Since most of the Hujjaaj from South Africa are / will be visiting Madinah first, here’s a collection of images from that blessed city to help us visualise the awesome experience they will have. I took 13 of these, and the rest came from various other sources. Feel free to share with others, and if … More Glimpses from Madinah
Following on from the Madinah tipsheet last time, this week’s tipsheet for departing hujjaaj focuses on practical ideas and lessons for Makkah. It includes the road trip from Madinah to Makkah, first sight of the Kabah and first umrah, and a lot of general info about time in Makkah. Like last time, these are extracted … More Ready for Hajj series: Part 2 (Makkah)
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
Hajj season is upon us, and with hujjaaj leaving soon, I thought it would be an ideal time to finally revamp and complete the Hajj tips series I wanted to do last year. So, while Hajj Chronicles (blog series here | e-book here) is a set that described my own Hajj, the full story may … More Ready for Hajj series: Part 1 (Madinah)
No, this isn’t a scene from a movie. It’s a photo of a man walking through a street in Syria – which has been ripped apart by the conflict for far too long. May the tyranny end soon. Keep the people of Syria in your prayers.
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
This month is usually one of great inspiration for me. In previous years, the words have overflowed on these pages each Ramadan – both in reflective postings as well as practical advices. But this year is different. I find myself being stifled by both time and circumstance; unable to bring forth even a shadow of … More Ramadan ramblings
