With the month of Ramadaan just complete, the next major season of spiritual upliftment is the Hajj – which is now just 2 months away. The fasting of Ramadaan was meant to build up our taqwa, but for those blessed to be performing the pilgrimage this year, that taqwa takes on an added significance. Hajj itself … More Hajj Chronicles revisited
Previous posts in this series: Parts 1 to 29 Ambassadors of Hajj Hajj consists of 5 days, but those wanting to exert themselves even more can stay an extra night – taking the total to almost 6 days. Some of our group opted to go back to Aziziah after the 5 days, but my … More Hajj Chronicles Part 30: Farewell
Previous posts in this series: Parts 1 to 28 An unfortunate pattern From Eid day onwards, the atmosphere in the camp on Mina was far more relaxed. We’d passed the climax of Hajj (i.e. Arafah), and now had just a few more days on Mina until it was all over. In a way, it … More Hajj Chronicles Part 29: Back to the Kabah
Previous posts in this series: Parts 1 to 27 Why did the Hajji cross the road? The morning after losing my phone, we were back in Aziziah for a few hours. Despite the fact that the main segments of Hajj were over, communication was still important – thus I needed to get a new phone … More Hajj Chronicles Part 28: Boom!
Previous posts in this series: Parts 1 to 26 Just another face in the crowd After getting some much-needed rest on Eid morning, we returned to Mina that afternoon. While I thought that my experience of being lost was unique, speaking to others about their experiences on that walk helped put it into proper perspective. … More Hajj Chronicles Part 27: Return to Mina
Previous posts in this series: Parts 1 to 25 Rounding off one crazy night The 10th of Dhul Hijjah is the day of Eid al-Adha. But for those on Hajj, it’s nothing like the Eid we experience back home. There’s no Eid salaah, no special clothes, no feasting, and no visiting friends and family. Instead, … More Hajj Chronicles Part 26: Day 3 – Euphoria
Previous posts in this series: Parts 1 to 24 Marathon man For most of the walk from Arafah, I drank minimal water – since there were no toilets on the road (and my water was warm anyway). As I neared Muzdalifah, I started to feel a bit like a marathon runner. At the side of … More Hajj Chronicles Part 25: Not your average Saturday night
On behalf of myself and my family, I’d like to wish you and your loved ones Eid Mubarak – wherever you are in the world, and whichever day you celebrate(d) on. May this day be one of beautiful celebration, togetherness, and happiness – all within the boundaries of halaal, of course :). And may the … More Your Eid gift: The Hajj Chronicles e-book
Previous posts in this series: Parts 1 to 23 Catch us if you can After leaving Arafah alone, I had some hope because – via mobile phone – I was in constant contact with my wife and the sheikh, who were trying to figure out how far behind I was. And as I walked, I … More Hajj Chronicles Part 24: Adventures in the desert
Previous posts in this series: Parts 1 to 22 Hajj is Arafah Zawaal time soon came, and minutes later, we made our Thuhr and Asr salaah combined – as is sunnah (though some disagree on that). Right after that, lunch was announced. For me, it was a really ridiculous time for food to be served. … More Hajj Chronicles Part 23: Arafah (part 2) – Wuqoof
slip-sliding away..... 