Hajj helped pilgrim reach new levels of spirituality and peace

Just to be a part of the ummat and to worship with my brothers and sisters was so awesome.

The inspiration started on Sunday with the conference workshop presented by Hajji Joshua Martin and his lovely wife Hajja Iesha Prime. 

We heard of the wonderful journey of Ibrahim and Hagar and how to this day the pilgrims run seven times between the two hills just as Hagar did so long ago.

Hagar had undying faith in Allah for her substance; the struggle of Hagar to look for water in the middle of a desert, to ensure her and her son’s survival. Her faith was upheld when she called upon Allah (swt) for mercy and help.

That miracle continues to astound us with the zam-zam water that sprung in the middle of a barren land in answer to Hagar’s fervent prayer.

That water continues to benefit not only the inhabitants of Mecca but also the millions of believers who visit the Holy sites all throughout the year.

This week we will hear the experience of the Hajj journey from our own

sister of the soil, Hajja Maymuna Abdul-Jabbar. Hajja Maymuna travelled in 2001 to Mecca and here is her story.

“Pilgrimage to Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam for those who can afford the privilege to be a guest of the inviolable House of Allah (swt), at least once in their lifetime. I had the opportunity to make this journey through the blessings of Allah; my pilgrimage was made in March, 2001. 

Prepared

“As the plane flew over Saudi Arabia and on to Jeddah, I felt such

euphoria to know that I would be soon participating with thousands of other Muslims from around the world the rituals of Hajj.

“I had mentally, physically and spiritually prepared myself for this journey of a lifetime.

 “Commencing the rituals with so many thousands of others, all trying and vying for the same thing was indeed intense; mixed with frustrations as well as immense spiritual overcomings of which I had never experienced before or have experienced after.

“My most memorable event was when I climbed Mount Arafat! It was such an awesome experience. I felt an overwhelming peace and connection with Allah, the Sublime, such as I have never felt before.

“Whilst supplicating and praying to Allah, I felt this sudden gust of wind that felt warm and comforting; a presence of stillness enveloped me. At that moment, I could do nothing but stand there basking and enjoying every bit of the atmosphere around me.

“Indeed my pilgrimage to Hajj was eternally the best and highest level of enthusiasm since embracing Islam. Performing all the rites and rigours and then to have actually completed my Hajj, brought full circle the religious obligations of the five pillars of Islamic faith for me.

“How happy, honoured and blessed I was to have completed my obligations to Allah (swt).

Growing

“Indeed, a blessing in the utmost degree and one I will cherish to my dying day. 

“The completion of Hajj allowed me to have grown to a level of spiritually and peace of which I would have never thought attainable. Supanallah!

“I have been truly blessed to have witnessed for myself the beautiful comrade of Muslims from all walks of life, all creeds and all colours meeting in the Holy City of Mecca.

“Most of all, to have been a guest in the House of Allah (swt) was such an incredible and indelible experience.

“I pray Allah (swt) that I will be able to help others fulfil their obligation to complete Hajj and experience that sublime feeling of attainment to one of the strongest tenets of Islam. Eid Mubarak!”