Embarking on the Hajj Journey
In this series documenting his attendance of the Hajj in 2019, GoTravelDaily writer Tharik Hussain shares his experience from the initial invitation through the pilgrimage itself and his reflections upon returning home to the UK. Read on for a special perspective on one of the most significant pilgrimages that unites Muslims of every ethnicity, social status, and culture in Mecca annually.
The Hajj pilgrimage has a long history, with notable figures such as Naser-e Khosraw in the 11th century being inspired to undertake this journey after experiencing a mystical visitation in a dream. Additionally, traveler Ibn Battuta expressed a deep yearning to witness the famous sanctuaries in person, while Sir Richard Burton, a non-Muslim, sought to participate in this profound ritual. Malcolm X regarded the Hajj as an essential part of his spiritual transformation. Despite the significance of this pilgrimage, when my invitation arrived, I did not share the same excitement.
Muslims believe that one does not simply decide to go on the Hajj, but rather, they are invited. Occurring once a year on specific dates, only 1430 opportunities have been available to fulfill this Islamic duty since it was established. Consequently, when my invitation was extended, I felt surprisingly indifferent.
My thoughts were occupied with practical concerns, including the timing and costs, leading me to feel unprepared for such a monumental journey.
My invitation was communicated through my mother. For years, she had subtly hinted at her desire for me to go on pilgrimage, often switching to Islamic channels during visits to remind me of the beauty of Hajj. She repeatedly pointed out the fortunate pilgrims on screen, which was deeply touching yet slightly pressuring.
Even when she directly asked me about it, I had my reservations. It wasn’t until I was assigned to cover Saudi Arabia for GoTravelDaily that my perspective began to shift. After a particularly challenging day, I drove along the Red Sea coast, momentarily trapped in my own thoughts. Gazing through the window at the distant mountains and the endless road ahead, I recognized the magnificent sea that was once parted by Moses. Confronted with my own vulnerability, I called a friend in Jeddah for distraction, discussing mundane topics to calm myself.
As the road stretched endlessly before me, I suddenly felt foolish for almost disregarding this profound opportunity to join a significant spiritual journey along with my mother. This realization sparked a moment of personal reckoning during that quiet drive.
That transformative day marked my acceptance of the invitation to the 1431st Hajj and made me aware of the immense privilege I had in undertaking this journey with my mother. It was the beginning of preparing for an experience often described as a ‘dress rehearsal for death’.
Shortly thereafter, I engaged in the umrah, a minor pilgrimage that can be performed any time of the year and takes just a few hours. Interestingly, after completing it, I impulsively asked a stranger to photograph me in my pilgrim’s attire against the iconic black cube. This photograph was a promise fulfilled to my mother before my departure from England. While she did not initially respond, the moment her mobile registered the photo, I knew she had seen it.
On Monday 5th August, I boarded a Saudi Airlines flight bound for Jeddah with my mother, fulfilling another promise made from my heart.
