The Spiritual Experience of Hajj

[Beauty of the Religion]

Assalamu Alaykum,

Does anyone have any ideas as to how the spiritual experience of being in the great mosque of Makkah can be described figuratively? Imagine you are there and describe what you see. (positive aspects only plz)

As much as you can, please be elaborative. :)

Jazakumullahu Khaiyran.

BotR.

[Ummulkheir]

hehehe liked how u classified "positive only" lollll inshAllah will have something soon as i get my thoughts together:)

[Beauty of the Religion]

Oh I really can't wait too long. I need it by tomorrow lol :S

[Ummulkheir]

lollll so its an assignment thing?:P i thought u were just reminiscing:P

[islam_mydeen]

assignment or not.. i still wanna read :P

[Beauty of the Religion]

Could anyone give me a clearer description of the personal transformation and the spiritual journey of Hajj? In other words, how you'd feel internally and how it would be a turning point in your life.

[Rassila]

Assalamu 'alaykum akhi,

Asking those who have been to hajj about their personal experiences may be very helpful to you. Even your ajdaad (grandparents) from the other side of the world or your neighbour across the street may be delighted to share a decription and give you insight. Those who havent been to hajj (im guessing thats most of the youth here) could only tell you how we 'imagine' it to be or what weve heard others say. So chase the oldies!

Alhamdulilah there are many resources out there from letters, videos to articles of those who have been to hajj (especially new muslims) and what theyve felt. Type in "hajj experience" in youtube etc and listen/read the personal descriptions some have provided.

Quick example:
- Malcolm X - letter from makkah (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDkoYJD8kEo)

THings often mentioned about the transformation include:
seeing the diverse creations of allah swt, learning how to excercise true patience, tolerance and sacrifice (and taking that with them to implement in other spheres of life), feeling a special closeness to allah swt and love for rasul allah (pbuh), vowing to stay away from certain sins (for example, some return with the strength and will power to quit smoking, be consistent in their ibaadat when they prob never were before etc), they may feel a sense of accomplishment/completion after fulfilling the final pillar of islam, motivation, increase in imaan.

(You and other forutunate souls would know better)

All the best
wa assalam alaikum warahmatullah

[AbdulQader]

Bro, you have been to Hajj no? we should be asking you!

The simple fact that Allah subhanahu wata'ala has Willed for you to be amongst His duyoof (guests) is one that brings extreme joy and comfort to your soul.

I think no matter how much one can sit and explain the transformations and feelings that one experiences by going on this amazing spiritual journey, the true effect will only be one that you can experience and not describe.

In previous times it may have been much more of a transformation wha'Allahu a'lam, since the mashaqqah was much greater. People would literally be away from family for months on end (and even years) just to make the journey. The sacrifice was much greater. These days the very sight of the hilton hotel at the door of the Haram kind of makes it that much less spiritual. But all the aside, you kind of don't pay attention to any of that.

The sense of being in a place where your soul is free from worries, simply dedicated to the worship of Allah as He should be worshipped. Following in the footsteps of Rasulullah and of the Prophets that came before him. Remembering Sitna Hajar and Prophet Ismail alayhimaa alsalam.

I think it depends on the persons intent and insight into what it really means to perform the pilgrimage and coming to the realisation of how great the vicinity of the Haram really is. Not everyone who goes to hajj transforms and likewise not everyones Hajj is an accepted one, may Allah save us from that.

There are the common things that people experiebnce (the brotherhood, no distinction between races and status in Ihram etc.) but there are things beyond that, that are probably very hard to describe...

[Beauty of the Religion]

Bro, you have been to Hajj no? we should be asking you!

Lool yeah but it's quite difficult to express in words, and that's where I needed help.

[Rassila]

^ Thought so. That would be more difficult to find help with; the expression has to purely come from yourself as each individuals ways of expression will vary.

Asta'een billah and begin writing, then work on your expression afterwards (through editting, getting others to proof read etc)

ربي اشرح لي صدري و يسر لي أمري واحلل عقدة من لساني يفقهوا قولي... باسم الله الفتاح اللهم لا سهل إلا ما جعلته سهلاٌ

[Beauty of the Religion]

OK jazakumullahu khaiyran for your help! :D