Back from Hajj? Back to the old routine?
By Asma bint Shameem

This is a reminder for all those people who did Hajj….whether you did it this year or many years ago…
And even for those who didn’t…..YET.
 
SO…. you’re back from Hajj, Alhamdulillaah.

Everything went well and now you’re back. Back to the same old routine, the same old hustle bustle of life, the job, the kids…. Back to the same old you. 
Huh?? Wait a second….back to the same old you? No, but that can’t be……
 
You can’t go back to the same old you. You promised Allaah you will change… you will improve for the better…..you will do all you can to be a better Muslim, to be a stronger believer.
 
Don’t you remember how you felt when you saw the Magnificent Kaaba for the first time with all its glory and splendor…..you were awed….speechless, tears silently rolling down without you even realizing. You trembled….and you promised….
 
Don’t you remember how you cried in Arafaat, how you beseeched Allaah, spreading out your hands in utter humility, begging Him and imploring Him to forgive you….to give you just one more chance…
 
And don’t you remember the strength and resolve with which you threw the pebbles at the Jamaraat, determined to give up all your bad habits, resolute to do all good…staying firm on the Straight path?
 
Don’t you remember the beautiful days in Mina, the peaceful night in Muzdalifa….all the Ibadaat, the Tawaafs, the duas, the tears, the Tauba???!!
 
Surely, you couldn’t have forgotten that??!!!
 
Then don’t let the pomp and glitter of this Dunya take you away from all that. Don’t let the hustle bustle of every day routine make you forget your promises and resolve. 
 
Remember that out of six billion people Allaah invited you……yes YOU… to His Glorious House and honored YOU and blessed YOU with Hajj.
And it was only because of His Mercy that He enabled you to go. For Wallaahi, if it was not His Will, you would never be able to go.
 
So why not be a thankful slave of His??
Why not spend the rest of your life in His submission, surrendering to Him, obeying His commandments and staying away from His prohibitions?
 
So fear Allaah in all that you do and always be mindful of Him.
Don’t let the Shaytaan weaken your resolve.
Say NO to those temptations, turn down chances of all that’s Haraam. 
Stay away from all your old bad habits and build on your good ones.
Be upright in your character; resist the urge to cheat, lie and backbite. 
Spend in the path of Allaah and continue with the daily recitation of the Qur’aan, pondering over the meanings and use those Words of Allaah to change for the better. 
And no matter what you do……do not, do not let the snooze button keep you away from Salaah.
Hold your head up high, wearing that Hijaab or Jilbaab….or sporting that beard…. proud to be a Muslim, Alhamdulillaah. Remember, it’s the mark of a believer.
Don’t let people or so called ‘friends’ talk you out of it. 
And if they object, look them straight in the eye and say, “It’s the command of Allaah.” 
 
Keep in mind that Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala gave you another chance….just like you asked Him. You begged for forgiveness and He forgave you and purified you just like the day you were born. So be thankful and make the most of it.
Your life from now is like a blank piece of paper, with nothing written on it. And the pen that you would use to write on it, is in your hands.
So be careful what you write. 
Because….you never know…..
You might never have the chance to have your piece of paper blank again…
 
“Therefore, race for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a Garden as wide as heaven and earth, prepared for those who believe in Allah and His Messengers. Such is the Favor of Allah; He gives it to whom He wills. Allah is the Owner of great favor.” (al-Hadeed: 21)