 9H and the time of the pilgrimage to Mecca was fast approaching. When it was time to leave three hundred pilgrims set out for Medina under the leadership of Abu Bakr. Shortly after they had left the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) received another Revelation. The Revelation referred to both believers and unbelievers for Allah had made it known: "Believers, the idolaters are unclean. Do not let them approach the Sacred Mosque after this year. If you fear poverty, Allah, if He wills, will enrich you through His bounty. He is Knowing, Wise. Fight those who neither believe in Allah nor the Last Day, who do not forbid what Allah and His Messenger have forbidden and do not embrace the religion of the truth, being among those who have been given the Book (Bible and the Torah), until they pay tribute out of hand and have been humiliated." Koran 9:28–29 "A proclamation from Allah and His Messenger, to the people on the day of the Greater Pilgrimage: 'Allah rejects, and His Messenger (rejects), the idolaters. So if you repent, that will be better for you; but if you turn your backs, know that you cannot frustrate Allah. And give good tidings to the unbelievers of a painful punishment, except those idolaters who have fully honored their treaties with you and aided none against you. With these fulfill your covenant till their term. Surely, Allah loves the righteous." Koran 9:3-4 No sooner had the verses been sent down than the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) sent Ali to ride on to Mecca and make the announcement at Mina. He was also instructed to inform the idolaters making their pilgrimage to the House that nudity was not permissible and that year would be the last time they would be permitted to go there. Imam Ali Followed Abu Bakr’s Leadership on Hajj. When Ali caught up with the Muslims, Abu Bakr invited him to lead the pilgrims but he declined saying that the leadership of the pilgrimage had been given to him. As the pilgrimage drew to an end the pilgrims prepared to sacrifice their offerings at Mina and Ali recited the Revelation to them. Ali stood at Al Jamrah - the place where the three pillars are stoned - and told them the idolaters had been given four months respite to tend to their affairs and reconsider their position. Regarding the idolaters who had existing peace treaties with the Muslims and had not assisted others against them, he told them their treaty would remain valid for its duration but thereafter they would no longer be permitted to enter Mecca and that war could be expected to be waged against them unless they entered into a treaty with the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and abided by it. The Revelation also spoke of the unbeliever’s treatment if they sought refuge with them saying: "If an idolater seeks asylum with you, give him protection in order that he hears the Word of Allah, and then convey him to his place of safety, because they are a nation who do not know.” Koran 9:6 The First Pilgrimage After the Opening of Mecca 072 Back Cover Subtitles 9H Imam Ali Followed Abu Bakr’s Leadership on Hajj.