MECCA – Hajji Anwar Ebrahim is one of many who are reflecting on the days of Hajj as he was fortunate enough to embark on the ‘journey of a lifetime’ in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic shattered many peoples’ hopes.
“To stand on the plains of Arafat is a day that you prepare your entire life for. It is the biggest day of your life where you get to meet Allah (SWT) and He guarantees that whatever you ask for in that moment will be granted to you,” said Ebrahim.
However, this year, similar to Hajj 2020, Muslims across South Africa were barred from attending the pilgrimage due to the ongoing pandemic and travel restrictions. Only 60,000 vaccinated Saudi citizens and residents between the ages of 18 and 65 were allowed to register for the annual pilgrimage this year.
He expressed that, even though we are not there, the journey of Hajj teaches us at home to live whatever the experience has taught us – from the conversations that we have, to the lessons that we learnt.
In today’s time we need to practice Sabr and Allah has taught us that, even though we get tests upon tests, He will be there with us. Hajjie Ebrahim recalled the day he stood on the plains of Aarafah, in a scorching 41 degrees. As they were walking towards the Jabal-Rahmah, the skies turned from blue to grey and while the ‘labaik’ was repeated, rain poured over the hujaaj.
“No social media can capture the particular moment in Arafah where you are standing with your hands raised in the air while the rain pours and you are calling out to your creator. As the rain pours on you, the presence of Allah (SWT) and the angels are felt within,” he said, emotionally.
Ebrahim faced some challenges when trying to leave Aarafah and that is when he felt the virtue of sabr kick in because everybody wanted to go on the same bus to move towards Muzdalifah. He did not make the first bus because he had his mother and wife with him and it became very dark. However, they made sabr and soon enough a bus arrived to take them to Muzdalifah.
In Muzdalifah, you lay in the open air to rest and it just energizes you – Hajji Anwar Ebrahim, pilgrim in 2019
Hajjie Ebrahim attended a Hajj class under the teaching of Sheikh Qasim Gabriels, SA consul General in Jeddah, who was fortunate enough to go on Hajj this year.
He emphasizes the importance of Hajj classes to learn about the history of the journey so that a better connection can be made with Allah (SWT). He also advises those that would like to perform Hajj to make the intention to embark on this journey and not give up hope. Rather save up money, attend hajj classes and continue making dua, he said.
