“Have you ever been the recipient of a random act of kindness,” my son Saqib asked.. . . It was August 8, 1986. Khalid and I got stuck in Mecca. Now, Muslims never say that. To be in the holy city of Mecca is a privilege. It’s almost blasphemous to even consider oneself as being stuck. But bear with me as I set the stage.
Read moreA Surprising Glimpse of the Best
Six year ago, I was part of a group of Muslims and Jews who met at a hotel just over the Green Line in the West Bank for an interfaith text study.
Read moreFor The First Time. . . .
For the first time in five months, we saw our children and grandchildren in person
Read moreThe Deeper Meaning of Hajj - My Son's Reflects on his Journey
"Look – what I really need is a bag of saline solution with a tube and a needle.” From his expression, I could tell that Dr. Fareed knew that it was a hopeless request.
Read moreHAJJ DAY 4: Do You Believe in Miracles
Dear son,
12:00 Noon
When I didn’t hear from you until noon today, I wondered if I should start worrying. It is 7 pm in Mecca, and by now you should have returned from the Jamaraat, after hurling stones at the devil—or rather, the pillars signifying the devil. It’s a 105 F in Mecca today and an hour’s walk to the site, and then back. I am sure you kept water, salt tablets, an umbrella for shade, and had good walking shoes. Accidents happen at that site, and I am praying that you made it back safely, with the grace of God.
2:00 p.m.
Thank you my dear for your text message.
HAJJ DAY 3: Eid Ul Adha
Dear son,
While we are deep in sleep, the sun would have risen over Muzdalifa and you would have rolled up your sleeping bag and boarded the bus (or train) to head back to your tent in Mina. How was the night under the stars? Was the ride back uneventful or did you hit a lot of traffic? And how are you doing in your ihram? You have been in the two pieces of white sheets for over a day now, in the scorching heat.
Hajj Day 1: In The City of Tents
Dear Son,
Today you begin the first day of Hajj. You are in the valley of Mina, the city of tents. This will be your home for the next five days. You are among three million pilgrims, in the largest congregation on earth, performing your once in a lifetime obligation as a Muslim. I wish I were with you. As I pray that your soul be immersed in spiritual fulfillment, I am reflecting on my pilgrimage years ago.
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