Always there, even in difficulty...
“I performed Hajj with Shaykh Abu Eesa in 2012, and had a great time, Alhamdulilah. The Shaykh support us throughout the entire process. He was with us during difficult times from our arrival to departure from Jeddah airport. He explained the difficulties and challenges we will face during every Ritual of the Hajj and its logistical nightmare and adjust our expectations. He was available every single day, and more during the day(s) in Mina, Arafat, and Tashreeq. In addition to the halaqa’s (spiritual and Hajj teachings), he would give sufficient time to answer everyone’s questions or address their concerns. He wasn’t a halaqa-only-imam, or a salah-imam, he lead even during the boring gruesome bus rides from Makkah to Medina, preached during our tours, and even gave us practical advice for shopping. More importantly, Shaykh AE walked us through the rites of Hajj step-by-step, helping us understand the importance and history behind the rituals, making it a spiritually uplifting experience. Shaykh AE is someone I am comfortable with; he is approachable, respectful, and considerate, which was enough to give me the Hajj experience of a life time. May Allah grant us all Hajj Mabroor. Wa’Alaykum Salaam wa RahmetAllahe wa Barakatuh.”
I thought it would be hard...
“I attended Rizq Factory: Fiqh of Worship and there Sheikh Niamatullah announced that he was leading the student package. I really wanted to go and Allah made it so. As someone who didn’t get a lot of time to travel (due to work) I was very nervous about travelling. Alhamdolillah, Allah made it easy. Sheikh arranged to meet at Heathrow, we wore our ahraams when Ustad instructed (which turned out to be a really good move as we were not scrambling to do it in the aeroplane). I was lucky to sit next to sheikh on the airplane and I felt very comfortable getting to know him. Again, Sheikh made it very easy to get through the airport and haj terminal. We soon got to the hotel (took a photo of the hotel and address which I would recommend everyone to do). Sheikh recommended we rest and then do the Umrah. I stuck with the Sheikh and Umrah was completed – I had a wonderful and memorable time. Thank you Ustad.
One of the most memorable occasions when I look back was walking with Ustad between safa and marwa where we completed the rituals but also had deep, personal discussions. Also, Abu Eesa is an extremely funny person and so there were so many funny occasions. In the following days, I would naturally want to go the mosque on my own so Ustad personally took me there and back. He explained which busses to get on and where. That really helped. Sheikh was always caring – I got the customary illness, flu/stomach pains but Ustad kept looking in on me. All through the major ritual stages, Ustad was there and gave us talks and advice. Hajj is hard but with Ustad’s assistance it was memorable. Alhamdolliah, Hajj went very well even during all the scaring moments (Muzdaliffa). Ustad was always looking over everyone. Moments when walking in our group with the throngs of people e.g. through the tunnels to the jammarat etc. was fantastic. When looking back, I believe attending the course allowed me to maximise my preparation for the Hajj. Ustad being there along the way was comforting. I learned so much and really don’t think there were much more I could have asked for.
On to beautiful Madina – I still remember walking to the Prophets mosque and then Ustad pointing – suddenly there was the mosque in all it’s beauty – it was an awe inspiring sight. I felt so lucky to be with Ustad Niamatullah, e.g. events such as praying in the mosque and then Ustad explaining the parts of the mosque. Great tips such as joining a janaza into Baqi cemetary etc. My only regret was that I couldn’t stay longer due to work and so had to come home earlier then most. Despite this I felt extremely blessed to have done my Hajj with Abu Eesa.
Off the record: Lots of laughs over day old Al Baik – damn that was good. Oh and finally, your dream Hajj may come true but it might entail you breaking your back by carrying some of Ustad’s luggage. Uff Hajj is hard. =)
A great Hajj experience...
“I want to thank Sheik Abu Eisa for the great Hajj experience we had under his leadership. Abu Eisa is knowledgeable and well organized. He taught us o lot spiritual lessons from Quran and the Sunnah with valuable explanation. Sheik Abu Eisa was always available to answers all our questions regarding Hajj in both Arabic and English language, which was very beneficial because I am not a native English speaker. The sheik guided us to choose the right time to complete each step of the hajj to ensure our safety and ovoid crowded periods of time. And that was due to his long experience as a group leader. We are very thankful for that. Sheik Abu Eisa was helping us to make our hajj easy, he joined us to visit the historical sites and answered all our questions. And due to his cheerful character, he helped us reducing our stress during hajj. It was my first Hajj experience and I will not hesitate to choose Sheik Abu Eisa as my hajj Group leader.”