Quran’s Special Attention to History of Kaaba and Hajj
The overall theme of these verses includes rulings about Hajj and also the history of Kaaba.
Hajj is an Abrahamic ritual and among the rituals that existed before Islam but little by little became distorted by Mushrikeen (polytheists). The Quran says that some of them even gathered around the Kaaba to clap and whistle and circumambulate it naked.
Such practices were abandoned after the advent of Islam and the first Hajj was held in the 9th year after Hijrah where the Holy Prophet (PBUH) gave Imam Ali (AS) a statement of disavowal of Mushrikeen to read out.
In the following year the Prophet (PBUH) completed the Hajj although the Hajj that the Prophet (PBUH) performed was the Hajj of Qiran (Hajj of those living in Mecca or areas near the holy city not farther than 88 kilometers). The duty of those not living in or around Mecca is to perform the Tamattu Hajj.
So the general theme of these verses is about the rulings of Hajj. For example in Verse 29 of Surah Al-Baqarah, we read: “Let the pilgrims then neatly dress themselves, fulfil their vows, and walk seven times around the Kaabah.”
Also in Verses 201 and 202 of Surah Al-Baqarah, it is said that some people who go to Mecca for Hajj are only thinking about this world and thus have no provision for the hereafter but there are another group who do not make this mistake.
And the verses also talk about the historical background of the Kaaba and how it was repaired by Abraham (AS) and Ismail (AS). Now why does the Quran ay emphasis on this issue?
If the Quran talks about how Prophet Abraham (AS) rebuilt the Kaaba and then was tested about sacrificing his son, these shows the grand status of Abraham (AS).
That is why the best place for saying prayers in Mecca is behind the Maqam of Abraham (AS). It is because of the efforts he made to rebuild this house and establish prayers there.
The Ikhlas (purity of intention) of Prophet Abraham (AS) and his family is so valuable and great that our Hajj rituals are based on what they did. For example the Sa’i between Safa and Marwah is based on what Hagar (mother of Ismail) did. (She moved from Safa to Marwa and then back seven times to find water.)
There are many wisdoms, even material benefits in Hajj. In Surah Al-Hajj it has been emphasized that Muslims should go on Hajj so that they will benefit from it.
Sometimes some people who lack knowledge about religious issues claim that people had better use the money they spend to go to Hajj for helping the poor whereas such a thing has not been recommended. God says in Verse 97 of Surah Al Imran: “Pilgrimage to the House is a duty to Allah for all who can make the journey.”
