This summer, in June 2024, I had the profound privilege of completing my obligatory pillar of Islam, the Hajj pilgrimage, alongside my sister and mother. This journey is symbolic of Yawm al-Qiyamah, the Day of Judgement, the day in Islam when every human being will be held accountable for their sins. As our sheikh (Muslim scholarly leader of a community) described it, Hajj is “a dress rehearsal for the Day of Judgement.” Hajj is a physically, spiritually, and emotionally charged experience. Our sheikh mentioned that you emerge from it as a different person, stating, “the person you were when you stepped on the plane has died.” This proverbial expression captures the significant transformation that Hajj instills in the Hujjaj (pilgrims of Hajj). Islam teaches that the Hujjaj are invited by Allah SWT[1], that they are the guests of Allah SWT, and that Allah SWT takes care of them during Hajj. Amidst the completion of the manasik (rites), surrounded by millions of Muslims from all around the world, I experienced a profound emotional connection with my Creator, Allah SWT. Hajj allowed me to reflect on the unity of Muslims globally, take advantage of opportunities, and think of ways to improve my character.
Hajj is a humbling experience because our sheikh mentioned that every prophet in Islam has performed Hajj, except Prophet Isa AS[2] (Jesus). It was such a privilege to also be a part of that noble tradition. Muslims perform Hajj in commemoration of Ibrahim AS sacrifice in his piety and devotion to Allah SWT and seeking the pleasure of Allah SWT. Ibrahim AS and his son Ismail AS constructed the Kaabah and held significance during the time of Prophet SWS[3] as well. The allegorical stories surrounding the Kaabah symbolizes the triumph of Truth (haqq) over falsehood (baatil).
Hajj itself is only five days, and during these days we had to walk on average 5 to 13 miles in 100 F and hotter weather. The first day we went to Mina camp, which is an area where the Prophet SWS made dua (supplication) and dhikr (repeated prayers). There, we met other sisters from California and Virginia, and we prayed with them and made dua on our own.
The next day is the most important day of Hajj, and the most significant day of the year – Arafat. It is the day that Allah SWT saves the most from the Hellfire, as Allah SWT can forgive and undo a lifetime of sins. Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The Hajj is ‘Arafat, the Hajj is ‘Arafat, the Hajj is ‘Arafat (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2975, Sahih Hadith). It was amazing to see the diversity of Muslims on our way to our tent in Arafat, as I heard people speak so many different languages, and there were so many people I saw on foot. It reminded me that albeit our differences, we were all here for the same purpose, which was to worship Allah SWT. I personally had prepared in advance for the day of Arafat, by practicing the duas that I had written in my mini binder.
After Arafat, we went to Muzdalifah, which is analogous to a parking lot, with carpet on top (depending on the area), with Muslims all in one area looking at an open sky. It is for the remembrance of Allah SWT and picking up the stones for Jamarat. Jamarat is a symbolic stoning of Shayateen (devil) and also commemorates a narration of Prophet Ibrahim AS. My sister and I had to leave earlier at midnight, as she was not feeling well. We separated from my mother and went with the group to Jamarat. Thankfully, my sister was able to get through Jamarat, but when we returned to Mina in the morning, we had to take her to the emergency clinic, where she received liquid IV. However, this is the spirit of Hajj – Hujjaj are faced with trials and tribulations, but we always tried to remind ourselves to have sabr (exercising great patience), as the Day of Judgement will be severe in tests. That day was also Eid, but it felt completely different. On Eid-ul-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice), the animal sacrifices are done much further away, and Hujjaj receive digital notifications when those have been completed, which is done to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim AS and his animal sacrifice.
The remainder of Hajj days, we completed our Tawaf Ifada (circumambulation of poring forth/arrival), Tawaf Wid’aa (farewell circumambulation), and the remainder of Jamarat. After we completed our manasik and it was time to leave Makkah, I did not want to. Hajj was such a beautiful and captivating experience, in which I experienced an unprecedented level of contentment, tranquility, and peace. It reminded me that so many aspects of life, minor nuisances, are inconsequential when compared to the purpose that Islam teaches us, which is to worship Allah SWT. I hope to return to Makkah and Madinah for Umrah and/or Hajj one day because it is an experience like no other.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] SWT is an abbreviation for subhanahu wa ta’ala, in Arabic. It means “the most glorified, the most high” often recited after mentioning the name of God in Islam.
[2] “AS” is an abbreviation for ʿalayhi as-salāmu in Arabic. It means “peace be upon him” and commonly used after mentioning the names of prophets and other holy figures in Islam out of respect.
[3] “SWS” is an abbreviation for “sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam” in Arabic. Similar to AS, it also means “peace be upon him” however is only used after mentioning the name of Prophet Muhammad by Muslims.
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Mayesha Awal received her B.A. in both Psychology and Government from Georgetown University, and her M.S. in Healthcare Management from Indiana University-Bloomington. Prior to working as an Analyst, Mayesha has contributed extensively to international and domestic experiential-learning trips related to public health. She has also worked in a large hospital system, in its continuous improvement department. Overall, Mayesha has developed skills in research, data analysis, project management, and field experience, in her experiences as an intern.
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