Hajj two-O-O-eight..

Alhamdulillah, I had the opportunity to perform Hajj again this year. This time, it was not performed on two wheels, but a bus trip from Mina to Arafah and then by my two feet from Arafah to Muzdalifah then to Mina.

While last year's was smooth sailing, alhamdulillah it was the same too this year, only with a more intensive workout and strenous for the legs. Till now, the muscles at the back of my ankle area is still sore. It's probably my own fault too, brisk walking the whole 2-3 hrs from Arafah to Muzdalifah. Dah lah lama tak exercise. Or maybe age is catching up with me.. Or maybe, tak cukup minum susu koot. Lack of calcium? Lack of proteins?

I guess now I have some idea how it was like during those days when modern transportation was non-existant.

But it was probably harder back then. Longer routes, scarcity of toilets, water, lights, improper resting areas and the list goes on. Masya Allah.

During a visit to a hajj camp, again I encountered people complaining at the slightest fault they find even when everything is readily available. Some even requesting for special preferences and would demand in an authoritative manner. What's with the arrogance? Pampered much we are. A'uzubillah min dzalik.

We have to view hajj in a broader sense, what is the purpose of hajj? What is the significance of all muslims donning the same type of clothes and having to follow the same set of rules, regardless of race or status.

Humans are all equals and the only difference is their state of piety and their deeds to Allah and none other. All the stature, comfort and riches of this world will be worth nothing if they are chased only for our own selfish desires. Death is inevitable. We will leave everything behind. What then, after death?

We must always remember where is our final destination, what's our purpose, our true goal in life and believe in what Allah have promised us if we keep working towards that ultimate goal. As Allah says in the Noble Qur'an:

{Verily, we have created man in the best stature (mould). Then we reduced him to the lowest of the low. Except those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous deeds. Then they shall have a reward without end (Paradise).} (Surah At-Tin : 4-6).

Anyway, i'm at Mina currently, posting this through my sony ericsson K810i phone. We have to stay at Mina for at least 2-3 nights as part of the Hajj rituals. It seems to be less crowded as compared to last year, probably due to the stricter rules being imposed for outsiders and the advert of 'No Hajj without permit' vastly propagated through the media before that, hence resulting in a decrease of the number people willing to take the risk of performing hajj without a proper permit.

Hm, May Allah grant us ease and success towards performing and completing Haj. May Allah cleanse our hearts and purify our souls, guide us whenever we forget or fall into error and accept our deeds. May Allah grant us success with Paradise and protect us from the Hellfire. Ameen, ya Rabb al-'Alameen.

Alhamdulillah, for this repeated opportunity.



- on the way to Muzdalifah from Arafah (k810i)

None has the right to be worshipped except Allah alone, without partner, to Him belongs all soveriegnity and praise and He is over all things omnipotent.

Allah is Almighty!