Hajj Chronicles: Steps of Faith and Divinity

Hajj Chronicles: Steps of Faith and Divinity

As they say, Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime experience – and rightly so. When I shared the news with my family and friends that my husband and I were leaving for Hajj, everyone began recalling their own journeys. They seemed to remember every minute detail, even if their pilgrimage had been decades ago.

While I eagerly anticipated the spiritual uplift, the thought of leaving behind my children made me anxious, especially my youngest, who is merely two years old. It felt like an internal battle; Allah’s invitation was there, but Shaitan’s whispers made me doubt my decision day in and day out.

While I eagerly anticipated the spiritual uplift, the thought of leaving behind my children made me anxious, especially my youngest, who is merely two years old. It felt like an internal battle; Allah’s invitation was there, but Shaitan’s whispers made me doubt my decision day in and day out. But Alhamdulillah, when you take a leap of faith for your Rabb, who is Al Malik,

He takes care of everything.

On the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, we set off for Mina, a valley that has witnessed the footsteps of so many Prophets and Sahaba. The experience was surreal, seeing millions of people from different ethnicities clad in ihram. Nobody was concerned with appearances as everyone focused solely on pleasing Allah (SWT).

The weather was extremely hot, but our contentment soared as our souls were rejuvenating. On then9th of Dhul-Hijjah came the Day of Arafat. The sight of people spread far and wide reminded me of the Day of Resurrection.

It was a time for deep reflection, a chance to realize that everything in this
world is temporary and that it is the end that we should be preparing for.

The entire day was spent asking Allah for forgiveness and mercy. After sunset, we made our way to Muzdalifah, lying down under the open sky. It made me deeply grateful for the comfort of our homes, where we sleep peacefully. Despite the intense heat that night, with sweat trickling down, the experience felt soothing. Even now, thinking about it gives me goosebumps.

The next morning, after dawn, we performed the Rami of Jamarat. We took off our ihrams and
showered for the first time in three days! The sense of accomplishment was overwhelming.

The faces of all the pilgrims were beaming with joy as they all congratulated one another.

Over the next two days, we completed Tawaf-e-Ziyarah and Rami with ease, Alhamdulilah.

I cannot thank Allah enough for this opportunity. May He grant every one of us the chance to
undertake this sacred pilgrimage.
Ameen.

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