How Many Pilgrimages Each Year?

Layth

Peace,

I would like to raise a question that perhaps some here can help me with.

In the Quran, we are told that the Pilgrimage is "known months" (2197).

We also know that in the year, there are 4-months that are "restricted" (936).

We also know that the Pilgrimage kicks off the 4-restricted months (93).

We also know that the first Pilgrimage is called "the greater pilgrimage" (93)

We also know that the Pilgrimage is linked to the "crescent moon" (2189).

Base on the above, I would assume that there could be 4 pilgrimages per year, or even 8 pilgrimages (noting that each lunar month has 2 crescent moons - one at the beginning an one at the end). However, what throws me off is the statement of Moses where he is made to promise to stay in Mediyan for "8 pilgrimages" but is then told "if you stay for 10, then it is you choice" (2827) - why did they use a multiple of 2 when speaking about the pilgrimage?

My question Is it 2 pilgrimages (the greater Hajj an the lesser Hajj) each year? Or is it 4 pilgrimages, or is it 8 pilgrimages?

Wakas

peace Layth,

We also know that the first Pilgrimage is called "the greater pilgrimage" (93)

Not necessarily, see http//mypercept.co.uk/articles/meaning-hajj-Quran.html

93
And an announcement from God and His messenger to the people (on) the day of the greatest HaJJ* "God is quit/free from the polytheists and so is His messenger". If you repent, then it is better for you, and if you turn away, then know that you will not escape God, and give news to those who conceal/reject of a painful retribution.
94
Except for those with whom you had a treaty from among the polytheists if they did not reduce anything from it nor did they plan to attack you; you shall continue the treaty with them until its expiry. Truly, God loves the forethoughtful/conscientious.
95
So when the restricted months** are passed, then you may fight the polytheists wherever you find them...

*can also mean "...greatest day of the HaJJ...". In terms of likelihood I think this is the lesser likely option as there is no indication for what day would be the greatest or why. Whilst "greatest HaJJ" may indicate in terms of HaJJ passed, this current one is the greatest thus far, probably because the believers have become the majority/authority, the establishment of God's deen has been realised etc.
** Arabic plural, meaning 3 or more shahr/month/full-moon

The above verses indicate the HaJJ takes place within the restricted/inviolable months, and "day of the greatest HaJJ" is prior to at least 3 of them. The most prevalent Traditional understanding is that HaJJ is only done in the first of the four inviolable/restricted months (called "Dhu-l-Hijjah&quot - perhaps these verses are where this interpretation came from.
It is possible, and most likely in my view, that "day of the greatest HaJJ" is simply referring to the first day of this HaJJ period, i.e. first day of the four restricted/inviolable shahr. This makes most sense within the context.

Base on the above, I would assume that there could be 4 pilgrimages per year, or even 8 pilgrimages (noting that each lunar month has 2 crescent moons - one at the beginning an one at the end). However, what throws me off is the statement of Moses where he is made to promise to stay in Mediyan for "8 pilgrimages" but is then told "if you stay for 10, then it is you choice" (2827) - why did they use a multiple of 2 when speaking about the pilgrimage?

My question Is it 2 pilgrimages (the greater Hajj an the lesser Hajj) each year? Or is it 4 pilgrimages, or is it 8 pilgrimages?

Unless I'm mistaken, first thing I would note is that "hijaj" (2827) is NOT the plural of "hajj", from http//www.studyquran.co.uk/PRLonline.htm

hajja vb. (1)
perf. act. 2158
n.vb. 2189, 2196, 2196, 2196, 2197, 2197, 2197, 397, 93, 2227
pcple. act. 919

hijaj n.f. (pl. of hijjah) 2827

So they may not refer to the exact same thing.

Secondly, I guess it depends on what you take "hilal" to mean, i.e. new crescent moon (waxing), or, any crescent moon (waxing and waning). If waxing only, then its 4 per year. If either then it could be 8. BUT it also depends on when you think shahr begins, i.e. with new crescent moon or full moon.
For example, for a shahr begins at full-moon theory, it could be 3 or 5 hajj periods per year if you go with bro Ayman's theory (reference).
How does your timing of shahr ramadan fit in with the inviolable shahr?

To me, it seems odd for someone to use 8 hijaj to mean 8 years (as found in some translations of 2827) - I always found that odd in the story of Moses. 8 hajj periods makes more sense, especially since for someone with livestock it may be a busy time for them hence require an extra pair of hands during these periods. I wouldn't read too much into "the multiple of 2" observation.

If hajj only occurs within the inviolable shahr, and the hilal are set periods for it, then can this info could be used to determine when shahr begins (with full-moon or new crescent moon). For example you take it that "hajj kicks off the 4 restricted shahr" then for you it's new crescent moon begins the shahr.

I have not studied the timing/calendar system in Quran in detail.

Jafar

How many? As often as you like... that will be my answer..
It's much better than only once per year with so much crowd and caused thousands of death due to stampede..

By the way

What's the objective of doing the pilgrimage?

A_Submitter