When I was young, I was not conscious of how I choose as friends. They just happened to be classmates, schoolmates, neighborhood kids, relatives, acquaintances. However, I unconsciously choose friends with similar values. I did not deal with people who were not truthful and honest. I was very concerned about who I am friends with. Lying seems so silly to tell in those days and even now, even though once a while I let white lies does slip out of my tongue. I disliked Dishonesty and I am sure many of us do too.

I do remember being with people, whom I call friends who often were not the most popular once in the environs, but they were well respected. Moreover, one of main reasons why they were respected was, because they have integrity.

Even though we regularly used the terms respect and popularity as if they are equals, I am of the opinion there is a fair difference between admiration and respect. The popularity has to do with the person’s outward positive attribute, where as the respect is the recognition of the person's positive inner strength and character.

We all do admire many a celebrities, but need not necessarily respect them. We respect great teachers, but we may not always admire/like them. Very few People in this world earn admiration and respect. If I have to choose one, I would go for respect each time. Many a times we do face situations where we must decide between being popular and doing things that align with our individual personal values.

Selecting one such friend who is respected because of the devotion to the values is smart and admired. It ensures you never have to worry about that person's trustworthiness. And for me in this virtual world of MS I found one who fits my concepts, Tannu aka Tanna aka Astrofreak. She stands for what is right, not for what is popular. She is the closest of all MSains and often I have found a trusted advisor in her. I am old man and have known a Great many troubles, But most of them never happened to me, as She is there for me. (Oops that was Mark Twain and I fit very nicely into that role now as I recall her)

The Hajj is an incredible and dominant symbol of equal opportunity and harmony in a world troubled with frictions and factions. It is not just a representation of human oneness. It is not merely a union or bond - in its customs, but spiritually moving and visually influential symbol of the unity of all humankind. They say it is the journey of a lifetime. The pilgrimage occurs from the 7th to 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar and this year it falls between 25th–29th of November.

This year Tannu is undertaking the Journey of her lifetime. You see, Hajj is not only a journey of just the body to the house of Allah; Mecca (Makkah), it is also a journey of the heart and soul and mind. Remember, Hajj is an act of Ibaadah, the fifth pillar of Islam that constitute the most basic five tenets of Islam. I take this opportunity to wish her the Best and Pray that she completes this easier said than done journey without any obstacles and return in Peace.

Allah loves you more so when you fulfill all the tenets, by perform Hajj when you do at young age..

Tannu:

As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu

So submit your heart and soul and mind to Him, to the One Who has invited you to His Honorable House of One God, Allaah, Subhaanahu wa Taala. Hajj is Araafah. Well the One Dua you can always recite is "Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lah"

Praise be to Allaah, we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own souls and from our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides will never be led astray, and whomsoever Allaah leaves astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

Pray for the realization of a world of universal humanity and fraternity. For peace and goodwill for all and everywhere.

Ameen.

Hajj Mubarak Ho and a Happy Eid-Ul-Zuha to you and your Family, Tannu.

https://hajjguide.org/

Psst. Tannu is On her way to Mecca by tomorrow. Send You Greetings and Wishes to Her before she departs to the House of Allah.