Hajj Reflection #12: The tongue

Guarding the tongue: in the holy lands or not! Often we are cautioned to be extra careful with what we think, say or do when in the holy lands, for strange things do happen as reminders from the Almighty.

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اجْتَنِبُوا كَثِيرًا مِنَ الظَّنِّ إِنَّ بَعْضَ الظَّنِّ إِثْمٌ ۖ وَلَا تَجَسَّسُوا وَلَا يَغْتَبْ بَعْضُكُمْ بَعْضًا ۚ أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَنْ يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًا فَكَرِهْتُمُوهُ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَوَّابٌ رَحِيمٌ
O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.
(Al-Hujuraat: 12)

Keeping in all positivism is not so difficult to do, biiznillah! If we keep our focus on our own ibadah and dismiss everything else without letting them bother you, it can all be done. Prior to departure, a dear sister had always reminded me to not spend too much time in groups, and busying self with small talk. Instead, keep yourself occupied with the quran or any other supplications while waiting.

In most cases, we often talk about or complain about our roommates and the organizers/ administrators. Keep it in and redha. Istighfar and smile, consenting to Allah's qada' and qadar. No need for human evaluation or talk. And this practice should be carried on even after we return from the holy lands.

This prayer helps:
اَللّٰهُمَّ اَلْهِمْنِىْ رُشْدِىْ وَاَعِذْنِىْ مِنْ شَرِّ نَفْسِىْ
Oh Allah, inspire me with guidance and protect me from the evil of myself.
(Tirmizi vol.2 pg.186)