By Umm Ameen

Alhamdulillah (praise be to God) my husband and I were blessed with the opportunity to perform Hajj in 2014.  Deciding to go to Hajj was one of the most difficult decisions I ever had to make since becoming a mother. As a homeschooler and protective mother who is a firm believer in attachment parenting, family and friends were shocked when I shared our Hajj plans. A dear, genuinely concerned friend asked, “How do you expect to leave your baby for so long during Hajj when you couldn’t even leave her with me for three minutes without worrying so much?” My response: “When I left her with you to quickly run to my car, I wasn’t leaving her for the sake of Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He).” As I uttered these words, I shook inside with gratitude toward Allah for guiding me to that realization at that specific moment. Another friend encouragingly reminded me that I am going for my children and was not depriving them in any way. Now that I’ve returned from the amazing journey, I realize that performing Hajj while leaving my little children at home was the best thing I’ve ever done for them. Please pray that Allah (swt) accepts my Hajj and invites me again and again.

I’d like to share some ideas that helped my children before and during my journey. I pray that these ideas will inspire, encourage, and give hope to other mothers contemplating Hajj insha’Allah (God willing).

1. Make du`a’, du`a’, and more du`a’ (supplication) for your children and for Allah to make the separation easy on them and you. Since the inception of our Hajj plans (at least 8 months before Hajj 2014), I started asking Allah (swt) to guide me towards making a decision that was the most pleasing to Him and the best for my deen (religion), dunya (worldly life), and akhirah (hereafter). I performed istikharah (a specific prayer and supplication asking God for guidance) and immediately saw events unfolding in favor of me going for Hajj. I continued to make du`a’ (supplication) imploring Allah to take care of my children in my absence and admitted that it was He, not me, who has been the one taking care of them even in my presence since before their conception! During Hajj, I undoubtedly missed my children tremendously. I made it a point to make du`a’ for them every single time I thought of them. Alhamdulillah, I have no regrets there. May Allah accept all those prayers!

2. Break the news to your children gently in an easy way for them to understand. I decided to hold off on any Hajj related discussions with the children until after Ramadan 2014. One night, as I was tucking them into bed, it just felt like an appropriate time to break the news. The words naturally rolled off my tongue, and alhamdulillah Allah made it easy for me wherein I didn’t cry or express any hesitation whilst talking to my older two. I remember sharing something like, “You know that no matter how much I love reading to you and playing with you, when it’s time for salah (prayer) I drop everything and pray, right? Allah is above everything, and our duty towards Him comes first. Just like salah is a pillar of Islam, so is Hajj. Did you know that this year Allah has invited Mamma and Baba to perform Hajj? Do you know what that means? It means that insha’Allah Baba and I will be going to Makkah for a few days. Hajj is too difficult for children and it’s not safe for me to take the baby so alhamdulillah we’re so lucky that Nanna and Abba will be staying here with you. Isn’t that exciting? It’s going to be so much fun for you! Baba and I are going to make lots and lots of du`a’ for you while we’re there insha’Allah. Do you have any special du`a’ that you want me to make on your behalf?” The children took the news very well alhamdulillah; coincidentally, they even attended a children’s Hajj Simulation at a local mosque the day we departed on our journey.

3. Plan countdown surprises and notes to keep them feeling loved, reassured, and entertained. Our trip was a total of seventeen days. For each day, I had a little gift bag for my children to open. I numbered each gift bag and hung them high on a wall from 17 to 1. This line of gift bags served as a countdown for Mamma and Baba to return. The gift bags contained little items that I carefully chose knowing that they would make the children happy: yo-yos, fancy pencils, whistles, magnifying glasses, bouncing balls, etc. My husband and I also wrote little notes in each bag addressing our children. One note read: “Dear Bhaijaan and Didi, We are so lucky to have you in our lives. Please give your baby sister a hug and kiss from us and play ‘catch, catch, catch’ with her today.” I was told that the children enthusiastically awoke every morning begging an adult to bring down their gift bag. Alhamdulillah.

4. Record videos of yourself for your kids. My husband and I recorded ourselves reading aloud our children’s favorite books. We must have had a total of four to five hours of reading their all-time favorite picture and chapter books. We recorded these videos using our webcams and spent about thirty minutes each night after the children went to bed. During our read aloud sessions, we would pause and “talk” directly to our children commenting, questioning, or reflecting upon the happenings in the book. For example, when a character screamed, “I am all alone!”, I paused and told my children to remember that no matter what, they will never be all alone because Allah (swt) is always with them. Recording these books was a very powerful experience for me and sometimes brought tears to my eyes. I had to re-do my one year old’s favorite book three times since I cried every time I tried to record myself reading to her. Alhamdulillah my children absolutely loved watching the videos, and it was great “baby sitting” for the grandparents when they needed a break. My children still view the videos and thoroughly enjoy them when I’m out running errands, busy with the baby, or performing other household chores. I recently played a recorded book while I busily worked around the house. I grinned from ear to ear upon hearing my daughter responding out loud to the questions that I had posed while my son gently reminded her that “Mamma can’t hear you when she’s in that video.” These videos were a lifetime investment, alhamdulillah, and I totally recommend them to everyone.

5. Buy and wrap `Eid gifts to make their `Eid fun and joyful. I couldn’t imagine my children spending `Eid without their parents, but of course they had a blast with their grandparents and their favorite uncle. Prior to leaving, I bought them special `Eid gifts and wrapped them. My mom surprised them with the gifts on `Eid day and sent me pictures. My family and friends also generously showered the children with gifts.

6. Organize play dates with friends in advance. Alhamdulillah I’m blessed with a beautiful community filled with friends who are eager to please Allah (swt). I requested my trusted friends to take my older two for a few hours every day. The children went on field trips, carnivals, Qur’an class, friends’ homes, etc. They had so much fun every day masha’Allah to the point where I was convinced that I surely missed them way more than they missed me. Alhamdulillah this also gave my parents more time to focus on the toddler who stayed in their warm and loving care 24/7.

7. Have extra toys in case all else fails. I ordered some educational toys and hid them in the garage. My mom knew where they were and would use them as needed. I think she introduced a new toy/activity every four or five days.

8. Make a calendar for the kids to keep them excited and informed. I replicated a calendar on a poster and listed all the dates and days of the week that we’d be gone for. Under each day, I wrote the special activity that the children would be involved in on that day. Entries such as Sky Zone with Mamu, Zoo Day, Play date with Abdur Rahman, Sports Class, Mamma and Baba Return, etc. kept the children excited and informed.

Alhamdulillah I am so grateful to Allah (swt) for inviting me to Hajj and making it so easy. Reflecting back, I was definitely more nervous and anxious than needed. My children were not affected negatively in any way at all and our relationship only grew stronger. The du`a’ that I made for them during Hajj are priceless and made it totally worth leaving them. I had initially contemplated going when the children were much older and independent. However, I now honestly and confidently recommend going as early as possible during your youth so that you can make du`a’ for your children now, and they can start reaping the benefits of the special heartfelt prayers that YOU, their loving mother, made for them when you first saw the Ka`bah, or when you were standing on Arafat, or while gazing at the stars in Muzdalifah. Imagine the power of those du`a’! The du`a’ of a mother who sacrificed so much, put her Lord before her children, and chose to accept His invitation to perform Hajj. I also constantly reminded myself that I may not live another year for another chance. Hajj is something I had to do, not just for my children, but for myself. May Allah accept and invite me again and again.

If you have any additional ideas, please share!

Link to Website: http://alrihlah.org/

Link to LaunchGood: https://www.launchgood.com/projects/project_detail/al-rihlah.html

Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1dPP2uDgn0

Our Story

Me: Omar, now that you’ve graduated from college and are working now, what do you want to do?

Omar: I think it’s time we perform Hajj, bro. But let’s do it a little differently.

Me: What do you have in mind?

My brother, Omar, and I often look back at the conversation we had in the summer of 2013 and smile, shaking our heads in disbelief. Our daydreams led us to conversations that went on late into the night, which led to sketching cross-country maps from various parts of the Earth, which then somehow led to the formation of a team whose sole intention and goal is to perform the sacred ritual of Hajj in a very unique way…

The Adventure of a Lifetime

Al-Rihlah is a project that was inspired by the stories of people in the past traveling to the holy city of Mecca to perform the sacred ritual of Hajj. We are a group of young American Muslims who wish to perform Hajj by riding our bicycles from Rome, Italy to Mecca.

Due to the modern forms of transportation and luxuries we enjoy today, we feel that a big part of the Hajj experience is missing. We hope to revive the traditions of the past by embarking on this physically challenging and spiritually rejuvenating voyage. Plus, young people are always looking for an adventure!

The Plan

God willing, in July 2015 we will set out on our 60 day trip from Rome and cycle over 3,000 miles to the holy city of Jerusalem. From there, we will put on our ritual garments and travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj. In between we will cross various countries. It is our hope to regularly share our experiences throughout the ride through blog entries, photography, video, etc. to inspire the Muslim Ummah (community) to do amazing things in their lives.

Our bicycles will act as our horses as we prepare for the many challenges Mother Nature has to offer. As it has been done in the past, we will be carrying our luggage and equipment on our backs, relying on the resources God has provided us on Earth to sustain ourselves as well as the assistance of people we meet along the way.

Meet the Team

Click on the images below to learn more about the team behind Al-Rihla:

Our Goals

We hope to accomplish two simple things by embarking on this journey:

1. To cause a reform in the way Hajj is performed, one that allows more spiritual preparation through contemplating the majesty of Allah’s creation and meeting new people on this journey.
2. To do something, with the support of our community, to inspire the Muslim Ummah that when we work together we achieve amazing things.

Connect With Us!

As we prepare for our epic trip we hope for your prayers, words of advice & encouragement, and spreading of the word. The following are ways you can help us achieve our dream:

• Al-Rihlah is currently running an online crowd-sourcing campaign to help fund it.  Information about the project, and how to support, can be found at https://www.launchgood.com/projects/project_detail/al-rihlah
• Use the social media sharing tools under our video to spread the word!
• Stay up to date on our journey by liking us on Facebook and following on Twitter.
• Join our emailing list and visit our website at  www.alrihlah.org.
• Tweet, message, or email us your words of encouragement and support. It’s going to be a tough ride!

By Shakeel Syed

Over the last 30 years, I have worked on many different social justice issues as a central passion in my life. This call to work for social justice is deeply rooted in my faith as a Muslim, and it is this call I have tried to serve since 2005 as the executive director of the Shura Council of Southern California, which is an umbrella association of Mosques and Muslim organizations serving Muslims living in Southern California and society at large.

For more than a millennium, my faith has taught that “when you see a wrong, right it.”

This mandate is without an option for neutrality, let alone apathy.  The choices to right the wrong includes, “action,” “speech” or “empathy,” in that order. Action is considered to be the strongest demonstration of faith while empathy, though admirable is considered as the weakest expression of the faithful.  A central part of our history as Muslims is the migration of the Prophet Muhammad, where he was forced to leave his home and family to seek freedom, justice and peace for all. These teachings, urging me to right wrongs with action and to seek peace by leaving behind home and homeland give me incredible peace as a Muslim.

Central to this call to work for social justice has been my own journey as an immigrant to the United States. I came from India in 1985 and ever since, by watching the journeys of my friends and family members, and through my work in the interfaith community, I have seen the ways that our current immigration system tears families apart. This is especially true for the 11 million aspiring Americans living in this country whose status is uncertain –people of diverse national origin and religious backgrounds, who are often exploited by corporations and often the law with very little if any recourse. They are hardworking people who are forced to live in constant fear of being separated from their families.

For almost two decades, our nation’s indifference toward these undocumented Americans who are freely exploited from the valleys of California to the shores of Maine has left me agitated, unable to be at peace. During these last 20 years, the poor and those without legal status have become poorer and more powerless while the rich have become richer and more indifferent. I saw this wrong; I struggled with how to right it. Peace eluded me. Indeed I have also seen how the policies of this countries broken immigration system have also affected the Muslim community unfairly, as was recently revealed in an ACLU report which exposed the previously unknown national security program known as the “Controlled Application Review and Resolution Program,” where the government purposely and illegally excludes many applicants from Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim and South Asian communities from these opportunities by delaying and denying their applications without authority.

My agitation as a naturalized United States citizen and as a person of faith, I believe now morally binds me to the more than 11 million mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons of myriad faiths and diverse traditions who are aspiring Americans and all those who suffer from unjust immigration policies. Following the legacy and example of the Prophet Muhammad, I decided that I too must become a Pilgrim for the sake of freedom I decided to join the Pilgrimage for a Pathway to Citizenship and walk 111 miles in solidarity with and dignity for the 11 million aspiring Americans yearning for full citizenship and enfranchisement in our great nation.

I walked with my fellow Pilgrims, learned their stories, and shared mine with them.  We are all immigrants, all Americans. Together, we walked, prayed and broke bread. We sang and sometimes, we wept. But for the 10 days on the Pilgrim for a Pathway to Citizenship, rain or shine, we walked as one—walking for respect and dignity, demanding equality and fair treatment.

Walking is prophetic. On this journey it was my prayer, that we walked in the tradition of Moses who walked out of Pharaoh’s land to free the oppressed. We will walk in the tradition of Jesus who walked to Jerusalem and protested oppressors. And, I will also walk in the tradition of Muhammad who walked from his birthplace to a city afar, for a better tomorrow of his people.

Hajji [‘haj-jee] (col.) noun  1. someone who performs the act of Hajj (Pilgrimage). 2. a title given to someone who survived Hajj

Introduction

Welcome, prospective Hajji, to a unique journey. This journey is an invitation from your Lord to visit His House and engage in one of the most illustrious acts of worship. He picked you out of millions of people to travel across the world and ask for forgiveness in the best place on Earth. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to work on making your Hajj accepted by Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala (exalted is He). This means that you fulfill all the requirements and avoid all the actions that nullify Hajj such that you come back home purified from all sins.

You’ve heard it before: Hajj is a beautiful journey.  But this journey is a struggle. It is said the greatest physical struggle for a woman is to complete Hajj. Like any journey, being prepared in advance will help to maximize the experience and to deal with challenges. I compiled advice from different friends and experienced hajj veterans to help future Hajjis prepare physically, mentally and spiritually.

Hajj stories are very diverse—some have scary stories (don’t ask too much about the bathroom situation) while others have some hilarious moments or a few depressing encounters.  Understand that every Hajj experience is different but the goal is the same. Please keep in mind that you will get advice from different people who have different goals and values. Take what you feel matches your own values. For instance: I like to prepare for things as much as I can in advance—therefore I will buy all the things I need in the U.S. instead of hunting down things last minute in Makkah/Madina. I also dislike waste and like to economize—so I prefer taking a few used items from family/friends instead of buying everything new. I also like to give away non-essential items to needy people in Mina. I prefer to use natural medicines before going to regular meds, however I made an exception during Hajj in order to minimize risks and because Hajj requires a lot of energy.

Overall, a balanced approach and positive attitude will be your best friends during this trip. The ingredients of a successful Hajj are preparation before the journey, extra patience during the trip, and sincere effort towards improving yourself after the journey.  As you keep the following steps in mind, remember to continuously ask Allah (swt) to help you in the journey.  He can make the difficult easy and without His help we are lost.

Step 1: Physical Prep

1. Get in shape. You will walk, walk and walk some more. Some people recommend walking regularly in the weeks before Hajj to build endurance.
2. Boost your immunity. Travelling from the U.S. takes a huge toll: long plane rides, layovers, and a wait anywhere from 2 – 12hrs at the Jeddah airport. So indulge in fruits and veggies while in the U.S., especially those rich in antioxidants. Stay away from sick people as best as you can during the trip. One friend started taking a teaspoon of honey regularly in her tea. A few people wore a surgeon’s mask throughout the trip. Although it may seem mean, don’t share your water bottles or share prayer mats. You might still get sick, but take whatever precautions you can.
3. Pace yourself upon arrival. Try to balance between resting and making the most of your time in Makkah and Madina. You don’t want to wear yourself out before going to Mina, but at the same time you want to earn good deeds in the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah.
4. Preventive care. Take medicine as soon as you feel sick, but avoid taking antibiotics unless or until you have been diagnosed with a bacterial infection. Ricola cough drops are excellent. It is a good idea to take several packs because people will ask you for some. Everyone gets the ‘Hajj cough’. Use lemon, honey, orange juice, etc. Take Vitamin C supplements regularly during the trip—don’t wait till you get sick to start this!
5. Gather your supplies. Make a list before travelling so that you don’t forget anything. Make a specific list for the days of Hajj before you leave for Mina (i.e. stuff you will pack in your backpack)
6. Take your ‘worship tools’ to use during the waiting time. A lot of times people find themselves without anything to do during the long stretches. Come prepared with a Qur`an, seerah (biography of the Prophet ﷺ, peace be upon him) book, or dhikr (remembrance/prayer) beads.
7. Write down a few du`a (supplications) for yourself that you can memorize or repeat frequently. Sometimes you will be too tired to remember so keep a small notebook on hand. Also, you can write down some notes or reflections that will help preserve the experience. 
8. Stay energized. You need to keep hydrated—drink Zamzam (water from the well of Zamzam in Mecca) but also take snacks and energy bars. Some programs do not serve lunch so healthy snacks will help hold you till dinner. If you don’t like the food at the hotel, don’t complain. There are plenty of places to eat at the malls and hotels. Avoid anything that doesn’t seem clean and anything that you know makes your stomach upset.

Step 2: Mental Prep

1. Know the requirements of performing Hajj. You don’t want to waste this trip by missing something important. Attend the workshops in your area and/or read a book. Then review the information before you get to Mina. As a first time Hajji it’s natural to be unfamiliar with the rites, so ask scholars in the group.
2. Know what to expect and set the expectations. Hajj is the journey of a lifetime; but at the same time you might face things that are upsetting. Sadly, I encountered a lot of trash and garbage thrown all over the place in Mina. The bathroom situation is another story. Expect squatter toilets and learn to use them. If used correctly it can be sanitary and easier to use then regular toilets.
3. Strategize. A few tricks will help you maximize your time. For example, when going to pray at the rawdah in the Prophet’s masjid there are designated times for women. Head towards the rawdah area towards the end of the time allotted and try to be in the last group praying. You won’t feel as hassled because there is nobody coming behind you. Also, there are air-conditioned areas in the Haram (area around the Ka`bah) in Makkah on the first and second floor (enter through King Fahd entrance and stay on the left). Plan on praying/sitting there during the hottest part of the day. Since the time between Maghrib (post-sunset prayer) and `Isha (night prayer) is short, it’s a good idea to stay at the Haram between those prayers. That way you won’t struggle for a spot inside. One local student gave us this awesome tip: Make sa’i (the walk between the hills of Safa and Marwa) on the 4th floor roof extension area, which is usually empty and has a wonderful view during Fajr (pre-dawn prayer) time.
4. Don’t be cheap. You will see a lot of the poor and the elderly.  Help them as much as you can and be generous. Don’t haggle with store keepers over small amounts. At the same time be cautious of theft and being ripped off by taxi drivers. As in any big city there are opportunists, so be cautious of your money and personal items. Keep your shoes in a plastic bag with you at all times. Side point: don’t take a camera or camera phone into the Prophet’s masjid (for women, there are female guards who will frisk you before letting you in).
5. Get in the right mindset by surrendering yourself to Allah (swt). You are going on Hajj, which is not a vacation in a 4 star hotel. You will be tested in different ways so remind yourself to be patient and not to complain. You are invited as Allah’s guests so use the correct manners that a guest should have. As a bonus, try to catch yourself before reacting negatively to a test by acknowledging that that what is making you upset is the test.
6. Remember why you are here: to complete Hajj and go back home. You are not here to change the Saudi government or fix the ignorance of the ummah (community). You are not here to argue with different people about who is right and wrong. You might need to develop a mantra or phrase to remind yourself. A few people would remind themselves saying, “La jidaal,” or “No arguing,” if they started to get annoyed with a spouse, family member, or random uncle in the group.
7. Don’t compare your group to other groups. It’s very easy to get caught up in what other people ate or what their tents were like. Avoid going down that road and remind yourself that everyone’s test will be different and no one has a problem-free Hajj. Focus on yourself, make incessant talbiyah [Labbayk Allahuma labbayk—I respond to Your call O Allah, I respond to Your call], and embody your submission to Allah (swt).
8. Minimize the distractions. This is one of the biggest struggles. There is a lot going on and sometimes it will be hard to focus. Try to set goals for yourself before the trip so you know what to work on. I saw many people complete the Qur`an in a few short weeks. Plan on getting to the Haram extra early if you want to pray inside.
9. Avoid getting into debates about different opinions and madhabs (schools of thought). Decide on what you are going to follow beforehand and don’t get confused when people tell you that your Hajj won’t be accepted. People find themselves waiting a lot and start to discuss these issues that end up creating confusion or hostility. Follow your group leader who is experienced and let others follow their leaders.
10. Stick together and find an experienced person to follow. This may seem obvious but a buddy system will help prevent you from getting lost. An experienced Hajji is full of tips and will make some of the rites easier to perform (such as the best time to throw stones and which area is easier to start from).
11. Keep calm with your roommates and carry on. If you are sharing a room with other people in Makkah or Madina take some earplugs or eye covers to help you get rest.  You might be paired with a roommate that can be a test for you—just try to take things in stride and avoid getting upset or frustrated with the person. If you are annoyed, try to do nice things for the person and make du`a’ for that person and yourself.
12. Use the full day of Arafah for worship—not just the time after Asr (late afternoon prayer). Many people fall into this trap and spend time sitting, eating and talking on the most important day of Hajj and only start making du`a’ after `Asr. Separate yourself from people and focus on seeking forgiveness. The Prophet ﷺ  used to make du`a’ the entire day and intensified the supplication after `Asr. The same thing applies after Arafah when people revert to their old habits and lose focus while they are still on Hajj! Continue to keep yourself busy with reading, remembrance, and extra worship. Side point: plan to avoid the bathrooms at Muzdalifah.  Eat/drink accordingly and use the bathrooms in Arafah before getting on the bus to Muzdalifah.
13. An experienced Hajji advised: “Treat tawaf (walking 7 times around the Ka`bah) like prayer and strive for khushoo’ [concentration].” The virtue of tawaf is well known: it is recommended to perform tawaf in the Haram before praying 2 rakahs (units of prayer) as the ‘greeting’ of the masjid! One idea is to pick different du`a’ or prayers for each round, or to pick the first round for seeking forgiveness, the second round for making du`a’ for the community, etc. Performing tawaf can be a struggle given all the distractions. Try to avoid congested areas and the 2^nd floor wheelchair drivers (who go fast and end up hitting peoples’ ankles).  One recommendation is to avoid the first and second floor and only make tawaf and sa’i on the relatively un-crowded rooftop.
14. Ask Allah for help. This advice was given by an elderly woman sitting in the Prophet’s ﷺ masjid. She said to always start your actions by asking Allah (swt) to help you. Allah (swt) can make anything happen—all we need to do is ask.

Step 3: Spiritual Prep

This important aspect tends to be ignored since many people focus on the external actions of Hajj and then focus on trying to survive the trip. If you make this a priority ahead of time by taking a few steps to prepare then the struggle can be spiritually uplifting and rewarding.

1. Read the Inner Dimensions of Hajj notes based on a lecture by Shaykh Mokthar Maghraoui ahead of time to get in the proper spiritual frame of mind. The Shaykh describes the Hajj rites from a different perspective—beyond the walking and waiting, Hajj is an intense act of worship that has spiritual significance. Hajj is not just a physical journey but a surrendering of the heart to Allah (swt) with absolute submission. You will give up everyday comforts (even personal hygiene!) for a few short days as you purify the soul.  Print the articles out and share with roommates.
2. Evaluate yourself before leaving for Hajj. Really take yourself to account. As one experienced Hajji stated, “Look at your personal weaknesses and flaws. Make tawbah (repentance) for all the sins you are committing and all the weaknesses you have. Do not go to Hajj with the intention of continuing on any known sin when you return.  Your intention needs to be that you will discontinue it and fight it.  This is very important. Hajj is not something a person does many times—so make sure you receive the full reward for completing it.  Do not risk an unaccepted Hajj.” She also emphasized, “Don’t let the spirit of the group affect your spirit. If people on the bus are talking and socializing and you feel like doing the talbiyah then go ahead and start instead of wondering why others aren’t.”
3. Keep good companionship during the trip. I was blessed to have good friends as roommates during my journey. You might observe different types of people in your group: the complainers, the chit-chatters, the Debby-downers, etc. If you feel distracted then keep to yourself since you don’t want the negativity to rub off and affect your experience. Make a pact with yourself that you will come back from Hajj and keep the complaints to yourself. There might be things that you don’t like but you will hold those complaints in your heart and share constructive criticism with the group organizer. Good friends will remind you and support you in this goal. Optimism is contagious!

Conclusion

Even as you prepare for the journey of a lifetime, keep in mind that unexpected events will probably occur. Every year is different and every person’s experience is different. Savor the new experiences and focus on the positives. Yes, you will see strange and rude actions and plenty of ignorance. But you will also see grown men shed tears while gazing at the House of Allah (swt) and pleading for mercy and forgiveness. You will see millions of people unite from all corners of the world for one purpose alone: to fulfill the obligation of Hajj and surrender before their Creator. Reflecting on these facts creates a deep respect for our religion. How amazing is the call to prayer which transforms the chaotic amblings of millions of people into perfectly circular lines within the span of a few minutes? How amazing is our faith that pushes people to struggle and give up basic comforts because of a sincere desire to please their Lord? Revel in the voices chanting in unison, marching onward with a single hope, and with a bond that overcomes all walks of life. Witness the power of submission and obedience and how it transforms tired pilgrims into an army of the faithful.

Lastly, as one Hajji said, “Always keep in mind that Hajj is a test. You can prepare yourself as much as possible but nothing [completely] prepares you for the reality of the experience. You will experience highs and lows. There will be moments of great awe as well as moments of great frustration. Pack a bag of patience!”

Although Hajj is deemed as the journey of a lifetime, for many it will be a turning point and the beginning of the journey back to their faith.  For a few people, Hajj will be an ongoing journey as they come back home and try to implement lessons in patience, physical sacrifice, and complete submission. As one scholar advised, “Take your Hajj back home with you. Be in your life as you were on Hajj.”

May Allah bless your Hajj and accept all our good deeds. May Allah make things easy for you and allow you to come back safely.

If you found this advice beneficial, please feel free to share with others and make du`a’ for all the Hajj veterans who shared their experiences.

Hajj Travel Checklist

This is a list to take to Saudi. Everything is available there so don’t fret if you forget anything. A few things are specifically for rites of Hajj and should be packed when you go to Mina.

Medicines

• Prescription medicine
• Small amount of Advil and Tylenol
• Aleve (for muscle swelling or headaches)
• Small container of petroleum jelly (Vaseline)
• Cough drops (Riccola brand is great. Bring a lot. Cough drops with honey is a bonus.)
• Vitamin C (Tablets or powder such as Airborne)
• Bengay (or other muscle rub)
• Pepto-Bismol and/or Immodium
• Small travel-size First-Aid kit
• Unscented chapstick with SPF

Toiletries

• Shampoo/Soap/Deodorant/Sunscreen/Cream (to use while not in ihram [state of purity])
• Unscented soap
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Disposable razors/nail cutter/small scissors (pack in suitcase since they are not allowed on the plane)
• Several packs of tissues
• Miswaak (you can obtain in Saudi)
• Unscented antibacterial hand sanitizers (to use in ihram)
• Toliet paper (2 rolls)

Personal Items

• Ihram clothes
• Several pairs of thick socks (black)
• 1 cloth bag with shoulder strap (to place your small items when going to the Haram)
• Waist Pouch/Money Belt
• Slippers (Teva or Crocs or any other flip flops)
• Earplugs/eye cover (if you are a light sleeper)
• Extra pair of glasses
• Small Qur`an
• 7 beads on a string (to keep track of Tawaf/Sa’i)
• Pen/Pencil
• Notebook
• Prayer rug
• Towel (to use while living in apt buildings)
• One sheet or sleeping bag (old one that you can leave there)
• Backpack (to pack things for stay in Mina)
• Travel Alarm Clock/Watch
• A few zip lock bags
• DC/AC electric convertor (for any gadgets like camera/phone)

Books and Documents

• Hajj and Umrah Made Easy
• Salaat & Salaam
• Accepted Whispers
• Prayers for Forgiveness
• Inner Dimensions of Hajj (notes by Sh. Mokthar)
• Your personal du`a’ list
• Photocopy/picture of your passport page

Miscellaneous

• Lots of Energy/Protein/Granola bars/snacks (take some extra to share with roommates)

A Short Story

Once in a small town lived a beautiful Muslimah named Aisha. Her beauty was the imaan (faith) in her heart that completed her character. Her hijab was her crown, her excellent manners her garment; Aisha’s gracefulness and compassion were such that they were like diamonds that shimmered inside of her.

Ever since she was a child, Aisha had dreamed of going for Hajj. Even though her family was very poor, it never stopped her from dreaming and hoping that one day she would have the wonderful opportunity to go on this blessed journey.

Once a week, Aisha’s father, Tahir, would give her one dollar to buy her favorite chocolate. He knew how much his beloved daughter loved chocolates. However although Aisha was very fond of them she rarely spent the pocket money she received on such treats. She was always aware of those less fortunate than herself and often times if she found anyone poorer than her family, she would give them her money as charity. The rest, if she had any, she would save to go for Hajj.

Many years passed by and Aisha had saved a good amount of money. In time, she also found herself a job and started to work to help support her family.

One day, Aisha’s neighbor, a widow named Salma, fell ill. Aisha had gone to check on her and found that she had suffered a heart attack. Having rushed her to the hospital Aisha then stayed with Salma as the doctors tended to her. She would then visit her neighbor at the hospital everyday and bring her food; during her visits they would often talk and reflect on stories about Islam, something that gave Salma much comfort. She was very fond of Aisha and her love for her grew deeper from the care Aisha gave her.

After a few days, the doctor, whose name was Rashid, advised Salma to get heart surgery. Salma’s condition was getting worse as each day passed and it was important, he said. Salma however was not able to pay the medical expenses and told Dr. Rashid she did not want to go through surgery.

When Dr. Rashid mentioned this to Aisha, she simply smiled and went to the bank. She took out all the money she had saved for so many years and, without saying a word to Salma, gave it to the doctor with instructions that it was to go towards Salma’s expenses for heart surgery. This was the money that Aisha had been saving her whole life to go to Hajj. Aisha had sacrificed her one and only dream to save her neighbor from dying.

When the doctor found out about this, he immediately called his brother Salman, a very rich and successful businessman who had been looking for a pious woman to marry. Upon seeing the generosity and excellent character of Aisha, Dr. Rashid told his brother to consider her for his wife. Salman agreed and after meeting Aisha and her family, was able to see for himself what a virtuous woman Aisha was. They married soon after Salma’s recovery. Salman later surprised Aisha by taking her on Hajj that same year. Aisha’s joys were higher than the skies! She was very happy and thanked Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He) for everything.

Aisha said:

Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk! ((I am here, O God, I am here))
O Allah I am at Your Service.
With a feeling of peace
In my heart, O Allah!

Here I come,
To Bayt Allah— ((the House of God))
Reciting, repenting, worshipping,
To my Lord I offer Praise!

Facing the Ka`bah,
Doing Tawaf, ((circumambulation, referring to the pilgrim’s revolutions around the Ka`bah))
Drinking Zam Zam, ((water from the well of Zam Zam))
Moving at a pace

With one intention
in my heart—
Just to please You
O Allah, The Only God.

Every step I take,
I remember Your Prophets
Rasul Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa salam ((the Messenger of God, peace be upon him))
And his Companions

Trying to grasp
how they performed Hajj

Making every moment
Trying to follow the Prophet,
Peace be upon him.

My connection to the world
is completely gone.
I feel I am connected
And close to My Lord.

My tongue makes Dhikr, ((remembrance of God))
My eyes see the Great Ka`bah
My heart repents
My mind makes Du`a’ ((supplication))
My body in Salah, ((prayer))
Bowing and Prostrating.

All I can say is Allah!
How beautiful is your House!
How thankful I am!
To witness your Oneness,

Seeking only your reward,
To be a sinless child again,
Asking for Your help,
Your love, and my steadfastness
In the religion of Islam.

Narrated `Aisha radi allahu `anha (may God be pleased with her), the mother of the faithful believers: I said, “O Allah’s Messenger! We consider jihad (struggle in the way of God) as the best deed. Should we not participate in jihad?” The Prophet ﷺ said, “No! The best jihad (for women) is Hajj-Mabrur (an accepted hajj).” [2:595-O.B] Sahih Al Bukhari

by Ibn Shaima

“The feet of man will not slip on the Day of Resurrection until he is asked of five things: of his life as to how he spent it, his youth as to how he used it, his wealth as to where he got it and how he spent it, and of his knowledge as to what he did with it.” (Tirmithi)

“That they may witness benefits for themselves…” (Qur’an, 22:28)

From a young age, many of us dream of going to Hajj – to see the Ka`bah in person, the Station of Ibrahim, drink ZamZam, perform tawaaf (circling the Ka`bah), wear the white garments of Hajj, and be with brothers and sisters from around the world in the greatest international gathering in the history of humanity. It is a rare opportunity for forgiveness, for change, for turning to the Creator, and for Paradise, insha’Allah (God willing).

But it can sometimes feel out of reach and far away.  This is especially the case with the youth.

But as a person moves on in life, high school and university finish.  There may be money left over, or loans that finally get paid off, and a person is in a position to perform Hajj. At the same time, there are many options in life.  It could be marriage, travel or vacation – one has to choose. For the young, with all of life’s possibilities tugging at the heart, here are a few reasons to put one’s heart, efforts, and resources into making that life-long dream a reality: the journey of Hajj.

1. If the Door is Open, It May Never Open Again

The dream has finally had its means made easy – will you fulfill it?  Life is so short on earth; we never know if this opportunity will come again. In fact, Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He) tells us how short life on earth is: “You stayed not but a little – if only you had known,” (Qur’an, 23:114). If the door for performing Hajj is finally open, a person should jump at the chance to perform it.

Ibn `Umar, radi allahu `anhu (may Allah be pleased with him), said, “When evening comes, do not expect (to live till) morning, and when morning comes, do not expect (to live till) evening. Take from your health (a preparation) for your illness, and from your life for your death.” (Bukhari)

2. Hasten Toward Hajj

“Expedite the performance of Hajj.  For nobody knows what may obstruct one.” (Ibn Majah, Ahmad)

Along with not knowing what may obstruct one if one does not take the open opportunity to perform Hajj, the Prophet ﷺ told us to expedite the performance of Hajj.  We are told to get it done, not put it on the backburner or be lax concerning its performance, or to put other things as a priority above it.  It is a duty to be fulfilled for Allah, a pillar of Islam.  For someone who has had the means to perform Hajj for some time and  does not go, the Prophet ﷺ informed us of the state of loss of such a person: “Allah said: ‘Any of My slaves who is healthy and are of the means for five years, and did not visit My house, he is mahroom.” (Ibn Hibban & Musnad Abu Ya’laa: 3703:1031)  The direct translation of mahroom is “deprive,” meaning a person who is able to go to Hajj and does not, has deprived themselves of something good and of benefits that cannot be imagined that will be regretted on the Day of Judgment.

3. Hajj Decreases Poverty

The Prophet ﷺ said, “Keep on doing Hajj and Umrah, because they both eliminate poverty and sins just like a furnace eliminates the dirty impurities of iron, gold and silver.  And an accepted Hajj has no reward less than Paradise!” (Tirmithi, Nisaa’i, Ahmad)  It is important that we do not let our worries stop us from going, if we have the means.  If we are concerned for our sustenance, one should perform Hajj with the expectation of improving its state, however Allah (swt) wills for that to happen.

4. The Supplication

One of the most prominent features of Hajj is supplication to Allah (swt).  One does it so much on Hajj.  But what is more, the supplication of Hajj is answered insha’Allah; and the best supplication is that of Arafah during Hajj.

“The warrior in the path of Allah, the one performing Hajj and the one performing Umrah are the delegations of Allah.  If they call on Allah they are answered and if they ask Him for anything it is given to them.” (Ibn Maajah, Ibn Hibban)

“The best supplication is the supplication on the day of Arafah […]” (Tirmithi, Malik)

“There is no other day when Allah sets free more slaves from the Fire than the day of Arafah, for that day He comes nearer to them and says proudly to the angels: What do these people seek?” (Muslim)

Now for the youth looking to improve their lives – to get that nice job, get into that school, improve their relationship with Allah and draw near to Him, marry that wonderful man or woman, have that a family member come to Islam or get back on the straight path, Hajj is the place to be. Hajj is where it’s at.  Think of having supplicated during Hajj and living life from now on benefitting from those supplications insha’Allah.

5. The Release from Sin

Not only is Hajj a priceless opportunity for supplication, it is a chance to wipe clean the slate of one’s mistakes and shortcomings of the past.  “One who comes to this House for Hajj and avoids all lewdness and sins, he returns as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Bukhari & Muslim) Imagine having all of one’s mistakes wiped away, and having a clean and healthy conscience, mind and heart and a purified soul insha’Allah.  Imagine experiencing this rebirth of sorts from a young age.  It is a dream; it is priceless.  But by Allah’s Mercy and Compassion, it is insha’Allah within reach for those who make Hajj.  Hajj is a great way of for young person to get a head start in cleaning up the shortcomings and mistakes of the past, and thereafter look towards a much brighter future insha’Allah.   Hajj is also a chance for Paradise: “An `umrah to another `umrah expiates what is in between them, and the accepted Hajj receives nothing except Paradise.” (Bukhari & Muslim) `Umrah is a like Hajj except it is shorter and can be performed at any time of the year.

6.  Utilize Your Youth

Not only is Hajj a chance to be reborn in terms of one’s past mistakes and shortcomings in life, it is also a chance for the youth to take advantage of the fresh health they are often given by Allah (swt), the Most Generous.  “There are two blessings which many people do not make the most of and thus lose out: good health and free time.” (Bukhari)  Take advantage of this great blessing that is guaranteed for no one.  Hajj is not only a spiritual, emotional, and intellectual experience, but also a very physical one.  No matter how young or in-shape you are, you will stand to benefit from every last bit of youthful energy and physical health Allah (swt) has blessed you with during Hajj.

7.  Experience the World

As a young person, valuable life lessons taken from an early age are precious and can leave a lasting impression.  One of the greatest life lessons anyone can learn and experience most vividly on Hajj is that human beings are equal to each other.  Equal, that is, except in terms of taqwa, or God consciousness and reverence.  On Hajj this is not an ideal of the mind or on the tongue, but is something put into practice, witnessed and experienced.  During the Hajj itself, in part of what is known as the Farewell Sermon, the Prophet ﷺ said, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a back nor a black any superiority over a white, except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood.” (Excerpt from Khutbatul Wada’, amongst collections of Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmithi, Ahmad)

From virtually every nook and corner of the Earth, men and women gather together in unity and submission to God during Hajj.  Men all wear the same simple, white cloth garments; men and women perform the same acts of worship; young and old and even children participate; the rich and the poor mix. Everyone is equal before God and their piety is ultimately only known to Him, and He is their final Judge.  Going through such an experience on a large scale with millions of people, insha’Allah, will open up the mind, heart, and soul to what it really means to be a human being amongst everyone on earth, much less what it truly means to be a Muslim in peaceful surrender to God.