For many Muslims around the world, Hajj, the annual pilgrimage made by Muslims to Mecca, is the trip of their lifetime. My late grandmothers recalled details of their trip for the remainder of their lives.
The pilgrimage is a once in a lifetime requirement of every Muslim if their financial situation and health permits it. Hajj holds valuable leadership lessons that could be applied to business and our daily lives.
It teaches us discipline. Hajj, which takes place over the course of a 6-day period, incorporates strict rituals performed in different sites including Mount Arafat, Mina, and Muzdalifa at certain specified time periods. Pilgrims, all dressed modestly in the same attire, are required to perform all rituals by following certain rules. Learning self-control, discipline, and setting certain rules for you and your team to follow could assist you in reaching your goal faster while eliminating distractions.
A second take away is the importance of time management. With only a limited number of days to perform Hajj, time management is of an essence. Pilgrims learn how to coordinate their time to perform rituals in a smoother manner. They do this by waking up earlier or performing rituals later when there are less people.
When my mother went to Hajj, she wanted to dedicate extra time for prayers, read long passages of the Holy Quran, and donate to the needy. Therefore she prepared a schedule beforehand and divided her time efficiently to be able to perform everything in the short time she was there. As a business owner, time management helps me prioritise and focus my time on what matters. It also helps me when working under tight deadlines and when under pressure.
Another important lesson is the value of teamwork and thinking of others. Though Hajj is a journey that could be performed individually and not as part of a group, the way rituals take place during the same time, requires the cooperation of everyone with the authorities. In normal times, before Covid-19, with more than 2 million of pilgrims around the holy sites, pilgrims realise to be safe and have a smooth journey they cannot be individualistic in their thinking. Accidents or stampedes are examples of what happens when people do not cooperate, as one of my grandmothers recalled once. In business, when you are part of a company, working together with your team helps yield the best results and realising targets faster and in an efficient manner.
Being patient is another important element. For many of my friends, Hajj was a beautiful experience however challenging for those not used to walking long distances, or comfortable around a sea of people. The journey is also a time where Muslims need to exercise extra restraint and focus on performing the required rituals amid the flurry of people. In many respects it puts one’s patience to the test. A relative of mine, an impatient young man by nature, told me he learned to hold his anger and collect himself at a number of occasions during Hajj, an exercise he found beneficial, which he carried forward in his everyday life. In business where reaping results may take time, patience is key.
A final lesson is that purpose is key in Hajj and life. Muslims go on Hajj to atone for their sins and return to their homes with a clean slate. That is the main purpose of Hajj. But perhaps Hajj’s ultimate lesson is the importance of having a goal that drives us to excel in business and life, much like the millions of Muslims around the world, who wait a lifetime to perform their pilgrimage.
Manar Al Hinai is an award-winning Emirati journalist and entrepreneur, who manages her marketing and communications company in Abu Dhabi
Previous men's records
- 2:01:39: Eliud Kipchoge (KEN) on 16/9/19 in Berlin
- 2:02:57: Dennis Kimetto (KEN) on 28/09/2014 in Berlin
- 2:03:23: Wilson Kipsang (KEN) on 29/09/2013 in Berlin
- 2:03:38: Patrick Makau (KEN) on 25/09/2011 in Berlin
- 2:03:59: Haile Gebreselassie (ETH) on 28/09/2008 in Berlin
- 2:04:26: Haile Gebreselassie (ETH) on 30/09/2007 in Berlin
- 2:04:55: Paul Tergat (KEN) on 28/09/2003 in Berlin
- 2:05:38: Khalid Khannouchi (USA) 14/04/2002 in London
- 2:05:42: Khalid Khannouchi (USA) 24/10/1999 in Chicago
- 2:06:05: Ronaldo da Costa (BRA) 20/09/1998 in Berlin
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Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
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Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
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Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
if you go
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
