Hajj is an obligation on every able-bodied, of sound mind and financially capable Muslim. However, only a fortunate few undertake this journey every year. Alhamdulillah, I was chosen as Allah’s guests to perform Hajj this year. Here’s giving my personal account of an unforgettable experience, writes Shameem Khan.
Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayk laa Shareeka laka labbayk. Inna al-hamd wa’I-in’mata laka wa’l-mulk, laa shareeka lak. The recitation of the talbiyah is an answer to the call of Prophet Ibrahim to visit the House of Allah i.e. the Kaaba Sharif.
Getting into the family fold
While reciting the talbiyah constantly before embarking on the journey, its significance gained manifold while entering the flight from Mumbai to Jeddah. Surrounding me was a sea of white, Ihram-clad men and women with just one objective – fulfilling the final tenet of Islam i.e. Hajj.
Reaching the meeqath and making the neeyat for Umrah/Hajj together and saying the talbiyah aloud in unison was the beginning of a companionship with our fellow tourists which would go beyond the journey of 40 days. One mission, one journey, one path.
All dressed in similar clothes, it was difficult to decipher at that moment as to who among them was rich and who was poor. Who among them was a Sunni, a Shia, a Bohri Muslim, a Barelvi, a Deobandi or any of the man-made clans as they all ceased to exist and we all bonded as ‘Muslims’.
A memorable sight
Making tawaf and then supplicating before the ‘House of Allah’ is an indescribable joy. Open your eyes and set the gaze on Allah’s House and you are sure to remain transfixed. Kissing the Hajr-e-Aswad, touching the ‘Rukne Yamani’ or crying your heart out embracing the walls of the Ka’aba, pleading for your heart’s desires are all magical moments that can be savoured for a lifetime. While circumambulating the Ka’aba, it was not an uncommon sight to watch how people leaned on to each other for support while walking in the scorching heat. Some people sprinkled cool water, others offered water while others a hand to the senior citizens or the sick, related or un-related in the hope of winning favour from Allah for all their good deeds.
Universal Brotherhood unveiled
What I also found alluring here was an unbridled enthusiasm for serving the guests of Allah’s House by one and all. There was an outpouring of generosity as people shared handy snacks, water and tasbeehs around. It was a common sight to see people offering khajoors (dates), dry fruits or a cup of coffee in and around Allah’s House. The poor stationed on the nearby streets were treated to food and other consumables by generous tourists or locals alike.
Another interesting aspect here which fills you with a sense of Universal brotherhood is the diversity of people visiting the Holy Ka’aba.
Hajj is probably the biggest religious congregation of people from different countries and communities coming together. Turkish, Nigerians, English, Pakistani, Russians, Middle Eastern, you name it and they are all here to perform their obligation as a Muslim. From India, itself, people from different states like Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, Orissa, UP, Kashmir, etc. assemble here. This year, a record number of 2 lakh (0.2 million) Indians completed their Hajj of the 25 lakh (2.5 million) people from all over the world.
And all of these people speaking different languages and following different customs have assembled here with a common purpose of bowing before one Lord—Allah the Almighty. Incredible, isn’t it?
At this juncture, it is commendable to note that the Saudi Arabia Government provides the finest arrangements to accommodate the massive public gathering. From comfortable flights, easy immigration facilities, good conveyance facilities, clean, hygienic food arrangements, hygienic toilet facilities and clean precincts of the Haram Sharif as well as skilfully managing the burgeoning public are achievements. Hats off to their constant efforts to consider the comforts of the Hajis and make the Hajj an easy affair for them year after year.
The five days of Hajj
Performing prayer in the scorching deserts of Arabia and staying in camps away from the comforts of home and hotel luxuries can be a daunting task yet millions of Muslims perform Hajj every year in order to renew their faith, their Taqwaa and become better human beings.
Spending the second day of Hajj at Arafah is probably the most fulfilling experience for every Haji. The best way to come to Allah here is in a grieving manner because you have sinned all your life and it is the day of Arafah which can cover up for what all you have missed in the Night of Qadr. If you waste this opportunity too, then there’s only regret left. With like-minded people engrossed in the prayer and dhikr of the Almighty, supplication becomes more meaningful and fulfilling.
Here, I would like to narrate an unforgettable incident that cemented my faith in the Lord and the power of praying in a group.
It was late afternoon (said to be the time when prayers are answered until Maghrib). The mood at the camp in Arafah was at its pitch with Hajis deep in prayer, most shedding tears of helplessness and seeking the Almighty Allah’s blessings and forgiveness. And then, the unexpected happened.
Suddenly, the bright weather outside the camp changed into severe lightening, thundering, gusts of wind followed by a downpour, literally tearing apart the camps. Though, we were dreading that the storm would engulf us, the strength of being together in a group and our unshakable faith in Allah Almighty made us intensify our prayers further. Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk rent the air while the storm continued unabated. Many cried out that the Almighty had opened the heaven doors for His guests while others outstretched their hands in thanksgiving as they considered the storm a sign from Allah of prayers answered and sins forgiven. Close to maghrib, the storm receded, however leaving a permanent imprint on the minds of the Hajis assembled at Arafat.
Spending the night at Muzdalifah under the open skies, picking up the pebbles to pelt at the Jamarat was a night well-spent with co-Hajis sharing meals and their beds too.
Walking from Muzdalifah to Mina at sunrise, reciting the talbiyah aloud was a surreal experience. It was as if Allah beckoned us to seek His favours and forgiveness. Here, I witnessed humanity at its best with an outpouring of kindness. People helped each other by taking turns to pull wheel-chairs of senior citizens, offering water and snacks to ease their journey, and also offering to hold luggage as we all trudged towards the camp in the heat for long hours.
Pelting the Jamarat for three days brought back the emotions related to Prophet Ibrahim trying to ward off the shaitaans dissuading him from sacrificing his son Ismail in accordance with Allah’s commands.
A learned Haafiza in our group narrated that the Jamarat is also symbolic of our inner nafs (one’s desires) which kept us from performing our namaaz and doing good deeds. Pelting it with all our might, we were really promising ourselves of a regulated behaviour and piety henceforth. A few valuable lessons learnt by the learned in our group, Alhamdulilah.
A visit to Al Madinah Al Munawwarah
Visiting Madinah, the favourite place of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him), the beloved prophet of Allah Sub’hanahu wa Ta’ala, adds another dimension to our journey. Visiting the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) and his Companions’ shrine, greeting him and sending durood on him revives our faith and devotion as we remember his great sacrifices and tireless endeavour to deliver to us the invaluable gift of Islam.
Women had a pre-scheduled, fixed timing to visit the shrine of the Prophet s.a.w and his companions (which was at 1.30 a.m in the night), the women folk in the tour stuck to each other and bonded with other ladies in dhikr and prayer.
A lifetime of togetherness
As we embarked on our return flight, our companions who were strangers had become our closest friends as we shared our trials and joys during the journey. We now feel like a part of a large, happy family who experienced Allah’s bounties from close quarters and will in sha Allah spread His message to our near and dear ones.
All in all, my entire experience can be summarised in just two sentences:
- Hajj is a call from Allah to be His guest and being a Haji is the topmost honour a person can achieve! Imagine! Being a Guest of Allah.
- Islam is a true way of life. Whatever be the belief, caste/creed, we humans are equals in the eyes of Almighty Allah. By sharing, caring and treating each other with compassion, we can hope to attain true success in our life and hereafter.
May Allah accept the Hajj of my fellow-companions and myself too and make us worthy of our beautiful religion – Islam.