JOHANNESBURG – A palpable atmosphere of devotion and emotion filled OR Tambo International Airport as families and friends gathered to bid farewell to loved ones embarking on the Hajj. This departure marks a key moment in the annual Islamic pilgrimage, a journey of profound religious significance for Muslims worldwide.
Shaheen Essop of the South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC), present at the send-off, explained the phased nature of the departures. “This is the first of the big flights from Johannesburg. The other big flights were from Cape Town a little bit earlier in the week,” Essop noted in an interview with Salaamedia. “We continue to see the momentum build up, especially through the five-week departures.”
The Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is a mandatory religious duty for all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey to the holiest city for Muslims, Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The pilgrimage is performed during Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar, and involves a series of rituals carried out over five to six days.
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Hopes and prayers for the journey ahead
For those undertaking this spiritual quest, the moment of departure is often filled with a spectrum of emotions. Masud Dasoo, from Roshnee, near Johannesburg, shared his feelings: “I am ready for the journey to begin. Mixed emotions; happy to be going, sad to leave the family, but looking forward for the journey to begin.”
Essop also shared a poignant message, urging prayers from both those travelling and those remaining behind. “For those that have not been for hajj, make dua that we have an increase in quota so that more people can go rather than the 2 500,” he appealed, highlighting the limited number of Hajj visas allocated to South Africa. “For those that are embarking on this journey, make dua for the ummah, make dua for this country, make dua for the people and the leadership in this country.”
The pilgrimage is not only an obligatory duty but is also seen as an opportunity for spiritual self-renewal and the cleansing of sins. It brings together Muslims from diverse backgrounds, uniting them in a shared experience of faith and devotion, irrespective of race, colour, or culture.
While the journey is a spiritual highlight, it can present challenges, including significant costs and the quota system, which can lead to long waiting lists in many countries. The desire for an increased quota, as voiced by Essop, reflects a common hope within the Muslim community to allow more individuals to fulfill this important religious obligation.
As these pilgrims embark on their journey, they carry with them the prayers and well wishes of their community, looking forward to an experience that is central to their faith.
[WATCH] Shaheen Essop of @sahuchajj is at OR Tambo International Airport to see off the first group of pilgrims. He says it’s off to a smooth start so far. #Hajj2025 pic.twitter.com/FbcMx4SWAS
— Salaamedia (@salaamedia) May 7, 2025
