ISWV: Reflecting on Hajj and Reminders for the Day of Arafah
In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
June 4th, 2025
As-Salaamu `Alaykum ,
Reflecting on Hajj and Reminders for the Day of Arafah
1. Ihram represents the shedding of worldly identity and status, serving as a declaration of total devotion to Allah. It reminds us that the true path to Him begins with letting go of ego, pride, and attachment. Even without the physical journey, every believer is called to adopt a heart that is humble, pure, and fully surrendered.
Dua:
O Allah, clothe me with the garments of sincerity, humility, and devotion. Strip from my heart every worldly attachment that distracts me from you.
2. The Talbiyah is more than a recitationit's a heartfelt declaration of loyalty to Allah. It signifies turning away from all distractions and inner idols like ego, pride, and worldly desires. Saying Labayk Allahumma Labayk is a powerful affirmation of devotion, submission, and love for Allah alone. True Talbiyah is lived through sincerity in the heart, soul, and actionsnot just spoken words.
Dua:
O Allah make me among those who live for you, die for you, and are loyal to you
3. Day of Tarwiyah in Mina: This day reminds us that true spiritual strength starts with thoughtful, inner preparation. "Tarwiyah," meaning "quenching," symbolizes the importance of pausing to reflect, ready ourselves, and align our intentionsespecially in anticipation of the sacred Day of Arafat.
Dua:
O Allah, help us to remember you, to thank you, and worship you in the best manner.
4. Arafah marks the spiritual climax of Hajj, a day centered on sincere presence, deep repentance, and honest dialogue with your Creator. On this day, worldly thingswealth, status, or companyhold no value; only the state of your heart matters. The only barrier between you and divine mercy is your own unwillingness to speak to Allah
Dua:
O Allah, write me among those you have freed from the hellfire, and those you are proud of before the angels.
5. Muzdalifah reminds us that faith is often strongest in lifes most difficult, quiet momentswhen we are weary, vulnerable, and have no one but Allah to depend on. We all face these cold, uncertain phases, but its in those still, uncomfortable times that His nearness is greatest, and even the quietest remembrance carries immense weight.
Dua:
O Allah, when I feel tired and exposed, be my shelter. Let my faith remain steady when the road is long and the night is dark.
6. The Sacrifice at Mina isnt about the act itself, but about surrenderletting go of whatever stands between you and complete devotion to Allah. Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail (AS) showed a love so pure, they were willing to give Allah everything. While were not asked to give up our children today, we are called to release our pride, attachments, and anything we place above Allah.
Dua:
O Allah, place the Dunya (worldly life) in our hands, and do not place it in our hearts.
7. Jamarat - At Mina, the act of casting stones is a symbolic stand against Shaytan, echoing Prophet Ibrahims unwavering rejection of his temptations. Its a reminder that resisting evil requires conscious effortif you dont confront Shaytan deliberately, you may be defeated without even realizing it.
Dua:
I seek refuge in Allah, the All-hearing, the All-Knowing, from Shaytan the accursed- from his whispering, his spitting, and his blowing.
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8. Tawaf al-Ifadah, performed after the core rites of Hajj, symbolizes a full return to Allahnot just in body, but in heart and soul. Its a moving affirmation that He is the center of your life, just as the Ka'bah is the center of your path. With each step circling His house, you're reminded that life finds meaning only when Allahnot the ego or the worldis at its core.
Dua:
O Allah, controller of the hearts, make our hearts firm on the religion.
9. Sai reflects the essence of determined faithmoving forward with trust in Allah, even when the way is unclear. Hajars (AS) desperate search for water, driven by hope stronger than despair, teaches us to persevere through uncertainty. Sai is the sacred effort that lives between hope and fear, reminding us to keep going with Allah in our hearts.
Dua:
Allah when I feel lost, give me the heart of Hajar (AS) to run between my challenges with full trust in you. Make my effort a reason for your mercy, not because I deserve it, but because you are generous.
10. Tawaf al-Wada is the closing step of Hajja goodbye to the Ka'bah, but not to your connection with Allah. While the physical journey ends, the spiritual one continues. Its a reminder that life itself is a journey toward Allah, meant to be lived with the same faith and sacrifice shown by Ibrahim, until we return to Him.
Dua:
O Allah, as the sacred days are ending dont let my heart leave you. Let me live as a traveler to you, always remembering and seeking you.
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