Author Interview: Me & My Journey of the Heart

My name is Shaa’ista Moorad Jogee. Based in Johannesburg, South Africa. I am an Economist, student of the Qur’an and creator of the Qur’an Tagging Kit. I am also an Author and Content Creator.

Please tell us more about your book?
It was September 2016. I sat in the tents of Mina, chewing my pen, unable to answer the words I had written a few weeks previously in the notebook on my lap: At Mina, Muhammad ﷺ went from camp to camp, inviting people to Islam. Think about what you are doing with your specific skills, using your work and life experience, to benefit mankind and serve Islām. Strategise your plan in Mina to take home. How will you get involved in community upliftment projects? How will you go back as an ambassador of hajj?

I was a stay-at-home mum of two small boys who demanded my constant attention. I had never used my university degree and honestly did not want to. How could I possibly answer these questions? Flash forward almost eight years, and SubhanAllah, what you are looking at now is the culmination of Allah’s response.

I have been sharing its rough draft with countless friends and family going for Umrah and Hajj over the years and benefiting from they feedback and duas. What started as a small personal book is now a 235-page beautifully bound “Me & My Journey of the Heart.” book which encompasses a blend of spiritual and practical advice, and prompts that I used to assist my personal development.

What is the applicable age group that this book is suited for?

Anyone aged 18+.

To consolidate all the information I had learnt from authentic books and scholars into one, beautiful book/journal that inspires love for Makkah and Madinah in its reader.

During the four months between our accreditation and embarking on this journey of a lifetime, we attended lectures on ḥajj by various ʿulama, studied the sīrah of Rasūlullāh ﷺ and read numerous books on the subject. What made our journey truly special was the invaluable time my husband and I spent with an Islamic scholar who has taken thousands on ḥajj. He guided us through both the practical and spiritual aspects of ḥajj and ʿumrah, from seeking forgiveness from others before departing to supplicating for Allāh’s acceptance upon our return.

His recommended timetable for spending time in the Ḥaramayn, suggested adhkār to recite, and advice on making duʿā’ were invaluable. These guidelines are equally beneficial to those intending to perform only ʿumrah – simply leave out the sections on Dhū ’l-Ḥijjah and the days of ḥajj.

Inspired by these sources, I compiled my findings into a booklet that I used throughout my ḥajj journey.

The only resource you need to carry on Hajj and/or Umrah. Inspires love for the Haramain. A wonderful memento of your experience. The perfect gift idea for anyone going to Makkah and Madinah so they too can remember you in their prayers.