Why is the Muslim pilgrimage always at one time for all?

Question

Every year there are pilgrims injured or killed because too many are at the same time at the holy places, fulfilling the sacred rites. Has this always been like that? Is there a commandment for a certain date in the quran? Would a pilgrimage on another date be worth less or even worthless (note the difference!) ?

I ask myself this question because christian pilgrimage, as I know it, is only sometimes connected with specific dates.

Answer 1

"Why is the Muslim pilgrimage always at one time for all?"

As mentioned before the obligatory Hajj (greater pilgrimmage) can only be done at a specific time - the non-obligatory pilgrimmagej (Umra) can be done at any time

"Every year there are pilgrims injured or killed because too many are at the same time at the holy places, fulfilling the sacred rites. Has this always been like that? "

No - with the increase in ease of transportation (e.g aeroplanes), wealth (Hajj is only an obligation on those who can afford it) and the Muslim population this has become a factor

say 200 years ago far fewer people could do Hajj because of the long distances and difficulties it involved

"Is there a commandment for a certain date in the quran? Would a pilgrimage on another date be worth less or even worthless (note the difference!) ? "

Yes Hajj at another time wouldnt be Hajj it would be Umra (lesser pilgramage) and the obligation of perfomring Hajj at least once would remain

This refers to the specific period of time when the rites of Hajj have to be performed to be valid. This is clear from the words of Allah: "They ask you concerning the new moons. Say: They are but signs to mark fixed periods of time (in the affairs of) men, and for Hajj'' l and "For Hajj are the months well-known." (Qur'an 2.197) The Muslim scholars are agreed that the months of Hajj are the months of Shawwal and Zhul-Qui'dah. They differ about the month of Zhul-Hijjah, whether only the first ten days of it are included in the months of Hajj or the entire month. Ibn 'Umar, Ibn 'Abbas, Ibn Mas'ud, the Hanafi and Shafi'i school, and Ahmad are of the opinion that only its first ten days are included in the months of Hajj, while Malik holds the entire month of ZhulHijjah as one of the Hajj months. Ibn Hazm supports Malik's opinion, saying that the words, "For Hajj are the months well-known," does not mean two months and a part of other months.

Similarly we know that of the rites of Hajj, the throwing of pebbles at jamarah takes place on the 13th of Zhul-Hijjah, while the scholars agree that the circumambulation of Ifadah, which is one of the essential rites of Hajj, may be performed anytime in the month of Zhul-Hijjah. There is no disagreement on this point. It is, therefore, quite correct to say that all three months are the months of Hajj.

The effects of disagreement are apparent mainly in the rites performed after slaughtering the sacrificial animal. Those who consider the entire month of Zhul-Hijjah a Hajj month, hold there is no penalty for delay in slaughtering an animal. On the other hand, those who hold that only its first ten days are included in the period of Hajj are of the opinion that such a person must offer a penalty and offer a sacrifice for delay.

Answer 2

It hasn't always been like that, until some people became just more...brutal...? plus the number of Muslims increased. I think the actual date was mentioned in the Sunna ..
Pilgrimage on another date would not be considered pilgrimage it would be considered Omrah... which means the visit.

002:197] The month of Hajj (is specified and fixed, and) is well known. Whoever decides to perform Hajj (must visit the sacred House) during that month (and) must abstain from sexual relations. He must abstain from wickedness, and wrangling of all sorts. Allah knows whatever good you do. For your journey, pack and carry along with you the provisions and supplies. (However), the best provision to bring along is piety. Fear Me, oh men of reason (and intellect)!

[089:002] The ten nights (of the month of ‘Hajj’).

there is a Hadith that says whoever does Hajj comes out sinless just like the day his mother gave birth to him..

Answer 3

The Hajj is supposed to be performed when the date occurs according to the Islamic calendar. And for the people that do not know the Kabah in Mecca was made originally by the Prophet Abraham and his son. Those who die during Hajj go to heaven, so it is not a bad thing.

Answer 4

Just like Christmas is celebrated at a particular date, Hajj is performed at certain date in the month of Dhul-Hijjah. Having it at a different date would not be same.

It is the governments responsibility to ensure people are safe!

Answer 5

As I recall, the Qur'an specifies the time for hajj pilgrimage. However, minor pilgrimage ('umra) can be done at any time.

Answer 6

Probably for about the same reason Christmas is always on December 25.

Answer 7

Be cause the moon god insists.

mecca was originally for the middle-eastern moon god and the sun god was her husband and the stars their children

Answer 8

no,they actually go around a black rock that women used to use during their periods umm crazy muslime rabna yashfy yo understand ;)