Generosity flows through Makkah

In every corner, every turn of the street, every open space, you find people racing to give and serve and assist. In the mosque people walk around offering dates, coffee, bread, miswak, and water. Children are most adored, as people stop and give them candy and fruit. Yesterday I saw a man stand for an hour near Safa marwa offering tissues to the pilgrims.

Something amazing happens when you witness and receive this generosity. You feel moved and inspired to give and give more. Of whatever you have. It’s not uncommon to see people split a date while seated on the carpets of haram. Last night as I prayed maghrib and isha in the mosque my daughter make friends with the kids in the next row. They shared their snacks and toys and had a gala time running up and down the carpeted rows as the parents got their spiritual cups refilled. I feel grateful Z got to experience this as a child.

The generous spirit extends to not just humans but to animals and birds too. Early morning walks around the Haram masjid will warm your heart as you see old ladies feeding grains to pigeons. All stray cats are well fed thanks to the millions of pilgrims looking out for them.

As I leave Makkah today I leave a part of me behind that wants to always be surrounded by this love and warmth. While I can’t change the people I come across, I can try embody this as I go through life. We don’t need a lot to live, and we don’t need a lot to give. You can give what you own, what you have, your time and if nothing else even a smile.