A Study on the State Administration of the Hajj in Medieval Islam: from the Rashidun Caliphate to the Late Abbasid Era

This paper examines the management measures taken by Islamic states from the Rashidun Caliphate to the late Abbasid era in order to protect Muslims during their pilgrimage and assist them in successfully performing Ḥajj rites in Mecca. The states were responsible for the maintenance and administration of facilities in Mecca and Medina, the construction of Ḥajj roads leading to Mecca, the safety of pilgrims, and the provision of water. The construction of 'Zubaydah Road' and the organization of pilgrimage groups ensured speedy and safe travel, while the installation of water supply facilities in Mecca and along the travel routes served to alleviate water shortages. This paper argues that the state administration of the Ḥajj in Medieval Islam indicates the Caliphs' specific political purposes, while the Abbasid Queen Zubaydah, a devout Muslim and philanthropist, devoted herself to pilgrimage affairs.