O Hujjaaj,
making your final preparations
before departing for Tent City –
your base for the most important days of your life.
You are the honoured and noble delegation of Allah –
the VIPs –
His chosen guests
among an ummah of billions
who wish to be in your place
at this very moment.
Remember this honour at all times,
and conduct yourself
with the gratitude,
forbearance,
and grace
of one afforded so lofty a privilege.
You’ve spent weeks
in these blessed lands,
meeting brothers and sisters
from the furthest corners of the planet:
so many races and faces,
languages and cultures,
a melting pot of humanity
all brought together
to the birthplace of Islamic civilisation.
All of you united by common purpose;
all of you striving
for the accepted pilgrimage
which will return you back home
as pure as the day you arrived on Earth.
And in this time,
you’ve soaked in
the purity
of an environment like no other:
lands where prayer is prioritised,
modesty is standard,
and the beautiful trust
of brother-and-sisterhood
shines forth.
You’ve imbued the wisdom of the scholars –
your precious teachers
for the classroom of Hajj
which awaits you.
You’ve made peace with,
and sought forgiveness
from those back home.
You’ve prepared your list
of supplications
for the most crucial hours that await.
And now,
all that stands between you and this journey
is a period so brief.
After years,
decades,
maybe even a lifetime
of waiting…
As you count down the hours,
divorce yourself
from all distractions,
all vanities,
and all frivolity.
Leave the world behind.
For when you stand on Arafah,
none of it will matter.
All that counts
is your link to your Creator,
Who promises you forgiveness and favour,
all through the labour
of mere obedience to His commands
over the coming days and nights.
Keep the best of companionship,
but seek solitude in abundance, too,
for reflection is best
when done in isolation,
and this is a once in a lifetime chance
to look deep within
while you linger
at the spiritual peak of your earthly life.
This time is priceless,
so waste not a second.
Do your very best,
the pleasure of your Lord beckons.
The time has arrived,
so make your intention,
don your ihraam,
then go forth
with the best provision in your heart.
Labbayk, Allahumma labbayk;
to Mina depart.
slip-sliding away..... 