It was two years ago that Allah blessed me and my wife with Hajj

(Hajj) Yahya Abdul Rahman

January 13, 2005 (Thul Hijjah 2, 1425): It is that time of the year again when the Muslims make pilgrimage to the scared house in Mecca in response the commandments of Allah and the call of prophet Ibrahim. Year after year the hajjis come seeking Allah's forgiveness and favour.

I am so pleased with Allah that He in his infinite mercy blessed my wife and I to go on the sacred Hajj journey two years ago. Together we have circled the sacred Kabba, we have walked between Safaa and Marwa- like Hajar before us - we have tented in the plains of Mina, rested in Musdelifah, have stoned the cursed one at the Jamarat, like prophet Ibrahim before us,  and have stood on the Mount of Arafat and made supplication to Allah for His forgiveness. La Baik Alluhuma La Baik!! (Here I am oh Lord, here I am.)

My dear brothers and sisters if you have not performed the sacred Hajj I pray that Allah will make a way for you to go when you are young and healthy and that He will accept your Hajj and grant you all nothing less than paradise. The trip is very tough and you will face many aggravations and challenges, but it is worth every second.

As I sit and write these words I recall that only two years ago I was healthy, strong and full of self -confidence. Now, with the destiny of Allah which I fully accept as He is my Lord and I am His servant, my health is not good and even if I wanted to go this year I could not. Allah knew this in advance and made it so that I could go when I did. I hope this is a good sign for me.

Although my body is here in Montreal my eyes yearn to once again behold the Kabbah and my heart yearns to be in the Haram Sharif making tawwaf around the sacred house.

Oh, my fellow Muslims, there is no greater blessing than that you would respond to the call Allah and follow the footsteps of prophet Ibrahim, prophet Muhammad, and all the righteous Muslims before you and  perform the Hajj.

But always remember that if for some valid reason you cannot go (ie finances) but you have the full intention to go, Allah will still reward you for performing Hajj.  Allah most gracious and merciful to his servants!!! Have we not so much to thank Allah for?

As we get caught up in our daily lives and take for granted the many blessings which Allah has given us, please do take the time in these blessed days of Dhul Hijjah to remember Allah, increase your good deeds and thank Allah for His manifold favours.

Next year on Arafat, inshallah................And Thanks To Allah For The Honour of Visiting Your House..