Every former Hajji has their own unique story. Tales of the days they were blessed to spend on this sacred journey, so beloved that even the struggles and discomfort they faced are not enough to discourage them from wanting to return. At this time of year, that yearning grows stronger. So, what can they do about this? … More Missing Makkah: Special advice for former Hujjaj this season
I wrote this 7 years ago, on the rooftop of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) mosque, a few weeks prior to Hajj 2011. It was our final night in Madinah, and this piece was inspired by the time there. Sadly, I’ve not been back since then. … More A most blessed rooftop
I feel for those who leave their kids behind to undertake this trip. It’s heart-breaking…but it’s a necessary pain. It teaches us that, no matter how strong our attachments to the people we have in this life, we have to leave at some point. We have to meet our Creator. The same goes for attachments to material possessions and status. … More The Journey of a Lifetime
Here follows a ramble of thoughts, on the eve of tomorrow’s Hajj… I’m immersed in memories. Memories of four years back, when I was on the cusp of my first and only Hajj. We were in Aziziah, doing last-minute stuff before we’d leave for Mina the next day. Trying to find a shop that sold … More Living in the past…hoping for the future
Three years ago, I experienced my first magical moments in Madinah. It was the opening destination on my first and only Hajj, and I was awe-struck and honoured to be in so blessed and peaceful a place…a little piece of Jannah. As the days passed, Madinah’s glow wore off, and I moved on to Makkah, … More Beyond Hajj: Reflections 3 years later
Three years ago, I was preparing for the journey that would take me to the most serene place I’ve ever been. May Allah bless, guide and protect those who have been honoured with the invitation this year. Madinah beckons…
Wrapping up the Hajj prep series (after the previous Madinah tipsheet and Makkah tipsheet), our final tipsheet focuses on the big event – the biggest 5 days of your life: Hajj. Download: 5 days of Hajj tipsheet Here, the tips cover day 1 on Mina, the all-important day of Arafah, the journey to Muzdalifah, Eid … More Ready for Hajj series: Part 3 (Days of Hajj)
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)
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)
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
slip-sliding away..... 