The Hajj

The Hajj is about to begin. It’s almost impossible to feel the hype when you’re a thousand miles away from the scene or if you simply don’t have a family member or a relative who is embarking on this trip of a lifetime, nonetheless, the image of having 2 million people from every corner of the globe wearing the same garments, performing the same rituals, and repeating in one cohesive voice their prayers to God does spark a sense of awe and wonder. I went to Mecca once to perform the Umra, I was young and naive at best back then but I still remember shedding a few tears upon seeing the Ka’aba for the first time. It was a pure moment of awe not triggered by any sense of religious realization or awareness… jut pure awe at the serenity of the scene and moment. I often wonder if it is possible to maintain the same level of spirituality while performing the Hajj and enduring all what a pilgrim has to endure in a very arduous environment and atmosphere. Oh well, to all the pilgrims …Hajj Mabroor wa Sa’ie Mashkur. May all the prayers for peace, happiness, and everything beautiful be granted.


My cute little sis during the Umra