𝙃𝘼𝙅𝙅- A lifetime experience

Hajj - A journey of a lifetime

Hajj - A physical, emotional, mental, spiritual rollercoaster

Hajj - A journey of resetting your priorities

Hajj - A journey of humble beginnings

Hajj - A journey towards your akhirah

Hajj - A journey towards a new perspective of life

Describing this journey in words is close to impossible. Only those who have experienced this will truly

relate to my words. Hajj is hard, powerful, inspiring, but in the end, Hajj is a change.

Hajj is filled with hardships and tests as it is physically and emotionally demanding. However, the reward

for it is unlike any other! It reminds us that as we go about the trials of life, things get better. ‘For indeed,

with hardship [will be] ease’ (Holy Qur’an, Surah Ash-Sharh 94:5-6). An advice to anyone planning Hajj

is to travel with an open heart and mind. Don’t set any expectations. Keep making dua and asking for

forgiveness constantly. Absorb everything around you.

Hajj showed me a whole new perspective towards life. The feeling of being in the house of the Almighty

amongst millions of other people who travelled all across from the world, dressed in the same outfit,

belonging to different financial backgrounds, varying in age groups, everyone praying in the same

direction and to the same creator, everyone begging for forgiveness and mercy, people who left behind all

their worldly affairs and possessions only to fulfil their duty towards the Almighty was beyond amazing.

It was truly a heartwarming experience to be able to reenact the moments that were undertaken by our

Prophet years ago. Hajj is deeply associated with Prophet Ibrahim and his life-story.

This journey taught me how to be more compassionate towards others. Every single person around me

was offering support to each other either by guiding them or offering help when needed in whatever form,

showing compassion towards the old and needy. Allah SWT Says that He will show Mercy to those who

are merciful to others. And this could be seen throughout our entire journey. There was this amazing vibe

and connection filled with warmth. Hajj taught me how to live in harmony. There was no room for any

feelings of superiority, arrogance, resentment and hatred and everyone was peacefully coexisting. Every

single person was there to completely submit to Allah and his supremacy. Hajj taught me to develop more

self-control and discipline over my desires. Self control teaches us to accomplish greatness not only in

this life but also in the hereafter.

One thought I carried in my mind was how will my life change post Hajj? I kept praying throughout my

journey to make me a better version of myself, to make me more patient and keep me on the right path, to

change my priorities in life, to learn to forget and forgive. This change was not overnight. It is a slow

ongoing process with lots of temptations every single day from the outside world. Some days are a

struggle and some days are a breeze. What helps me get through it is the belief that every small step I take

is benefitting my Akhirah.

Hajj for me was the beginning of a new chapter in my life which brought about a sense of inner peace and

comfort within me. It was a journey of self-reflection. It helped me pause my life and bring about

realisations of how this world is just a passing phase. There are many tests in this life, but it is ultimately

our attitudes and actions that will define how we handle them.

This life is a test by Allah but at the same time Al-Rahman, Al-Raheem is always with us, looking out for

us! The pilgrims come in peace and spend their time together in the most peaceful and respectful manner.

They respect every person and everything. They do not harm anyone or anything.This is also the spirit of

Islam. Islam is a total commitment to care, compassion and kindness. Hajj is the symbol of this

commitment and it must be manifest in our daily life. The Hajj is a re-enactment of the rituals of the great

prophets and teachers of faith. The faithful hope that it will bring about a deep spiritual transformation,

one that will make him/her a better person.

May Allah Bless all of us with health, wealth and the opportunity to perform Hajj at least once in lifetime.

Hajj Mabroor

-Salwa Parkar