Visiting Saudi Arabia for Hajj was an experience unlike any other. The journey to the holiest city of Islam, Mecca holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims around the world. It is a pilgrimage that is not only a religious duty but also a spiritual journey of a lifetime. As I embarked on this sacred trip, I knew that it would be a life-changing experience, and indeed
it was.
The journey began long before I set foot in the Holy Land. Months of preparation, both physically and spiritually, went into getting ready for this sacred trip. As I boarded the plane bound for Saudi Arabia, a myriad of emotions swirled within me – anticipation, nervousness, and a deep sense of gratitude for being given the opportunity to partake in this once-in-a-
lifetime experience.
Upon landing in Jeddah, the air was filled with an aura of reverence and devotion. The bustling streets, the call to prayer echoing through the city, and the sight of pilgrims from all corners of the globe converging towards the Kaaba filled me with a sense of awe and humility. I felt at once small in the grand scheme of things yet connected to something far
greater than myself.
The moment I set foot in Mecca, I was overwhelmed by a sense of peace and tranquillity. The grandeur of the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, left me in awe. The sight of millions of pilgrims from different countries, all dressed in simple white garments, performing the same rituals together, was a powerful reminder of the unity and equality of all believers. It was a
humbling experience to be part of such a diverse and inclusive community, all united in worship and devotion.
The days spent in Mecca were a whirlwind of activity and reflection. Standing in front of the Kaaba, performing Tawaf – the act of walking around the Kaaba seven times, and walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah were acts that connected me to the long line of pilgrims who had come before me. As I joined the sea of people circling the sacred
structure, I felt a profound connection with God and a sense of unity with my fellow Muslims, regardless of our differences in language, culture or background. The prayers, the supplications, the feelings of being in the presence of the Divine – all of it combined to create a deeply spiritual experience that I will never forget.
The Sai, the symbolic reenactment of Hagar’s search for water, was a physically demanding yet spiritually rewarding experience. Walking briskly between the hills of Safa and Marwah, I reflected on Hagar’s unwavering faith and trust in the Divine’s plan. The water of Zamzam, constant reminder of God’s mercy and provision, quenched my thirst and nourished my soul.
Praying at the Maqam Ibrahim, the station of Abraham, and drinking from the well of Zamzam were moments of profound significance. The historical and spiritual significance of these sites reminded me of the deep-rooted traditions of faith and devotion that have been passed down through generations. Standing before the Black Stone and kissing it with
reverence, I felt a sense of connection with the countless pilgrims who had performed the same act of devotion before me.
Visiting the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina was another highlight in my Hajj trip. The serene atmosphere of the mosque, adorned with beautiful green dome and minarets, provided a tranquil space for reflection and supplication. Offering prayers at the Rawdah, the area
between the Prophet’s pulpit and his grave, was a deeply moving experience that brought me closer to the spirit of the Prophet Muhammad and his teachings of compassion, tolerance, and love.
One of the most poignant moments of the trip was the day of Arafat. Standing on the plain of Arafat, under the scorching sun, I felt a sense of overwhelming gratitude and humility, and a profound sense of closeness to the Divine. It was a day of prayer, reflection, and contemplation – a day to seek forgiveness, to ask for guidance and to pray for the well-being
of all humanity. It was a day that reminded me of the power of faith, of the importance of kindness and compassion, and of the need for unity and solidarity in the face of adversity.
As I raised my hands in supplication, tears streaming down my face, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders and a sense of peace settle within me. It was a moment of surrender and acceptance, a moment of letting go all worldly worries and placing my trust in the hands of Allah.
The days spent in Mina and Muzdalifah were filled with prayers, contemplation, and camaraderie with fellow pilgrims. Sharing meals, trading stories, and helping one another navigate the rites of Hajj fostered a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood that transcended language and nationality. The rituals of Hajj are physically demanding and spiritually
uplifting. From the stoning of the devil in Mina to the symbolic sacrifice of an animal in Muzdalifah, each rituals holds a special significance and a deep spiritual meaning. Through these acts of worship and devotion, I felt a sense of purification and renewal, a sense of being cleansed of my sins and shortcomings, and a sense of being reborn as a better person.
As I completed the final Tawaf before leaving Mecca, a mix of emotions flooded my heart – gratitude for having been able to fulfil this obligation, sadness at leaving the sacred city, and a renewed commitment to live a life guided by faith and compassion. I was grateful for the opportunity to perform the Hajj, to fulfil one of the five pillars of Islam, and to deepen my
connection to God. I was humbled by the experience of being part of a global community of believers, of sharing in the struggles and triumphs of my fellow pilgrims, and of witnessing the power of faith to transform lives.
To conclude, my journey to Saudi Arabia for Hajj was a transformative experience that left an indelible mark on my heart and soul. It was a journey of faith, self-discovery, spiritua renewal, and connection to something far greater than myself. It was a journey that tested my beliefs, and ultimately strengthened my connection to God. As I left the Holy Land, I carried with me memories that would stay with me forever, a sense of peace that would guide me through life’s trials, and a heart filled with gratitude for having been blessed with the opportunity to undertake this sacred journey.
By: Noor Muhammad Farhan Korimbocus
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