Hajj 2025: A Journey of the Heart Begins Today

Hajj 2025: A Journey of the Heart Begins Today

We’re preparing for a world event that is going to change the lives of millions of Muslims who have embarked on the spiritual journey of Hajj 2025, today. It will be a journey of love, towards the House of God-the majestic Kaaba! A journey that promises a deeply transformative experience, wherein every pilgrim goes through emotions that cannot be put into words. For some, the very first view of Kaaba (in person) makes tears of joy stream down the cheeks, some experience spiritually awakening moments while others describe a feeling of immense peace within their hearts, as if all their worries and anxieties never existed.

Ihram: A Powerful Symbol of Unity and Equality in Islam

As pilgrims circle the Kaaba draped in pure white garments, known as the ‘Ihram’, it presents a utopian world where there are no markers of wealth, status, and race- absolutely no concept of superiority whatsoever. Ironically, we have lived in a world which has always been scarred by class inequality, injustice and oppression –be it the rising homelessness in the UK or rising refugee crisis in Gaza and Sudan, the Ihram reminds us that we are all equal and the same before Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى. It makes us realise that true human dignity is not worn or found in designer labels or accessories but felt-through the purity of our hearts and sincerity of our actions, just as the Prophet (ﷺ) said during his farewell Hajj, “O people! Your Lord is One. Your father is one. There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab; neither white over black nor black over white-except by righteousness.” (Muslim)

Walking in the Footsteps of Prophets: The Legacy of Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ

The rituals of Hajj are centred on walking in the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ and his noble family including Lady Hajra and infant son Ismail عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, while trying our best to honour Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى in every possible way. The choreography and execution of the pilgrimage is achieved by re-enacting the defining moments in the life of the blessed family and teaches important lessons that we could incorporate in our daily lives.

Arafat: Seeking Forgiveness and Finding Strength in Hardship

When one stands on the plains of Arafat while seeking forgiveness for their sins under temperatures as high as 50 degrees Celsius, it can be a daunting experience yet beautifully rewarding. Whether one’s young or old, a male or female- the heat, crowd and long walks often push us to our limits, making us feel overwhelmed initially. It is at this moment, that you realise how every hardship we endured so far was nothing but a test from Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى. He utilised those hardships as a syllabus to help us navigate through life’s challenges by building our resilience and gratitude.

Jamarat and Spiritual Resistance in Today’s World

When pilgrims stone the Jamarat, while re-enacting Prophet Ibrahim’s defiance of the devil’s whispers, one wonders what modern day whispers must be resisted. Is it the lure of materialism, our addiction to comparing our lives with others on social media, or the silent bystanding to injustice? Hajj beautifully teaches us that spiritual resistance is as important as physical resilience and no matter how far we’ve gone in our sinful ways, there’s always a turning point that leads to the warm and welcoming embrace of Divinity!

Tawaf: Celebrating Unity in Diversity

As we circle the Kaaba during Tawaf, one could see a melting pot of cultures and diversity in Muslims that is without any distinction. The only thread that binds us together is the selfless worship of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى. Hajj makes it easier for us to imagine a world where we could truly move together, in perfect harmony, in purpose and prayer as one Ummah, Subhan Allah.

Zam Zam: A Mother's Legacy and a Call for Change

Moreover, one of the most powerful experiences one could have while on Hajj is the opportunity to drink Zam Zam water after Tawaf. The legacy left by Hazrat Hajra (RA) while desperately searching water for her infant Ismail عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ between Safa and Marwa not only quenches the pilgrims’ parched lips under the extreme heat of Mecca but also speaks volume in an era where millions of women still walk miles for water, safety and education.

Qurbani and Reflection: What Are We Willing to Sacrifice?

All of it is enough to make us seriously think about our priorities, aims and challenges that need to be overcome. Hazrat Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ was ready to sacrifice what he loved the most-his son. As we offer our symbolic Qurbani to commemorate his incomparable obedience, let’s ask ourselves: What are we willing to sacrifice to be better global citizens in the year 2025? Can we part with convenience for sustainability? Can we sacrifice silence for the sake of justice? Can we endure all hardships knowing that we are not in this world to live in misery but to reach our true potential? Afterall, true sacrifice isn’t always flesh-sometimes, it’s fear, ego and greed.

Hajj: A Soul’s Journey Towards Yaqeen and Real Change

Afterall, Hajj is not just a pilgrimage of footsteps — it’s a migration of the soul from comfort to yaqeen (conviction), from restlessness to Sukoon (tranquillity), isolation to responsibility, from ritual to real, meaningful change.

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