Lifelong Dream, Years of Wait: What Haj Means to Various People

Haj pilgrimage

The journey to perform Haj, a lifelong dream for many Muslims, is often fraught with challenges due to stringent regulations and country-specific quotas. The pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, is obligatory for all able-bodied Muslims who have the financial means to undertake it at least once in their lifetime.

 Fulfilling a Childhood Dream

For Indian national Muteeullah Qureshi, performing Haj with his mother had been a dream since childhood. This year, after more than five years of trying, he finally realized this dream. "When my mother saw the Kaabah, she started weeping," Qureshi told Khaleej Times from Makkah. "All those years of yearning and praying became fruitful this year, and I couldn't be more thankful."

Qureshi's journey was far from straightforward. In 2019, he paid for the pilgrimage planned for the following year, but the COVID-19 lockdowns thwarted his plans, and his money was refunded. "I was heartbroken at the time," he recalled. After applying through the Indian government quota, he finally secured his spot this year, traveling with his wife, mother, and elder sister. However, he had to arrange care for his three children before he could leave. His brother, who works as a pharmacist in Dubai, and his brother's wife in India, stepped in to look after his 12, 9, and 2-year-old children. "Leaving my two-year-old daughter was the hardest part," Qureshi admitted. "She is very attached to me, and I miss her terribly, but I console myself with the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim, who was instructed to leave his child behind."

According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Ibrahim was commanded by God to leave his wife and child in the desert. When his child cried out of thirst, his wife Hajar ran between two hills searching for water, leading to the miraculous formation of the Zamzam well. Five thousand years later, this well remains a vital water source in Makkah.

Waiting for the Opportunity

While people like Qureshi fulfill their dreams, many others continue to wait for their chance to perform Haj. Emirati Noora T. is among those still waiting. "I applied to go with my siblings and their families, but the limited annual quota means we haven't gotten our chance yet," she said. At 34, Noora is anxious to undertake the pilgrimage while she is still physically capable. "A friend who went last year told me it was physically demanding. I want to do it as early as possible to ensure I can perform all the rituals to the best of my ability."

Haj involves a series of rituals over at least four days in Makkah. The most significant day is the second one, when pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for prayers. They then travel to Muzdalifah to spend the night in open spaces, followed by the trek to Mina for the stoning ceremony.

Navigating Regulations and Quotas

Haj quotas are allocated to each country based on their Muslim population, typically around 1 percent. This system can complicate matters for couples holding different national passports. M. Husainy and Salman Ali, for instance, have faced numerous challenges. Husainy, who holds a German passport, and her husband, a Pakistani passport, have found it difficult to coordinate their pilgrimage. "We approached several travel agents in both Pakistan and Germany, but the rigid procedures deterred them from guiding us," Husainy explained. Despite years of trying, the couple's efforts have been unsuccessful.

They are now considering alternative solutions, including obtaining a second passport. "Germany allows dual citizenship, so I am considering getting a Pakistani passport," Husainy said. "It's frustrating that in an increasingly connected world, couples with different passports find it so challenging to perform Haj together."

Conclusion

For many Muslims, Haj is more than just a religious obligation; it is a lifelong aspiration deeply rooted in faith and tradition. The stories of Qureshi, Noora, and the Husainy-Ali couple highlight the diverse challenges pilgrims face, from logistical hurdles to emotional sacrifices. Despite these challenges, the enduring spirit and determination of millions of Muslims worldwide continue to drive them towards fulfilling their sacred pilgrimage dreams.