Arafat
We stand on earth full height among Allah’s creatures head surrounded by geese encircled by vultures gazing unwaveringly at Hi…
Hajj
Facing Mecca
As Muslims who pray the five obligatory prayers each day of our lives, when able we orient ourselves toward Mecca, located in …
What Are Feet For?
What are feet for but to go around the Ka’ba? What are eyes for but to look upon God’s House? What are lips for…
Miracle of Sound at the Ka’ba
What sounds are heard around God’s House? First, utter silence, silence within silence. Then its echo, more silent still. A si…
Ladder Leaned up Against the House
Though he couldn’t see it from below the man was astonished that the ladder he’d leaned up against the house extended into the…
The Ecstatic Exchange: Words on my Life and Poetry
Bismillah er-rahman er-rahim To begin to present my life-time’s body of poetic work …
Prayer at the Ka’ba
Oh Lord, the orange cat lying asleep on the shoe rack outside the Ka’ba looked tranquil, lean from living wild in Mecca, but s…
The Morning of the Last Day
Allah elects from whomever he wants of His slaves for the presence of isolation — Shaykh ibn al-Habib of Fez The sun is rising…
‘Eid / What Are Feet For?
What are feet for but to go around the Ka’ba? What are eyes for but to look upon God’s House? What are lips for…
Beginning the Prayer
I stand facing Mecca the house all around me parallel with everything hands up to my ears the Prayer begins Hands across chest…