We Long for Hajj , But Does Our Heart Really Long for Allah?

A Reminder on the 10 Blessed Days of Dhul Hijjah.

Read here for free.

Another Dhul Hijjah has arrived this year. Another ten days that the Prophet (SAWS) called the best days of the year. These days, where the righteous deeds are the most beloved to Allah than any other time of the year.

But do we really treat them as the best?

We scroll past. We sigh 'SubhanAllah, Dhul Hijjah is already here' and then move on with our busy lives like it's just any other ordinary week.

The Masjids aren't any fuller unlike the nights of Ramadan. You would barely find anyone trying to complete one whole recitation of Quran in these ten days. Few fast, many complain of the heat and some say at how it's not obligatory (which is true) but.... fasting even one of these days brings a reward that only Allah knows and as for the Day of Arafah (9th of Dhul Hijjah) that alone wipes out two years of sin. Can you imagine 2 years of sin being wiped out from your records?Yet how many of us ignore the grand opportunity!

And it's not just religious duties or worship that is neglected, it's the state of our hearts too.

How many siblings, cousins or parents, sit in complete silence waiting for the other to make the first move?

How many of us carry grudges inside our hearts like it's part of our faith?

These are the days of sacrifice.

What better days are there then to sacrifice and kill your ego for the sake of Allah, to revive the light in a bond ?

So often we always speak about as if these days are an opportunity for extra rewards, as though we're already doing well and this is just getting some more bonus points on the scale!

But we may need to pause and ask ourselves this question: Are we really people of excellence just like the companions were? Or are we just average Muslims hoping to earn Jannah with minimal effort?

Do we live like people preparing to meet Allah and love death ? Or do we fear it ?

If our deeds were shown to us today, would we be satisfied or ashamed?

We convince ourselves that we're good enough, when we're barely able to even wake up for Fajr prayer! That we fast in Ramadan, pay Zakat and avoid the major sins.

But when was the last time we pushed ourselves beyond the bare minimum just for the love of Allah? When was the last time we chose to forgive someone rather than take revenge?

Are we truly honest in our dealings, or only when it's for our benefit?Do we speak the truth even when it costs us something? Do we keep our promises, fulfill our trusts, and guard our tongues from backbiting and gossiping or have these become lost Sunnahs in our Ummah?

Would our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ recognize us by our character, or would he weep in sadness?

We look at the pilgrims in Makkah and feel a longing to be with them, but do we ever look inward and feel alarmed at our shortcomings?

That maybe our hearts have grown cold? Or our minds succumbed to the fact that we're enough when we're barely able to make up to the minimum mark!

These ten days come as a wake up call to us, a form of mercy from Allah to whisper, You were made for more than this.

You've made mistakes but Allah's mercy for you overcomes His wrath.

You think you're not worthy but Allah is still calling you back.

You may be exhausted but this striving against your nafs, your desires, the sins , is what makes you beloved to Him.

These days aren't just a spiritual opportunity. They're a reminder of who you are meant to become.

A mercy from Allah for those of us who fell short in Ramadan.

It is Allah's way of saying 'Come back, I still haven't closed the door and never will!'

They are a second chance for the average soul to aim higher. For the distant hearts to draw nearer to Him.

So maybe we have not been able to become people of ihsan yet. Maybe we haven't longed for Allah like we long to be called for Hajj. And maybe our character hasn't reflected the beauty of this deen.

But the pen isn't dry. The story isn't over yet. And these days, they are a chance to rewrite it your fate again with sincerity, sacrifice for His sake, and surrender to the One who created you and me.

So don't rush through them. Don't numb your senses and ignore your way past them.

Pause. Reflect and return to Him. 🤍

I've put together and designed a Dhul Hijjah planner on notion. It's simple and free, not to overwhelm, but to help us stay mindful of our time during these 10 days.

If you're someone who loves digital planners, journals and likes organizing thoughts, goals, or daily ibadah in one place, this one might be helpful for you too.

• Daily Progress Tracker: A checklist to monitor your prayers, fasting, Qur'an recitation, and other acts of worship to stay consistent during these blessed days.
• Reflection Journal and Dua list: Dedicated space to pen down personal reflections and heartfelt supplications, fostering a deeper connection with Allah.

And much more!

Here's the link: Your Dhul Hijjah Planner

Just open the link, press the duplicate button and you have your very own planner ready✨

I pray this little planner benefits you in some way, even if it's just a small reminder to stay connected. :)

May Allah accept your efforts in these blessed days of Dhul Hijjah may He draw your heart closer to Him with every passing moment. Aameen