Hajj Reflection #5: Wukuf in Arafah

Arafah, being the essence of Hajj, signifies the Day of Resurrection. Imagine a day where the Creator is so proud of His slaves and a day the Satan feels so belittled. I tried to make the most of it by making maximum amount of supplication and sincere taubah, seeking for His forgiveness and mercy.

After Asr, with a friend, I had taken a spot close to a tree, near some fences and an open gate. The chairs under the tree were all occupied. Contented with standing, I started my conversation with Him. I had written my supplications or du'as down, and I had a few lists of du'as from my children, sisters, nieces and nephews. I had marked several excellent supplications in a book, and I read (and cried) my heart out. In actual fact, the surrounding was not entirely conducive - with men smoking by the side, people shouting and some engrossed in conversation. Yet, I was able to shut the noise out and indulge in a world of my own, Alhamdulillah.

I could have stayed there another hour and a half, making du'a in repentance. Never had I felt that close to Him. Perhaps it was being in the open air. Or maybe because I had read and dreamt so much about being there on such an auspicious day. There was just so much to ask from Him: His mercy, His blessings, His guidance, rezq, taufeek & hidayah. For me, for my family, for my friends, for my forebears and for the entire ummah.

Embrace Arafah as it is a lifetime opportunity. May Allah accept our ibadah and grant our du'as

Hajj Reflection #4: Ukhuwah

In connection to the previous reflection, I must reaffirm that hajj promotes unity and brotherhood/ sisterhood. Look at how synchronized the pilgrims are during solah and how uniform they are during ihram. Despite differences in mazhabs, which detail the specific actions during solah for instance, I made friends with pilgrims from various countries such as Turkey, India, Indonesia, Arab and even Malaysia. It humbles me to learn how some of the Indians and Turks stay so far away from Masjidil Haram; forcing them to catch two buses before Subh towards Haram and return late in the evening, after Isya'. The Indons, on the other hand, lugged rice enough for 45 days, pots and dried food all the way from Indonesia.

In Masjidil Haram, an old lady once approached me before prayers, and started pointing to my small praying mat(I had borrowed it from my daughter), indicating that she wanted (to buy) it from me.  She went on to use sign language to explain that she had problems with her knees and perhaps, it limited her movement and trip to the shops. I was initially hesitant; thinking that it was my daughter's and she even had her name written on the label. However, I took pity on the old woman and gave it to her anyway, as I knew my daughter wouldn't mind. The old woman thanked me profusely, went away and came back with 3 Saudi Riyals. I shook my head and smiled at her. Her face lit up, and she put up her two hands, praying for me.

Now, wasn't that beautiful? We neither spoke in a language understood by each other but nonetheless, we communicated!

Hajj Reflection #3: Devotion

One of the things I observed was that the pilgrims who had come from various parts of the world seemed very devoted in their worship/ ibadah. The rich or the poor, the able or the disable, the young or the old (and the in-betweens); everyone puts aside worldly differences as they perform their Hajj rituals and allow physical and spiritual factors to intertwine.


Never mind the slight differences in culture, mother tongue, background or the act of solah, Allah is still the central focus and aim.  Nobody argues the main hajj procedures because we are all ultimately devoted to our one and only Lord.

And proclaim among people the pilgrimage; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, coming from every remote path.
(Al-Hajj:27)

Hajj Reflection #2: Ikhlas

When you sincerely help others without hoping for anything in return and without any complaints, Allah will reward you accordingly.

Contrary to the opinion that there is NO specific supplication to be read while performing your tawaf or saie, the supplications I read when performing my tawaf and saie, were all obtained from the book sold in bookstores.  I find that not only are they very specific and cover a variety of points, but they are simply excellent compilations that also include verses from the Quran.  This was a supplication I recited upon climbing Safa and Marwah.  Please note the last part:

Indeed, as-Safa and al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs 'umrah - there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers good - then indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing.

(Al-Baqarah: 158)

Alhamdulillah, I have been blessed with good news and more good news since coming home, especially today - causing me to wonder: what did I pray for in the holy lands...?

Hajj Reflection #1: Trust in Allah

Trust in Allah and never lose faith in Him. My ultimate wish to perform my hajj this year was granted when no one thought it was still possible to enter Saudi (7th Zulhijjah).

 

O ye who believe! Seek help with patient Perseverance and Prayer: for Allah is with those who patiently persevere

(Al-Baqarah: 153)