Less than two years ago, I was able to perform Hajj, and, al hamdullilah, it was a great blessing to be chosen out of the millions of Muslims to journey to the house of Allah. The opportunity to have my sins forgiven and to experience a true journey of the heart- subhanAllah- it was just too important let the experience slip by. So I kept a journal of my Hajj.

I believe it is the most helpful item I’ve brought back from Hajj. Looking back at my entries, I realize how much the journey to the House of Allah (SWT) was an opportunity to clear my mind. Life is so much more peaceful and reflective without all the gadgets, cell phones, emails, internet, TV, and mp3s. Al hamdulilah, with just my pen and journal in hand, I was able to get away, renew my faith and return to Allah (SWT).

In one of my entries, as we drove out of Mina, passed by Muzdalifa and the sign for Arafah, I wrote: SubhanAllah, it felt like only yesterday when we arrived in Makkah but it will feel like tomorrow when we leave this Holy City. SubhanAllah, I already miss the time I spent in Mina, my humbling experience in Arafah, and sleeping outdoors in Muzdalifah. SubhanAllah, Hajj is really a purification of the soul and you realize this when the dunya is no longer as big of a priority. At Hajj, you leave all those worldly worries behind and turn to increase your worship of Allah (SWT). Dad put it best, “Back home, people are chasing the world, but at Hajj, people are chasing the Hereafter.”

– Edited By: skhaliqi

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Have you ever wondered how people made hajj in the past? What did the ka’abah look like? What was Mina and Al-Jamarat like? How difficult was it back in 1953 to make Hajj and Umrah?

These pictures shed some light on your curiosity and may even help you appreciate your hajj experience more.

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Many Muslims will set off for hajj this year with the desire to come back a changed person. The journey to the Ka’baa will offer them an outlet for self-reflection and growth, but how can one commit to staying away from temptation once they’ve left the Holy Land? Studies show that writing goals help one to stay focused, organized and motivated. Outline your expectations of hajj and what you hope to achieve from it by using these 5 helpful tips to create your Hajj Resolutions.

1. Focus on Your Goals: What do you want from Allah? Dedicate one list to short term goals and another for long term goals. Be specific about your goals and realistic about the time frame in which you plan to achieve them. Remember to pace yourself so that you don’t burn out. If you know someone who has accomplished your goal, ask them about the methods they’ve used.
2. Identify Your Weaknesses: This takes brash honesty and a real desire to change. What are some of your typical excuses to get out of work? Once you’ve identified your excuses, you’ll be able to work against them.
3. Weigh Your Deeds: If you’ve been able to keep up with your goals, reward yourself with something special. However, if you’ve fallen behind, work to rectify your actions. A good way to monitor your behavior is by keeping a journal or schedule of your progress.
4. Have a Support System: Establish a spiritual connection with Allah by making continuous du’a for strength to reach your goals. Keep in mind that it’s only through Allah’s will and mercy that you will be able to accomplish anything. Secondly, research suggests that it is also important to tell a confidant about your goals so that they can help keep you motivated and encouraged.
5. Be Optimistic: When you feel like you’ve hit a wall or that you have too much work left to do, look back at all the work you’ve accomplished to re-motivate yourself.

Remember, a sign of an accepted hajj is whether that individual has returned in a better state than when he arrived

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In the mean time click on the “Map View” button below to see the location of Makkah (Mecca) on the map.

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Coming Soon.

In the mean time click on the “Map View” button below to see the location of Al-Madinah on the map.

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