Volume 3: The Dhul-Hijja Edition
The Storylines of Hajj: Exploring the different ways to experience the pilgrimage of Hajj
The first time I performed Hajj with my family, I didn’t realize the profoundness of the rituals so it made very little sense to my juvenile mind. By the time we performed our last Hajj as a family, my father had introduced me to a sheikh who took the time to explain to me what was really going on.
From Intention to Arrival: A First-Time Pilgrim’s Heart-Centered Guide to Preparing for Hajj
This guide is a personal reflection on preparing for Hajj for the first time, focusing not only on the practical steps but on the deeper spiritual work required before the journey begins. The author shares personal snippets from navigating the Nusuk process with patience and tawakul to renewing her intentions long before hajj starts. Ultimately, it is a reminder that the goal is not just to complete the Hajj manasik, but also to return transformed.
The Sacrifice of al-Adha: Giving Modern Relevance to an Ancient Tradition
Thousands of years ago, an extraordinary act by our forefather and one of the greatest of Messengers, the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), was singled out by Allah as an act to be commemorated by countless generations to come.
Beyond the Rites: What Hajj Teaches Us About Collective Leadership and Unity
Drawing inspiration from the synchronized rituals of Hajj and the historical resilience of the early Muslims in Abyssinia, this article highlights the profound Islamic imperative for organized, collective leadership. It serves as a powerful reminder that successfully navigating our modern challenges as a minority community requires us to face them not as fractured individuals, but as a unified body.
From Memory's Keepsake: Reflections on Some Practical Aspects of Hajj
These reflections were written following my Hajj trip in 1430/2009. Some of those memories were pleasant, others were a cause for concern, and some were outright scary. I am sharing those memories because they are still as relevant today (1447/2026) as they were 17 years ago.
An Answered Du'a
This is an essay I wrote as I was reflecting on how sometimes we make really moving du’a’s and then forget about them- only to realize later that so many seemingly disconnected events and unexpected blessings in our lives are all connected and they are all means through which Allah is answering our du’a.
Labbaik: The Journey of Submission
Labbaik: The Journey of Submission is a reflective poem inspired by the history and rituals of Hajj. From the sacrifice and trust of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) and his family to the final sermon of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the poem highlights themes of obedience, tawheed, mercy, unity, and devotion to Allah that continue to guide millions of believers today—reminding readers of the timeless lessons carried within every step of the pilgrimage.
The Sacred Art of Letting Go: What Eid al-Adha Teaches Us About Healing Through Sacrifice
This Eid al-Adha, we are reminded that true healing does not always begin with putting ourselves first. Drawing on the story of Ibrahim and Ismail (AS) and the Islamic concept of haqooq ul ibaad, this piece reflects on how the quiet, daily act of sacrificing our own desires for others — our families, our communities, our neighbours — is not a loss of self, but a path to becoming more human, more empathetic, and more beloved to Allah (SWT).
Miracle in the Sacred Valley
A creative narrative through the eyes of a bird, witnessing the miraculous journey of Hajar striving to survive in the valley of Makkah. Showing us that true tawakkul is not passive, but a balance of unwavering faith and continuous effort.
Personal reflection on Hajj
In this reflection, I share how Hajj transformed my understanding of Islam and the Muslim ummah. What began as a long-awaited personal journey became, for me, one of the clearest proofs that Muslims from every background can come together with a single purpose: to worship Allah.
Hajj: A Journey of Disconnection and True Connection - Reflections on the deeper meaning behind the rituals of Islam’s Fifth Pillar
Every movement, every step, every sacrifice, even every silence encountered on the journey of Hajj carries an invitation to detach from the illusions we have built around ourselves and return to Allah more honestly. Same appearance, same rituals, same location; but only the ones who come with true awareness of its essence and its purpose will walk away with the grand prize. The journey will eventually end, and you will go back to your pre-hajj life sooner than later, but the real test remains if the journey within you will also come to an end.
It was Spring Yesterday
It was spring yesterday. I walked through the woods on a clay path, perfumed with loam. Early in the morning. In the stillness, what were once bare branches, bore small buds. Unseen at first but when noticed, in the thousands.
What is Dhul Hijjah?
Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Its name literally means, ‘the month of Hajj,’ reflecting the pilgrimage to Makkah, the fifth pillar of Islam. Within this month, Muslims who are physically and financially able commit themselves to the rites of Hajj.
Between Two Worlds
This personal essay reflects on growing up Muslim in London, Ontario during the season of Dhul Hijjah and Eid al Adha. Through memories of crowded Eid prayers, community iftars, and moments of kindness at the mosque, the article explores themes of sacrifice, belonging, faith, and Islamic identity in Canada. It highlights the quiet sacrifices made by immigrant families and young Muslims while showing how local Muslim communities create spaces of comfort, connection, and spiritual belonging.
Palestine 36 Film Reflection - Resistance is Existence!
Personal reflection on the Palestine 36 film highlighting the Islamic, historical, political, and activist themes.