This year's ‎Hajj‬ (2015) has been something else. As we do Tawaf around the Ka'aba, we can still see the fallen crane. And now this. All of the lessons of how Hajj reminds of death are so alive this year. I know it's hard for anyone who is not here to understand, but when you're here, you're likely to ask Allah to let you die here. In fact you can hear it in the dua's of people out loud throughout the journey. You never feel closer to Allah or care less for the world then when you are on this journey. Especially in Madinah, many people will confess that every time they hear the call for Janaza after prayer, they secretly hope that they will be included in the next. I guarantee you that many of those that passed away were praying to die in Ihram.
It's not that anyone becomes suicidal. It's not that the authorities don't need to do a better job with crowd control. It's not that those operating the equipment in Makkah shouldn't be held accountable. I'm not referring to any of that. Just as comforting the oppressed doesn't mean we fail to hold the oppressor accountable, speaking of those who have passed away doesn't mean we shouldn't push for measures to protect the Hujjaj.
What I'm getting at is that when one tastes the sweetness of having their lives revolve around their Creator, nothing in the world is more pleasing than the thought of meeting Him while He is pleased with you.
Oh Allah, have mercy on these beautiful souls, and let them meet You while proclaiming the Talbiya as they did in this world. Let us meet You while You are pleased with us, and join us all with the likes of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all) in the highest level of Paradise. ameen
Here I am at your Service, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise & blessings are Yours. And all Sovereignty belongs to You. You have no partner my Lord.

Imam Rashid
September 25, 2015