There is a deep stillness in the heart when Hajj season comes around. A hush that settles as millions of pilgrims set out on the sacred journey to Makkah, answering the eternal call of Prophet Ebrahim (AS), walking in the footsteps of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Hajj is not just a journey of the body, but of the soul. It strips you of everything – status, wealth, appearance – until all that remains is you and Allah. On the plains of Arafah, hands are raised in desperate dua. In Muzdalifah, under a blanket of stars, hearts find peace. In Tawaaf, the Kaaba becomes the center of not just the circle, but of life itself.

Meanwhile, back home, we witness another act of devotion – the practice of Qurbani. Families come together to honor the sacrifice of Ibrahim (AS), who showed complete submission to Allah’s will. Animals are offered not just in ritual, but in spirit, a symbol of surrender, compassion and care for those in need. The meat is shared, the meals are warm and hearts are humbled by gratitude.

And then comes Eid ul Adha – a day of joy, reflection, food and community. We dress in our best clothes, gather for the Eid prayer, embrace loved ones and remember the hujaaj in our duas. There’s a quiet longing in many homes, where someone – a parent, a sibling, a friend, is thousands of miles away, wrapped in the white garments of Ihraam, completing the fifth pillar of Islam.

We await their return with excitement and pride. They return not just with souvenirs, Zam Zam water and Makkah mebos, but with softened hearts, shining faces and stories of closeness to Allah that stir something in us. Their return reminds us of our own journey still ahead – our own Hajj, one day, Insha’Allah.

This season is more than celebration – it’s a reminder. Of sacrifice. Of submission. Of unity. Of longing for something greater than this world.

May Allah accept the Hajj of all the pilgrims and the Qurbani of all who give. And may He bring our loved ones home safely, their hearts renewed and their souls at peace.

Eid Mubarak to you and your family. May the spirit of Hajj and the joy of Eid forever live in our hearts.

From my family to yours.
D

Related: Where to do your Qurbani – Qurbani Services in South Africa