Hajj: The Journey to Your Innerself
“As-salámu 'alaikum wa rahmatul láhi wa barakátuh!” [Wait for adhán]
“A-úthu billáhi minash shaytánir rajeem. Bismilláhir rahmánir raheem.
Al hamdu lillahi nahmaduhu wanasta’eenahu, wanastagh-firuhu, wanatoobu ilayhi, wana’oothu Billaahi min shuroori an-fusinaa, wamin sayyi aati a’maalinaa.
May- Yahdillahu fa huwal muhtad, wa may- yudlill falan tajidaa lahu waliyan murshida. Wa ash-hadu an Laa ilaaha ill-Alláh, wahdahoo laa shareeka lah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhoo warasooluh”
All Praise is due to Alláh, We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge in Him from our own evils and our own bad deeds.
Anyone who is guided by Alláh, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him.
I bear witness that there is no god but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad, peace and blessings upon him, is the servant, and messenger of Alláh.
My Respected Brothers and Sisters in Islám,
Last Friday young Michael proclaimed his Shahaadah in this hall. A few weeks before that, a big man with a big heart, from New Zealand, Abdul Hadi, also joined the family of Islám. We are all privileged to witness these happy events. These two brothers are right now two of the most fortunate human beings on earth. Alláh has knocked on their hearts and invited them to Islám. By accepting Alláh’s invitation, they have wiped their slates clean. Every sin has been forgiven, and they are as innocent as the day they were born! What would anyone give to be in that position! To be reborn without a stain on your record! This, indeed, is what happens when you accept Islám. It also happens when you perform the Hajj, properly and sincerely, and Alláh accepts your pilgrimage.
At this very moment, while we welcome 2 new brothers into the Ummah, over 2 million Muslims from the far corners of the earth have converged on the holy city of Makka, to perform the 5th and final pillar of their faith. Hajj, the Holy Pilgrimage, is the most conspicuous visual expression of that worldwide family of Islám, the Ummah.
The Holy Qur’án says, in Súra Al Hajj: [ch22:v27:]
“Wa ath-thin fin-naasi bil-haj; Ya’ tooka rijaala[n]w wa ‘alaa kulli dhaamiri[n] ya’teena min kulli fajjin ‘ameeq.”
“ And proclaim the pilgrimage among men, they will come to you on foot and [mounted] on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways…”
These words were revealed to Prophet Abraham, when he and his son Ismail had built the first Ka’ba in a barren valley in Makka.
In Sura Al-Imrán, 3:97- we read:
“…Wa lillaahi ‘alan-naasi hijjul baiti manis tataw’a ilayhi sabeelaa. Waman kafara fa innallaaha ghaneeyun ‘anil ‘aalameen.”
“…. Pilgrimage is a duty men owe to Alláh; those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of his creatures.”
All Muslims, who have the means to do so, physically and financially, must do the pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime. It is a duty, but not merely a duty. It is an integral part of being Muslim.
For a few precious days we participate in one of the greatest annual events in human history. We complete the rituals whose origins go way back beyond the time of Prophet Muhammad, sws, to the time of Prophet Abraham alyhis salaam, and even further back to the time of Prophet Adam, alayhis salaam. During these momentous days, pilgrims remove their normal clothing, removing all outer signs of nationality, signs of wealth and social status, and everyone wears the same simple sheets of white cloth, the ihrám. From the starting point or méqát, they chant those deeply stirring words, “labbaik, Allahumma labbaik, labbaik, Here I am, O Alláh, Here I am!”
“Labbaik, Alláh, shareeka laka labbaik, Innal hamda, wan-neya’mata laka wal Mulk!”
“Here I am, O Alláh, here I am. All thanks is due to You, You our Provider and our Sovereign King.”
They are answering the call of Alláh. They are answering the first call of Prophet Abraham we referred to earlier, “Wa aththin fin-naasi bil Hajj…” “And proclaim the Pilgrimage among men….”,
Hajj is the response to Alláh’s call, His invitation, to visit His house, at least once before we die. It is also the fulfilment of a promise that we all make. Every time we recite our kalima shahaada, and we say, …”wa hajjul bayt, manis tataw-‘a, ilayhi sabeelaa.” … It is part of our Declaration of Faith that we promise to perform Hajj as soon as we have the means to do so.
We then perform tawaaf, walking round the Kaaba, which was purified of idols by Prophet Muhammad, [sws] as soon as he returned to Makka from exile in Madinah. Praying at maqám Ibrahím, the Place of Prophet Abraham, alayhis salaam, and performing Sa-‘ai : we remember how his wife Hajar ran in search of water for her infant son, Ismail. This is how the well of Zamzam was found. To this day, for thousands of years, Zamzam has quenched the thirst of millions who visit the House of Alláh. Over thousands of years, it has never run dry. Later, we make our way to the great plain of ‘Arafát and spend the day of wuqoof in deep and passionate prayer, asking Alláh to forgive us our sins, just as he forgave Adam, alayhis salaam, in that very place, on Jabal Rahma, the Mount of Mercy: We seek atonement for our past sins, and await Alláh’s mercy. At Mina and Musdalifah, we throw stones at the Jamra’at. This is an outer expression of our inner resolve, to reject Satan and all that he stands for. The whole experience of Hajj is rich in symbolism and history. We are not mere spectators, but active participants in this prolonged act of worship.
When we do our daily prayers, it takes a few minutes of concentrated effort. When we perform Hajj, it takes at from 7 to 10 days to complete all the rituals associated with this great journey.
All the pilgrims spend the day of wuqoof praying and seeking Alláh’s Mercy. Many people who are not on Hajj, have been fasting for these last 3 days. Our fasting should be an act of solidarity and unity with the Muslim Ummah, not only seeking forgiveness for ourselves, but also to seek Alláh’s mercy and blessings for those who suffer hardship and distress everywhere.
“Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil ‘Aalameen. Was-salaatu was-salaamu alaa Khairil mursaleen. Muhammadin-nabeey-yil Ummiy-yee, wa-‘alaa aalihee, wasah-bihee, aj-ma’een.
All praise is due to Alláh, the Lord of all the Worlds; may the greetings and peace be upon the best messenger, Muhammad, the unlettered prophet; and upon his family and upon all of his companions.
Ammaa ba’ad:
Innalláha wa malaaikata yusallúna alan nabi. Yá ay yuhal latheena ámanu sallú alayhi wasalli mú tas leema.
Behold, Alláh and his angels shower blessings on the Prophet. O you who believe! Ask for blessings on him, and salute him with a worthy greeting.
Allahumma salli alá Muhammad, wa ala áli Muhammad, kama salayta ala Ibrahim, wa ala ali Ibrahim. Allahumma barik ala Muhammad, wa alaa áli Muhammad, kama barakta ala Ibrahim, wa ala ali ibrahim. Fil ála meen, innaka hameedun majeed.”
O Alláh! Send your greetings upon Muhammad and his family, just as you sent your greetings on Ibraheem, and his family. O Alláh, send you blessings on Muhammad and his family, just as you blessed Ibraheem and his family. In both worlds, you are praiseworthy and exalted."
Second Khutbah:
Sub' hanallahi wal hamdu lillah, wala hawla wala quwwata illah billah yu althi yual theem.
"All glory is for Allah, and all praise is for Allah; There is no power and no strength except with Allah."
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
What is the significance of Hajj? What does Hajj really mean to us, and how does Hajj affect our lives, and our destiny?
Hajj is both an outward and inward journey. It is an outward journey, from our homes and families and familiar things, to the centre of Islam; It is also an inward journey, to find our own centre. The outward journey to reach the Kaaba in Makka, helps us to meet our Muslim brothers and sisters, from around the world. It must also be our inward journey, to reach the Kaaba of our own heart and own soul. Here we need to reflect, to take stock of ourselves. Where have we come from, and where are we going? What have we done with our lives? How have we used the health, education, wealth and opportunities, which Alláh has provided for our benefit? We ask these questions at every level, but most importantly, on the spiritual level. Where have we come from, and where are we going?
The answer comes from deep within the innermost chambers of the heart, from within the deepest depths of the soul: In the words of the Holy Qur’an:
“Inna lilláhi wa inna ilayhir rájioon”.
“ From Alláh do we come, and to Him is our return”.
That is it! What could be simpler, more profound, more complete! Our origin is from Alláh, and our destiny is to return to Him. About that we have no choice. But, the big question is, how will we return? Will we return to him, eagerly, willingly, excited to meet with our Lord, or will we return kicking and screaming, our hearts filled with dread, heavy with guilt and remorse? Will we return in a manner that pleases Alláh, or displeases him? Here we do have a choice, a most important choice. And the wonderful news is that we still have time to make that choice, and to act on it.
Hajj is a journey of full of meaning and purpose. By wrapping ourselves in 2 sheets of plain white cloth, the Ihrám, we symbolically prepare ourselves for death; it is the only time that we will wrap ourselves, in our own Burial Shroud. When we die, someone else will do it for us. Here we remind ourselves of the fleeting nature of our life on earth; yet it is also an opportunity to put matters right, to make a fresh start; a chance for rebirth, and renewal. We can take a new look at ourselves, consider the direction of our lives, and if needed, we can still rearrange our priorities.
Hajj brings together some of the fundamental teachings of Islam. The concept of Tawhíd, the unity and oneness of Alláh, is visibly expressed here, in a most powerful way. We see the oneness of Alláh, through the oneness of those who worship Him. We see the essential unity that underpins the great diversity of Muslims. Every race, every language, every colour of the human species, is represented here. On Hajj, we are not merely passive witnesses and we are not like couch potatoes watching TV. We are an active part of the great Ummah of Islam.
We see and experience the true brotherhood of all believers. Before Hajj, we were used to praying and observing our Islamic duties in smaller groups. For example, prayer, saláh, is a duty we all must observe, on time, 5 times a day. When we are alone, we pray alone, but as soon as there is at least one other person, we are encouraged to pray together. If we are near a mosque, we are encouraged to go there, and join a larger group. Once a week, we attend Jum’a prayers, and twice a year, we join even larger groups for the ‘Eid prayers. Finally, we are obliged, at least once in our lives, to make the pilgrimage to Makka. Hence, Islam urges us to seek active association in ever widening circles. So, clearly, Islam is not a religion of the loner or the recluse. It fosters the idea of community, from gatherings of just 2 people at home, to over 2 million on Hajj.
Hajj is therefore an extremely important act of collective worship. Those who do not perform Hajj when they are capable of doing so, are considered to be no better than Jews or Christians. In an authentic Hadíth, Prophet Muhammad said, “Whosoever fails to complete his Hajj before his death, he dies as a Jew or a Christian.”
Despite our many different languages, races, cultures and social backgrounds, we Muslims are all one. While in ihram, we cannot see any distinction between rich and poor, high born or low born. The professor and student, the prince and the farmer, the businessman and window-cleaner, all wear the same 2 sheets of plain white cloth. In ihrám, there is no distinction between anyone. We see ourselves exactly as Alláh sees us. Stripped of all the outer pretensions, it is the inner person, the essential human being that we have to cultivate, strengthen and purify.
Hajj is a reminder of death. We are clothed in the same simple white cloth that will cover us on our final journey to the grave. Hajj is therefore an opportunity for new beginnings, for taking stock of our lives. It’s a wake up call. When the angel of death comes to return us to our maker, we will have no opportunity to delay, or to complete any unfinished business. Hajj is therefore an excellent time to start setting things right.
Throughout the rites of Tawáf, and Saai, the journey to Mina, Musdalifa and ‘Arafát, we seek Alláh’s mercy and forgiveness for our sins, and we rededicate ourselves to His service. If those prayers are sincere, if we honestly and truthfully turn away from our bad and shameful behaviour, and if we strive with great effort to seek Alláh’s pleasure, then the Hajj becomes a significant milestone in our lives. On Hajj we are able to reflect on our past deeds, from a distance, and consider our future direction. Hajj is not only the completion of an important Islamic duty. A true Hajji returns home with a solemn determination to steer his life in the direction that pleases Alláh. He no longer is a slave of his own vain desires, but a true Ambassador of Islam.
Someone we know may well be making their Hajj this year. We pray for their safety and good health, May Allah take good care of them on their journey to Makka, Madinah and all the Holy Places. May Alláh accept the Hajj of every pilgrim this year. and when they have completed their duties, may Allah return them all safely to their homes, Insha-Allah.
May Alláh Most Gracious, give us the same opportunity for a new start, like our two brothers Michael and Abdul Hadi, so that we, too, can have all our past sins forgiven? O Alláh, please invite each and every one of us here, to visit your House, and complete our Hajj, in the near future.
Ameen!
Aqeemus salaah!
“A-úthu billáhi minash shaytánir rajeem. Bismilláhir rahmánir raheem.
Al hamdu lillahi nahmaduhu wanasta’eenahu, wanastagh-firuhu, wanatoobu ilayhi, wana’oothu Billaahi min shuroori an-fusinaa, wamin sayyi aati a’maalinaa.
May- Yahdillahu fa huwal muhtad, wa may- yudlill falan tajidaa lahu waliyan murshida. Wa ash-hadu an Laa ilaaha ill-Alláh, wahdahoo laa shareeka lah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhoo warasooluh”
All Praise is due to Alláh, We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge in Him from our own evils and our own bad deeds.
Anyone who is guided by Alláh, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him.
I bear witness that there is no god but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad, peace and blessings upon him, is the servant, and messenger of Alláh.
My Respected Brothers and Sisters in Islám,
Last Friday young Michael proclaimed his Shahaadah in this hall. A few weeks before that, a big man with a big heart, from New Zealand, Abdul Hadi, also joined the family of Islám. We are all privileged to witness these happy events. These two brothers are right now two of the most fortunate human beings on earth. Alláh has knocked on their hearts and invited them to Islám. By accepting Alláh’s invitation, they have wiped their slates clean. Every sin has been forgiven, and they are as innocent as the day they were born! What would anyone give to be in that position! To be reborn without a stain on your record! This, indeed, is what happens when you accept Islám. It also happens when you perform the Hajj, properly and sincerely, and Alláh accepts your pilgrimage.
At this very moment, while we welcome 2 new brothers into the Ummah, over 2 million Muslims from the far corners of the earth have converged on the holy city of Makka, to perform the 5th and final pillar of their faith. Hajj, the Holy Pilgrimage, is the most conspicuous visual expression of that worldwide family of Islám, the Ummah.
The Holy Qur’án says, in Súra Al Hajj: [ch22:v27:]
“Wa ath-thin fin-naasi bil-haj; Ya’ tooka rijaala[n]w wa ‘alaa kulli dhaamiri[n] ya’teena min kulli fajjin ‘ameeq.”
“ And proclaim the pilgrimage among men, they will come to you on foot and [mounted] on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways…”
These words were revealed to Prophet Abraham, when he and his son Ismail had built the first Ka’ba in a barren valley in Makka.
In Sura Al-Imrán, 3:97- we read:
“…Wa lillaahi ‘alan-naasi hijjul baiti manis tataw’a ilayhi sabeelaa. Waman kafara fa innallaaha ghaneeyun ‘anil ‘aalameen.”
“…. Pilgrimage is a duty men owe to Alláh; those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of his creatures.”
All Muslims, who have the means to do so, physically and financially, must do the pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime. It is a duty, but not merely a duty. It is an integral part of being Muslim.
For a few precious days we participate in one of the greatest annual events in human history. We complete the rituals whose origins go way back beyond the time of Prophet Muhammad, sws, to the time of Prophet Abraham alyhis salaam, and even further back to the time of Prophet Adam, alayhis salaam. During these momentous days, pilgrims remove their normal clothing, removing all outer signs of nationality, signs of wealth and social status, and everyone wears the same simple sheets of white cloth, the ihrám. From the starting point or méqát, they chant those deeply stirring words, “labbaik, Allahumma labbaik, labbaik, Here I am, O Alláh, Here I am!”
“Labbaik, Alláh, shareeka laka labbaik, Innal hamda, wan-neya’mata laka wal Mulk!”
“Here I am, O Alláh, here I am. All thanks is due to You, You our Provider and our Sovereign King.”
They are answering the call of Alláh. They are answering the first call of Prophet Abraham we referred to earlier, “Wa aththin fin-naasi bil Hajj…” “And proclaim the Pilgrimage among men….”,
Hajj is the response to Alláh’s call, His invitation, to visit His house, at least once before we die. It is also the fulfilment of a promise that we all make. Every time we recite our kalima shahaada, and we say, …”wa hajjul bayt, manis tataw-‘a, ilayhi sabeelaa.” … It is part of our Declaration of Faith that we promise to perform Hajj as soon as we have the means to do so.
We then perform tawaaf, walking round the Kaaba, which was purified of idols by Prophet Muhammad, [sws] as soon as he returned to Makka from exile in Madinah. Praying at maqám Ibrahím, the Place of Prophet Abraham, alayhis salaam, and performing Sa-‘ai : we remember how his wife Hajar ran in search of water for her infant son, Ismail. This is how the well of Zamzam was found. To this day, for thousands of years, Zamzam has quenched the thirst of millions who visit the House of Alláh. Over thousands of years, it has never run dry. Later, we make our way to the great plain of ‘Arafát and spend the day of wuqoof in deep and passionate prayer, asking Alláh to forgive us our sins, just as he forgave Adam, alayhis salaam, in that very place, on Jabal Rahma, the Mount of Mercy: We seek atonement for our past sins, and await Alláh’s mercy. At Mina and Musdalifah, we throw stones at the Jamra’at. This is an outer expression of our inner resolve, to reject Satan and all that he stands for. The whole experience of Hajj is rich in symbolism and history. We are not mere spectators, but active participants in this prolonged act of worship.
When we do our daily prayers, it takes a few minutes of concentrated effort. When we perform Hajj, it takes at from 7 to 10 days to complete all the rituals associated with this great journey.
All the pilgrims spend the day of wuqoof praying and seeking Alláh’s Mercy. Many people who are not on Hajj, have been fasting for these last 3 days. Our fasting should be an act of solidarity and unity with the Muslim Ummah, not only seeking forgiveness for ourselves, but also to seek Alláh’s mercy and blessings for those who suffer hardship and distress everywhere.
“Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil ‘Aalameen. Was-salaatu was-salaamu alaa Khairil mursaleen. Muhammadin-nabeey-yil Ummiy-yee, wa-‘alaa aalihee, wasah-bihee, aj-ma’een.
All praise is due to Alláh, the Lord of all the Worlds; may the greetings and peace be upon the best messenger, Muhammad, the unlettered prophet; and upon his family and upon all of his companions.
Ammaa ba’ad:
Innalláha wa malaaikata yusallúna alan nabi. Yá ay yuhal latheena ámanu sallú alayhi wasalli mú tas leema.
Behold, Alláh and his angels shower blessings on the Prophet. O you who believe! Ask for blessings on him, and salute him with a worthy greeting.
Allahumma salli alá Muhammad, wa ala áli Muhammad, kama salayta ala Ibrahim, wa ala ali Ibrahim. Allahumma barik ala Muhammad, wa alaa áli Muhammad, kama barakta ala Ibrahim, wa ala ali ibrahim. Fil ála meen, innaka hameedun majeed.”
O Alláh! Send your greetings upon Muhammad and his family, just as you sent your greetings on Ibraheem, and his family. O Alláh, send you blessings on Muhammad and his family, just as you blessed Ibraheem and his family. In both worlds, you are praiseworthy and exalted."
Second Khutbah:
Sub' hanallahi wal hamdu lillah, wala hawla wala quwwata illah billah yu althi yual theem.
"All glory is for Allah, and all praise is for Allah; There is no power and no strength except with Allah."
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
What is the significance of Hajj? What does Hajj really mean to us, and how does Hajj affect our lives, and our destiny?
Hajj is both an outward and inward journey. It is an outward journey, from our homes and families and familiar things, to the centre of Islam; It is also an inward journey, to find our own centre. The outward journey to reach the Kaaba in Makka, helps us to meet our Muslim brothers and sisters, from around the world. It must also be our inward journey, to reach the Kaaba of our own heart and own soul. Here we need to reflect, to take stock of ourselves. Where have we come from, and where are we going? What have we done with our lives? How have we used the health, education, wealth and opportunities, which Alláh has provided for our benefit? We ask these questions at every level, but most importantly, on the spiritual level. Where have we come from, and where are we going?
The answer comes from deep within the innermost chambers of the heart, from within the deepest depths of the soul: In the words of the Holy Qur’an:
“Inna lilláhi wa inna ilayhir rájioon”.
“ From Alláh do we come, and to Him is our return”.
That is it! What could be simpler, more profound, more complete! Our origin is from Alláh, and our destiny is to return to Him. About that we have no choice. But, the big question is, how will we return? Will we return to him, eagerly, willingly, excited to meet with our Lord, or will we return kicking and screaming, our hearts filled with dread, heavy with guilt and remorse? Will we return in a manner that pleases Alláh, or displeases him? Here we do have a choice, a most important choice. And the wonderful news is that we still have time to make that choice, and to act on it.
Hajj is a journey of full of meaning and purpose. By wrapping ourselves in 2 sheets of plain white cloth, the Ihrám, we symbolically prepare ourselves for death; it is the only time that we will wrap ourselves, in our own Burial Shroud. When we die, someone else will do it for us. Here we remind ourselves of the fleeting nature of our life on earth; yet it is also an opportunity to put matters right, to make a fresh start; a chance for rebirth, and renewal. We can take a new look at ourselves, consider the direction of our lives, and if needed, we can still rearrange our priorities.
Hajj brings together some of the fundamental teachings of Islam. The concept of Tawhíd, the unity and oneness of Alláh, is visibly expressed here, in a most powerful way. We see the oneness of Alláh, through the oneness of those who worship Him. We see the essential unity that underpins the great diversity of Muslims. Every race, every language, every colour of the human species, is represented here. On Hajj, we are not merely passive witnesses and we are not like couch potatoes watching TV. We are an active part of the great Ummah of Islam.
We see and experience the true brotherhood of all believers. Before Hajj, we were used to praying and observing our Islamic duties in smaller groups. For example, prayer, saláh, is a duty we all must observe, on time, 5 times a day. When we are alone, we pray alone, but as soon as there is at least one other person, we are encouraged to pray together. If we are near a mosque, we are encouraged to go there, and join a larger group. Once a week, we attend Jum’a prayers, and twice a year, we join even larger groups for the ‘Eid prayers. Finally, we are obliged, at least once in our lives, to make the pilgrimage to Makka. Hence, Islam urges us to seek active association in ever widening circles. So, clearly, Islam is not a religion of the loner or the recluse. It fosters the idea of community, from gatherings of just 2 people at home, to over 2 million on Hajj.
Hajj is therefore an extremely important act of collective worship. Those who do not perform Hajj when they are capable of doing so, are considered to be no better than Jews or Christians. In an authentic Hadíth, Prophet Muhammad said, “Whosoever fails to complete his Hajj before his death, he dies as a Jew or a Christian.”
Despite our many different languages, races, cultures and social backgrounds, we Muslims are all one. While in ihram, we cannot see any distinction between rich and poor, high born or low born. The professor and student, the prince and the farmer, the businessman and window-cleaner, all wear the same 2 sheets of plain white cloth. In ihrám, there is no distinction between anyone. We see ourselves exactly as Alláh sees us. Stripped of all the outer pretensions, it is the inner person, the essential human being that we have to cultivate, strengthen and purify.
Hajj is a reminder of death. We are clothed in the same simple white cloth that will cover us on our final journey to the grave. Hajj is therefore an opportunity for new beginnings, for taking stock of our lives. It’s a wake up call. When the angel of death comes to return us to our maker, we will have no opportunity to delay, or to complete any unfinished business. Hajj is therefore an excellent time to start setting things right.
Throughout the rites of Tawáf, and Saai, the journey to Mina, Musdalifa and ‘Arafát, we seek Alláh’s mercy and forgiveness for our sins, and we rededicate ourselves to His service. If those prayers are sincere, if we honestly and truthfully turn away from our bad and shameful behaviour, and if we strive with great effort to seek Alláh’s pleasure, then the Hajj becomes a significant milestone in our lives. On Hajj we are able to reflect on our past deeds, from a distance, and consider our future direction. Hajj is not only the completion of an important Islamic duty. A true Hajji returns home with a solemn determination to steer his life in the direction that pleases Alláh. He no longer is a slave of his own vain desires, but a true Ambassador of Islam.
Someone we know may well be making their Hajj this year. We pray for their safety and good health, May Allah take good care of them on their journey to Makka, Madinah and all the Holy Places. May Alláh accept the Hajj of every pilgrim this year. and when they have completed their duties, may Allah return them all safely to their homes, Insha-Allah.
May Alláh Most Gracious, give us the same opportunity for a new start, like our two brothers Michael and Abdul Hadi, so that we, too, can have all our past sins forgiven? O Alláh, please invite each and every one of us here, to visit your House, and complete our Hajj, in the near future.
Ameen!
Aqeemus salaah!
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