Growing up in multicultural and cosmopolitan Montreal, the largest city in the Canadian province of Quebec, I was raised in diverse neighborhoods all of my life. I had also experienced snippets of racism as a dark-skinned, Hijab-wearing Musilm at times.
Racism is the belief that one’s race, skin color, or more generally, one’s group, be it of religious, national or ethnic identity, is superior to others in humanity.
While many like to travel during this time, the benefit of a staycation remains, not just in terms of safety from illness, as well as affordability, but also as a way to build spirituality.
Any Muslim who can afford it and is in good health must perform Hajj. But this once-in-a-lifetime experience for most Muslims requires the utmost preparation and planning beforehand.
Even for those not performing the Hajj pilgrimage, the first ten days of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah are considered very sacred. They are a time for increased reflection, seeking Allah's forgiveness, doing good, and various other forms of worship.