This is the impact Hajj has on your akhirah
Every year, millions of Muslims leave behind their homes, their routines, and their identities to answer a call that began with Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and was sealed by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW). They don the same simple white cloth. They walk the same ground, and they say the same words, “Labbayk allahumma labbayk, here I am, O Allah, here I am.” However, some believe that the barakah of Hajj stops when the pilgrimage ends. That is a mistake. In many ways, it begins when you return home. If Allah (SWT) accepts your Hajj, you return as a different person. You feel lighter. Your heart feels more alive in prayer. You become more conscious of your words, your gaze, and your time. The sweetness of dhikr lingers on your tongue. The dunya loses its grip on you. And the akhirah begins to feel closer. This transformation is real. Hajj works on the heart, deeply and permanently, because Allah (SWT) created it as a path to purification, and He (SWT) never leaves the sincere heart unchanged. Many delay Hajj waiting for the stars to align. They want more money, they want more time, they want to be completely sure about their decision. But the moment when all of those boxes are checked rarely arrives. In reality, if you have a burning urge to make the pilgrimage of a lifetime, that is your sign! That quiet restlessness in your heart? That’s your soul recognizing the call. When Allah (SWT) invites you, He (SWT) makes the impossible easy. When you move toward Him, He (SWT) opens doors you didn’t even know existed. One of the most profound teachings about Hajj is also one of the simplest. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Whoever performs Hajj for Allah (SWT)’s pleasure and does not commit any obscenity or transgression will return as pure as the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Sahih Muslim) If your Hajj is accepted, your entire record of sins is erased. Not just major sins. Not just the past year. Everything. You return to Allah (SWT) with a blank slate. Think about that for a moment, what would you give to stand on the Day of Judgment with no sins on your record? Hajj gives you that opportunity. In another famous hadith by the Prophet (SAW), he (SAW) says, “An accepted Hajj has no reward but Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim) Imagine that. Jannah, which is the highest reward, is promised to the one whose Hajj is sincere and accepted. But what are the signs of Hajj mabroor? According to scholars, the accepted Hajj is one that is: Performed with pure intentions for Allah (SWT). Done without major sins during the journey. Followed by positive change in character afterward. This means your actions after Hajj matter! The transformation Hajj brings must continue beyond Makkah. And if it does and Allah (SWT) accepts it, you’ve been given a pathway straight to Jannah. One of the most striking things about Hajj is how closely it resembles the scenes we will witness on Yawm al Qiyamah. Men wear white, unstitched garments like the burial shroud. We stand in crowds on Arafah, pleading for forgiveness. We carry nothing of status such as titles, wealth, or power. We are seen by Allah (SWT) fully, honestly, and stripped of all pretense. But, unlike the Day of Judgment, in Hajj, we have the chance to change our outcome. We beg for mercy now, before it’s too late. And the Prophet (SAW) said, “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah.” (Sahih Muslim) On that day, Allah (SWT) descends to the lowest heaven in a way befitting His majesty, and He (SWT) boasts to the angels about His servants gathered in humility. He (SWT) forgives, showers mercy, and writes names in the Book of the Saved. A big part about Hajj is preparing your heart for the akhirah. After Hajj, something changes in a person who went with sincerity. You start to: Pray more mindfully. Remember death more often. Prioritize the akhirah over this fleeting dunya. In other words, Hajj reorients your entire life toward what actually matters and that’s exactly the mindset you’ll need when your soul leaves this world. Allah (SWT) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, “Whatever good you do, Allah fully knows of it.” (The Clear Quran®, 2:197) Every tear, every dua, every tawaf, every step in Mina, Allah (SWT) saw it. And on the Day of Judgment, those moments may be what tip your scale. When the scales are weighed, and the book of deeds is opened, you’ll be thankful for every sincere moment you spent in ihram. You’ll remember standing on Arafah, hands trembling, heart open, begging your Lord. And maybe, just maybe, Allah (SWT) will say, “I have forgiven you. Your Hajj was accepted.” May those of us who have completed Hajj find it accepted and may those of us still eagerly awaiting our invitation be called soon and find it, too, accepted. Ameen!
If compassion had a name, it would be Lady Zaynab bint Khuzaymah
In the vast and luminous history of Islam, there are names that shine brightly. Names that echo from minbar to minbar, remembered in khutbahs, biographies and classrooms. Yet, among them, there are some who remain less spoken about, not because their virtue was any less, but because their time was brief and their presence understated. One such noble figure is Lady Zaynab bint Khuzaymah, and she was a woman of immense compassion, remarkable dignity, and a legacy that continues to touch hearts centuries later. Long before she became a Mother of the Believers, Lady Zaynab bint Khuzaymah was already well-known among the Arabs for her boundless generosity. She was so committed to the service of the needy that she earned the title “Umm al-Masakin” (Mother of the Poor), a name that wasn’t merely honorary, but deeply earned through years of active support for the vulnerable. Even in the pre-Islamic society of Jahiliyah, when the norms were not kind to the weak, Lady Zaynab bint Khuzaymah still stood out. She would feed the hungry, clothe the poor, and visit the ill without seeking reward or recognition. It was as if Allah (SWT) was preparing her soul for the responsibility of being a wife to the greatest man to walk this earth: Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Lady Zaynab bint Khuzaymah became one of the wives of the Prophet (SAW) in the third year after hijrah, around the age of 30. She was widowed twice before (her first husband was likely killed in battle), and she came into the life of the Prophet (SAW) at a time when many of the early Muslim women were suffering great loss due to war and persecution. Her marriage to the Prophet (SAW) was a continuation of her life’s mission, and that was to serve. The Prophet (SAW) married her not only out of compassion but also as a way to honor her noble character and offer her stability. It is worth remembering that many of the Prophet (SAW)’s marriages were acts of social reform, setting an example for the Ummah on how to care for widows and vulnerable women. Lady Zaynab bint Khuzaymah’s time with the Prophet (SAW) was brief. She passed away just eight months after their marriage. But her short tenure as Mother of the Believers did not diminish her standing. In fact, she holds the unique position of being the first of the Prophet (SAW)’s wives to die after him, and to be buried in Jannat ul Baqee. It’s easy to overlook someone whose time in the limelight was so short. But Lady Zaynab bint Khuzaymah’s legacy doesn’t need decades to leave a mark. Her life teaches us that impact is not measured by duration, but by depth. How many of us will be remembered generations later simply for the mercy we showed others? How many of us would even put the welfare of the less fortunate before our own needs and desires? In a world that often glorifies wealth and visibility, Lady Zaynab bint Khuzaymah reminds us that, in the eyes of Allah (SWT), it is compassion, service, and sincerity that truly matter. She lived quietly, loved deeply, and gave endlessly – not for fame, but for the pleasure of her Lord. When was the last time we ever lived our lives in such a way? In our communities today, the poor and the vulnerable still exist. The single mothers, the widows, the orphans, the homeless, all of them are modern masakin. If Lady Zaynab bint Khuzaymah were alive today, there is no doubt she would be among them, not just offering words, but extending her hand, her home, and her heart. For Muslims seeking to live meaningful lives, her legacy offers a clear example, and that is: do not wait for a platform to start giving. Your home, your presence, and your sincerity are enough to make a lasting impact. And perhaps most profoundly, Lady Zaynab bint Khuzaymah’s story tells us that you don’t have to be famous to be remembered by Allah (SWT). It is time that we, as an Ummah, revive the memory of Lady Zaynab bint Khuzaymah. Let us speak her name in our homes, teach her story in our schools, and embody her character in our daily lives. Let us honor her by doing what she did best, and that was serving those who have less, without expectation. In her quiet way, Lady Zaynab bint Khuzaymah lived a life of true Islamic excellence, one rooted in mercy, sacrifice, and love for others. May Allah (SWT) be pleased with her and allow us to walk in her footsteps, Ameen!
The woman whose marriage freed a hundred souls
Some people enter Islam through dawah, others discover it through deep reflection. And some, like Lady Juwairiyah bint al-Harith, enter through the collapse of everything they once knew. She was captured in war, stripped of her royal title, and placed into unfamiliar surroundings. Any individual in her situation would instantly become bitter but, instead, her story became one of grace, faith, and remarkable influence both spiritual and political. Her name is not always mentioned among the better known Mothers of the Believers but, just like them, her life and her story have changed the fate of hundreds through dignity instead of power. Lady Juwairiyah bint al-Harith was born into a family of nobility. Her father, al-Harith ibn Abi Dirar, was the chief of Banu al-Mustaliq, a powerful tribe allied with Quraysh. Proud, strategic, and independent, the Banu al-Mustaliq had long resisted Islam. In the fifth or sixth year after Hijrah, tensions escalated when intelligence reached the Prophet (SAW) that the tribe was preparing an attack. What followed was the Battle of al-Mustaliq, a swift and decisive encounter. The Muslims were victorious. The tribe was defeated, and Lady Juwairiyah bint al-Harith, daughter of the defeated chief, was among the captives. She was taken by Thabit ibn Qays, a companion of the Prophet (SAW). It was in this vulnerable position, as a captive and as a widow, that she approached the Prophet (SAW), seeking to negotiate her freedom. What happened next would not only change her own life, but it would alter the fate of her entire tribe. When she stood before the Prophet (SAW), Lady Juwairiyah bint al-Harith didn’t plead, she spoke with dignity. She requested assistance in paying her ransom which is a request that is Islamically valid and morally powerful. The Prophet (SAW) responded with something unexpected. He offered to pay her ransom himself and then marry her. She agreed. When the companions learned of this marriage, they reacted with a spontaneous act of mercy. They said, “These are now the Prophet (SAW)’s in-laws, we cannot hold his relatives as captives.” And so they freed over a hundred families from Banu al-Mustaliq. Later, Lady Ayesha bint Abu Bakr would reflect, “I do not know of a woman who brought more blessing to her people than Juwairiyah.” (Sunan Abi Dawud) Lady Juwairyah bint al-Harith was not a woman of ideal ease. She was known for her devotion, her fasting and, especially, her dhikr. The Prophet (SAW) once passed by her as she sat in the masjid after Fajr. Hours later, around midday, he returned and found her still seated in the same place. He approached her and asked, “Have you been sitting here all this time?” She replied, “Yes.” He then taught her a brief dua to say three times that would exceed in reward all the time she had spent in dhikr that morning. That supplication was, “SubhanAllahi wa bi hamdih, ‘adada khalqih, wa rida nafsih, wa zinata arshih, wa midada kalimatih.” This moment between them is telling. It shows the relationship the Prophet (SAW) and Lady Jawairiyah bint al-Harith had which was rooted in spiritual growth, sincere worship, and mutual respect. Though we don’t have as many narrations from Lady Juwairyah bint a-Harith compared to Lady Ayesha bint Abu Bakr or Lady Umm Salamah, she is listed among those who transmitted hadith. She was known in her time for her worship and quiet intelligence. She was also part of a house that carried the burden of leadership. The Prophet (SAW)’s home wasn’t just a family home, it was the center of revelation, the embassy of the Ummah, and the space where mercy and judgement often intersected. Living in that space, especially coming from royalty, captivity and reconciliation would have required humility and transformation. Lady Juwairyah bint al-Harith rose to it. After the Prophet (SAW) passed away, Lady Juwairyah bint al-Harith remained in Madinah. She lived a life of worship and remembrance, away from the spotlight. She passed away during the caliphate of Mu’awiyah bint Abu Sufyan, around the year 50 AH. She was buried in Jannat ul Baqee alongside the other Mothers of the Believers, which is a quiet resting place for the people who brought mercy to hundreds of people. From Lady Juwairiyah bint al-Harith, we learn that: Dignity does not depend on circumstances. She was a captive but never humiliated. She held her voice and honored herself. One righteous choice can give you more freedom than you’d ever expect. Her acceptance of marriage led to the manumission of over 100 people. Women are agents of change. Her marriage had political, spiritual, and social consequences. Real transformation is always inward. She moved from the life of a tribal princess to a woman of fasting and dhikr. Lady Juwairiyah bint al-Harith’s story is not loud. It’s not filled with long speeches or public moments. But it is layered with courage, stillness, and barakah. She entered Islam in a moment of loss, but she lived it with conviction. May Allah (SWT) be pleased with her, elevate her rank, and allow us to carry even a fraction of her dignity and devotion. Ameen!
The most overlooked path to Paradise
Before we ever opened our eyes to the world, someone was already dreaming for us. Before we ever spoke a word, someone was already praying for us. Before we could walk, someone was carrying the weight of our future on their shoulders. That “someone” was our mother and father, our beloved parents. While our lives became busy and stressful, our parents always stood in the background as quiet pillars of strength without us even realizing it until it was too late. They bore our storms, held a roof over our heads during childhood with their wise advice, love, and nurturing, and they’ve grown older while watching us grow up. They lose sleep so we can achieve our dreams and they give, they always give, not knowing how much it even costs them. Yet, today, society has conditioned us to never remain in the present and to always worry about the future. Because of this, we have started to ignore their aging hands or their silent sacrifices because we’re so distracted. On Global Day of Parents, let’s take a moment to slow down, and reflect on what Islam has always taught us – that behind every truly successful believer is a mother’s dua and a father’s silent endurance. In The Quran, Allah (SWT) doesn’t simply recommend that we honor our parents, He (SWT) commands us time and time again. The purpose of this article is to remind Muslim youth, and even adults whose parents are still alive, that our parents may be the doorway we are overlooking while searching for our path to Jannah. In The Quran, Allah (SWT) speaks clearly of the exalted status of parents when He (SWT) says, “For your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And honor your parents. If one or both of them reach old age in your care, never say to them even ugh, nor yell at them. Rather, address them respectfully.” (The Clear Quran®, 17:23) Think of the weight of this verse. Right after declaring the oneness of Allah (SWT), The Quran is pairing it with a second obligation – to show exemplary behavior towards your parents. What is this excellent behavior? It’s beyond kindness and patience, you must show ihsan towards them which is the highest level of goodness, where your actions are driven by love, care, and respect even when it is difficult. Think about that. The Creator of the heavens and the earth placed obedience to Him next to honoring your mother and father. That’s not a coincidence. That’s your priority. Islam has painted a deeply emotional portrait of what parenthood looks like. Allah (SWT) says in The Quran, “We have commanded people to honor their parents. Their mothers bore them in hardship and delivered them in hardship. Their period of bearing and weaning is thirty months. In time, when the child reaches their prime at the age of forty, they pray, ‘My Lord! Inspire me to always be thankful for Your favors which You blessed me and my parents with, and to do good deeds that please You. And instill righteousness in my offspring. I truly repent to You, and I truly submit to Your Will.” (The Clear Quran®, 46:15) Behind every one of us there is a woman who bore nine months of pain, fear, and discomfort, and then years more of sleepless nights and sacrifices we may never see. But while mothers are the emotional backbone, fathers too carry a weight that’s just as heavy, albeit often more hidden. The long hours, the silent worries about bills and the future, the strength they show when they’re falling apart on the inside, it is all for their family. Our parents have truly given us life in every sense of the word. In addition to the beautiful verses in The Quran, the Prophet (SAW) has also made it a point to continuously mention the importance of our parents. Once, a companion asked the Prophet (SAW), “Who is most deserving of our companionship?” The Prophet (SAW) then replied, “Your mother.” The man then asked, “Then who?” Again, the Prophet (SAW) replied with, “Your mother.” After asking a final time, the Prophet (SAW) responded with, “Your father.” In another narration, the Prophet (SAW) has said, “Paradise lies at the feet of your mother.” (Sunan al-Nisa’i) On the other hand, the Prophet (SAW) has said about our fathers that, “The father is the middle gate of Paradise so keep to this gate or lose it.” (Sunan ibn Majah) These teachings are educating us on the value of accountability. Our treatment of our parents has a direct impact on our Hereafter, so how are we going to make the most of it? Like we mentioned in the introduction, this article has been created for the youth and for the adults whose parents, Alhamdulillah, are still alive. To our hardworking youth, your parents will not always understand your world because their livelihoods were vastly different from yours. But what’s incredible about that is they still love you unconditionally. That frustration when you don’t listen? That constant checking your location just to make sure you’re okay? It may seem very irritating, but that’s the purest and highest form of love that you don’t really find anywhere else except in the warmth of your parents. The world celebrates entrepreneurs and influencers, but Islam teaches us that the real legacy lies in the smile you bring upon your mother’s face, or the respect in your tone when you speak to your father. The Prophet (SAW) has said, “The pleasure of the Lord is in the pleasure of the parent, and the anger of the Lord is in the anger of the parent.” (Sunan ibn Majah) In an age of self-promotion, make honoring your parents your quiet revolution. To the adults, yes, we may be older now. The roles have reversed. We’re the caretakers while they forget names, lose energy, or simply sit in silence, waiting for a visit. Some of us are also
The pilgrimage that healed a wounded city
There are many moments in life when you return to a place not because it’s perfect or may hold the best memories, but simply because it’s time to go back. Maybe it’s a city you’ve left in pain. Maybe it’s a friendship that fell into a rut, a memory you want to avoid reliving, or even a version of yourself that you want to leave behind and start fresh somewhere. You go back to the past not to fall back on those memories and experiences, but to look at it with a new perspective, and to then reclaim it. Now, when we look at the city of Makkah and the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), we can draw similar parallels. In the beginning, this was the city that mocked him, broke his heart, and was the city he (SAW) would one day walk back into as the servant of Allah (SWT), full of grace and dignity. His first return for pilgrimage after being exiled was a quiet turning point for Islam. This wasn’t conquest, but closure and, like everything in the life of the Prophet (SAW), it holds deep meaning for us even today, if we are willing to pause and deliberate. To understand the Prophet (SAW)’s first pilgrimage, one must appreciate the maqasid al-sirah, the objectives behind the life of the Prophet (SAW). Makkah was the birthplace of Islam and the cradle of tawheed established by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). But, by the time of the Prophet (SAW)’s arrival, it had been desecrated by idol worship and tribal injustice. During the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah and with the intention of pilgrimage, the first attempt to re-enter Makkah occurred. The Muslims were blocked by the Quraysh from performing Umrah, and this marked a moment of intense trial. This treaty, though seemingly a loss, was a fath mubin as described by The Quran when Allah (SWT) says, “Indeed, We have granted you a clear triumph, O’ Prophet.” (The Clear Quran®, 48:1) This treaty paved the way for the Prophet (SAW)’s eventual and actual first completed pilgrimage to Makkah, the Umrat al-Qada in 7 AH. In the year that followed, the Prophet (SAW) and around 2,000 of his companions returned to Makkah as part of the terms agreed in Hudaybiyyah. This was not Hajj, but a minor pilgrimage. It was a short visit, lasting only three days, but its implications were immense: Reassertion of Tawheed: Entering Makkah and performing rites solely for Allah (SWT) in a city still dominated by idols was an ideological triumph. It was a physical tahliyah of the soul and place. Political Legitimacy: This visit publicly declared the presence and dignity of the Muslims to the tribes of Arabia. Islam was no longer a marginal or suppressed movement but an emerging force. Unity and discipline: The companions displayed remarkable adherence to the Prophet (SAW)’s leadership, even in tense conditions, showing Islam’s potential to unify diverse tribes under tawheed. Three years later, in the 10th year after Hijrah, the Prophet (SAW) would finally perform Hajjat al-Wada, which was his first and only Hajj in Islam. Unlike the earlier Umrah, this pilgrimage was grand, public, and complete. Over 100,000 Muslims gathered to learn the full rites of Hajj from the Prophet (SAW) himself. It was during this Hajj that he (SAW) delivered his final sermon, Khutbat al-Wada, establishing: The abolishment of tribalism and racial superiority. The sanctity of life and property. The centrality of The Quran and Sunnah. Gender equity, family rights, and mutual responsibility. The finality of his Prophethood and the perfection of Islam. The Quran declared, “Today, I have perfected your faith for you, completed My favor upon you, and chosen Islam as your way. But whoever is compelled by extreme hunger — not intending to sin — then surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (The Clear Quran®, 5:3) The Prophet (SAW)’s pilgrimage is a metaphysical journey. Hajj represents a return to fitrah, it is a reenactment of the journey of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), and a declaration of ubudiyyah (servitude) to Allah (SWT) alone. His first entry into Makkah for pilgrimage after Hijrah was marked by: Submission without arrogance. Dignity without revenge. Obedience to Allah (SWT) without compromise. It is here that we realize the Prophet (SAW)’s re-entry into Makkah was not a political conquest but a restoration of sanctity, a healing of a wounded land, and an invitation to Divine presence. The Prophet (SAW)’s first pilgrimage back to Makkah was a multidimensional victory (legal, spiritual, political, and civilizational). It was the re-opening of the gateway beneath earth and heaven. It was not merely about accessing a place, it was about reclaiming a maqam, a station of worship, and a station of servitude. The question now is: Have we internalized the meanings of that journey? What are the idols in our own hearts that must be shattered before we return to our own Makkah within?
Who is Jibraeel (AS)? Everything you need to know about Allah (SWT)’s most revered angel
In the stillness of the cave of Hira, as Prophet Muhammad (SAW) sat in solitude reflecting under the darkness of the night, the world as we knew it changed forever. A presence soon enveloped the cave not of a man, not of a jinn, but of a being made of light. It was not the earth that trembled, but the heart of the Final Messenger (SAW), for he was face-to-face with the most honored of all the angels. It was Jibraeel (AS), the trusted angel of Allah (SWT), the bridge between the Divine and mankind, the one who carried the revelation from the Lord of the Worlds to the hearts of the prophets. While many of us know him as the angel who brought down The Quran, few reflect on why Jibraeel (AS) is so deeply revered in Islam. What is it about this noble angel that places him among the greatest of Allah (SWT)’s creation? The highest honor that could ever be bestowed upon any creation is to carry the words of Allah (SWT), and this is exactly the role of Jibraeel (AS). Imagine the weight of that responsibility! Allah (SWT) says in The Quran, “Indeed, this Quran is the Word of Allah delivered by Jibraeel, a noble messenger-angel, full of power, held in honour by the Lord of the Throne, obeyed there in heaven, and trustworthy.” (The Clear Quran®, 81:19-21) It must be prefaced that Allah (SWT)’s angels are masoom – innocent and pure, as they possess no free will and act only as Allah (SWT) commands. Allah (SWT) specifically entrusted Jibraeel (AS) with delivery of wahi, revelations, not only to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) but to every prophet who came before him [Nuh (AS), Ibrahim (AS), Musa (AS), and Isa (AS)]. In every divine mission, Jibraeel (AS) was the one chosen to carry the most sacred knowledge, the words of Allah (SWT) Himself. To be the vessel of revelation is not a mere task, it is a rank that no creation, not even another angel, was given. His obedience, precision, and purity earned him the unshakeable trust of the Lord of the Throne. Jibraeel (AS) was also a companion in the most difficult moments of prophetic history. When the Prophet (SAW) faced hardship, Jibraeel (AS) was there in Hira and shared the first words of The Quran with him. During Isra and Mi’raj, Jibraeel (AS) accompanied the Prophet (SAW) through the heavens. At the Battle of Badr, he descended with the angels to support the believers. When the Prophet (SAW) was rejected and cast out by his people, Jibraeel (AS) stood by him, offering both comfort and divine reassurance as commanded by Allah (SWT). In a hadith, it is narrated that once Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) was sitting with the Messenger of Allah (SAW) when, one day, a man appeared wearing pristine white clothing and had jet black hair. There were no signs indicating that he was a traveler from a faraway place. Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) and others sitting with the Prophet (SAW) were not able to recognize the individual. The man came and sat in front of the Prophet (SAW), rested his knees by his knees, and placed his hands on his thighs. He said, “O Muhammad, tell me about Islam.” The Prophet (SAW) then explained, “Islam is to testify there is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to establish prayer, to give charity, to fast the month of Ramadhan, and to perform pilgrimage to the House if a way is possible.” The man responded that the Prophet (SAW) spoke truthfully. He then asked a second question, “Tell me about faith?” Again, the Prophet (SAW) patiently replied, “Faith is to believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in providence, its good and its harm.” Again, the man said the Prophet (SAW) spoke truthfully. He asked yet another question, “Tell me about excellence?” The Prophet (SAW) said, “Excellence is to worship Allah as if you see Him, for if you do not see Him, He surely sees you.” The man then asked, “Tell me about the final hour?” The Prophet (SAW) explained, “The one asked does not know more than the one asking.” Again, the man asked, “Tell me about its signs?” The Prophet (SAW) answered, “The slave-girl will give birth to her mistress and you will see barefoot, naked, and dependent shepherds compete in the construction of tall buildings.” The man then left while everyone else remained. The Prophet (SAW) then said, “O Umar, do you know who he was?” Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) responded, “Allah and His Messenger know best.” The Prophet (SAW) then said, “Verily, he was Jibraeel who came to teach you your religion.” Indeed, this archangel of Allah (SWT) was a teacher, a defender, a companion, and a sign of Allah (SWT)’s support. It is said that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) saw Jibraeel (AS) in his true form twice, and both times it shook him. He described Jibraeel (AS) as having 600 wings, filling the horizon, covering the sky with light and awe. From each wing, precious gems and pearls would fall. The Quran alludes to the majesty when Allah (SWT) says, “He has been taught by one angel of mighty power and great perfection, who once rose to his true form […].” (The Clear Quran®, 53:5-6) Unlike other angels, who may come in human form or unseen, the true form of Jibraeel (AS) is too overwhelming for all but one to behold. Our Prophet (SAW) was blessed to see him! This majestic form is both physical and spiritual. His nearness to Allah (SWT), his obedience and his truthfulness are what give him such luminous strength. Jibraeel (AS) is one of only a few angels explicitly mentioned in The Quran, and one whose status is defended by Allah (SWT) Himself, “Whoever is an enemy of Allah, His angels, His messengers, Jibraeel, and Mikaeel, then let them know that
The man known as the “nation” of Allah (SWT)
Many people live and die and, amongst them, only a few are remembered for having lived a remarkable life. Then there are others who are remembered forever, not because they owned luxury items, but because of how they carried themselves with humility, trusting and walking upon the path of Allah (SWT). In Islam, we hold in high esteem a man of such exemplary character and nobility that he is revered not only in Islam, but across all Abrahamic faiths. His name is Prophet Ibrahim (AS). His life is detailed in The Quran and, when we read it, we find something in ourselves that connects us to his story. In our hardest moments, in the decisions we are too afraid to make, and in the things which we struggle to let go, Prophet Ibrahim (AS)’s story is something that anchors us. Every believer, in some unique way, sees his or herself relating to Prophet Ibrahim (AS)’s story. Imagine you are a youth surrounded by people who bow in prostration to stone. Your father builds idols with his own hands. Everyone you know – family, tribe, and society – are all committed to a lie, and you’re the only one who sees past it all. Most of us would stay quiet to avoid confrontation and keep the peace, but not Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He stood up, not with a sense of pride or arrogance, but with courage. He spoke to his father with gentleness, but made sure that he didn’t remain silent on something he knew was horribly wrong. He asked his father why he worships something that neither benefits nor harms him? Quickly, his father, family, and society rejected him and, when his father threatened to cast him out, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) walked away, heartbroken but firm. This laudable step of calling out wrongdoing and accepting exile for something he knew was wrong earned him praise from Allah (SWT). He (SWT) said in Surah An-Nahl, “Indeed, Abraham was a model of excellence: devoted to Allah, perfectly upright—not a polytheist…” (The Clear Quran®, 16:120) Allah (SWT) called him a nation not because of his followers, but because of the faith he upheld. Sometimes, doing the right thing means you will have to stand alone, but when you stand for Allah (SWT), you’re never truly alone. However, after years of calling people to the truth, they had enough. They built a massive fire, tied him down and, without any hesitation, they tossed him into the flames. Can you imagine that moment? The sky above him darkened with clouds of smoke, flames all around him, and no one was there to help him except His Lord. Allah (SWT) says again in The Quran, “We ordered, ‘O fire! Be cool and safe for Ibrahim!’” (The Clear Quran®, 21:69) Not a single burn scarred his body because Allah (SWT) never abandons those who trust Him. You might feel like you’re falling into something painful but, when you rely on Allah (SWT), even fire can’t harm you, in shaa Allah. However, the tests for Prophet Ibrahim (AS) didn’t stop there. Soon came a test that would crush the hearts of anyone. For years, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had yearned and prayed for a child and Allah (SWT) blessed him with Prophet Ismail (AS), the son born to his wife Hajar in the heat of the desert. Every parent knows the feeling of joy and enthusiasm to settle in with their child and enjoy parenthood when having a child after much patience and prayer. But Allah (SWT) commanded something else. He told Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to leave them in the valley with no water, no people, and to just keep trust in his Lord. And he did. He left Hajar and Prophet Ismail (AS) in what would one day become Makkah. How must it have felt – walking away from your peace and comfort? From your only child? No phone calls, no news, just dua and deafening silence. In Surah Ibrahim the Prophet (AS) has said, “Our Lord! I have settled some of my offspring in a barren valley, near Your Sacred House, our Lord, so that they may establish prayer. So make the hearts of believing people incline towards them and provide them with fruits so, perhaps, they will be thankful.” (The Clear Quran®, 14:37) Years later, that barren land would be home to the Ka’bah, to Zamzam, and to the final Prophet (SAW). Sometimes the hardest goodbyes lead to the greatest blessings. When you give something up for Allah (SWT), He gives back more than you can imagine. But there was one more test that Allah (SWT) gave to Prophet Ibrahim (AS). When Prophet Ismail (AS) grew into a young boy – strong, kind, and obedient – Allah (SWT) told his Prophet to sacrifice his son. No explanation was given. The command was given to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) in a dream, which are also revelations. He went to his son and described the dream to him. His beloved child rose with tawakkul and advised his father to do as he was commanded. He didn’t hesitate or complain; he immediately submitted. Both father and son went. Prophet Ismail (AS) laid his head onto a piece of stone, ready to be sacrificed for his Creator. But Prophet Ibrahim (AS) still had the heart of a father. Unable to witness such a sight, he tied a piece of cloth around his eyes and raised his arms. Just as the blade was about to come down on the neck of Prophet Ismail (AS), Allah (SWT) replaced Prophet Ismail (AS) with a ram instead. Just by gathering his son and even lifting the knife to perform the sacrifice, that was enough to fulfill the command of Allah (SWT). There will come times when Allah (SWT) will ask you to let go of something that you love most. But, when you choose Him, He (SWT) will ensure that you are never left empty-handed. The story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) applies to everyone.
What are you willing to give for Allah (SWT)?
It wasn’t late nights or the financial strain that would make it clear. It was the quiet moments when your parents would watch you sleep peacefully after they had given up something small for their comfort, or when they bit their tongue during a difficult conversation, choosing love over discipline and ego. In those moments, the parent would begin to reflect, “is this perhaps what Allah (SWT) wants from us when He speaks of sacrifice?” Is sacrifice just limited to animals slaughtered at Eid? Or is it parts of ourselves that are surrendered in love, trust, and obedience? As Muslims, we grow up hearing about sacrifice (dahiyyah and qurbani), and the powerful story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Prophet Ismail (AS). But sacrifice in Islam is not a historical ritual. It is a living principle. It’s found in the mother who wakes for Fajr despite the exhaustion she feels, the youth who walk away from worldly temptations for the sake of Allah (SWT), and the worker who declines dishonest earnings even when bills pile up. This blog article will be a reflection on the concept of sacrifice in Islam on not just what it is, but what it asks of our hearts. The Arabic word for sacrifice, also known as Qurban, comes from the root letters ‘q’, ‘r’, and ‘b’ which, put together, comes out to qrb and this means to draw near. A sacrifice doesn’t have to be about something that you give up, it’s an act of nearness to Allah (SWT). It is what true servanthood is all about. Whether it’s an act of offering an animal during Eid ul-Adha or letting go of our ego in everyday life, the purpose and rewards of sacrifice run deep in the veins of Islamic practice. Sacrifice in Islam is not about loss, it is about what we gain by surrendering which are faith, taqwa, and the pleasure of our Lord. We cannot talk about sacrifice without remembering Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his beloved son Prophet Ismail (AS). Their story, preserved in Surah As-Saffat, doesn’t just show how obedient Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was, but it shows the peak of tawakkul, absolute trust in Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) says, “Then when the boy reached the age to work with him, Ibrahim (AS) said, ‘O my dear son! I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice you. So tell me what you think.’ He replied, ‘O my dear father! Do as you are commanded. Allah willing, you will find me steadfast.’” (The Clear Quran®, 37:102). This sacrifice is a test of the heart. When Prophet Ibrahim (AS) lifted the knife, Allah (SWT) replaced his son with a ram because He wanted to teach us something greater. Allah (SWT) says, “That was truly a revealing test. And We ransomed his son with a great sacrifice […].” (The Clear Quran®, 106-107) Not all sacrifices are visible. Some are made in silence such as the choice to wake for Fajr, to forgive when it hurts, to part with wealth for zakat, or to walk away from sin even when no one is watching. Our beloved Prophet (SAW) has said, “The strong one is not the one who overcomes people by his strength, but the one who controls himself while in anger.” (Sahih Bukhari) Controlling anger is a sacrifice. Being honest when lying is another type of sacrifice. Every act of taqwa is a quiet declaration that “Ya Rabb, I choose You over my nafs.” With Eid ul-Adha coming up soon, keep in mind that you’re not just reenacting a historical event. It is a reconnection to your roots, and a reminder of submission, and a renewal of intention. In The Quran, Allah (SWT) says, “Neither their meat nor blood reaches Allah. Rather, it is your piety that reaches Him. This is how He has subjected them to you so that you may proclaim the greatness of Allah for what He has guided you to, and give good news to the good-doers.” (The Clear Quran®, 22:37) What reaches Allah (SWT) is not the ritual, it is the sincerity, the consciousness, and the devotion behind it. Today, sacrifice may not look like placing a blade on the neck of an animal, it might mean choosing patience over pride in a marital dispute, leaving a haram income to feed your family, or guiding your children on the path of Islam even when the world offers glitter in every direction. In these moments, we walk the path of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), in our own small ways. As you read this article, pause and ask yourself before clicking out: What in my life pulls me away from Allah (SWT)? What can I sacrifice, emotionally, spiritually, or materially, to grow closer to Him? Have I placed anything above my Lord? Because the truest sacrifice is when we place Allah (SWT) first above all else. And what is the reward for those who give up something for the sake of Allah (SWT)? Something far greater than we could ever imagine, in shaa Allah. May our lives be filled with sacrifices that bring us nearer to His mercy, and may our hearts never grow tired of saying, “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk.”
The Day of Arafah
“Oh, my Lord, what has he found who has lost you? What has he lost who has found you?” Close your eyes and imagine this. You’re standing on a desolate hill with no civilization or sign of life for miles. You are hungry, thirsty, and the sun’s rays are shining down on your head, the heat is unbearable. Your ihram clings to you as tears fall from your eyes, your hands that are raised in dua shaking slightly as your lips whisper supplications only meant for your Lord to hear. Many would not put themselves in this environment, but you cannot bear to go anywhere. This is your time with your Lord to be vulnerable, to beseech, and to reconnect. This is the scene that many witness on the Day of Arafah – the day of Dhul Hijjah which, among the sacred days, is most sacred, filled with divine mercy. The day when our hearts are moved, our sins are erased, and the skies seem to lean closer to the earth. This the Day of Arafah. This day is one where our soul ascends. Millions of pilgrims gather together on the plains of Arafah and, along with those at home, they raise their hands to the heavens, all seeking the same closeness to their Lord, all moved by the same hope for forgiveness. The Day of Arafah falls on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah, the day before Eid ul-Adha. It is the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage, when millions of Muslims gather on the plains of Arafah just outside of Makkah, fulfilling the central rite of the pilgrimage. The Prophet (SAW) has said in a hadith, “The Hajj is Arafat. The Hajj is Arafat. The Hajj is Arafat.” (Jami at-Tirmidhi, 2975) The Prophet (SAW) saying this three times isn’t meant to be taken as an exaggeration. He is emphasizing the reality of this day. Whoever does not stand at Arafah on this day has missed the Hajj. That’s how important this day is, and making the most of it. But what about those who are not able to perform the Hajj? Yawm al-Arafah still remains as a day of spiritual opportunity! It is the greatest day of the year for you to fast, make dua, and gain closeness to Allah (SWT). On this day, Allah (SWT) descends to the lowest heaven, in a way befitting His Majesty, and proudly speaks to the angels about His servants gathered on the plain of Arafah. “There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire more so than on the Day of Arafah. He comes close to those (people standing on Arafah), and then He reveals before His angels saying, ‘What are these people seeking?’” (Sahih Muslim) Scholars explain that the mercy of this day spills over to all believers who turn to Allah (SWT) sincerely, wherever they may be. It is a day when shayatin are humiliated. A day when lifetime burdens are lifted. A day when hearts are mended again. If you are not able to perform Hajj this year, take it upon yourself to fast. The Prophet (SAW) says in a hadith, “It will expiate the sins of the previous and upcoming years.” (Sahih Muslim, 1162) Two years of forgiveness for one sincere day of fasting. What mercy is this that Allah (SWT) grants us so much and for so little? But remember, it’s not about skipping your meals and not drinking any water. This also reminds that, although we are not in the ihram of Hajj, standing with millions of pilgrims, we are with them in spirit and, thus, we have to humble ourselves before our Creator. Many will ask what is a believer even meant to recite on the Day of Arafah. Our Prophet (SAW) has taught us all a beautiful supplication in which we repeatedly say, “There is no god but Allah alone, without a partner. To Him belongs the dominion and the praise, and He is capable over all things.” (At-Tirmidhi) The beauty of dua in Islam is that you don’t need to have perfect words for it. You don’t even need to raise your hands. Sometimes, just one tear sliding down your cheek is far more eloquent than a dua. This day is for everyone. Some of our scholars highlight that the Day of Arafah is meant to remind us of the Day of Judgment. People are gathered together in plain clothes in large numbers, standing for hours with nothing but hope and fear, seeking mercy knowing that accountability is looming, looking towards a mount just as we will be looking at a scale, anticipating our deeds, and with Allah (SWT) watching every soul closely as time will have run out. But right now, you still have time to make things right. On the Day of Arafah, the Ummah rises. Some in white garments under the Arabian sun. Others in quiet corners of the earth, whispering into the unseen. But, together, we move toward one Lord, one mercy, one hope. Oh Allah (SWT), we beseech You, in Your Mercy and Glory, to accept our dua, forgive our sins, and allow us to witness many more Days of Arafah with hearts that yearn and tongues that glorify You, Ameen!
Simple lessons from Hajj for our daily lives
Every year, millions of Muslims from across the globe gather in Makkah for Hajj. The white ihrams, the crowded plains of Arafah, and the chants of Labayk Allahumma Labayk are awe-inspiring. But, even if we await our invitation to perform Hajj, the lessons of Hajj are meant to shape all of us, every day, no matter where we are. What Allah (SWT) teaches through Hajj isn’t confined to the beginning of Dhul Hijjah. It’s a blueprint for how to live with humility, purpose, and submission. Here are six major lessons that the month of Dhul Hijjah teaches that we can implement in our lives. You don’t need much to stand before Allah (SWT) During Hajj, everyone wears the same thing. Two simple white cloths for men, and a modest dress for women. No designer clothes, bags, or accessories to show off wealth, title, or status. Why? Because Allah (SWT) doesn’t care about those things. In the view of Allah (SWT), we are all the same, and He (SWT) loves the ones who are most God-conscious.Allah (SWT) says in The Quran, “O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may get to know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. Allah is truly All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (The Clear Quran®, 49:13) Strip away your pride. Allah (SWT) looks at your heart because that is what matters most to Him. You don’t control your journey, you have to submit to it Hajj is full of movements like tawaf, sa’i, going to Mina, standing at Arafah, and then Muzdalifah. It’s exhausting, you don’t set the schedule, you don’t plan the route, all you do is follow the way. That’s the whole point. Life is full of detours. Your role is not to control the map that Allah (SWT) has laid out, but to walk on it with sabr and trust. Let Allah (SWT) guide you, all you have to do is follow. Greatness isn’t always loud The greatest day of Hajj is the Day of Arafah. No parades, no speeches, just standing, making dua, and reflecting with sincerity.The Prophet (SAW) has said, “Hajj is Arafah.” (At-Tirmidhi) Some of your greatest acts of worship will be the ones no one sees – the quiet tears, the honest repentance, the dua you whisper in the night. Your sins can be wiped clean, so start over! One of the most hopeful things about Hajj is that, if accepted, you return to your everyday life like the day you were born — sinless.The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has said, “Whoever performs Hajj for Allah (SWT)’s pleasure and does not have sexual relations with his wife, and does not do evil or sins, then he will return (after Hajj, free from all sins) as if he were born anew.” (Sahih Bukhari) Allah (SWT) loves to forgive. You don’t need to wait for Dhul Hijjah to ask for forgiveness. Every sincere tawbah is a personal Arafah. Your worship isn’t about you alone Hajj is not a private ritual. You move with millions. You sleep beside strangers. You share water, shade, and even discomfort.Islam is not a solo path. Your character, patience, and kindness matter just as much as your prayer. Worship is deeply connected to how you treat others. You will leave this world with nothing but your deeds In Hajj, we bury our differences and are reminded that we will be buried too. Men wear their own white shroud with no wealth or possessions – just you, your soul, and your deeds. Every day is a step closer to your final return. What are you packing for that journey? When you begin studying about Hajj and actually reflecting on it, you’ll notice that it’s just like a mirror. It shows us who we are when we’re stripped of comfort, control, and routine. It also invites us to return to Allah (SWT) not just physically, but spiritually. You may not be among the hujjaj this year, but the lessons of Hajj are for you. So humble yourself, walk with purpose, let go of pride, treat others with compassion, call on Allah (SWT) often and sincerely, and start your life fresh today.
