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HAJJ - An experience of a lifetime...the best experience of my life !! - *Muskaan* - 12-29-2008 Assalam Alaikum All Upon the request of my friends I decided to share my expereince of Hajj.....how I felt at every step , being at the two great holy places ,being among millions of muslims....unknowingly on my part if anyone happen to see any mistake in narrating this great expereince ....plz do correct me....I tried my best to gather this great experience in words.....it did turn out to be very long article.... but it's worth reading.....Jazakallah khair !! HAJJ - An experience of a lifetime...the best experience of my life !! I still couldn't believe I was going for Hajj...was counting my days....couldn't wait to experience the word 'hajj' that's one of the pillar of my religion Islam....was busy preparing myself mentally and physically....started making a diary of the list my family and friends has asked for duas and salam....was trying to make resolutions also.....wanted to change myself...wanted to feel closer to Allah(swt) as ever before...I felt incredibly fortunate; words cannot describe the immense amount of gratitude I feel in my heart for my Creator..... I wanted to perfom hajj as soon as possible as I heard performing hajj at a young age was considered very good....Its nice to experience it as soon as possible....After couple of years of praying to Allah (swt), my prayer was finally answered.....Alhamdullillah by the grace of Almighty Allah in a day I was about to perform the journey of a lifetime!! With coutless thoughts, fears,worries, and excitement my days moved and there came finally the day when I was leaving for hajj....our whole group gathered at the airport , with everyone's family seeing them off.....my family was all excited about Hajj...lot of other family and friends came to see us off....I was all nervous...eveybody had one thing to say pray for us...felt as if was having a big responsibility on my shoulders,...once seated in the emirates flight....I had tears.....don't know why those tears were for....laters I tried to calm myself down.....But still my mind was all occupied....occupied by the fear of carrying infinite sins form all those years on my shoulder, countless worries as to will I be forgiven...Will I be able to perform Hajj the right way....Was I ready for Hajj....Will I be able change my self after hajj.....how will the whole experience be....had similar questions haunting myself...at the same time had a huge list of duas, dreams, hopes, that I wanted to ask from Allah(swt)...in the midst of all this I tried to calm myself......I told to myself.....Inshallah all will be well...watever Allah(swt) has planned for me will happen.....Allah has invited me...Allah wanted me to come for Hajj, and surely Allah(swt) will guide me towards everything right......leaving myself all to Allah(swt),I closed my eyes and lay quiet for a while....then after sometime read quran and did my zikr....wanted to prepare myself spritually well for this prestgious journey. Our whole group now arrived at Dubai... we had a day stay there.....we went to our hotel and then relaxed for a while....had dinner...and slept for few hours....then I woke up at tahajjud , and put on my ihraam and prayed the two rakath naamaz.....later had my breakfast and then were taken to the dubai airport ....our flight was on time and now we were seated aagin in the emirates flight for Jeddah...as we were close to the Miqat , we were now ready for the niyyah for Umrah ...Finally I arrived at the Jeddah airport.....Was expecting a long wait....but fortunately things were done by 4 hrs....this was the first time I landed on the land of Saudia Arabia...the name I heard all my life....wanted to see this country, its people, its culture, its food.....and finally that day came....honestly coming from US...I was lil uncomfortable by the dust, pollution and atmosphere there....but it was bearable....It was a great feeling though to be in a country where the holy places Makkah & Madina belong.....wanted to just move out of Jeddah and go to Makkah as soon as possible...was becoming restless.....our group leader gathered all of us and took us to the AC buses ....he said it was a 2 hour drive to Makkah....we were given lunch in bus.....first time ever i tasted Saudi food....it was broasted Chicken...it was too good....I loved it...then we were given zamzam water...I cudnt wait to drink it....with all due respects and prayers I drank the holy water....had a great feeling...as we sat in the bus was looking around to see the small hills,houses,shops, the desert area of jeddah......it looked all dry and the day was very hot....Now seated in the bus was again surrounded by my thoughts as I continued to do zikr. Finally we arrived in Makkah.....we were now taken to our hotel.....as soon as I got fresh we headed towards the Al masjid-Al haram... the holy kaaba....I couldn't wait....this was the big day of my life....I was going to see the holy kaaba soon...I was gonna perform my first Umrah....My heart beat went a little faster....as I walked I saw a huge crowd around the haram.....we were just 5 mins from the haram alhamdulillah.....soon my feet lay in the masjid- al haram...Subhannallah! it was beautiful...every sight was beautiful....the feeling of being in this great masjid, among millions of muslims is beyond my expression...I could see all muslims in ahraam..... an outfit that brought the sense of purity, unity, oneness, humbleness, ...it was a great sight.....now as I came close to kaaba.....the excitement , the nervousness increased....I looked down now as I wanted to have the whole view of kaaba when i set my eyes on it....so keeping my eyes down and constant zikr and dua I walked all humbly towards the holy kaaba....my heart already started crying for getting this blessed opportunity...now i was asked to look up as the holy kaaba was right in front of me.....Now with joy and fear I looked at the holy kaaba....Words can't describe how I felt....It was magnificent.....wonderful....something out of this world....my heart captured its beauty, its glory, its radiance.......something that will be carved in my heart for rest of my life....No doubt it was outstanding....this is what I call 'Heaven on earth'........ I have no words to describe its features, purity and its significance....Almighty Allah greatest creation....this wonder of Allah(swt) is my qibla(direction to pray)....the thing that I only had a vision of,was right in front of me....the direction in which all the Muslims do Sajdah,it was right by me...I felt honoured....felt extremely happy that ALlah(swt) chose me to be his guest.......tears roll down my eyes as I started praying.....I prayed that Allah(swt) fulfill all my prayers that I do here onwards......was running short of words....just felt like looking at it....wanted to sit down for a while having the holy kaaba right in front of me......It was amazing how everyone were doing tawaf.....the holy kaaba reperesented the sense of unity among muslims......Now I was prepared to perform my frist Umrah.....With all humility and excitement I started my Umrah....I felt incredibly insignificant standing before the house of my Almighty Creator.... As I did my Tawaaf around the holy Kabah, I couldnt help but glance up overwhelmed by the thought that at this very moment thousands of angels were doing Tawaaf around the superior abode of Allah (swt) directly parallel to our Tawaaf. ... Indeed its a great honour for muslims to be present here....upon every circulation I prayed as much as i could and felt so good......stopping at Rukn-Yamani' and paraying and kissing the 'Hajr Aswad' at every circulation was something I really loved....it was an amazing feeling...only my heart could feel...my eyes had not seen anything like that before and my heart had never felt so close to Allah(swt) before...I felt as if it was only me and My Allah(swt) there.....I felt connected to My Allah(swt)..... Alhamdulillah in 1.5 hrs, my first Umrah was completed.....It was a great feeling...There cannot be enuf words to describe this......After the Tawaaf I drank zam zam water in which I felt all my fatigue and thirst was gone and felt all energised to do all I can do now......Alhamdulillah I managed to read namaz in the 'Hathim' too...this feeling was incredible...I felt as if I survvived...was very scared after being stuck in the crowd...how I managed was very tough.....the crowd was to much and out ofcontrol...was little sad by the pushing of people there, with no regards to others....but I guess its difficut to manage the crowd or maybe I dont know....then I went to perform my 'Saee'..... things didnt look easy...but ALlah (swt) made things easy for me....Can't thank Allah(swt) enough for making me perform my first Umrah with ease. When I heard the adhaan, i felt so good,...something so nice, echoing all over...then we prayed the namaz and headed toewards our hotel....we all stayed at Makkah for 6 days....we had all our prayers,quran recitations, duas, zikr in this prestigious masjid.....there were times when I got scared by the crowd.....going back to hotel an dcoming back to haram was the most difficlut thing for me.......But then alhamdulilah everything kept on going nice...Indeed only Allah helpled me out when ever I feared something.....one thing I really enjoyed was drinking the zam zam water...it gave me immense satisfaction....whenever I got space we sat in front of kaaba...to do my duas and ibadah....on the whole I had great 6 days of spiritual revival...one thing that made me very sad was the namaz-e-janaza after every salah......my heart used to sink at the sight of janaze that I saw ....all I cud do was pray for them.....indeed they are the blessed ones for being burried at this holy place....the whole experience at Makkah was an ' eye -opener' for me...I learnt a lot of realities of life...What is life and how good is our relation towards Allah(swt) were the 2 aspects I tried to study myself....I got answers to many questions and doubts I had....But still was fighting my self out with the reality of life...ofcourse aakhiraah is our ultimate goal and still we run away from it....I wanted to have a good control over my nafs by the time i returned back to my normal life.....I felt I have wasted my life....I felt as if I havent given Allah(swt) in return anything for what he has given me....felt very small at this holy place...as I continued to revive myslef and teach the lessons of life...days went by.....couldn't believe 6 important days had gone by....now it was time to leave Makkah.....I felt happy that things are happening nice and at the same time was feeling sad that this great time flew by...was not satisfied by the ibadah...I thought I could have done more....didn't get much of satisfaction....was still all worried and nervous...as to were my prayers answered....will my sins be forgiven....will I be able to change myself to the way ALlah(swt) wanted me too....Will I be a better Muslim....Will I do justice to the prestigious term Hajj.....BUt then always at Makkah my inner-feeling told me....that I needn't worry...As Allah(swt) is answering my prayers....Allah is taking care of me...and Allah(swt) will get the change in me I always wanted....I thought I was at the perfect age to have got the chance to perform my Hajj...I didnt understand why people do this at old age....Hajj is not only a fardh but a greatest way of teaching all Muslims the reality of life, the guide to wards righteousness...we all need this as soon as possible in our lives. It was now time for us to go to Madina...Our beloved Prophet's(saws) city.....we were taken to airport as we were gonna fly to Madina....was really excited to go there.....happiness and fear always were there by my side...happiness for being able to visit this holy places and being given this great blessed opportunity and fear of Allah ,the fear of as if I am standing right in front of him.....fear that will I be able to do ibadah and all rituals in the best way that could please Allah(swt)...with these feelings I carried my journey further to Madina.....once I landed in Madina...I sent countless duroods for our beloved Prophet(saws)....then we were taken to our hotel in Madina.... Ive already forgotten about my exhaustion ....I'm present in the city of Allah (swt) Beloved; ....it truly is the city of peace, blessings and well being.....Its easy to see why our Holy Prophet (saw) loved this city and its people...Madina was a little cooler and pleasant...I could see the Masjid-e-Nabawi from my hotel.....the beauty of the masjid couldnt be described...as I prepared myself to have my first Salah at this masjid....I felt very good.....Madina was lot quieter...the crowd was less too and well managed....there was more discipline in Madina....as I stepped in the Masjid-e Nabawai....my heart felt delighted of being at the place where our Prophet(saws) lived .....felt honoured and blessed for being there....joy and tears had no control .... I was out and out an emotional person....every little thing touched me there.....the first sight of it was simple superb....what a beauty of our masjids indeed....what a treat I had for being a muslim. Masjid-ul-Nabwi is a structure of inexplicable beauty...it's first glance was hard to look away, its vision will be imprinted in my heart forever. ..I was totally awestruck by the beautiful architecture of Masjid-Nabawi.... Simply the most impressive Mosque that I have seen so far.....The evenings, with the jet black sky, crescent moon, and sparkling stars hanging above the beautiful minarets of the mosque are sensational... The most striking feature of the sight was the green dome over the center of the mosque, where the tomb of our beloved prophet(saws) is located....it's not only about its beauty that attracted me, but there was something more that pulled me towards it....the peace I felt there gave me immense satisfaction.. ...It was now that I felt even more closer to our rasool(saws)....I knew the importance of Sunnah more....Whenever I hear the soulful call to prayer, perform my Salaah, or feel the presence and rahmah (mercy) of the Holy Prophet (saw)..I achieved great serenity and peace....To feel being in such holy places is beyond an imagination....only the person who has visited this palces can understand it value, its importance....ALahmdulillah how can I thank ALlah(swt) for giving me this opportunity.... only by being on the straight path ,only by being a good muslim, only by showiung gratitude for every lil thing he bestowed me with, only by remembering him at every step of my life, only by being happy and contended in life, only by loving and following the sunnah of our beloved prophet(saws),only by loving his messengers, only by being nice to his creatures, only by doing charity,only by following the 5 pillars of Islam that I can thank him,...this is indeed less too for the bounties Allah(swt) has bestowed upon me. Anyways as I entered the masjid I felt as if I am relieved of the worldy burdens....I gathered a lot of peace here....I could feel our prophet(saws) presnce here....I got very bonded with that palce.......wanted to visit the 'jannat-ul rawdha' as soon as possible but due to the rush I couldn't....so had to come back to try again tommorrow....next day I got myself ready....was very nervous...I knew I am gonna go to a palce that's close to our prophet(saws) graveyard.....women are not allowed to graveyards....we were only allowed to go to Jannat-ul-rawdha as ziyarah...but still I felt as if I was going close by to our prophet (saws) ...I could recollect at evry step how much our Nabi(saws) loved his ummah ...once I reached there, I send my salam and duroods for our beloved prophet(saws)....also made duas and salam on behalf of my family and freinds..It was an honour and privilege to visit the most Beloved of Allah (swt) Messengers....... It is one thing to send Salaam on the Holy Prophet (saw) from anywhere else in the world, however its a whole different experience sending them in Masjid-ul-Nabwi. .....I felt extremely privileged to be able to be given the opportunity to ask Allah(swt) for forgiveness in the court of the most beloved of all Prophets, our Nabi (saw).... I asked for sincere repentance and immersed myself in the recitation of Duroods........It was great feeling....I was always touched by our beloved prophets character and his love for his ummah....all that I read or heard about his love came flashing on my mind...how can one forget what our beloved prophet(swas) said "For each messenger there is an accepted prayer. I keep mine for the Day of Resurrection as an intercession for my ummah"....I always thought how can we ever thank our great Nabi (saws) for even a fraction of love that our Prophet(saws) had for us......the only way I see is to abide by his sunnah.......make him our ideal....thats the only way we can show gratiutude and also improve our lives. Finally I got chance to go to' Jannat-ul rawdha'....when I eneterd it was all crowded...samething I saw there... pushing, everyone only worried about themselves...not giving chance to others to pray...it was a green carpet area whre we were suppoesed to pray...and all prayers will be amswered....I wanted to do my namaz....but I couldnt...I only could stand and make dua and recite surahs....felt very sad as to I couldnt pray my salaah...but laters with great difficulty we managed 2 rakath salaah...when I moved further alhamdulillah I got another great opportunity to do 2 more rakath of salaah....now I was all happy ......I was at cloud nine for getting a chance to pray....then before leaving I got a chance to help couple other women there who were struggling to pray....with a feeling of great achievement I left that palce....after i moved few steps further I wanted to go back again and make more duas.....but then I told to myself inshallah I will come back....and after couple of days I did come back and did my duas and prayers......In this way the 5 days of madina passed by. Madina was a palce where I felt my soul was refreshed.....I felt spritually strong by now....but bidding farwell to this holy place where Alalh(sat)'s wonderful messenger lived was tough... this indeed is the city of Mercy(rehmat)), and blessings ( barakkah) ..I wanted to stay more......but I could'nt as we had to go further for our journey to hajj......but I really wanted to come back with a lot more time in my hand....I made dua that I get soon another chance to do Umrah, where in I can spend as many days I want .....hoping to come back here soon , I left the palce with a heavy heart...it was wonderful stay.....a heart-whelming opportunity......I felt now as if I had left a part of my mind and heart at these holy places....... " If Makkah was an eye-opener, Madina was a soul-refresher ". Now it was time for us to get back to makkah.....a great journey of Hajj was awaiting us....finally the big day was close to arrive.....by now I was little relaxed......all i wanted was to have a successful hajj......with all my heart , duas I carried my journey further back to makkah.....soon we were taken back to Makkah by bus .....there was too much crowd and traffic.....one cannot imagine the rush of millions of people and thousands of buses on the road.... on our way we stopped at Masjid-e Quba... and prayed 2 rakath....it is said that the reward of the 2 rakath salah is as if one has done an umrah....I felt happy for getting another great opprotunity alhamdulillah.....Now that we came closer to Makkah by the Miqat... we stopped at a masjid to do our niyah of Hajj....with all excitement and intention of submiiting ourselves to Alah(swt) we all made the Niyaah for Hajj and recited the talbiyah " Labbaik Allahumma labbaik...."...It was a great feeling that words can't describe..we all as group recited the talbiyah over and over again....ears haven't heard something so nice before......we were now all ready for the prestigious journey of hajj....the most awaited time...the most awaited journey of our life. Now we proceeded towards Mina tents......no hotel, no bed, no cool clothes, no food on time, no personal bathroom,, no luxuries of life.....now was the real test of a muslim, now was the time when one's patience will be tested.....I did hear about that but didnt actually beleive till i personally saw ....but to be honest I expected a much worst of a situation....alhamdulillah I think still things looked easy and managebale for me...May be Allah(swt) made things look that way or maybe I had patience in stock that I packed before I left my home.......Now we arrived at the tents..20 people were assigend to each tent....the tents were big with Ac and had small sofa cum beds with blankets....and that came as a surprise as i was expecting to sleep on floor on carpest....maybe that was due to the package we went with....anyways....I was all excited by now....to stay with 20 different peopel I hardly know...I knew the whole thing will be the time of my life...we had dinner once we reached there.. ...but the lines were big and we had to wait...but the food was very good....it was the famous mandi(rice and baked lamb in center).......by now everyone lay asleep...I cudnt sleep..... but laterz I did catch up few naps...but was up every now and then....was waiting for the morning....next day we were just supposed to stay in Mina and pray our namaz and do zikr....In the morniung...we had to stand in lines for everything.....it was managebale....dont wanna go into details of this experience.....but alhamdulillah all went well,....during the fajr time I could hear the melodious chants of the talbiyah that echoed from every direction, never had I felt such a strong sense of belonging. In Mina I witnessed the imprints of those who were ready to sacrifice everything in submission and obedience to Allah (swt). .. In between we got time to make friends and know the people around us....we had a very good group of people alhamdulillah.. ...Now was another big day....the day of Arafat, Musdalifa, Jamarat, sacrifice of lamg, Eid..all theses acts were to be done on this big day....the biggest day of my life finally arrived.....I had horror stories to hear....but as things passed by i felt blessed to have Hajj with ease and all rituals performed in the right way and right time. Arafat Arafat supposed to be trailor of the day of judgement....with chaos everywhere....everyone in hurry to make duas to have their sins forgiven, to make duas to have blessings from Allah (swt) ,glorifying and thanking ALlah(swt)...everyone just worried about how to please Allah(swt) , how to utilise this great opportunity....All millions of Hajji gathered at a single platform,the plains of arafat...It was also one of the hottest day....As we came to our tent in Arafat....we were told we would leave after maghrib....I was all in hurry to do my ibadah,duas as it was already zuhr time....I didn't wanted to waste even a minute....I know I got the biggest opportunity of my life......On the plains of Arafat, it was the day where tears fell and hearts overflowed with thankfulness to Allah, with a strong belief in his mercy that all our sins will be forgiven.....The ibadah on this day was different....I felt as if I will be forgiven, I will be blessed....I had a strong trust in Allah(swt) as I continued my prayers....I prayed for myself and every possible relative or friend I knew......I felt happy to get this oppoprtunity to pray to Alla(swt) for myself and my dear ones....now it was time for lunch and we were served food in one plate for 6 people.....this was a new experrince....but it felt good....we muslims eating food in one plate....it was nice and different....this expereince of hajj also gave a feeling of love for our muslim brothers and sisters more...feeling for each other...There are people here from every corner of the world; diverse colors, cultures and classes....but we belong to one community....and we shud try to be one always...and help each other...and be source of each others happiness....by now it was almost time for asr ...time was passing by faster....we had lecture by the sheikh of our group laters...his lecture was incredible....it made me realise more the importance of being a Muslim....the privilege of being a Hajji.....and the reson to live....after his speech....I was speechless.....with only tears refusing to stop....I cried like a kid that day, in those moments,asking Allah to frogive me....I begged for Allah(swt) blessing s... to make me a momin that Alla(swt) wanted every human being to be....I asked Allah(swt) to control my life in the best way he likes....I asked Allah(swt) to keep me on the sirat-ul-mustakheen...I poured my heart out....I talked to Allah(swt) about every little thing...as he were right beside each other.......there was no end to my tears and prayers....after this I was over-whelmed with joy as to I got this opportunity....but then as it was time to leave, I was again little sad ...but then was looking forward for the next step of Musdalifa....another bleesed station of hajj.....with profound memories and a satisfatction in heart that Allah(swt) will answer my prayers I left the plains of Arafat. Muzdalifa ___________ Once we sat in the bus to go for Musdalifa.....there was a huge traffic jam.....the buses didn't move for hours....imagine millions on roads and thousands of buses....moving at the same time in the same direction.....it took 8 hrs just to cross 3 miles.....ofcourse I was patient and so was my group....all sitting and just doing duas and zikr.....we were supposed to reach Musdalifa around mid night and stay over-night and leave at Fajr....but by the time we reached there it was 2 am....the bus was parked in a corner finding the spot with difficiulty....we quickly stepped down and prayed the maghrib and insha together.....then we collected the stones that were to be thrown at the devil(shaitan).....after that we stood there for a while and did our prayers and duas.....we didnt get much time.....unfortunatley due to traffic we had to leave quickly.....other buses were still struggling to reach muzdalifa as it was almost fajr time....I felt fortunate to be there on time.....then we came back to the bus and the same thing happened the buses didn't move....we were lucky now to get chance to pray fajr also....I could feel the beauty of that fajr different, the feeling of satisfaction was immense....alhamdulillah this was a different and another grreat experience . Tawaf-Ziyarah ___________________ Now we headed towards the haram( makkah) for the tawaf- ul -ziyarah. ....it was almost 10 am by the time we reached the Al masjid-Al haram....as always it was crowded.....our whole group wanted to do tawaf together.....we all wanted to do tawaf right by teh holy kaaba....it was difficult but not impossible....alhamdulillah we were fortunate enough to get this chance....we started our tawaf after kissing the Hajr Aswad.... ..I did my seven circles..on every round we stopped at Rukn YAmani and Hajr Aswad to do the special mentioned duas.....it was not easy.....but it happenned and thats what's called Allah'sblessing....we take one step towards him and Allah(swt) helps and pulls us towards him.....one's mind gets struck if we think how millions of haaji's gather and do tawaf around a small place arouned the holy kaaba....Allah(swt) makes it happen....Allah(swt) arranges this....he has invited us....we are the guests of Allah(swt)....and indeed he took the best care of us.....all we need to do is just pray and submit ourselves to him.....alhamdulillah the tawaf went great....we made duas and recited different surahs...on every round it gave us immense joy and satisfaction...the more we looked at the holy kaaba....the more we craved for its sight....it 's sight was as magnuificent and heart whelming as always.....the last round was very tough as it was an end to something so very nice.....now it was time to go for sae'e....before that we stopped to drink zam zam water....a thirst quencher and blessed act to refresh and revive ourselves. Saee represented to me Allah (swt) in all his beneficence, in all his mercy the one who provides sustenance for us and in whose hands our destiny lies....I recalled the plight of bibi Hajarah (ra), thinking how frantic she must have been looking for water; and how Allah (swt) loved the actions of his favoured person to such an extent that the revival of her actions is now considered worship....don't know why but I really loved this act....the walking to and fro to safa and marwah...was a wonderful feeling.... things have changed now...there is nothing like walking in between hills.....its a flat ground with marble.....only a small portion of the hill is left now...I stood there for a while and did my duas...everytime we came to an end of safa or marwa we had to stop and pray...indeed another blessed opportunity....the whole hajj was a blessed opportunity....every step was a blessing fromAllah (swt)...can't thank ALlah(swt) enuough....cant express all my feelings in words...alhamdulilah the seven rounds of Sae'e came to an end with all being well and to my satisfaction. Jamarat ______ After the tawaf we returned to Mina in afternoon to stone the devils. This reminded me of Hazrat Ibrahim's (AS) willingness to sacrifice his obedient son. Jamarat was alhamdulillah a 10 min walk....was happy to pelt stones at the big devil(shaitan)....It was a structure of a huge stone...it was a great feeling....May Allah(swt) protect us all from the shaitan...ameen...It was chaotic! I had to make sure that I was not struck by a stone and at the same time make sure that I dont accidentally harm anyone either...but it was not that bad as I magined....one just had to be careful.....I pelted stones on the 3 devils(shaitaans)....it was great feeling of satisfaction.....recited my surahs and duas that I was supposed to.....every step of hajj gave me a sense of nearness towards Allah(swt).....alhamdulillah by now all the major rituals were performed. EID ____ The sacrifice of the goats were also made by now.....it was Eid for us....a day to rejoice this auspicious occasion....when we returened to tent by now we all were exhausted.....but the feeling of eid made us all refresh ourselves.....bbq was done....and we had a great dinner together.....it felt good to expereince this Eid with our muslim sisters and brothers...... we all were in great spirits and had a great day....indeed Allah gave us this great day of Eid to celebrate.....the day ended....and everything seemed quiet....everyone knew time is flying ....hajj will come to and end soon....only ALlah(swt) knows when we would get this opportunity again.....we already started to miss the rituals....the days that passed by....but at the same time....were excited about our hajj being completed....as this is waht we wanted....to perform Hajj....and alhamdulillah we did. Tawaf-ul Wida ______________ Now we were left with 2 days ...we only had to do tawaf-ul wida, and jamarat...our major rituals were done by now.....ALhamdulillah had a great expereince....wonderful feelings....finally came the last day at Mina.....we were about to leave for tawaf - uwida.....we know after that we will return to our homes....leaving behind ever-lasting memories....by now we were used to it.....this tawaf was the best for me...as I was more relaxed by now.....did it with ease....by now I was satisfied to an extent that I got a good great chance to do ibadah at this holy place.....I felt very near to Allah(swt)....indeed no word can describe my feelings.....but then as I came to round 5 my heart started to weep....my mind was again in thoughts...its gonna be over soon...I didnt wanted to get over.......I was hurrying up to do as much as prayers I could...this time I begged Allah(swt) to provide me another chance of hajj and lots of Umrahs.......as I came to the last round, the last one....I didnt wanted to move....I stood and prayed for a while.....I couldn't believe something as wonderful as 'hajj' came to an end....but that was the truth, all good things come to an end...as long as on carry the great feelins of this holy place and returned all spiritually revived....it's an achievement.. and then with a heavy heart moved on towards to the 'Makaam -e-Ibrahim' to do my 2 rakath salaah......I managed to get a small place, where I sat in front of kaaba by the stairs....staring at the holy kaaba...I had nothing in mind now....just had my eyes set on this wonderful thing....I was amazed by Allah(swt) bounties....was thanking him for giving me this opportunity....I was smiling though tears poured down.....I was happy...I completed my hajj...I was an hajji alhamdulilah...what more could I ask Allah(swt)....he blessed me with this biggest opportunity...I earned the biggest degree ever.....I was the guest of Allah....I visited his house....I had a million reasons to thank Allah(swt)..... I felt as if I achieved everything...I felt as if I became a complete muslim....All I wished now was that May Allah(swt) guide me and always keep me on straigt path with immense love towards him and the beloved prophet(saws)........I prayed to ALlah(swt) that give me the ability to follow thw quran and sunnah always and make me strong in faith.....finally it was time to leave the Al Masjud Al Haram.....though I was happy , I was also sad to leave this place....how can one leave such a blessed place...a place full of blessings and mercy....indeed with heavy heart I took my steps towards the outside world.....every step I took I f elt deep pain.......pain of parting from my holy kaaba...pain of leaving this blessed masjid, this blessed city makkah...as I moved forward I couldnt stop myslef from looking back towards the kaaba....the masjid.....I made as much duas I could till the last moment ....tears and vision of kaaba were the two things in my eyes.......now i was seated in the bus that moved towards the jeddah airport....all the time I was longing to go back once and see the magnificent house of Allah(swt) once more ...to pray one more time....but it was over.......it was time to go back home....but alhamdulillah I told myself , I was the blessed ones that got this great opportunity......I performed hajj...... my biggest desire was fulfilled......now i was more relaxed and satisfied...spiritually more strong.......I felt very close to Allah...I felt I am a changed person...I felt the burden of sins very less....I had a strong feeling as if Allah (swt) has forgiven me...I had utmost faith in Allah(swt) that I will be blessed Inshallah and my prayers will be answered....Alhamdulillah the feeling I carried with myself was beyond any imagination......it cannot be expressed in words...it can only be felt...felt to the depth of my heart. I feel as if I came here with an empty spiritual hand and returning with an unbelievable amount of richness (spiritual). Even if I spend the rest of my life saying Thank you to Allah (swt), it still would be insufficient. Im indebted to His (swt) kindness and beneficence. ...Only Allah (swt) knows best when Ill get the chance to return.... anyway they do say that distance makes the heart grow fonder....nothing can come between me and my Allah(swt) now...that was my feeling ...I will follow Allah(swt) to the best of my abilities....In Alalh(swt) I lay my trust for my life and hereafter)akhirah)....hoping the best and craving to live a life away from wrong deeds and wanting to do only good deeds....by now I became very sensitive....I was worried about every aspect....I didnt wanted sins anywhere close to me....any mistake I thought i did....I asked for immediate forgivenes....I cant have have my account with any tiny wrong act..I want to live a good life....I only want good deeds....I am praying everyday...Allah(swt) please make me a good muslim and keep me on the straight path and shower his abundant blessing upon me and my family ...and keep the entire Ummah of our beloved rasool(saws) under his guidance...ameen I wish that I can share my experience with the whole world, these riches, these treasures and my feelings... ..Hajj is undoubtedly the best experience in the world....the best experience of my life.....nothing can compare to what I felt, what I lived in those 2 weeks....It was great process of sacrifice of time, sacrifice of money, sacrifice of comfort, and sacrifice of many physical desires and pleasures- and all this simply for the sake of Allah, with no worldly or selfish motive.....Combined with my belief in kalima, my Prayers, fasting , almsgiving (zakah), and now Hajj ..I felt as if I am complete now...my religion demanded me the visit to the holy kaaba and I did it......performing of hajj allowed me to complete my fifth pillar of Islam alhamdulillah.....Words can not do justice to Hajj the journey of a lifetime, it has to be experienced. Finally I did come back home,but I still feel half of my mind and heart left at Makkah and Madina....I sincerely hope and pray not to get involved too much in this worldy acts...I wanna stay and feel closer to Allah(swt).....follow my Qura'an and Sunnah....I wanna trust and thank ALlah(swt) as frequently as my heart-beats.....I wanna be in a constant state of zikr....As I sat to write this wonderful expereince, I went back to my Hajj days....I feel like going back...but the reality is I am here....but still I can feel Allah(swt) by me....Its my faith that will keep me closer to him. ....my control over my Nafs all the time will be my biggest victory and my gratitude towards Allah(swt)...Alhamdulilah with great spiritual feeling I returned to my home....I wish eevryone can feel what I felt...I wanna pass this bounties of Hajj to all....I wanna see every muslim guided and blessed... I fervently wish that everyone is blessed with the opportunity to do Hajj as early as possible in their lifetime and rekindle a strong loving relationship with Almighty Allah and his most Beloved Messenger Muhammad (saw)..ameen Jazakallah khair !! HAJJ - An experience of a lifetime...the best experience of my life !! - eCsTaCy - 12-30-2008 Well Teacher........... Me Save The Article Well Read In Day Time......... Inshallah.................. Allah Bless You HAJJ - An experience of a lifetime...the best experience of my life !! - Abr-e-guraizaN - 12-30-2008 JazakAllah......itna achcha article likha hai aap ney.....itna malumaati....khush raheN. Allah hum sab ko hajj naseeb karey.Ameen! HAJJ - An experience of a lifetime...the best experience of my life !! - samko - 12-30-2008 buht acha Artcl hy JazakAllah...... HAJJ - An experience of a lifetime...the best experience of my life !! - Zakia - 12-30-2008 Walaikumassalam Muskaan Sis... JazakAllah for Sharing with us this beautiful step by step experience of hajj,I must say your article has taken me few years back when I myself performed hajj... Isn't it a wonderful feelings to see the kabaa for the first time...The Kabaa we face everyday to perform our daily prayers...May Allah (SWT) reward you for this beautiful sharing.think of me in yr duas.. Beautifully written JazakAllah :rose HAJJ - An experience of a lifetime...the best experience of my life !! - Eqan - 01-02-2009 w.salam, SubhanAllah..wht a journey! nicely written article sis, it broke me down in tears, everyday i pray to Allah Almighty someday to me give privilege to perform Hajj, to be His guest. only He alone knows when my calls will be answered..may every Muslim get this opportunity at least once in his life time..ameen..thanks for sharing this amazing experience of yours.. HAJJ - An experience of a lifetime...the best experience of my life !! - Sweet Soul - 01-02-2009 Waalaikum salaam sis First of all Congratulations on performing HAJJ I didn't read the whole article but its very good, brought tears into my eyes. I really really want to go there and perform Umrah and HAJJ. May Allah Talah bless you HAJJ - An experience of a lifetime...the best experience of my life !! - Baaboo Babooshka - 01-02-2009 salaam Muskan saaHiba, aapkii taHreer paRhii aur paRh kar bas kia bataauUn k kaisi kaifiiyat huii...aapne is qadar mu'assar aHvaal likhe k maiN paRhtaa gayaa aur Khud ko maHsoos kiyaa k jaise maiN hii sab kuchh Haqeeqatan dekh rahaa huN aur ab_Khuda mere aaNsoo nikal aaye. Allah se du'aa hai k vo mujhe bhii apne ghar bulaa le aur maiN bhii yeh sa'aadat Haasil kar sakuuN. maiN insha Allah jab bhii jaauuNaga Haj par to aapkii is atHreer kaa asar hogaa aur Allah Paak aapko iskii jazaa deNge...shukria k aapne itnii meHnat se aaNkhoN dekhaa aur dil se maHsoos kiye huye aHvaal likhe aur hameN paRhne kii sa'aadat Haasil huii...May Allah BLESS you. fee amaan Allah _______Hashmat Usmani HAJJ - An experience of a lifetime...the best experience of my life !! - Umm Sulaym - 01-02-2009 MashAllah...congrats on a wonderful accomplishment..you're very lucky sis...May Allah accept your Hajj and may He grant you all what you asked from Him when you went there +) Ameen. A beautiful narration, InshAllah...someday I will also be lucky enough to experience this...+) Congrats once again sis+) HAJJ - An experience of a lifetime...the best experience of my life !! - life. - 01-06-2009 JazakAllah......itna achcha article likha hai v nice