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News & Events
25 Jul 2024
Making the Most Out of Hajj
For most of us, Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so making the most out of Hajj is something every pilgrim must strive for! But while the intention may be common, often, when we are in the thick of the action we feel overwhelmed and helpless, especially when things are not going to plan. If you are nodding in agreement as you read this, no worries, here are some tips to get you started in your quest for the best Hajj of your lifetime!

 

1.Perform Hajj for Allah Alone:

When millions from all over the world get together in one place, there is bound to be situations where things won't go that easy. But whatever hurdles come your way, reassuring yourself that you are doing it for Allah’s sake will work wonders. Allah SWT tells us about the Hajj in the Glorious Qur’an – “And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness, etc.). So fear Me, O men of understanding!”. So when things are tough, be aware that Allah is watching how you respond to those challenges and remember to be patient!

2. Prepare Well:

To make sure your Hajj experience is going to be spiritually excellent and in sha Allah accepted by Allah (SWT), it is very important to pay attention to the following BEFORE you leave:
 

  • Perfect your Salah by performing it with Taqwa and a clear understanding of what you are reciting and doing.

  • Memorise or keep a Dua and Isthighfaar list (with meanings) especially for the time in Arafat and also during the time spent waiting for buses or travelling.

  • Read up on the history of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to relive all the acts of Hajj with the same emotions he and Hajar had gone through.

  • Pack to travel light but remember to carry everything that will keep you comfortable enough to perform your Hajj properly.

  • Take care of your health! If you are overweight, have high blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol or are simply addicted to coffee or tea, try and become fit and get rid of these habits before commencing the journey.

  • Before departure, remember to pay off ALL debts, sort your grudges and reconcile with friends. Ensure that no harm is done or left uncompensated prior to Hajj.

3. Training to be Patient:

Generally in life and especially during something as momentous as Hajj, we need to slow down and train ourselves to put others before us. Unfortunately, this is where we often fail. Last Eid when I went to visit Masjid Nabawi it was disheartening to see women rushing to visit Rawdah Shareef without watching out for little kids and the elderly. Yes, the excitement does take over but what is the benefit throwing away all the rewards we are accumulating by pushing and shoving others, letting our impatience and anger take over? Remember Allah looks at our hearts and not just the enormity of the rituals we do. We must not be selfish and also keep away from abusive and angry conversations during Hajj.

4. Time to be Reborn:

Hajj, and especially Arafat Day can be compared in many ways to the Final Gathering of Judgement Day that each of us will face. In front of Allah SWT, when all pilgrims, in their ihram, have gathered leaving their material possessions and ties, there is no better time to be ‘reborn’. Grab this great opportunity and beg Allah to rewind and help you restart your life so you can return as a newborn baby and are able to lead a life like the best of creation, Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

5. Celebrate Unity:

The time you spend in Makkah and Medina during Hajj is a great time to get to know and interact with Muslims worldwide. After all, we are ONE Ummah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Inculcating that bond of oneness amongst us irrespective of the differences should be a definite aim of our Hajj. Even if you find others not very forthcoming, take the initiative and reach out whenever possible by exchanging salaam or offering some food or simply sharing a smile with your fellow Muslims!
 

Making the most of Hajj is important, but remember that in the end, what is also very important is how we lead our lives after the Hajj. The readiness we show to answer Allah’s call while chanting Labbaik Allahumma labbaik should shine through our entire life once we return from this blessed trip.
 

May Allah give those of us going for Hajj this year a blessed and accepted pilgrimage and invite those who cannot go this year to His house as soon as possible. Ameen.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Farzana Rijas is a Homoeopathic Physician by profession currently pursuing her passion for writing. She likes to learn and share anything that inspires her to live a productive life. 

 

Posted by Shahzaib Saleem
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