4 Strategies to Sustain Spiritual Growth Post-Hajj
The Hajj pilgrimage ended in mid-June in the holy city of Mecca this year, as some two million pilgrims from across the globe performed its rituals.
The Hajj, a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially capable, is seen as a chance to reaffirm faith, seek forgiveness, and make a fresh start.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) has been quoted as saying that whoever performs Hajj for Allah’s sake and refrains from sins will return home as if he were born anew. This has also been highlighted by hadiths from Ahl al-Bayt (AS).
Back home from this journey, one may find maintaining that high spiritual level of Hajj very challenging. However, there are strategies that can help pilgrims safeguard what they have earned during their sacred pilgrimage.
Keeping memories of Hajj alive
By recalling the profound moments of closeness to God during Hajj, pilgrims can reignite their passion for the divine.
Pilgrims essentially need to remember the moment they climbed Mount Arafat to pray to God, the moment when they threw stones at Rami al-Jammarat to push Satan away, and their numerous tawafs of the Holy Kaaba.
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Building up a community
The second strategy involves building a community with fellow pilgrims. Forming groups based on shared religious practices, such as reciting the Quran.
Regular gatherings and mutual support among these groups can help maintain the spiritual momentum gained during Hajj which in part, again, keeps the memories of the pilgrimage alive.
Embracing joy of servitude to Allah
The third step in preserving the spirituality of Hajj involves recognizing that God desires pilgrims to experience the joy of servitude.
Now, as a Haji, a pilgrim should aspire to cultivate this sense of servanthood in their daily lives. If God likes them to maintain regular ablutions, wake up at night for prayer, show mercy by helping family and loved ones, then pilgrims should perform these practices.
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Refraining from Haram
The final strategy is a commitment to avoid actions deemed haram (forbidden) in Islam.
Indulging in haram can hinder one's spiritual connection and impede the soul's enjoyment of divine intimacy.
These four strategies provide a roadmap for pilgrims to carry the spiritual essence of Hajj into their everyday lives, fostering a continuous journey of faith and devotion.
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Compiled by Mohammad Ali Haqshenas
