Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is the name of the sacred pilgrimage to Makkah that every Muslim, who is financially and physically able, must make at least once in their lifetime. Every year, during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, Muslims from around the globe come together in the Ka'bah in full submission to their Rabb. The significance of the Ka'bah is emphasised several times throughout the Qur’an, and Allah says,
“Surely the first house of worship established for humanity is the one at Makkah- a blessed sanctuary and guide for all people” (Surah Imran, 3:96).
It is a journey bringing immense reward as well as deep, personal transformation, and one of the most blessed and sincere acts one can do to become closer to Allah SWT. The Prophet Muhammad said,
“Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity [rafath] or commit any evil, will go back (free of) sin as on the day his mother bore him”,
highlighting the endless benefits and spiritual cleansing Hajj offers.
Although obligatory, the act of performing Hajj comes with many worldly struggles, particularly in the financial aspect. Prices may range from $14,500 to CAD 24,000, and for many families, this is a figure not easily attainable and requires years of saving, planning and sacrifices. Yet, despite the high expense, Hajj is not merely a short trip, but a life-long investment, one that not only brings Muslims closer to Allah but inspires those around them to grow as well.
As a family member, witnessing someone so close to you prepare for Hajj is truly a heart-warming experience. When my father went to Hajj last year (2024), none of us could have predicted the depth of the transformation he'd undergo. Prior to his departure, he was already a man of faith, but the journey transformed him in beautiful ways.
When he returned, he was a man of increased humility and modesty with a new light emanating from his eyes. He spoke with softness and kindness, with a presence that lit up every room. His voice had a calmness - one that was not there before - and it was clear something within him had shifted towards the light.
Despite all the grueling efforts of Hajj, he remained humble and persevered. From the hours of walking in 40-degree weather during Tawaf (circumambulation), to standing at Arafat barefoot, he was able to face it all with unwavering faith. This, I think, is the most beautiful aspect of Hajj - the fact that possibly one of the most physically and mentally draining activities one could partake in their life, is one that a Muslim bears without complains but with joy and spiritual rejuvenation instead. Despite the exhaustion, crowds, intense heat and limited space, all that is on the mind of a Muslim is Allah, and seeking His pleasure. Muslims worldwide gather in one geographical location, all equal before Allah, regardless of race, ethnicity and genetic makeup- gathered in remarkable unity and peace.
Hajj doesn’t just transform the lives of the pilgrim, but causes a ripple of change through everyone closest to them, inspiring them to re-evaluate their relationship with Allah and contemplate “Could I one day perform this beautiful journey?”. Inshallah, one day, when I am able to perform this miraculous journey, I want to ensure that I absorb the full depth of the experience and allow it to leave a lasting imprint on my soul. I hope that my own experiences may influence others on their journey and guide them to fulfil this the commandments of our Rabb.
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Maimunah Mahibah Swinging like a pendulum, being at times a brooding teenager and in the next moment, an infectiously cheery yet mature listener- Maimunah's true identity seeps out through her write-ups and through her non-verbal cues when others are speaking. |