9 Comments
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Rameen's avatar

An experience of a lifetime! Your description is so vivid that I felt like I was there with you. What a gift you’ve given to us and to Rohaan. I’m so proud of you Amal and I feel so lucky to be able to know you even more deeply through your writing!

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Amal Shakeb's avatar

Thank you Rameen. Your words and encouragement mean a lot.

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Dr. Samaiya Mushtaq's avatar

Thank you for sharing these letters! I felt like I was reliving it again. I went before having kids, and I imagine the sacrifice of parents who leave their kids to go is just enormous.

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Amal Shakeb's avatar

Thank you for your comment. I am glad to hear it resonated.

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Saima Durrani's avatar

The 9th of Dhul Hijjah holds such deep spiritual weight, a day when millions stand on the plain of Arafah in complete surrender, and those of us at home engage in dhikr, fasting, and prayer with full hearts. It’s one of the most powerful days in our calendar, a time when mercy pours down.

You’ve captured the spirit of that day with so much grace, Amal. The way you’ve woven its meaning into a heartfelt letter to your son made it feel both sacred and tender, like a quiet reflection we were blessed to witness.

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Amal Shakeb's avatar

Thank you for your kind words 🙏

I don't think words can acutely describe the real feelings and emotions... But we can try. And I a glad to hear it resonated.

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Jane Stephenson's avatar

Thank you for this beautiful account. Reading this from my secular western European viewpoint I feel naive than your four year old son. Thank you for explaining the meaning of the pilgrimage so clearly.

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Amal Shakeb's avatar

Jane, thank you so much for reading and for appreciating this effort.

It truly means a lot!

There are so many things to describe and explain. It's hard to put it down in a short and simple manner.

If anything is unclear or if you have any more questions feel free to ask.

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Lubna khalid's avatar

No words to describe my feelings after reading this letter. I can feel the spirit of Hajj inside me and it made me cry. Thankyou very much for sharing such a beautiful emotional letter

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