Money Works Everywhere — Except Here

A few extra bucks can buy an upgrade, shorten a waiting line, secure a better seat, or grant fast-track access—whether it’s airlines, theme parks like Disney or Universal, concerts, or exclusive events. We’ve all seen it. We’ve all experienced it. There is no denying that in much of this world, money buys comfort, privilege, and priority.

But recently, on a short journey with my parents, I witnessed a place where none of this applied.

I went for Umrah.

Standing in Makkah, surrounded by thousands of people, I felt something I had never felt so deeply before: the absolute justice of Allah ﷻ. No status. No hierarchy. No worldly filters. Just hearts, souls, and intention.

I reached Makkah longing desperately to touch the Holy Kaabah, yearning to place my lips on the sacred Hajr-e-Aswad, and praying for the chance to stand and make dua in the Haram. Around me, people were gently yet desperately moving forward—pushed by nothing but love, longing, and submission. Everyone wanted those few seconds of closeness. Everyone wanted that moment.

People bumped into one another, hands reached out, hearts raced—just to touch the Kaabah for a fleeting second. And that second… it carried a sweetness no possession on earth could rival.

• It did not matter how much one paid to arrive.
• It did not matter where one came from.
• It did not matter who one was in the world outside.

What mattered was only this: whom Allah ﷻ chose to allow forward.

This realization strengthened my iman in a way nothing else ever had. That Allah ﷻ is Al-‘Adl — The Absolutely Just. That access to Him is not purchased, negotiated, or inherited. It is granted.

In a world where comfort is bought and privilege is priced, Makkah stands as a living reminder that closeness to Allah cannot be bought. It is bestowed.

SubhanAllah. MashAllah.