“The way we experience the pilgrimage is a reflection of our inner state,’ the imam said. ‘To some of us it will be a strenuous trial, whereas to others every step of the way is a joy, despite the privations… — Kristiane Backer Copy Share Image
“the essence of the Hajj is Arafat. On the ninth day of the Hajj month all pilgrims gather on the great Plain of Arafat… — Kristiane Backer Copy Share Image
“Boys will always be boys,’ he said. ‘The relationship obviously wasn’t meant to be.’ He told me I should trust that the break-up was for the best, even if I couldn’t see that yet. As with every form of suffering, heartache brings with it catharsis, and turns us into better human beings. ‘It is like an iron in the furnace… — Kristiane Backer Copy Share
“You’ve been tested.’ He advised me to try and ‘forgive and pardon, and this way seek to become beloved by God’ without my forgiveness… — Kristiane Backer Copy Share Image
Living a lie - pretending everything is fine when we are actually discontented - is hard work and, in the long run, even bad… — Kristiane Backer Copy Share Image
A sick person is Allah's guest for as long as he is ill. Every day he is sick, God gives him countless rewards, as… — Kristiane Backer Copy Share Image
“God was inviting me to go on Hajj, but before that I needed to settle my debts. Muslims may only embark on their pilgrimage… — Kristiane Backer Copy Share Image
“Religion is also a process of healing, I discovered – a healing of the soul. Even our language points to this relation. The words… — Kristiane Backer Copy Share Image
“everything that is in the world, there is a correspondence on every level of existence. The macrocosm is a reflection of the microcosm, and… — Kristiane Backer Copy Share Image
“It was clear to me by now that studying Islam was one thing – and absolutely worthwhile, because it helped me grasp the meaning… — Kristiane Backer Copy Share Image
“The words of the Quran all seemed strangely familiar yet so unlike anything I had ever read before,’ he told us. He embraced Islam… — Kristiane Backer Copy Share Image
“Purify your intentions, your inner being, your heart and be sincere in your actions,’ he wrote. ‘God looks into your heart, not at your… — Kristiane Backer Copy Share Image
“You have returned from the lesser jihad to the greater jihad (jihad alakbar).” His followers asked him what that greater jihad was. “The struggle… — Kristiane Backer Copy Share Image
