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Hajj: Beyond Borders and Boundaries
1
by Nabeelah Niaz
1. Renew your intention as if you are preparing for Hajj
- Intend to seek forgiveness from Allah (swt)
- Intend to forgive others and let go of any grudges
- Intend to draw closer to Allah (swt)
- Intend to make sincere, positive change, no matter how small
2. Strive in the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah
These are the very days in which Hajj takes place, the most blessed days of the entire year,
greater than the days of Ramadan. The Prophet (pbuh) said:
“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these
ten days.”
During these blessed days strive to do good:
- Increase in the remembrance of Allah (swt): SubḥānAllāh, Alḥamdulillāh, Allāhu Akbar
- Increase in charity: a sadaqah, a smile, or a small silent duʿā
- Increase in worship similar to the last ten nights of Ramadan
- Increase in fasting during the first nine days or if you struggle fast on the Day of Arafah
It is narrated that fasting on this day is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year and the
following year.
Fill your days with presence, connection and certainty of Allah’s mercy.
3. Focus on the day of Arafah
This is the best day of the year, don’t miss out on the opportunities this day brings. It was
reported Allah's Messenger said: There is no day when God sets free more servants from Hell than the Day of ‘Arafah. He
draws near, then praises them to the angels, saying: What do these want?
Make every minute of this day count as if you are present amongst the pilgrims. Remember that
Allah (swt) is our Creator, the One we turn too. The One who has blessed us with so much. The
best supplication narrated on this day is the following: Lā ilāha illallāh, waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu, wa huwa `alā kulli shai’in
qadīr.
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, Alone, without partner, to Him belongs all that
exists, and to Him belongs the Praise, and He is powerful over all things.
Ask Allah with certainty and remember to pray for all of our brothers and sisters around the
world.
4. Reflect and Sacrifice
- As you complete your sacrifice, recall the story of Ibrahim (pbuh). Think about which
desire or bad habit you are willing to let go of and how you will achieve this
- Read and reflect on the last sermon of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), a lesson for all of
mankind
- Listen to the sermon of Hajj, it will be available online in multiple languages
Remember the connection to the Divine goes beyond borders and boundaries: It’s not limited to
geography.
As the pilgrims recite “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk,” we too can affirm that we are
present, at His service from our homes, within our hearts and through our actions.
I pray that Allah (swt) forgives us, has mercy on us and includes us amongst those that will be
freed from the fire, āmīn.
If you plan to travel to Hajj or Umrah, my book is available to buy from the Ta-Ha website. It also
makes a thoughtful gift for family or friends embarking on this sacred journey. A heartfelt thank you to all those who helped bring this book to life: a vision that began on the carpets of Makkah and Madinah.
nabeelahniaz
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