The morning air will be crisp as you gather, the sky painted in soft hues of dawn. You will wear your layers—physical and spiritual—wrapped in the modesty of your long hijab. Beneath your feet will lie the damp soil of a trail that promises to lead you through mud, sweat, and self-confrontation.
The challenge ahead will be daunting: a long trek interspersed with muddy obstacles, undertaken while fasting, to empathise with the plight of refugees. But beyond the physical demands lies a deeper journey—a spiritual awakening waiting for you to embrace.
It will be a humbling experience, not only because of the physical endurance required but also because it mirrors the inner trials you may often overlook. As your first step sinks into the mud, a thought might rise within you: How often are you a spiritual refugee, seeking shelter for your soul amidst the chaos of life?
Stripped by the elements
The trail will likely be relentless. Mud will cling to your shoes, heavy like burdens refusing to be cast aside. The sharp wind may cut through your layers, a stark reminder of your fragility. Yet, within this raw confrontation with nature, you will find clarity. Just as refugees are stripped of worldly comforts, this journey will strip you of pretence, leaving you with nothing but honesty and humility.
Each step will become a prayer, each struggle a supplication. The mud beneath your feet will not just be an obstacle but a teacher, reminding you of the clay from which you were created—a silent testimony to the fragility and interconnectedness of all humanity. You won’t just be walking for refugees; you’ll be walking with them—in spirit, in struggle, in resilience.
The fasting body and the yearning soul
Fasting will add another layer of reflection to your journey. The hunger and thirst will strip away the distractions of the material world, forcing you to confront the hunger of your soul. How often do you nourish your body while neglecting your spirit?
As you continue the trek, the stories of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) may resonate deeply—how he sought refuge in caves, deserts, and the stillness of prayer. His journeys were not merely physical but profoundly spiritual, a search for truth, guidance, and Allah. Similarly, refugees today not only seek safety but carry an inner yearning for sanctuary beyond physical walls and borders.
In fasting, you will feel a small taste of their endurance and sacrifice. The emptiness in your stomach will reflect the emptiness many refugees must endure—displaced, unseen, and uncertain of what lies ahead. Yet, within that emptiness lies the potential for spiritual abundance.
Lessons from the natural world
Nature will be both your adversary and your guide. The forest may whisper resilience, the rivers persistence, and the sky vast mercy. Even if the sun hides behind clouds, it will offer just enough light to illuminate your path—a quiet reminder of Allah’s subtle but constant guidance.
You may find the Qur’anic verse echoing in your heart: “And He found you lost and guided [you].” (Qur’an 93:7). This promise speaks not just of physical displacement but of spiritual disorientation. How often do you wander through the thickets of your desires, losing sight of the path home?
While refugees are forced to leave their physical homes, you might realise that you, too, are a spiritual refugee, yearning for the warmth of Allah’s closeness. This trek will teach you that returning to Him often means leaving behind the illusions of comfort and embracing the trials that lead to transformation.
Trials, tribulations, and transcendence
When the end finally comes into view, your body may ache, but your heart will feel light. The challenge will stand as a testament to your endurance, adaptability, and hope. More importantly, it will remind you to see trials not as punishments but as opportunities to grow closer to your Creator.
The refugees for whom you walk are not merely survivors of hardship; they are teachers of resilience and faith, urging you to reflect on your own journey. Are you seeking refuge in fleeting comforts, or are you striving toward eternal peace?
At the end of the day, the mud will wash away, but the lessons will remain. To be a spiritual refugee is to acknowledge your disconnection, recognise your yearning, and take the steps needed to return to the Divine. With every trial, you build a bridge that carries you closer to home. And as you walk, you’ll learn that the true refuge is not found in the absence of hardship but in the nearness of Allah.