I was sitting on my couch, staring at the wall the other day, and a feeling of great sadness overcame me; I realized that I was back in the dunya (worldly life). You see, I had spent the previous eleven days in Mecca and Madinah and for those of you who have been to these blessed places, you know that it’s as if you’ve temporary left the dunya and entered into a spiritual haven of serenity. What an amazing journey!
The following are simply some of my reflections/takeaways from my trip. For those of you who have been there before, these words will insha Allah bring forth some memories to the forefront of your consciousness; those who have not, insha Allah these words will serve as motivation for you to plan your first trip ASAP! One thing’s for sure…this trip is unlike any other that you’ll ever take in your life.
Why am I so attached to the dunya (the worldly life)?
Probably the most beautiful thing about the trip was the re-emphasis it gave me to focus my life on the akhira (the next life). As I was sitting there in the haram (name for the holy mosques in Mecca and Madina), staring at the Ka’ba I felt like I was getting a little piece of heaven. My mind, body and soul were completely at peace and I started to think why I sweat the dunya so much? Why was I allowing the little day to day affairs of my life consume my thoughts? Why had my goals become all dunya-based goals? Why was my ibadah (worship) slacking? Why hadn’t I prayed Tahajjud (the prayer in the latter parts of the night) lately?
Basically, why was my heart attached to the dunya, when it neither gave me the peace or satisfaction that I desired? Sitting in Mecca staring at the Ka’bah reminded me of what my focus should be.
This is how life is supposed to be lived
Mecca as those of you who have been there know quite well, is a very busy place! Whether it’s pacing between the hills of Safa and Marwa, walking around the Ka’ba during tawaf, changing into your oh-so comfortable ihram (can you sense the sarcasm), getting your haircut, playing human frogger through the Meccan traffic (only the old school Atari readers will get that one), or just standing up for long prayers; Mecca kept me busy!
