Hajj 2024: A Brief Reflection

My good friend Sajjad Ahmad shared a beautiful reflection on his Hajj experience this year. I amended it to benefit those of us, myself included, who could not make it.

My good friend Sajjad Ahmad shared a beautiful reflection on his Hajj experience this year. Although he concluded it with advice for people intending to perform Hajj, I thought it could be amended to benefit those of us, myself included, who could not make it.

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Al-Hamdulillah for another successful Hajj. May Allah grant us a Hajj Mabroor (a complete and accepted Hajj). I—along with Imam Mohamed Magid, Shaykh Yasir Qadhi, and many other scholars—had the immense blessing of leading Hujjaj together as part of The Fifth Pillar and Dar El Salam family. 

After a long pause due to COVID-19, the privilege of this opportunity was not lost upon myself, the other group leads, and the scholars. Hajj, as always, proved to be the ultimate melting pot of the Ummah, bringing together Muslims from every corner of the globe, united in our submission to Allah (SWT).

Throughout the journey, the spirit of obedience to Allah was palpable. Every step we took and every prayer we uttered was a testament to our devotion and surrender to His will and guidance. The sight of millions standing shoulder-to-shoulder in prayer, bound by our faith, was a powerful reminder of our shared bond and collective strength. As Imam Magid reminded the hujjaj (pilgrims), “Us being at Hajj is the confirmation of guidance from Allah, and we should be grateful for this opportunity to be guided to the sacred lands to follow the footsteps of Ibrahim, Hajar, and Ismail (alayhim salam— peace be upon them).”

In the sacred precincts of Makkah and beyond, the plight of our brothers and sisters facing oppression worldwide weighed heavily on our hearts. Their struggles and suffering were at the forefront of our minds, inspiring countless prayers and supplications on our tongues. We carried their pain with us, beseeching Allah to alleviate their hardships and grant them strength and patience.  We prayed that Allah grants us a resolve as firm as theirs.

Hajj also provided a unique opportunity to lay bare our personal struggles before our Creator. Amidst the throngs of pilgrims, we found moments of solitude to connect with Allah, seek His mercy and forgiveness, and pour out our hopes, fears, and burdens.

The journey was not without its challenges. The heat was intense, the environment demanding, and the physical exertion pushed us to our limits. Tragically, some of our fellow pilgrims lost their lives during this sacred journey.  We pray that Allah accepts them as Shuhadah.  Their sacrifice serves as a solemn reminder of the transient nature of life and the ultimate journey we all must undertake.  As we sought shade to avoid the heat, it also served as a symbolic reminder of the Day, when we will all wish for the Shade of Allah’s throne.

Despite the hardships, or perhaps because of them, the Hajj experience was incredibly transformative. It was a journey that tested our faith, endurance, resilience, and gratitude, yet it also strengthened our connection to Allah and each other. The camaraderie, support, and shared purpose among the pilgrims were heartwarming.

Although many of us could not make Hajj this year, here are some takeaways we can use in our lives to embrace this sacred journey's spiritual, communal, and grateful aspects.

1. Spiritual Preparation and Obedience to Allah:
   Hajj is a profound spiritual journey. Every act of worship during Hajj, from wearing the ihram to the different locations we journey between, is an act of obedience and submission to Allah. Our lives are no different. As an act of spiritual preparation, we must strengthen our relationship with Allah through prayer, fasting, and reading the Quran. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Whoever would like for Allah to answer him during times of hardship and difficulty, let him supplicate often during times of ease.”
   

2. Compassion and Solidarity with the Ummah:
   The Hajj is a powerful reminder of Islam's unity and brotherhood. We must remember our part of the global Muslim community and carry this with the spirit of compassion and solidarity. We must pray for and never allow our hearts to grow numb to the oppression and suffering of our brothers and sisters. The Prophet ﷺ said, “The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever.”
   

3. Gratitude and Appreciation:
   Despite our inability to perform Hajj, there are so many things for which we should be grateful. As the famous legal maxim goes, “What is not acquired completely shouldn’t be abandoned completely.” We must strive to appreciate our health and safety (physical and economic), which so many around the world and right here at home do not have. Be thankful for every moment and every experience, and don’t search for exceptions; take ownership of your life’s journey and appreciate the rituals. Allah promises us in the Quran, “If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more.”
   

4. Physical and Mental Resilience:
   The Hajj is physically demanding due to the intense heat and challenging environment, but because of our privileged lives, we can neglect the rights our bodies have to us. We must care for our bodies with regular exercise and ensure we are healthy. Mental resilience is equally essential; we must practice patience and remain calm and focused amidst life’s challenges.
   

5. Personal Reflection and Seeking Forgiveness:
   Allah says all throughout the Quran, “Will you not reflect?” We must set aside time for deep personal reflection. Bring your struggles and burdens to Allah, seek His forgiveness, and make sincere dua for guidance and strength. The Hajj pilgrimage is a time to cleanse our souls and renew our commitment to Allah; so, despite not traveling to Makkah,  how will we metaphorically make this pilgrimage in our lives? As Imam Shafii said, “Journey to Allah limping and broken and don’t wait for wellness, because waiting for wellness is inability.”

May Allah forgive our sins, and grant us the strength to uphold the principles of Islam in all aspects of our lives. May He accept everyone’s Hajj and invite those who have yet to have the experience. Ameen!

Ultimately, with Allah is all success!