By Dr. Heba Salah

Senior Researcher & Interpreter

          As the sacred days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah draw near, hearts across the Muslim world stir with longing—an ache etched deep within the souls of those who yearn for the sacred sands of Mecca. Elderly voices, weathered by time and softened by hope, whisper, "If only these feet could carry me one last time to the House of God... if only my eyes could behold the Ka‘bah before they close forever." For many, Hajj remains a cherished dream—suspended by the weight of age, infirmity, or limited means.

Yet Islam, in its divine wisdom and compassion, does not burden the soul beyond its capacity. Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is only prescribed for those able to undertake it. And still, the mercy of this season flows far beyond the physical journey—reaching into the homes and hearts of all who yearn for nearness to God.

For those who cannot embark on this journey of a lifetime, Dhul-Hijjah is no less a sacred time. It is a season of remembrance and reverence, of worship and weeping, of hope renewed and love rekindled. In homes from Cairo to Jakarta, from Sarajevo to Accra, the echoes of Talbiyah[1] rise in the early hours. Families gather to fast, give charity, and recount the story of Prophet Abraham’s unwavering faith. The spirit of Hajj lives on—in longing hearts, in tearful supplications, in the quiet dignity of those who remember without being there. Indeed, the road to Mecca is not walked by feet alone. Sometimes, the heart arrives before the body ever could.

Imagining the Journey, Embracing the Meaning

Even from afar, the soul can walk the sacred path. Though our bodies may not dwell among the throngs of white-clad pilgrims circling the Ka‘bah or standing on the plains of ‘Arafat, our hearts can journey there in spirit—immersed in longing, devotion, and reflection. Just as an athlete visualizes a race or a lover dreams of reunion, the believer imagines themselves among the pilgrims: feet dusted with sacred soil, hands raised in trembling prayer, eyes lifted to the heavens.

This act of spiritual imagination is not without value. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Actions are but by intentions” (Bukhari, Muslim). In this light, a heart that sincerely longs to be with the pilgrims, that weeps in private remembrance, and that mirrors their devotion through fasting, charity, and Dhikr, may—by Allah’s mercy—partake in the blessings of Hajj.

Many of the righteous have asked: Is it possible for one who remains behind to share in the reward of those who go? The answer lies not only in our physical limitations, but in the sincerity of our yearning. When the heart is truly present—even in absence—it is never far from Divine reward.

While the physical journey to Hajj is a sacred obligation upon those who are able, the beauty of Islam lies in its compassion for those who are not. For many, the yearning to stand on the plain of 'Arafat or to circle the Ka'bah is met with the reality of financial hardship, illness, or age. Yet Allah, in His infinite mercy, does not exclude such hearts from His reward. As the Qur’an states: “There is no blame upon the weak or the ill or those who do not find the means to spend, if they are sincere to Allah and His Messenger… And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful” (Qur'an 9:91). This divine assurance reveals that sincere intention and longing are not lost in the Divine scale. Just as those unable to join the Prophet (peace be upon him) in Jihad were still rewarded for their truthfulness and loyalty, those who are held back from Hajj—yet remain spiritually present through devotion, remembrance, and heartfelt yearning—are embraced by Allah’s mercy and generosity. Their reward is not diminished, for in Islam, the heart’s sincerity may carry one across distances that the body cannot traverse.

The Fruits of the Blessed Ten Nights

During the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, Muslim families around the world engage in acts of worship and reflection, preparing for Eid al-Adha with devotion and joy. This period holds profound significance, particularly on the day of 'Arafat, when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Fasting the day of Arafat expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year” (Muslim). For families observing this sacred time, it offers a powerful opportunity to align spiritually with the pilgrims' journey, embracing the rhythm of devotion that echoes from Mecca to every home. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "When the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah begin, and one of you wants to sacrifice an animal, let him refrain from cutting his hair and nails until he has sacrificed his animal" (Muslim). This practice mirrors the conduct of the pilgrims during Hajj, as they also refrain from cutting their nails and hair during their rites of pilgrimage.

On Eid al-Adha, the atmosphere in Muslim households is filled with love, sacrifice, and gratitude. Families gather to share festive meals, often including the meat of the sacrificial animal (Udhiya), which is distributed among neighbors, relatives, and those in need. This act of charity mirrors the spirit of Prophet Ibrahim's unwavering devotion and his willingness to sacrifice in obedience to Allah, as well as the pilgrims' act of sacrifice at Mina. In homes across the world, grandparents often share stories of their Hajj experiences, passing down the legacy of sacrifice, submission, and faith. These stories, enriched with deep spiritual meaning, inspire younger generations to appreciate the significance of the season.

Parents also play a pivotal role in teaching their children about the rich spiritual heritage of Eid al-Adha. They teach their young ones the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s (peace be upon him) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (peace be upon him), instilling in them values of patience, trust in Allah, and selflessness. Children are often encouraged to recite the Talbiyah—“Labbayka Allahumma labbayk”—so that their hearts and tongues remain aligned with the pilgrims' sacred chant, strengthening their connection to the spiritual journey of Hajj, even from afar.

These days offer ample opportunity for personal reflection and acts of worship. Muslims engage in charity, reconciliation, extra prayers, and reading of the Qur'an, reflecting on the meaning of sacrifice, devotion, and submission to Allah. Families often mark the days of Hajj—Tarwiyah, Arafat, and Eid—closely, using these milestones to guide their own spiritual journey. The rituals of the pilgrims, though performed far away, become signposts for inner transformation, reminding all of the deep connection between the spirit of sacrifice and the shared blessings of Eid al-Adha.

Finding Comfort in Divine Wisdom

In the profound spirit of sincerity, we reflect on the deep meaning of Hajj and the unique opportunity it offers for spiritual growth. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Hajj is standing at Arafat.” (Ibn Majah). For those unable to physically perform Hajj, the day of Arafat itself remains an immensely powerful moment of connection. To long for that sacred day, with a heart filled with sincerity and devotion, can carry more weight in the eyes of Allah than a poorly performed pilgrimage.

Indeed, as Allah knows the innermost of hearts, those who grieve for not being able to go to Hajj are reminded that Allah’s wisdom is perfect, and the journey to His mercy does not always require physical presence. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) advised: “When I command you to do something, do it to the best of your ability.” (Bukhari, Muslim). Hajj is only obligatory upon those who are capable, both in terms of health and financial means, and there is no blame upon one who cannot afford it.

For those who yearn for the experience but cannot go, their sincere longing, marked by empathy, worship, and a heartfelt connection to the season of Hajj, may be more beloved to Allah than a pilgrimage that lacks the proper preparation, understanding, or sincere intention. Thus, even from afar, through prayers, reflection, and the fulfillment of other acts of devotion, one can earn immense reward, aligning with the spiritual essence of Hajj in ways that transcend the physical journey itself.

Let us make this season a time of prayer—for ourselves, our families, and the entire Ummah. May Allah open doors for those who yearn to go and have not yet been able. May He grant them a righteous, accepted Hajj when the time is right. And may the pilgrims remember us in their prayers on the plain of 'Arafat, so that we are united in spirit even if separated by distance.