…the last Hujjaj leave Madinatun Nabi under a threatening sky…lanes that only yesterday were vibrant with pilgrims are now empty…
…except for rickety old Pakistani trucks heaving with luggage…
…the patter and patterns of Hujjaj from all over the globe is now replaced with the beginnings of an influx of visitors from around the Kingdom and nearby Gulf States who come to celebrate Eid in the City of Light…
…children play and frolic where little ones were noticeable by their absence during the past few weeks…
…strolling and ambling replace dodging and darting…
…with Jabal Uhud’s love a constant in the background…
…and quiet moments of contemplation are experienced…
…different from the previous weeks of hustle and bustle and the electric buzz of those blessed to be invited by You, Ya Rabb…
…leaving to answer the call…Labaik Allahumma Labaik…
…leaving with hopes and anticipation of arriving to the gates of forgiveness and renewal…Labaik Allahumma Labaik…
…time to once again to leave what we are doing and ‘arrive’ at reflecting on the timeless words our Blessed Prophet SallAllahu alaihi made at Arafat before he made his final arrival to his City of Light…
…time to assess what we need to be leaving and what we need to be arriving at regarding our practice and commitment to this glorious Deen…
…and all of us, will ultimately be leaving this Dunya…arriving where?
Allahu ‘Alum, our Amal over the next few days may be the very factor that earns our arriving in Allah Ta’ala’s Garden…may hearts be tuned to seeking His forgiveness and favours as we also call upon His Mercy, His Pleasure, His Grace, His Grandeur, His Guidance, His Compassion on the Day of Standing as do our brothers and sisters on the Plain of Arafat.
Excellent guidelines for supplications here and here, Jazakumullahu khaira for these beneficial reminders.
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.