Visiting the House of Allah

A Reflection on Hajj 1431 by Glenn Guzzo


Having returned from the magnificent honour of visiting the house of Allah s.w.t, we immediately long for a re-union. We ask that Allah s.w.t is pleased with our good deeds as we strive forward to act on changes in our life.

It is this period of reflection, that provides a permanent uplift in our life, one that we will be vaccinated from all elements of evil, inshaAllah in the future. This covenant to Allah s.w.t, of performing good deeds, and action plan to change inside, is a key result of the heart-felt emotions to the standing on the plain of Arafat and the heart-felt repentance to Allah s.w.t. Without sounding like Barack Obama, “I am committed to change!”

Reflecting on the Hajj trip, I feel that I have walked in the footsteps of all the Prophets, brothers and sisters before us, and as they key ritual in our religion that was perfected by Rasoolillah s.a.w. Without a huge grounding in Islamic history growing up as an Agnostic, my love grew exponentially for our beloved Messenger s.a.w. Many thanks to the great scholars and our tour guides of Madinah for providing this to me. The opportunity to pass on direct salaams to our Prophet s.a.w, and this overriding feeling that he is praying for us in our grave. This seed of love for the Prophet s.a.w, has inspired me to continue to grow in understanding and love of Habib Allah.

Hajj is the greatest opportunity for the re-unification of our Ummah, and this is evident everywhere you go whilst performing Hajj. Whether it be a smile from the brother that is squeezed up against whilst performing Tawaaf or Salat, or the offering of assistance to someone in need. It is though all the Hujjaj have opened their heart, removed the business-like attitudes of everyday life, and are purely satisfied with performing as many good deeds as possible in the house of Allah s.w.t. This in itself is in my opinion, if I were looking in as an outsider, the most amazing attribute of the Hajj. If only we could get all the Muslim leaders in the same tent in Mina to discuss unity!