Hajj: five steps from dream to reality

Many of us begin to feel sad when every year we see airports filled with excited glowing faces as well as when social media feeds are filled with news from the sacred land of Mecca and Medina. “Another year passes, another Hajj without me. Will I never be among those lucky ones who see the majestic Kaaba with their own eyes.” Such thoughts probably come to mind to everyone who has been dreaming of the Hajj for a long time. On the other hand - growing utility bills, endless shopping lists in stores looming ahead of the wedding, with all the ensuing consequences in the form of “suitcases”, “banquet halls” and other delights... All these life circumstances completely deprive us of hope in the coming years to accomplish the main journey of our life.

We invite you not to be sad but to start acting. Yes, sometimes our expenses exceed our income. Yes, sometimes our budget is only enough to meet the basic needs of the family. Yes, it may seem to us, according to all the laws of logic, that the Hajj will remain for us something from the realm of unrealizable dreams. But we forget that our sincere prayer can work a miracle. And, sometimes we just need to take a step towards meeting the Almighty and He will open all the roads for us to meet our dream. Today we will give you some practical advice that will help us in the near future, by the will of the Almighty, to touch the fragrant Kaaba.

Hajj: step 1

Finance

Get ready for Hajj! Your financial situation is not a reason to despair and lose hope of being on the main journey of your life. Study from A to Z, all the subtleties of the fulfillment of this pillar of our faith, improve your religious knowledge, arrange an exam for yourself, as if your cherished flight is leaving tomorrow to meet the shrines of Islam. The better prepared you are for the pilgrimage, the more likely it is that by the will of the Almighty it will be your turn to pack your bags next year.

Hajj: step 2

Ask the Almighty

We know that God answers our prayers and loves those who ask Him. Do not forget to turn to the Almighty with an open heart after each prayer. Be especially diligent at those moments when our duas are most likely to be accepted - between the adhan and the iqamat, on Friday, before the morning prayer...

Hajj: step 3

Participate in the competition

As we can see, today, believers, by the Grace of the Creator, have the opportunity to go on the Hajj for free. Participate in contests! We spend a huge amount of time on social networks and, in order to fulfill the conditions for the next drawing of the coveted ticket, you need to spend only a couple of minutes. Of course, before participating in the competition, be convinced of the honesty and good reputation of its organizers.

Hajj: step 4

Learn to save

If you dream of Medina and Mecca every night, then finally get a cherished money box with the inscription “For Hajj”. Learn to spend your budget wisely and set the right priorities. What do you need the most – to buy new furniture or take a step towards the sacred land? To dine with friends every evening in expensive establishments or to move even a centimetre towards the fulfillment of your dream? Plan a luxurious wedding for the newlyweds or give them the opportunity to see the land where Islam was born? It is up to you to decide!

Hajj: step 5

Sport

Strengthen your health! Make every effort so that by the time you set foot on sacred ground, your body works like a clock. Choose for yourself the appropriate way to strengthen the immune system - herbal medicine and Islamic medicine will help you with this. Adjust your diet, let your food be as simple and healthy as possible. Our physical form also plays an important role, because many rituals of the Hajj are associated with a certain physical activity. Make it a habit to do at least a few simple exercises every morning, walk more often, this will help tone your muscles and you will be less tired during the Hajj and will be able to focus on the spiritual side of each rite.

We sincerely wish every Muslim to be on sacred land, perform the Hajj, renouncing worldly things as much as possible and return home with hearts as pure as zam-zam water! And may the Almighty help everyone who sincerely strives for this to visit the holy lands!

Safiya Fokina

As-Salam correspondent