So, you’re all packed for Hajj. Bags zipped, sunscreen packed, phone on airplane mode. You’ve watched the YouTube videos. Maybe even memorized your du’as. But then comes this age-old question that Imam Zaynul Abideen (a.s.) once asked a pilgrim named Shibli: “Did you actually do Hajj?”

Shibli said, “Yes.” But the Imam? Oh, he had questions—dozens of them. Not to test Shibli, but to wake him up. What follows is a journey, a checklist, a soul-search, and maybe a gentle roast. Buckle up.

Let’s walk through the Hajj with some heart —and yes, the actual questions¹[For the full conversation see: http://www.qul.org.au/islamic-occasions/hajj-the-pilgrimage/1200-conversation-between-imam-zain-ul-abideen-and-shibli)] are from the Imam Sajjad (AS), just in case you thought this was just a Sunday School quiz. Through this powerful conversation between Imam and the pilgrim Shibli, we discover that every step of the Hajj isn’t just about rituals—it’s about meaning, intention, and real change.

Miqat—Your Spiritual Check-in Desk

Imam’s Questions:

Did you go for Hajj, O Shibli?

Did you stop at the Miqat and put away the sewn clothes and perform the sacred bath?

When you stopped at Miqat did you make the intention that you are taking off the clothes of disobedience and putting on the clothes of obedience?

And when you had taken off your sewn clothes did you make the intention that you had taken off hypocrisy and entering dubious acts?

And when you took the bath did you have the intention that you are washing yourself from all sins and errors?

Miqat is like airport security—but for your soul. You strip down your ego and bathe in the idea of becoming better. But the Imam's not having surface-level prep. He’s asking, “Did you mean it?” Because if your mind's still on your office email or your next Instagram post, then spiritually, you're still stuck at home. This stop is a declaration: you're ready to leave behind the drama and the hustle. You're not just entering a place—you're entering a new mindset.

Ihram—Uniform of the Soul

Imam’s Questions:

Did you cleanse yourself, wear your Ihram, and honor your covenant of Hajj?

When you did that, did you intend to purify yourself with the light of sincere repentance to Almighty Allah, the Most High?

As you put on the Ihram, did you intend to avoid everything that Allah has forbidden?

When you upheld the covenant of Hajj, did you mean to cancel all other covenants with anyone other than Allah?

Now you’re in Ihram, wrapped in two plain garments that say, “I mean it.” But the Imam presses further: “Do you really mean it?” This isn’t just about donning white—it’s about wiping the heart clean and cutting ties with sin. If your soul hasn’t turned around sincerely, your Ihram is just a costume. The real journey doesn’t start with the road to Makkah—it starts with becoming someone new.

Talbiyah — Your Spiritual RSVP

Imam’s Questions:

Did you enter the Miqat, pray the two units of Ihram prayer, and recite the Talbiyah?

When you crossed the Miqat, did you intend to enter as a guest?

When you performed the two units of prayer, did you mean to draw near to Allah with one of the noblest acts of worship?

As you chanted the Talbiyah, did you do so with the intention of speaking to Allah with full obedience and silencing all disobedience?

The Talbiyah isn’t just background sound—it’s your soul crying out, “Here I am, O God.” But if you’re mouthing the words while daydreaming about the hotel buffet, the Imam’s nudge is a reality check. You’re not walking in as royalty—you’re arriving as a humble guest. Every “Labbayk” should throb through your being like a vow of love to the One who called you. Don’t just say it—live it.

Entering the Haram—No Gossip Zone

Imam’s Questions:

Did you enter the Haram and did you see the Holy Kaaba and did you pray there?

When you entered the Haram did you have the intention that you were prohibiting on yourself all backbiting of all the Muslims from the Nations of Islam?

And when you reached Makkah did you make the intention with your heart that you had come to Almighty Allah (SWT)?

You’ve arrived at the Haram, and you see the Kaaba for the first time—jaw-dropping, right? But “Did your soul arrive too?” If you’re snapping pics but not snapping out of your spiritual fog, what’s the point? This isn’t just holy ground—it’s home. And gossip, grudges, and distractions? Leave them at the door. When you step into the Haram, make it a heart-homecoming.

Tawaf and Sa’ee—Circle Back to What Matters

Imam’s Questions:

Did you go round the house and did you touch the Rukn and did you make Sa’ee?

And when you did the Sa’ee did you have the intention that you were running towards Almighty Allah (SWT) and did Allah (SWT) the Knower of all secrets know this?

Tawaf isn’t about laps. It’s about centering your life around Allah. Touching the Rukn is symbolic, yes—but it’s also serious. And Sa’ee? It’s Hajar’s legacy of trust, of not giving up. Perhaps Imam wants to know: “Were you running just to check a box or running to God?” You’re not reenacting a story—you’re reliving a mindset. Chase Allah like He’s your only hope—because He is.

Hajar al-Aswad—The Divine Handshake

Imam’s Questions:

Did you touch the Hajar al-Aswad and did you stand at the Maqam Ibrahim and did you pray two Rakats on it?

Did you have the intention when you were standing on Maqam Ibrahim that you were standing on every obedience and that you have put behind you all disobedience?

When you prayed two Rakats there did you make the intention that you are praying the prayers of Ibrahim and that you are humiliating Shaitan with your prayers?

Touching the Black Stone is like the symbolic shaking of hands with the Divine—big moment. But : “Don’t ruin this handshake by sinning afterward!” These aren’t just symbolic acts—they’re statements. You’re telling Shaytan, “Not today, not ever.” Your prayer at Maqam Ibrahim should be fierce—like a flag planted in the ground, announcing your spiritual territory. Pray it like you mean it.

Zamzam and Safa-Marwa—Quenching the Thirst of the Soul

Imam’s Questions:

Did you look over the well of Zamzam and did you drink from its water?

Did you have the intention when you were looking over the well that you were looking at obedience to Almighty Allah (SWT) and closing your eyes from all disobedience?

Did you run between Safa and Marwa and did you walk between it repeatedly?

Did you have the intention that you were between hope and fear?

Ah, Zamzam—cold, sweet, refreshing. But more than that, it’s spiritual hydration. When you drank it, did you drink with intention? Or were you just thirsty? Or —did you see it with eyes that seek to obey and shut out disobedience?

And then there’s Safa and Marwa. Two hills. One woman’s epic story of faith. Hajar wasn’t just running for water—she was running in full trust. Back and forth. No doubts. No shortcuts. The So ask yourself : when you walked those paths, were you feeling it? Were you caught between hope in Allah’s mercy and fear of your shortcomings? Or were you mentally checking out by round three? This isn’t cardio—it’s conviction.

Mina and Arafat—The Mountain of Self-Reckoning

Imam’s Questions:

Did you go out to Mina?

Did you have the intention that every Muslim was safe from your tongue, your heart and you?

Did you stay a short time at Arafa and did you climb Jabal al-Rahma and did you recognize the wadi of Namira and did you supplicate to Almighty Allah (SWT) near al-Mil and al-Jamaraat?

Did you conceive by your stay in Arafa the gnosis (Irfan) of Almighty Allah and the knowledge of good things and acts; and did you conceive that your book of deeds was in the hands of Allah and that Allah had full knowledge of your secrets and what is in your heart?

And when you climbed the Jabal al-Rahma did you have the intention that Almighty Allah may have mercy on all believing men and all believing women and that He will help all Muslim men and women?

Did you have the intention at wadi of Namira that you would not enjoin good until you practice it yourself and you would not forbid evil until you leave it yourself?

And when you stopped at al-Mil and al-Jamaraat did you have the intention that they were witnessing all your acts of worship and that they were guarding you together with guardian angels by the order of Almighty Allah (SWT)?

Mina is about more than pitching a tent—it’s about creating safe space in your soul. The Imam's question hits hard: “Were other Muslims safe from you?” That means your words, your actions, and even your thoughts.

Then comes Arafat. The big day. No rituals. Just you and God. If you weren’t feeling the weight of your deeds and the relief of His mercy up on Jabal al-Rahma, were you even there? It’s the Day of Reflection, and the Imam doesn’t let Shibli off the hook: “Did you actually get to know Allah? Did you reflect? Did you ask for everyone, not just yourself?” This mountain doesn’t just elevate your body—it should lift your soul.

Muzdalifah and Mash’ar al-Haram – Collecting Pebbles, Dropping Baggage

Imam’s Questions:

Did you pass between the two columns, pray two Rakats before crossing; go to Muzdalifah, pick up pebbles and cross the Mash'arul Haram?

When you prayed the two Rakats, did you have the intention that you were praying the prayer of thanksgiving within the ten nights which removes every hardship and facilitates every ease?

At the time of passing between the two columns without deviating to the right or the left, did you have the intention that you would never deviate from the true religion to the right or the left neither with your heart, tongue nor with your limbs?

When you walked through Muzdalifah and picked up the pebbles did you have the intention that you have plucked all acts of disobedience and ignorance and that you had affirmed knowledge and action?

Then when you walked in the Mash'arul Haram did you have the intention that you had embossed your heart with the identification of those who have Taqwa and fear of Almighty Allah (SWT) the Most High?

Muzdalifah is where the journey gets quiet. No shopping, no selfies, no buzz—just you, the sky, and some pebbles. But Imam Zaynul Abideen (a.s.) says those pebbles are serious. They’re your spiritual ammo. You’re collecting them not to throw rocks—but to throw off sin. Are you walking straight? Are you focused? Or did your thoughts drift with the desert wind?

This is about staying on course. About imprinting your heart with taqwa like it’s a tattoo that never fades. It’s the final checkpoint before you face your inner devils. Get centered. Get clear. Get real.

Jamarat, Sacrifice, and Tawaf—The Grand Finale

Imam’s Questions:

Did you arrive at Mina, throw stones at the Jamarah and did you shave your head and slaughter the sacrifice and did you pray in Masjid al-Kheef and did you return to Makkah and perform the Tawaf of Ifadha (return) to Makkah?

When you reached Mina and pelted the Jamarah did you have the intention that you have attained your goal and your Lord has fulfilled all your needs?

And when you pelted the Jamarah did you have the intention that you had pelted your enemy Iblees and by completing this precious Hajj you had disobeyed him?

And when you shaved your head did you have the intention that you had cleansed yourself from all filth and from all the injustice of the children of Adam and that you had purified yourself from sin just like a new born baby?

And when you slaughtered your hadiya did you have the intention that you are cutting the artery of greed by holding fast to the reality of piety and that you are following the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim / Abraham (as)?

And when you returned to Makkah and did the Tawaaf of Ifadha (Tawafun Nisa). did you have the intention that you had come back with the Mercy of Almighty Allah (SWT) to His obedience and that you had clasped His love that you had performed your duty to Him and had gained nearness to Him?

This is the Hajj home stretch—and it’s intense. Throwing stones at Shaytan should feel like a spiritual mic drop. Did you feel victorious? Did you see this moment as the finale to your internal war with sin?

And shaving your head? That’s not just a new look—it’s a rebirth. Pure, fresh, light. The sacrifice? That’s you letting go of everything that keeps you from God—your ego, your attachments, your excuses. And Tawaf al-Ifadha? (Tawfun an-Nisa) That’s your final circumambulation around the Kaaba. You’re not just circling a building—you’re orbiting mercy.

Now You Know!

Shibli walked away changed. Not because he finished the rituals—but because he finally understood their meaning. That’s what the Imam was after.

So if you're wondering, “Did I really ….. do Hajj?” Maybe the better question is, “Did I come back changed?” Because if your heart didn't move, your soul didn't soften, and your ego didn't shrink—then you didn’t go anywhere.

But if EVEN one of these questions made you pause, reflect, and smile a little at yourself—then maybe, just maybe, your real Hajj has begun.

To be continued in your heart ………