Departing for the journey of a lifetime

Assalamu Alaikum all,

I'll keep this brief as I'm departing this week. Last year, I tried to make this happen but it didn't work out. In August 2016 I set a reminder for the 30th of January this year. "Get ready for hajj." it said.

And that I did. 

I set out to scour all the hajj groups in the UK. Researching and touching base with most Hajj operators in the country, few months down the line I found a group that met our initial requirements.

Earlier this year, we travelled throughout Europe. She looked at me and said "this will be our first trip apart". I told her that "Allah is the best of planners and he will make a way for you." She instinctively put her hands around her stomach, looked down and said nothing. We were in our second trimester. 

After istikhara and logistically trying to work out whether she could join for hajj we decided against it. Our first child was due some 30/40 days before hajj. Last month our first child was born. Alhamdulillah, both he and the mother are healthy. 

However, I'm upset for her. I'm upset that she cannot join me. She's really wanted this and it just didn't quite happen. 

I continued in the pursuit of hajj and the time is finally here. This week I have the honour in taking my mother to make my deceased fathers' hajj. I will also complete my own. As she is frail and aging, her physical abilities are diminishing daily. It just had to be this year.

I'm excited, I'm nervous, I'm afraid, I'm upset and I'm incredibly fortunate. I'm preparing for the life that awaits after hajj. For the last few months I've spent every day thinking of every change that will be represented when I stand in front of Allah on the day of Arafah and then proceed to stone the jamarat; thinking of each habit/action that needs to change. 

I will keep you all in my duas, especially those of you that are looking to fulfil half of your deen despite the challenges it displays. 

I would also like to thanks Yacoob, aka as Dreamlife for his incredible posts/tipsheets and presentations on hajj. They've helped me a bunch. You can find him over at https://dreamlife.wordpress.com/ 

I love you all for the sake of Allah. 

Peace, blessings and love, 

Your brother in Islam :)