Alhamdulillah I have performed Hajj with my wife in 2023. I have decided to write my experience and divide them into few episodes. There are several reasons for the reflection on this blessed journey
I can recollect all the details from my memory as the experience is still fresh.
I have decided to perform Hajj again in the future, but probably not in the immediate future (hajj is only fard once in your lifetime). When I will look back at my reflections years later, it will definitely help me next time in preparations.
Through these blogs, I can reminisce this sweet memory and feel good about it.
I can come back from time to time, read it again and again to relive the memory as this is something special and beyond imagination only people who has visited Makkah and Medina will know.
To benefit others who are willing to go for Hajj/Umrah.
I am not here to write how to perform Hajj as there are many books on this. I will mention the books I studied later on.
Performing Hajj has always been at the back of my subconscious mind.
I remember when I was in Dhaka about 8-10 years ago, one afternoon I heard there will be a session or training on Hajj in the mosque for people who are going that year.
I felt really good about it. Even though I was not going , I took a small notebook and attended the entire session from Asr to Magrib. This the time when I first got to know about the Talbiyah 'Labbayik Allahumma Labbayik....'
Years passed, and this intention was perhaps pushed back a bit behind the curtains as I was focusing on my career. Hajj is only Fard for those who are able financially and physically.
Then, I got married to a righteous woman Alhamdulillah. The famous Hadith,
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "A woman is married for four things, i.e., her wealth, her family status, her beauty and her religion. So you should marry the religious woman (otherwise) you will be a losers.'
Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5090), Muslim (1466) (reference sunnah.com)
Alhamdulillah I have been constantly corrected by my wife and pushed towards the path of Allah in all possible way.
This has led me to perform Hajj. The encouragement to go for Hajj was entirely by my wife until it settled completely in my mind . This is something I needed to do to mend my ways.
Whenever you decide something in your heart , that is your Intention. Rest depends on Allah. He, the Almighty will make paths for you if this is a good intention. Even if you can not do this for some reason, inshAllah you will get the full reward. Nothing is impossible for Allah. He is all powerful.
The intention led us to save money for Hajj. We never went for holiday after marriage, outside the UK, as saving money was extremely important for both of us. We stopped everything and completely focus on this.
I have decided not to post about this on any social media when I was in Saudi Arabia. I was in constant fear Allah will take away all the blessing I gathered from this journey by doing this. Hajj is between myself and my Maker. You should not let anything come in between you and your Maker like Facebook photos, social media posts, asking dua from everyone etc etc. I feel there are always expectations/worldly gains hidden in these which can be manipulated by Shaitan easily in many ways. Having said that, I am not judging anyone who is posting their photos on Facebook or instagram, your intention might be very true and pure. May Allah accept your Hajj/Umrah. I hope people who visit my blog, inshAllah will be encouraged to perform this pillar of islam correctly and as soon as possible. I hope it helps them when they decide to do hajj in the future.
InshAllah Next episode will be, how I prepared for Hajj.
Photo collected from Wix.com
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