Category Archives: Inspiring Stories
Hafsah bint ‘Umar (RadiyAllaahu ‘Anha)
One day the Angel Jibril told Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) about Hafsah:
“She is an often fasting and worshipping lady and she will be your wife in Paradise too.” [Mustadrak Al-Hakim 4/15]
Hafsah was the daughter of ‘Umar Faruq, and the niece of another famous Sahabi, ‘Uthman bin Maz’un. Her uncle from the paternal side was Zayd bin Khattab. ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar was her brother.
Hafsah was an extremely religious lady who used to spend her time in prayer and fasting. An excellent writer and orator, an ardent follower of Islam.
Hafsah had such noble qualities and such an amiable nature that ‘A’ishah remarked that among wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) only she could compare with her. Her life is exemplary, brought up as she was by a Companion of the calibre of ‘Umar bin Khattab.
Hafsah was born in the family of a great warrior and wrestler, ‘Umar bin Khattab who was well known for his martial skills. In her growing years she was brought up in an Islamic environment, both her parents and her aunts and uncles having already converted to the new religion. When she was old enough, she was married to Khanis bin Huthafah As-Sahmi. He was influenced by the teaching of Abu Bakr Siddiq and had accepted Islam.
Due to worst cruelty and oppression, Khanis had to migrate to Al-Madinah with his wife. He was welcomed by Rafa’h bin ‘Abdul Munthir and stayed in his house as his guest.
Both Khanis and Hafsah loved the new life in Al-Madinah. Hafsah made special arrangements to memorize the Ayat of the Quran as and when they were revealed. Then she would give deep thought and attention to the meaning and interpretation of the Ayat. Her husband meanwhile was enthusiastically preparing himself for Jihad and improving his martial skills. He was constantly alert to the movements of the enemy and was ever ready to meet them head on.
News came that the Quraysh of Makkah, after making elaborate preparations for a war to wipe out the Muslims, were marching towards Al-Madinah under the leadership of Abu Jahl.
The Muslims under the leadership of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), practically unarmed, reached Badr and set up camp taking control of the only source of water. All they had with them was their strong faith in the Allah.
Khanis bin Huthafah, ‘Umar Faruq and the maternal and paternal uncles of Hafsah and her cousin were all part of this courageous band. Her husband was determined to win the battle for Allah and bring to dust the pomp and grandeur of Abu Jahl’s forces. Finally the forces met and Khanis bin Huthafah went tearing through the ranks of the enemy. He was seriously wounded, but most of the leaders of the disbelievers were killed, and Islam triumphed. It is one of the greatest battles fought in history where a handful of unarmed and outnumbered men routed a powerful and well-equipped army.
When Hafsah heard of her husband’s heroic deeds she was very happy, and praised his valour in battle; but she also realized that in this condition he would need the best care possible. She immediately recited the Ayah of Surat Al-Anfal which were revealed in connection with the Battle of Badr,
“Allah made it only as glad tidings, as that your hearts be at rest therewith. And there is no victory except from Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.” [Noble Quran 8:10]
These Words of the Allah Almighty promising victory inspired her and she happily turned to the task of nursing her husband back to health. But it was not to be, for he was to be blessed with an exalted position. A few days later he succumbed to his injuries and joined the ranks of those who are blessed with eternal life. When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) heard of his passing away he arranged for him to be buried in Jannatul Baqi, next to the uncle of Hafsah; he personally led the funeral prayers. Hafsah was, naturally, grief stricken, but being a true believer she respectfully submitted to the Will of Allah. She turned towards her Maker and courageously gave herself even more to prayer and meditation. She was at this time barely twenty-one years old.
For her father it was very painful to see his daughter in this state. Her silent courage under these circumstances, her patient prayers and her study of the Quran irradiated her countenance with a spiritual beauty and innocence, but there was also a sadness because of the harsh loneliness that had become part of her life. After deep thought ‘Umar Faruq decided to approach ‘Uthman bin Affan, whose wife Ruqayyah the Prophet’s daughter, had passed away. He thought that sharing a common bond would help to alleviate their sorrow in losing worthy spouses. So, having taken this decision he went direct to ‘Uthman. After the formal greeting and expression of condolences on his wife’s death he broached the topic closest to his heart. ‘Uthman lowered his eyes and then after a few moments pause, he said he needed time to think it over.
‘Umar Faruq met him again after a few days and asked him if he had thought over the proposal. ‘Uthman answered that he was not presently planning on marriage. From there he went to Abu Bakr Siddiq and offered him his daughter in marriage. He too lowered his gaze and did not answer him. Imam Bukhari in his book of Hadith, As-Sahih Al-Bukhari, has given a whole chapter to the topic of an honorable man offering his sister or daughter in marriage.
‘Umar Faruq was very upset because both the men he approached had either avoided or refused marriage to his daughter. He was confident of a willing and joyful acceptance but things turned out otherwise. He was very upset and worried at the turn of events; in a sense it was an affront to him and his position as a sincere defender of the faith. People, he thought, would consider it an honor to have an alliance by marriage with him. With this grievance he went to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and explained to him the position he found himself in. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) smilingly answered that he should neither grieve nor worry, and Allah willing he would find a man better than ‘Uthman for Hafsah and ‘Uthman in turn, would find for himself a better woman than Hafsah.
‘Umar Faruq was pleased on hearing this from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) himself, but also a little perplexed over who such a man could be? A few days later the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) married his daughter, Umm Kulthum to ‘Uthman. ‘Umar Faruq realized that one part of the prediction had come true, but he continued to puzzle over the second half of the statement. Who could possibly be a better man than ‘Uthman? Then the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) proposed marriage to Hafsah. ‘Umar Faruq could not believe his ears; his daughter would have the honor of joining the select band of women who were known as the Mothers of the believers! ‘A’ishah and Sawdah were already part of the Prophet’s household. It seemed too good to be true. Thus Hafsah was joined in marriage to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in the 3rd year after Hijrah, before the Battle of Uhud. She was about twenty-two years old at the time. On seeing off his daughter to her husband’s house, ‘Umar Faruq told her that she should never try to compete with ‘A’ishah, who was the Prophet’s favorite and better than her in many respects. He said she should respect her sincerely and live happily as a member of the first and foremost family.
Sa’id bin Al-Musayyab, a learned scholar, states that the Prophet’s prediction that he was a better husband for Hafsah than ‘Uthman was proved right, as was his statement that Umm Kulthum was a better wife for ‘Uthman than Hafsah. After the marriage Abu Bakr Siddiq met with ‘Umar Faruq and told him the truth, which was that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) had mentioned to him that he planned to marry Hafsah. That was the reason he had remained silent, as it would not have been proper to betray his confidence. If matters were different he would have been only too happy to accept her hand in marriage. ‘Umar Faruq expressed his happiness by quoting the following Ayah,
“This is by the Grace of my Lord – to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! And whoever is grateful, truly, his gratitude is for himself; and whoever is ungrateful, (it is for the loss of only himself). Certainly my Lord is Rich, Bountiful.” [Noble Quran 27:40]
After attaining the position of the Mother of the Believers, Hafsah became even more absorbed in studying the finer points of religion. She would store in her mind conversations of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) which would lead to a better understanding of Islam. Often she would discuss any points that arose in her mind about the Shari’ah.
Jabir bin ‘Abdullah Ansari narrates an incident which was related to him by Umm Mubasher. She and Hafsah and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) were sitting and chatting together. He said that all the people who had given the pledged of allegiance at Hudaybiyah under the tree would go to Paradise, and not to Hell. She asked how that was possible. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) got annoyed, but Hafsah did not give up and quoted an Ayah from Surah Maryam.
“There is not one of you but will pass over it (Hell).” [Noble Quran 19:71]
In reply he quoted the very next Ayah, also from Surah Maryam.
“Then We shall save those who use to fear Allah and were dutiful to Him. And We shall leave the wrongdoers therein to there knees (in Hell).” [Noble Quran 19:72]
This news of Hafsah disputing with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) spread in Al-Madinah. On that day the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was very disturbed; and when ‘Umar Faruq heard about it he chided his daughter. She replied that ‘A’ishah too spoke in the same manner to him. Her father again cautioned her not to compete with ‘A’ishah and maintain a certain decorum, or else she would bring trouble on herself.
Among the Mothers of the believers, ‘A’ishah, Umm Habibah, Sawdah and Hafsah all belonged to the tribe of Quraysh. The others came from various other tribes. Everyday after the ‘Asr prayer, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would visit them all for a little while to see if they needed anything; the time of the visits was routine and each would wait eagerly for his arrival. On several occasions, it so happened that he spent more time with Zaynab. This upset ‘A’ishah, and she spoke about it to Hafsah and Sawdah. They got together and found out that a certain relative had sent Zaynab a special kind of honey and she used to offer it to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) everyday. This was his favorite and he used to be delayed in her apartment, enjoying it. ‘A’ishah was so fond of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that she could not bear for him to be late coming to her apartment. Because of her regard for him she could not object directly.
So she consulted Hafsah and Sawdah, and they decided that when he comes to each of us by turn, we would all say that there is a strange smell emanating from his mouth. When he heard the same thing from all three of them, he believed it must be due to the honey he had, and decided to give it up for good. If this had been an incident in the life of an ordinary person it would have been of no consequence. But this was with the last Prophet of Allah and his every word and every action would become the law or Shari’ah for all Muslims for all time to come. Thus it had a special significance.
So Allah rebuked him in Ayah of Surat At-Tahrim.
“O Prophet! Why do you forbid (for yourself) that which Allah has allowed to you, seeking to please your wives? And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Noble Quran 66:1]
It was around the same time that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) confided a secret matter to Hafsah, and warned her not to speak to anyone about it. But she told ‘A’ishah. Allah then revealed to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) what happened. Allah revealed this in the following Ayah of Surat At-Tahrim,
“And when the Prophet disclosed a matter in confidence to one of his wife, then she told it. And Allah made it known to him; he informed part thereof and left a part. Then when he told her thereof, she said: “Who told you this?” He said: “The All-Knower, the All-Aware has told me.” [Noble Quran 66:3]
The year, when the Peninsula was under the Islamic government, the granaries were full and all the riches were reaching the centre from the different regions of Arabia; many of the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), who lived lives of luxury, put forward demands for an increase in their household allowances. When ‘Umar Faruq heard of this he was very upset; he told his daughter Hafsah that she should ask her father if she needed anything and not make any demands on the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). He also advised all the Mothers of the Believers not to make any demands. Umm Salamah did not quite like this and felt that he had the habit of interfering in every matter. She told him frankly that he should refrain from meddling in the affairs of the Prophet’s wives.
It was at this time that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) had fallen from his horse and been injured; keeping all these things in view he decided to go into seclusion and moved to an upper room adjacent to the apartment of ‘A’ishah. The whole city was buzzing with the gossip the hypocrites spread saying that he divorced his wives. But actually no such thing happened. All the Companions were disturbed by this situation, but no one had the courage to approach the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and talk to him directly. Finally ‘Umar Faruq known for his forthrightness went to him and asked him if the rumor was true. When he denied it he was delighted. Then he asked if he could announce this good news to the rest of the Muslims. When he received permission, he joyfully informed the community that everything was fine with the Prophet’s household. The whole city was relieved that the Messenger of Allah had not been offended in any way. On the twenty-ninth day he came down into the apartment of ‘A’ishah. She asked him smilingly why he came down before the month was over. He replied that often the lunar month did consist of only twenty-nine days. Hafsah promised her father that she would never ever ask for a raise in her allowance and she stood by her word to the end of her life.
Hafsah died in the year 41st after Hijrah aged fifty-nine. At the time of death she was fasting. The funeral prayers were led by the governor of Al-Madinah, Marwan bin Al-Hakam. Abu Hurairah and Abu Sa’id Khudri, the eminent Companion of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) were among those who carried the shroud to Jannatul Baqi’. Her two brothers, ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar and ‘Asim bin ‘Umar placed her gently into her final resting place. Salem bin ‘Abdullah, ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Abdullah and Hamzah bin ‘Abdullah, all the sons of ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar also attended the funeral.
And so a righteous and learned writer and reciter of the Noble Quran who devoted herself from her youth to prayer, fasting and meditation passed into history.
These Ayat from Surat Al-Qamar express an apt tribute to this great Mother of the Believers.
“Verily, the pious will be in the midst of Graders and Rivers (Paradise). In a seat of truth, near the Omnipotent King.” [Noble Quran 54:54-55]
Source: “Great Women of Islam” – by Dar-us-Salam Publications
Up above the world so high!
Bismillaah.
This is a true story. The story of two very close friends. Or I should say closest friends. Distance never changed their friendship, neither did time or status. Nor the long years of disconnection or the brief periods of connection. One of them was a little more practicing than the other, though both were strong in faith. The more practicing friend now prayed day and night for the other friend, for his guidance.
Yet for years saw the friend indulged in wrong acts. Yes it was painful. So painful that questions came up in mind… “Am I making any mistake in my prayers? Why don’t I see any change”…. Imploring prayers came from the aching heart… “My lord, show me for once that you do care for my prayers.”…And one day, after a long time, they got to talk.
It was a pleasant moment to know that the not-so-practicing friend was now trying his best to understand. And it was that one weak moment when that friend admitted that at times of great hardship and hopelessness, he tried to commit suicide more than once over the years and each time got saved miraculously! And every return made him firmer, finally feeling the shelter lies in his Lord, not in giving up hope in Him.
And the other friend fell in prostration.
“Oh my Lord, when I asked you why you are not guiding him, correcting his ways, you were the only One to save him from a misguidance that would destroy everything! you saved him from the sin from which there could be no turning back! And I was thinking you didnt answer my prayers! Help me remember to never be ungrateful to you or never lose my faith. Because today I surely know you care for us the most. You will never leave us alone….you are up there, watching us, loving us, guiding us….we have no reason, absolutely no reason to despair!”
End of story. Beautiful, isn’t it?
No matter how ruthless the world turns and how silent He appears, He, our Ever Living Lord, One Lord, the Lord who responds to the prayers of the distressed heart is listening. He is helping. May be not in the way we wish to get the help, but in the way we perfectly need the help! He is there, He loves us. He is listening. And He will be there. Who else do we need to make us go on?
A Shahada Story
I’m not sure when the desire began to quicken inside of me, but I can tell you when it did was unmistakable that I had caught a hold of something that was so consuming that I could not turn away.
Everything I knew about Islam which wasn’t much was all a lie. This journey for me is a personal one, one that only I can do liken to being born or dying, that is a journey no one else can walk for me, no matter how they love or need me only I can walk this one out.
In 1999, I left a place that I hated to leave a place that had provide me security, love, friends for the first time in my life and an anointing of God I had never seen or experienced before. Surviving a divorce in every sense of the word I was on the good side leaving a horrible existence with a man I never knew and on the other I was leaving a place that had provided such a comfort that quenched every dry place in my life and I wondered if I would ever survive the transition, I felt my very life was being ripped from my hands. I needed to face down my reality and pray the God would soon bring into focus through my current lens at the time looking both through my tears or the fog of the unknown both looked the same, blurry. I walk the only way I knew how, one foot in front of the other, good thing he spent so much time away mentally and physically (the ex), that is the tool God used to show me I was stronger than I thought I was.
Coming from a family where I was pampered being the only child, I thought everyone would love me like my family but soon after saying “I do” I got the rudest awakening of my life, but what can one do when suddenly faced with a life they never subscribed to but rather rebelliously feel into, they either allow it to explode or implode, so while the bombs are going off inside of me destroying my internal organs I live on the life support of God’s hands. So after ten years of crying, fighting and praying he wouldn’t kill me in my sleep I was finally free, but freedom only feels free when you have peace and at that point I had none. The only real security I had was that of a church that only existed in Hawaii, a circle of friends that surrounded me on all sides that promised to keep the vigil, I was now seeing in the rear view mirror of the 747 that carried me away.
Coming back to a family a shell of my former self was devastating to them, but if they only knew what I had lived through they would understand to even hold my bones would be gift enough. I asked God every day to show me my new way, to help me be a good mommy for my boys and find my smile again.
He did all of that but it came in time and not because He with held it from me but because I had to learn all over again that I was worthy of that smile, like a baby learning to walk for the first time. I reached my mile marker of 12 years divorced and a friend said to me that she was celebrating Ramadan. I had heard this word before but not really knowing the meaning and customs I asked more questions. I wanted to learn, so asking what the best time to go was, and he suggested during Ramadan on a Friday.
I got on the internet to find the mosque closes to me and asked my local friends to go with me but no one’s schedule permitted and time was sipping by so I had to get out in the deep once again and go it alone, I purposed in my heart that I would so I went to bed the night before with the mindset that when the sun shined on a new day it would find me walking into the mosque. I woke, dressed, drove and finally walked into the mosque asking for the Imam (Priest), the building was an unassuming building that quietly held majesty behind its doors. The parking lot was empty less for about three or four cars but one marked with a sign “Imam”.
Entering the building the first thing I noticed was the scent, it was like nothing I had every smelled, and it wasn’t like a sort of perfume but on the contrary a breath of new life had entered my nostrils and instantly I felt at ease. I met a man dressed in a long white robe, salt and pepper beard and glasses a very pleasant face and asked for the Imam he said yes come this way. I saw the Imam for the first time and he stood to greet me sitting behind his desk, he also wore a long white robe and beard but he also had on a hat, I reached out for his hand to shake it and he reciprocated with an extension.
He was watching the foreign news on the computer and asked for an excuse to me while he lowered the volume. While he did that I looked all around his office and everywhere. I looked it all looked very normal except for the things written in Arabic that I could not read but it was not unlike any office I had been in before, such as family pictures, books , awards posters reading “SUCCESS” “LOYALTY” etc. But in Arabic I was pleasantly surprised I had no idea what I would encounter but I was willing to just get out there.
I started with saying that I was here to learn about Islam and he looked happy but not overly anxious to get another member on the team but instead a fatherly caution to me as if “yes dear I understand your curiosity but instead of looking to move from your religion to another just come and be our guest” we had a very engaging and warm visit that lasted for about one half hour. He told me there would be a pot luck on the next day and suggested I come to that and meet some people from the community and just enjoy the experience, upon leaving he stated that no matter what religion you are and what you claim in life there should be evidence of such, if you say you are a Christian, Muslim, Hindu etc. there should be evidence that you are who you say you are.
That was my biggest take away. I rose to leave and he handed me a calendar that had listing of all the times so I would be aware when to arrive the next day. I went away feeling so light on my feet I think I even skipped back to my car.
The next day could not come fast enough, but finally did. I wore a long summer skirt and knit top hair down and arrived back at the mosque, sitting in my car I saw many people arrive all of the ladies had their heads covered, I recalled the Imam say I did not need to be covered not even as a Muslim did I need to be covered but to come as I was I was welcome.
I might have sat in my car for about twenty minutes, then finally I saw a lady, her hair uncovered, I jumped from my car and went in behind her, once inside a large open space filled with families placing food on tables and children running all about, I stood near the door in case I needed to make a run for it as the butterflies churned in my stomach, but I got the nerve and walked toward a lady that had a really nice face and said to her I was new and if she could help me. She was very nice and gave me a hug and invited me to sit with her, soon all the room was wondering who this big haired women was and they all gathered around me asking me where I was from and why I was there, I told them about my meeting with the Imam and they were all so happy to help me feel welcome. Sitting among them they spoke Arabic and then leaned to me to explain what they were saying. It was so amazing and over whelming all at the same time, I was so happy to be there.
From that day I went back every single day enjoying the last ten days of Ramadan which is believed to be the most blessed, in between was invited to my new friend’s homes and was taken under their wings, they would say to me may ALLAH guide you to the right path.
The things that we as Americans hear on the news is that of terrorism, hate, division and all around mayhem and what I have seen with my one eyes is Peace, Caring People, Love and Humility I have never seen but only read about in the Bible, the people that followed Christ that lived for him and would die for him.
The kind of love and reverence for God that requires you to stand before Him clean, humble and allowing nothing else to come before Him is what I saw.
Islam is beautiful, the same anointing but greater I had not experience since I left my church in Hawaii, I was finally back Home, and as I continue to walk out this journey learning every day, I know this for sure that God is God and there is no other but Him. I love Allah (God). He is my all, I am nothing without Him.
I thank God for obedient and willing servants. It’s a conviction I have always had, but through the years it was junked up by the trapping of the world, what you wore, drove, lived in, how much money you had, this is how the world measures you and even in the church, it’s the same it has become a money making machine, toting authors and speakers and mega churches of 10,000 plus people and that is all fine and good. But what about the relationship with God the time you give only to Him where you get down on your knees and pray to Him and wait for Him when making a decision and when was the last time you cared for someone other than your family members but a stranger a homeless person and expected nothing in return.
I encourage all that read this to also take a closer look at Islam for yourself and stop allowing the media or popular literature to define your ideals of a people based upon a few , but instead sit down with them and have a conversation one on one and then make up your mind.
The decision to open a book I never thought I would want to read has yielded me such a beautiful experience and I will never be the same having done so.
When I think of equating the task of helping my entire Christian family to understand my decision to become Muslim I will share this story with them, people are typically afraid of what is not like them, that thing or person that speaks a different language or dresses in a different type of garment but underneath we are all the same, we live we will die and we ALL with stand before God and give an account of what we did in this life, so whatever you believe is your choice just pray you are right.
On Saturday September 17, 2011 I took my Shahada, I am now a Muslimah.
[A New Muslim Sister]
Bosnian man walks 5,700km to Makkah to perform hajj
MAKKAH – Walking thousands of miles through six countries on foot, a 47-year-old Bosnian Muslim has finally reached the holy city of Makkah to fulfill his life-time dream of performing hajj.
I wanted to perform Hajj but I had no money, Senad Hadzic was quoted as saying by Emirates 24/7 on Monday, October 22. I decided to walk to Saudi Arabia, having only 200 euros.
“I arrived on Saturday in Makkah. I am not tired, these are the best days of my life,” Senad Hadzic, 47, said when reached by phone on a Saudi mobile number. He said he had covered some 5,700 kilometres in 314 days of walking through Bosnia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Syria and Jordan to the Muslim holy city in south-western Saudi Arabia, with a backpack weighing 20 kilos.
He charted his progress on his Facebook page, where he posted a picture apparently of an entry/exit card for foreigners issued by the Syrian interior ministry. “I passed through Syria in April. I walked some 500 kilometres in 11 days. I went through Aleppo and Damascus and passed dozens of check-points held by pro-government and rebel forces alike, but I was never detained,” Hadzic said.
“At a check-point held by [President Bashar] Al Assad’s forces the soldier ordered me to empty my backpack … When I showed them my Quran and explained I was making the pilgrimage on foot, they let me go,” he told AFP. “I walked in the name of Allah, for Islam, for Bosnia-Hercegovina, for my parents and my sister,” he added.
On his Facebook page he said God had shown him the way in dreams, including to go through Syria instead of Iraq. During the pilgrimage, Hadzic faced temperatures ranging from minus 35 degrees Celsius in Bulgaria to plus 44 degrees Celsius in Jordan. He said he had to wait in Istanbul for several weeks to get permission to cross the Bosphorus Bridge on foot and two months at the border between Jordan and Saudi Arabia to obtain an entry visa. The Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be undertaken at least once in a lifetime by all Muslims who are able to.
Aspiring to perform hajj, Hadzic started his lengthy trip from his hometown Banovici in northern Bosnia in December.
During his journey, the Muslim man walked for nearly 3,600 miles (5,900 km) on foot from his Bosnian village to the holy city of Makkah.
Covering between 12 to 20 miles a day, Hadzic managed to cross six countries, including Turkey, Jordan and Syria before entering Saudi Arabia this week.
In his back bag, he carried his copy of the Noble Qur’an wrapped in plastic to protect it from weather elements.
He also carried a bible, maps and flags of the six countries he plans to cross.
Hadzic said in a You-Tube film that he walked all that distance because he had no money.
I slept at mosques, schools and other places, including houses offered to me by good people, he said in the You-Tube video.
Some people asked me whether I was scared when passing through wild places and I told them why should I? God is with me.
The majority of pilgrims have already arrived in Saudi Arabia for hajj, the world’s largest annual gathering.
Muslims from around the world pour into Makkah every year to perform hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam.
Hajj consists of several rituals, which are meant to symbolize the essential concepts of the Islamic faith, and to commemorate the trials of Prophet Abraham and his family.
Every able-bodied adult Muslim who can financially afford the trip must perform hajj at least once in a lifetime.Hajj starts on the eighth day of the lunar month of Dhul Hijjah, which falls this year on October 24.
