"Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk", Op-ed

Whenever I hear the song, "O those journeying to the beloved Prophet… how fortunate you are, and may it be my turn soon," my heart flutters, and I wish I were with them. So, congratulations to those for whom Hajj has been ordained this year. I feel as though I am standing amidst the crowd, pilgrims in their white garments, moving with steady steps towards the Kaaba, their hearts echoing: "Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk."

How blessed are you, those whom our God has chosen to be His guests, and how blessed are you, circling His Sacred House. How fortunate you are, supplicating before the Kaaba, tears flowing unconsciously. People are like ocean waves in circumambulation; you cannot distinguish one from another. The rich beside the poor, the Arab beside the non-Arab, all saying, "O Allah," and wishing for forgiveness.

And in Arafat, prayers ascend to the heavens, and hearts are tethered to mercy, forgiveness, and pardon… O God, grant us a share.

We are here in our homes, perhaps far from the scene, but our hearts are there… We prepare for the sacrifice and chant the Takbirat: "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahil Hamd." (Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, there is no god but Allah, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise.)

Congratulations to those who have reached the Prophet's sanctuary and stood at his noble door, greeting him with uncontainable tears and hearts bearing longing and certainty.

From the illuminated city of Medina to the honored city of Mecca, the stations of light unfold. In the circumambulation around the Kaaba, everything strips away the worldly and its adornments; faces turn towards the One and Only, and hearts beat: "Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk."

Waves of humanity flow, old and young, men and women, from every color and tongue… "My turn, O God, my turn, to Arafat, to Muzdalifah, to Mina."

And as the Day of Arafat approaches, homes begin their preparations. Sacrificial animals are bought, courtyards are cleaned, and hearts are made ready to receive the Day of Sacrifice.

Eid al-Adha is not just a moment of joy, but a moment of awareness of Prophet Ibrahim's obedience, Prophet Ismail's submission, and the renewal of the covenant with Allah. I know that many applied for Hajj visas but it was not Allah's will for them to be among the pilgrims. God Willing, there will be more facilitations in the coming years, and may Allah grant it to everyone who longs for it.