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As we look over the crowds at Hajj, we are overwhelmed by the numbers of people that have come here to worship Allah. Throughout Hajj, we find ourselves similarly overwhelmed by the sheer number of lessons that we have learned on our journey - lessons of patience, of compassion, of humility.
Every corner you turn, every spot you can find to sit (if you find one) has the potential to mold a Hajji for better or worse. Sharing our experiences with each other helps us reflect on what we have learned, and may also have the invaluable effect of encouraging our fellow Muslims to perform Hajj.
Here's a story from my Hajj this year, which truly showed me that Allah is the best of planners.
During my Hajj this year, a man in our group became very ill while we were staying in the tent city of Mina. As we sat down to dinner, he began shivering uncontrollably. We stopped our dinner and made supplication for him. Soon, paramedics were called, and carried him to the hospital on a stretcher.
The morning after he returned from the hospital, I went to sit with him in the tent. He told me he was afraid he would be unable to perform his Tawaaf at the end of his Hajj, and asked my advice on what to do about that. I told him: 'No problem, Allah does not place a burden upon you more than you can bear. However you'll be required to sacrifice a sheep to be given to the poor, as a means of fulfilling that Tawaaf duty.' He asked me to arrange the sacrifice, and gave me the payment of 100 US dollars and 400 Saudi Riyals, for him and his wife. I promised him I would take care of it.
A few hours later, I checked my pocket to make sure the money was still safely there. It wasn't! I couldn't believe it - I lost the guy's money! Fiqh questions raced through my mind: Would I be Islamically required to pay it myself? Should I tell the guy I lost his money or just leave it up to Allah?
Hours passed, and night fell. The money was really gone. The day was over, and I had not been able to fulfill my obligation of purchasing the sheep for the man and his wife. I was so depressed.
After Fajr the next day, I came back to where my bags were located, and found a brother sitting there. He said, "Oh sorry, is this your spot?" When he moved out of the spot, I noticed a lump of cash underneath him. What? How? It was the money the guy had given me! I was soooo happy. Finally, I would be able to purchase the sheep for him today.
About 20 seconds later, after having spoken to Shaykh Nur Abdullah, the brother who gave me the money turned to me. He said, "I was speaking with the Shaykh and he said that I cannot pay a penalty for Tawaaf AlIfaadhah." (I had thought he was asking about Tawaaf Al-Wadaa' in which one could pay the penalty). "The Shaykh said that they have wheelchairs on the roof. So, uh, do you have my money ... listen, I understand if you already bought the sheep, don't worry about it."
I looked down at his money that I had found just 20 seconds ago. Had it been with me the day before I would have surely purchased the sheep for him.
I put the money in his hand and told him the story of how Allah had saved his money.
