By Asiya BharadiaThe first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are finally upon us. And amongst those last ten days is a day that holds extreme significance for each and every Muslim: the day of Arafah. Arafah is actually a place southwest of the Ka’bah in Makkah. It is a vast plain where pilgrims performing Hajj spend a…
By Asiya BharadiaThere are several moments in our lives when we feel helpless and question why things are happening the way they are. Perhaps we have experienced a job loss or witnessed a very close family member going through a challenging moment. Problems and difficulties come to us in a variety of different forms. Most of the…
By Asiya BharadiaEach year, millions of Muslims from all over the world set out to Makkah for the sacred pilgrimage known as Hajj. Hajj occurs once every year during the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, Dhul Hijjah. It is a five day long pilgrimage and should be completed by every able Muslim at least once in…
By Evette JahangiriIn the past few years Saudi has gone through some significant changes under Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s plan to modernize the country. Some notable changes include: lifting the ban on women driving, women being able to travel without permission from guardians, and women having more control over family matters. Most of these reforms have…
By Shifah BelaiOver the next week, Muslims all around the world will be celebrating Eid Al-Adha. Surrounded by family, food and gifts, what’s not to love? But what is the importance of this day, and what does it mean for Muslims? Eid Al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, the last month in the Islamic…
By I’ve been lucky enough to visit Hajj three times. The first time was in 2001, then in 2006, and most recently in 2018. Each visit has affected me in different ways, and has shaped the Muslim and the person I am today. Hajj is a rite of passage, and is the fifth and final pillar of Islam….
By Mariam TanvirHajj. The most important pilgrimage a Muslim can make. It can, and will, have the most impact on your life once completed. It should be something that is celebrated by friends and family once dear ones have accomplished this lifelong goal. To me, it is important that the person who has completed Hajj have daily…
By manalmoazzamAs we speak, pilgrims around the globe are probably neck-deep in preparation for Hajj 2019. For those who may not be aware, this daunting, yet eagerly anticipated fifth pillar of Islam is a time when Muslims from around the globe — who are able to, both physically and financially — descend upon the holiest cities…
By I have found myself contemplating death ever since I returned from Hajj in the summer of 2018. People perform Hajj to fulfill a religious obligation to God, to renew their faith in God, and to experience a sense of community with Muslims around the world. In this sense, Hajj is life-affirming, yet my time in God’s house…
By Hajj is an incredible time for Muslims all around the world, but with an estimated 1.3 million coming in from abroad to participate this year, safety is clearly a concern. In the past, deaths during Hajj have climbed upwards of 2,000 people due to stampedes, crime, and pretty extreme conditions. While the Saudi government has…
By Warning: Graphic images may appear in some of the links provided. Viewer discretion is advised. Azzouz Boutobba lost his mother in 2007. According to sources close to his family, he struggled with the loss well into his 20’s. His mother passed away while making her Hajj and was buried there. On June 8, 2018 (his…
By bubblesHow do I do this? So, you converted to Islam? Masha’Allah! But what now? I remember when I converted last year, I was a little overwhelmed with all the things I had to learn and I felt like I had to learn everything at once in order to become a good Muslim. I think that…
By AmaniThe year 10 A.H. was one of the most significant years of the Islamic calendar. Leaders and tribes that one could have never imagined would show the least bit of acceptance towards Prophet Muhammad (SAW) began to embrace Islam as their faith, and multitudes of people were turning to the religion of Allah (SWT) ….
