The previous year, I was fortunate enough to go on the holy pilgrimage of Hajj, an experience that had a profound impact on my life. As the days drew nearer, my excitement was tinged with a feeling of amazement. The memory of my first sight of the Kaaba is still very clear in my mind; it seemed like time had stopped. The stunning holy building, encircled by numerous dedicated pilgrims, was absolutely awe-inspiring.
The evening before my departure remains a vivid memory. Alone in my room, I nervously packed my belongings, each object serving as a physical representation of the upcoming adventure. My loved ones assembled around me, sharing prayers and sincere words of wisdom. With tears of joy in her eyes, my mother softly expressed, “May this expedition purify your spirit and draw you nearer to Allah.”
Content:
- The Call to Hajj
- Preparation for the journey
- The Departure
- Important Hajj and Umrah Arabic Terminology
- My Hajj Story
- What to pack for Hajj
The Call to Hajj
A strong, unexplainable desire to respond to the call of Hajj marked the beginning. As a Muslim, the idea of completing this fifth pillar of Islam had always been there, but the urge grew significantly only recently. Going to Hajj is not just a religious obligation; it seems like a direct invitation from the divine, a personal request to purify the soul and revive one’s faith.
Preparation for the Journey
Physical Preparations
Getting ready for Hajj involves detailed preparation. I began with a thorough health examination to confirm that I was in good physical condition for the challenging journey. I updated my vaccinations and packed important medications, comfortable clothes, and necessary travel items. It was essential to ensure my physical preparedness because the Hajj rituals require strength and stamina.
Spiritual Preparations
I started by enhancing my daily prayers and participating in more Quran readings, which was equally crucial. I also participated in Hajj seminars and workshops to comprehend the importance and practices of each ceremony. This spiritual preparation laid the foundation for developing a modesty, endurance, and dedication mindset.
Practical Steps to Take
I sorted out my travel paperwork and made arrangements for my Hajj trip through a well-known agency. I also communicated with other pilgrims to plan together. Additionally, I asked for guidance from friends and relatives who have completed the Hajj before, gathering suggestions and knowledge to prepare for a successful pilgrimage.
The Departure
Filled with a mix of emotions, the day of departure was a poignant experience as I bid farewell to my loved ones and received their prayers and well-wishes. Boarding the plane headed for Mecca, I felt a surge of excitement and nervous anticipation. It marked the start of a journey that would have a lasting impact on my life.
Arriving in Mecca
Entering the sacred city of Mecca felt unreal. The crowded streets, the multitude of pilgrims dressed in white Ihram clothing, and the holy atmosphere surrounding the city filled me with wonder. However, nothing could match the overwhelming emotions I experienced when I saw the Kaaba for the first time. The vision of this age-old, revered building moved me to tears and filled me with a deep feeling of tranquility and appreciation.
Important Haj and Umrah Arabic Terminology
Before delving into further details about my Hajj experience, I’d like to introduce some fundamental terms you may have come across while reading about this topic. I’ll be incorporating these terms throughout this post, as the English equivalent tends to be an explanatory sentence rather than a single word.
– Miqat ميقات is the geographical location where you make your intention to do the Hajj and where you start the journey.
-Ehram إحرام is used as a verb and as a noun in Arabic. The person who intends to do hajj is entering the state of Ehram. The clothing worn during Umrah and Hajj is also referred to as Ehram.
– Tawaf طواف is one of the actions of Umrah and Hajj, where a person circulates the Kabba seven times.
– Sa’e سعي is another action of Umrah and Hajj and it is the walk between the two mountains, Mount Safa and Mount Marwa, seven times. (Only a tiny bit of the mountains remain now though)
– Taqseer تقصير is the last action of Umrah and Hajj that indicates cutting the nails and the hair after everything is completed.
– Hajji حجي A man who has been to Hajj.
– Hajjiah or Hajjah حجية/حجة A lady who has been to Hajj! So, yours truly here is a Hajjiah.
My Hajj story
I made the journey to Hajj from the eastern region of Saudi Arabia with a specialized group that organizes Hajj travel by bus. The trip lasted almost two days, including several stops for meals and restroom visits. The condition of the roadside restrooms was quite poor. I attempted to rest for most of the journey, despite the displeasure of the man sitting next to me due to my lack of conversation. Although it was my first meeting with the group of men, I began to socialize with them during the stops, and we ended up becoming friends by the time we reached Mecca.
Flying directly to Jeddah Airport and then driving to Mecca is the preferred choice for many travelers looking for a faster and more comfortable journey. Opting for the bus, however, meant making a stop at the Miqat in the city of Taif to declare our intention for pilgrimage and change into the white Ihram from our regular clothes. In the eastern region of Saudi, men typically have their Ihrams tailored specifically for the journey, and I had two sets made to alternate between. Nevertheless, I found myself wishing I had a third set with me!
Upon reaching Mecca, I bid farewell to the friends I had made on the bus as we were assigned separate rooms. Three other gentlemen shared the room with me. Initially, I felt a bit uncomfortable on the first night, but we all bonded the next day, and I still keep in touch with them. I affectionately refer to them as my Hajj brothers. Our first order of business was to carry out the Umrah, a crucial part of the Hajj pilgrimage that can also be performed independently throughout the year. I was part of a large group but split into smaller groups of less than eight men, with male helpers guiding us through the tasks and ensuring we performed them correctly and comfortably. It took us about three hours to complete Tawaf, Sa’i, and the short prayer, which we did after midnight to avoid the intense heat. Many of the Umrah and Hajj rituals are inspired by the story of Prophet Ibrahim, his wife Hajar, and their son Ismail, which I find incredibly interesting. The Sa’i ritual is based on Hajar’s search for water between the two mountains.
The challenge began on the 9th day of the 12th Arabic month “Dhu al-Hijjah,” as we made our way to Mount Arafat to devote the day to prayers and supplications. Looking back, I can still vividly recall my emotions throughout the experience. Our group’s organizers managed all the details, allowing me and my companions to devote our full attention to drawing nearer to God.
As the sun set, our group made our way to Muzdalifah, where pilgrims are required to spend the night. We found our floor mattresses set up and passed the time engaging in worship and socializing. Although there were a few fans in the tents, the warmth made me feel increasingly irritated. I had to remind myself to stay as calm as possible, as maintaining composure is a condition of Ihram and arguing would break the sanctity of the pilgrimage. It was truly a challenging experience!
On the 10th morning, we strolled to the Mina region for further Hajj duties, which involved pelting rocks at three pillars. This ritual symbolizes a significant part of Prophet Ibrahim’s narrative, where he confronted the devil at three different spots and hurled stones at him. Without a doubt, this was the most challenging part for me; I may have even shed a few tears. Despite the relatively small space around each column, even with the recent reconstruction, the large crowd made it overwhelmingly difficult. Nonetheless, with God’s grace and assistance from others, I was able to overcome it.
The ritual mentioned above involves performing a sacrifice, which is often delegated to the organizers, especially by males. The meat of the sacrificed animal is distributed to those who are less fortunate. This ritual is based on the story of Prophet Ibrahim, who had a dream in which God instructed him to sacrifice his son. Despite his fear, he was prepared to do so for the sake of God, but God intervened by providing a sheep for the sacrifice instead. Numerous donation programs exist to ensure that the meat from the sacrificed animals reaches those in need. Specific regulations are in place to safeguard the welfare of the animals before the sacrifice is carried out.
After completing all the previous rituals, the final step is Taqseer, during which we trim our nails and a small amount of hair, following a specific order. Once these tasks are finished, the Ihram concludes, and the Eid festivities commence.
The experience was truly incredible! It passed quickly and was somewhat exhausting, but I felt a lasting surge of spiritual energy that sustained me for months.
Regrettably, the expense of performing Hajj has doubled since my last visit, so I’m uncertain whether I’ll be able to afford another pilgrimage anytime soon. However, I’d like to make the journey again, particularly now that I’m older and have a deeper appreciation for many aspects of life. While it is considered a once-in-a-lifetime obligation, it is permissible to undertake the pilgrimage multiple times. The Saudi government is endeavouring to ensure fairness for people of other nationalities by restricting Saudi nationals from performing Hajj once every five years.
What to pack for Hajj?
As I was preparing for Hajj, I received a lot of advice from family members who had previously performed Hajj. Despite this, I feel that I should have included a few more essential items in my luggage. To assist you in better planning your luggage, here is a list to consider. Please remember that you will require two lightweight, white Ihram outfits, suitable footwear, a water bottle, and scent-free toiletries and creams. It’s crucial to bring along some mosquito repellent, but it’s advisable to verify the Islamic ruling on its usage as it might not be permissible. During my time in Mina, I vividly recall being feasted upon by mosquitoes! Having comfortable socks or stick-on soles is essential because you can’t wear shoes in the mosque and holy areas, particularly during Tawaf and Sa’i.
- Ihram Outfits: Two sets of white Ihram garments.
- Footwear: Comfortable and sturdy sandals or slippers that are easy to walk in.
- Water Bottle: A reusable bottle to stay hydrated.
- Toiletries: Scent-free soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant.
- Mosquito Repellent: Check the Islamic ruling on its use, but protecting yourself from bites is crucial.
- Comfortable Socks or Stick-On Soles: Essential for walking during Tawaf and Sa’i.
- Small Bag: A small, lightweight bag to carry daily essentials.
- Prayer Mat: Compact and easy to carry for prayers on the go.
- Umbrella: To provide shade from the sun.
- Snacks: Non-perishable snacks to keep your energy up.
- Medical Kit: Basic first aid supplies, including any personal medications.
- Face Mask: To protect against dust and germs.
- Mobile Phone and Charger: For communication and emergencies.
- Money: In local currency for small purchases.
- Identification: Passport and Hajj permit.
Pack wisely and ensure your luggage is light and manageable, making your Hajj experience smoother and more comfortable.