Blessed month of Dzul-Hijjah

Dzul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month in the Islamic Calendar. It is a very sacred month in the Islamic calendar, marking the end of the year. It is in this month in which the Hajj pilgrimage takes place.

Dzul-Hijjah literally means “Lord of the Pilgrimage”. It is during this month that Muslims from all over the world congregate at Mecca to visit the Kaaba. The Hajj is performed on the 8th, 9th and 10th of this month. The 9th day marks the Day of Arafat. Eid ul-Adha, the Festival of the Sacrifice, begins on the 10th day and ends on the 13th.

According to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the first 10 days of this month are a special time for devotion. During these days, preparations are underway for those who are undertaking the pilgrimage, and most of the actual pilgrimage rites occur. Even for those who are not travelling for the pilgrimage, this is a special time to remember Allah and spend time in devotion and good deeds.

The Muslim students in the university were busy doing their rounds with their pails of charity. A very notable deed especially when the weather isn’t that charitable. May Allah blessed you all.

It is also Islamic Awareness Week in Coventry, which coincides with the first National Inter Faith Week. The theme of the Islam Awareness Week was Walk the Talk with an exhibition at the Coventry Muslim Resource Centre. I wanted to see this exhibition. Unfortunately, they are only open from 11am-4pm. Why???

The weather in the UK have been miserable this whole week. Lashing of rain, high winds, chilly, dark but then it’s November after all. I’m taking the day off today. I’m taking the train up north, to Aberdeen for KS’s wedding tomorrow. Yipee…

Fingers-crossed, CC and I won’t be facing any problems on our 7 hours journey. It’s only for 2 nights but looking at my stuff, you’ll think that I’m away for a week. Well, there’s the church wedding, a wedding breakfast and the reception. I hoped to squeeze some sight-seeing in between but the time-table looks a bit tight.

Anyway, I’ve bought a new Sudoku book and also Browns, Angels and Demons. That should keep me quiet. Plus I’m bringing my own packed sandwiches, drinks and nibbles cos you know how expensive and c—p, railway food are.

I’m looking forward to meeting KS again. The last time we met was when we attended a conference in Glasgow last year. I’m sure she’s going to be a very beautiful bride. I’ve never met the groom, though. Although I’ve heard a lot about him. Should be interesting…

Babe took these lovely photographs when there was sporadic sunshine this week. Mr. Bushy Tail helping himself at our bird-feeder, a Fly Agaric pushing itself through the grounds and a fantastic shot of autumnal colours from the reed beds.

Have a lovely weekend.