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 MG StaffEvery year around this time, there’s an intense debate about Eid Al-Adha and the associated animal sacrifice. Some vegetarian and vegan Muslims still participate in the sacrifice in order to feed others while declining to partake in the meat themselves. Others may adopt a “flexitarian” diet for the day and choose to consume the meat….
By MG StaffThe Day of Arafah is regarded by scholars as the most blessed day of the year. The Prophet said, “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than on the day of Arafah.” (Sahih Muslim) On this day, Muslims who are able should fast. Fasting for just this one day…
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 MG Staffthe best 10 days Dhul Hijjah is upon us once more, alhamdulillah — it begins on Sunday, July 11th. This is one of the most holy times for Muslims, as these 10 days are referred to as “the best 10 days.” Scholars say that these days are superior to even the last 10 days of…
By Tanweer KhanI’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 Irteza Binte-FaridI 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 akhalilAbout 10 years ago, I was blessed with the opportunity to perform hajj with my family. It was perfect, because hajj season was during winter break and I was in high school, so we got to escape the Midwest winter to embark on a journey of a lifetime. Hajj will always be a memorable experience and…
By suehailaamenHajj 2016 Photo: Suehaila Amen As Muslims, we know that performing our pilgrimage (Hajj) is one of the great pillars that we must perform in this lifetime if it’s financially attainable. These ten people were able to make this spiritual journey, and reflect on what Hajj means to them. Enjoy their messages of hope,…
By Asmaa Elkhaldi“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illa Allah.” I hear this recorded takbeer everyday in my beloved city of Gaza. With each day we hear the adhan, we become more excited about the upcoming day to celebrate Eid al-Adha, especially when we Gazans are always searching for any opportunity to get a slice of happiness….
By Hasnaa MokhtarMy alarm went off at 4 A.M. I dragged myself out of my snuggly bed. I headed to the bathroom, freshened up, and performed wudu in preparation for my date. I laid my prayer mat toward qibla. “Allahu Akbar.” I started my tahajjud night prayers. Immersed in a profound, one-on-one conversation with God, I humbled myself…
