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As the days of Dhul Hijjah begin, Hajj draws near, and the Day of Arafah approaches. From our screens, we watch people circling the Kaabah, taking in every moment. Some of us sit and wonder what it must feel like, while others think back to when they were there, trying to hold onto that feeling. Even though we weren’t invited this year, we ask Allah to give us the chance to go one day, or to return again. But even from where we are, we can still connect to what Hajj means. Hajj is not only a journey of the body, but also a journey of the heart.
Ihram begins with niyyah, the intention. Before anything else, pilgrims make a clear intention to begin Hajj. During these 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, take a moment to set your own intention. It can be something simple, like wanting to get closer to Allah or trying to be more focused in your prayers. Even a small intention matters. For example, you might decide to pray on time, read a few verses of the Qur’an each day, or be more mindful of your actions.
As pilgrims make tawaf, they circle the Kaabah, keeping it at the center. It’s a reminder that everything should come back to one focus. Take a moment to think about what your life has been focused on lately, then try to bring that focus back to Allah. This can be through prayer, dhikr, or just being more aware of your actions throughout the day. It could be as small as pausing your day for salah, making dhikr while walking, or checking your intentions before you act.
As pilgrims walk between Safa and Marwa, they follow the steps of Hajar AS, who kept going and trusted Allah, even when she didn’t know what would happen next. That same feeling can show up in our lives too, especially when we’re making dua for something and haven’t seen it come through.
During the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, try to carry that same mindset. Keep making du’a, even while you’re waiting. Stay consistent in your prayers, even on busy days. Just like Hajar’s effort was seen, yours is too. Sa’i reminds us that what matters is continuing, even when you don’t see results right away. Your effort always counts.
On the Day of Arafah, millions of people stand in prayer, asking Allah and reflecting on their lives. It is one of the most important days of Hajj. You can take part in this from wherever you are. Take time to pause, make du’a, think about your life, and ask Allah for forgiveness. You can sit quietly, write your thoughts down, or speak to Allah about what’s been on your mind. Arafah reminds us that we can always turn back to Allah.
As pilgrims spend the night in Muzdalifah, they leave comfort and sit in an open space. It becomes a quiet moment. You can do something similar by stepping away from distractions, even for a short time. Slow down, sit in silence, and just be present. For example, you might put your phone away for a while, sit outside, or take a few minutes to reflect without distractions. Muzdalifah reminds us to stay humble and find peace in having less.
As pilgrims throw stones at the Jamarat, they are letting go of what pulls them away from Allah. Think about what you need to let go of. It could be a bad habit, negative thoughts, or something holding you back. This might mean stepping away from something you know isn’t good for you or making a small change you’ve been putting off. Even one small step matters. This reminds us to choose better and move away from what harms us.
So, we weren’t invited this year. But that doesn’t mean we can’t make the most of these days. You don’t have to feel left out. You can still grow, reflect, and get closer to Allah right where you are. In the end, it’s your effort and your intention that matters most. May Allah grant us all the chance to visit His House in Makkah. Ameen.
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