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“Hajj intimidating for secular reporter.” That's the headline for this article. When I read that headline I was confused, uncertain why hajj would intimidate anyone, let alone a journalist. Unfortunately, the reference is to the hajj of Associated Press reporter Scheherezade Faramarzi , self-described “secular journalist,” who is actually participating ... Read More »

This is a continuation of Hajj journal, chapter 1 and chapter 2. Madīnah was a place of firsts for us and provided clues to the trip to come. We got off the plane like tourists, giddy and exhausted. The giddiness dissipated as we stood in line to be processed by ... Read More »

Read Part 1 here. 2. Provision Second on your Hajj check list is Provision. One of the earliest scenes of Hajj, which reminds you of what is yet to come, is the check-in lines at the airport. You wait for hours and hours depending, of course, on where you're traveling ... Read More »

When I was giving a Hajj seminar a few weeks ago for a group of participants from our community, I noticed that every individual was concerned about his or her Hajj check list more than anything else. They were literally paranoid and afraid that they might miss something or that ... Read More »

… who is the fairest of us all? That's what the question is, usually – but today is different. Dhul Hijjah is upon us. The hujjaaj (pilgrims) have already embarked on their noble journey to an even more noble destination, to perform the sacred rites ordained upon the Ummah since ... Read More »

This is a continuation of Hajj journal, chapter 1. The first leg of our trip took us from New York to Madīnah. Once we got to the airport I continued to muse on the things for which I would ask God's forgiveness. In a lecture I had listened to in ... Read More »

My husband and I went on hajj two years ago, alḥamdulillāh, and I kept a journal of my experiences. I'm sharing it here, and will do so over a series of posts. I've made minor editing changes and have left out people's names. Although I've taken out some of the ... Read More »

This was quite an interesting Ramadan for me, and one that has personally affected me in a number of ways. What follows is a compendium of sorts of some of my personal thoughts, observations, and reflections of the month that has now passed. May Allāh (swt) accept our good deeds ... Read More »

Whether you are celebrating 'Īd today, tomorrow or on Saturday, the staff and specialists of MuslimMatters wishes all our readers and friends a blessed 'Īd. 'Īd Mubarak! TaqabAllah Minna Wa Minkum (May Allāh Accept From Us and From You) Related Posts: Celebrate with your community, don't let moonsighting issues become ... Read More »

This is an old piece that I hastily wrote in regards to the annual disputes about the number of rak`ahs for Tarawih and moonsighting. I am simply resubmitting it here without editing. For the people of my locality (Houston), tonight is the last night of Ramadan: Read More »