A REQUEST FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART

We all love to capture moments on our smartphones, be it a concert, a wedding, a good meal at a restaurant etc. But in order to capture these moments, we are missing to live the moment. You won't feel the same looking at the images years later. If you live the moment to its full potential, it will stay in your memories forever and you won't need images to relive those moments. You can just close your eyes and travel back in time. No harm in capturing moments but try to live and enjoy the moment to its core.

But the request I have is about when you visit Makkah and Madina for Umrah or Hajj. Dear brothers and sisters, please leave your phones back at the hotel. You don't need to capture these moments because you don't want to have physical memories; once you leave these places, you should leave with spiritual memories. Memories that will live with you forever, memories that will remind you of Allah's mercy, memories that will keep you away from sins, memories to remember Allah. Devout your time completely in prayers. Thank Allah, ask Allah, feel the hospitality of the Almighty's home.

I understand that if you are traveling with family, it's a necessity to communicate but keep it as a necessity. Don't photo shoot. The pictures are not going to bless your marriage. Video calling your family back at home is not going to bless them. Capturing every step of your Umrah takes your attention away from the real purpose. The purpose of visiting these holy places is to please Allah, ask for forgiveness, ask for mercy, to show gratitude for everything that Allah blessed you with.

Be as a servant at the Almighty's house, not as a King.

Forget what's happening in the world. Believe me, being away from these gadgets and social media for a few days refreshes your body and soul. The world seems peaceful. Instead of trying to connect to a Wifi, try your best to connect with Allah because once you establish the connection with Allah, even one bar; success is guaranteed.

It is fine to capture couple of moments just for the sake of memories, but majority of the time should be spent for the purpose of your visit.