Connection between Hajj and Abrahamic Faith

IQNA – The Holy Quran reminds the People of the Book, who consider themselves followers of Abraham (AS), that if their claim is sincere, they must believe in the Abrahamic foundation of the Kaaba and regard it as the true divine qibla.

Before the verses of Hajj in Surah Al Imran (Verses 96-97), there is Verse 95 that says: “(Muhammad) Say ‘Allah has said the truth. Follow the Creed of Abraham, he was of pure faith, and not an idolater.’”

This means they should follow the pure religion of Abraham; a faith founded on monotheism and completely free of any form of idolatry.

In the interpretation of this connection, it is stated that one of the clearest examples of following the nation of Abraham is the honoring of the Kaaba as the Qibla (direction of prayer) and the center of pilgrims. Accordingly, the noble verse (96 of Surah Al Imran) begins with “Indeed, the first House...” following the mention of obedience to Abraham (AS), in order to draw the attention of the People of the Book—especially the Jews, who consider themselves followers of Abraham—that if their claim is sincere, they must believe in the Abrahamic structure of the Kaaba and regard it as their Qibla.

In fact, the Holy Quran addresses the doubts raised by the People of the Book. During the early days of Islam, they challenged Muslims with two main objections: first, they rejected the idea of abrogation in divine rulings and viewed the change of Qibla from Jerusalem (al-Quds) to the Kaaba as invalid. Second, they accused Muslims of falsely attributing this Qibla to Abraham (AS).

The Quran’s response to these two doubts is clear: first, abrogation in divine law is permissible and possible, and by the wisdom of God, rulings can change to suit circumstances. Second, before Prophet Solomon (AS) established Jerusalem, Prophet Abraham (AS) had already founded the Kaaba. Thus, the original Qibla of Muslims is the Abrahamic Qibla and the true divine direction.

Therefore, turning toward the Kaaba is not a departure from the divine law but a return to the original path and the practice of the prophets of God—a Qibla where circumambulation and worship have been manifested accompanied by clear signs of monotheism and the remembrance of Abraham, the Friend of God.