While They Circle the Ka'aba, What Can You Do?
Lessons for Those Not Going to Makkah
During the sacred month of Dhul Hijjah, Makkah comes alive.
Millions of Muslims, dressed in white, gather from all corners of the world united in worship.
As they revolve around the Ka‘bah, retracing the steps of the Prophet (peace be upon him), they live out a dream of many of us.
For them, it’s a powerful spiritual moment; to see the holy sites, feel the history, and stand where the Prophet once stood 🐾
But what about those of us who aren’t there?
What about the millions watching from home, wishing they could be part of it, but tied by responsibilities, school, work, or life circumstances?
Does that mean our chance at spiritual growth is on hold?
Absolutely not
The spirit of Hajj with its lessons and teachings of sacrifice and devotion is not confined to the holy land alone.
It is a universal call to purify ourselves and re-define our purpose as Muslims, strengthening our resolve to become more obedient slaves to Allah (SWT).
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) emphasized the virtues of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, saying that there are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days.
Here are nine meaningful ways you can harness the spirit of Hajj and resolve to be a better Muslim, even if you are not physically at the Ka'abah 🕋
1- Increase your Dhikr
Engage in abundant remembrance of Allah, especially through Takbir (Allahu Akbar), Tahmid (Alhamdulillah), Tahlil (La ilaha illallah), and Tasbih (Subhanallah). Let your tongue be moist with the praise of Allah (SWT) as frequent as possible.
2- Make Sincere Du'a
Raise your hands in supplication for yourself, your family, your community, and the entire Ummah. Pray for those in Makkah, and pray for your turn to perform Hajj. There is immense power in du'a, especially during these blessed days.
3- Fast as much as you can
According to Sunan al-Nasai, the Messenger of Allah would fast nine days of Dhul-Hijjah. Fasting is considered one of the most beloved acts of worship to Allah (SWT). It brings great rewards and forgiveness of sins.
4- Seek repentance
Use these blessed days as an opportunity for deep introspection, acknowledging your shortcomings and seeking Allah's boundless forgiveness with a sincere heart-and what a better month to do this than Dhul-Hijjah.
5- Perform Extra Nawafil (Voluntary Prayers)
Dedicate yourself to additional voluntary prayers like Salatu-d-Duha (mid-morning prayer), Tahajjud (night prayer), or simply more Sunnah prayers, these extra moments of direct communion strengthen your bond with your Creator.
6- Reconcile and Forgive
Hajj is a journey of purification, both inner and outer. Use this time to mend broken ties, seek forgiveness from those you may have wronged, and wholeheartedly forgive those who have wronged you. Clear your heart of grudges and ill-will.
7- Fast the Day of Arafah
This is inarguably the most significant act for those not performing Hajj.
Fasting on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah (the day pilgrims stand on Mount Arafah) is said to expiate the sins of the past and coming year. It is a powerful sunnah and a way to stand in solidarity with the pilgrims.
8- Recite the Takbeer at-Tashreeq
The Takbir al Tashreeq is to be recited after the Fardh (obligatory) prayer of Fajr on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, which marks the auspicious day of Arafah. From that point onwards, it should be recited after every Fardh prayer until the Asr prayer on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. This corresponds to a total of 23 prayers during the designated period.
9- Offer a Qurbani (a Sacrificial Animal)
One of the most important parts of the Hajj pilgrimage is the offering of a Qurbani, or sacrificial animal. This act is seen as a way of commemorating the story of our father Ibrahim (AS). It symbolizes obedience and gratitude, and its meat is distributed to the needy, embodying compassion and generosity.
As the pilgrims complete their journey in Makkah, their actions remind us of what truly matters.
That is; the meaning behind Hajj is sincerity, patience, unity, and total submission to Allah. And that is something we can all bring into our daily lives.
Even if we are far from the Ka‘bah, we can still draw close to Allah.
Just two months after Ramadan, these ten days are another chance to reset, reflect, and return to Him with a sincere heart.
Let your room become a place of worship.
Let your quiet efforts count.
Let your heart remember that the journey to Allah is open to everyone.
May Allah accept our deeds and grant us the chance to experience Hajj one day. Aameen.
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This is indeed resourceful. May Allah azawajala continue to illuminate our path and grant us deep knowledge of our Deen.
Jazakumullahukhair