Hajj – a beautiful journey …

Of recently me and my family went to perform Hajj and all I can say is that the experience was that best to be had. Yes there are hardships and a few things that people, going for the first time, should be aware off, but if you are blessed with a group such as ours then all I can say is that Allah really does provide you with angels in the hardest of times. We went via a well known group by the name of Al-Khair who not only gave us basic classes for the know-how of Hajj but also provided us with different reading material to enhance our knowledge about Hajj, duas (prayers) and their method etc.

For me a quick recall of the journey relates to getting up at 3:00am and getting into “ihram” and getting into the travel mode by 4 in the morning with us going to wait at the airport ultimately to board at 9am. A lesson learnt here was that we could have come at our convenience not the exact time given by the Hajj group (because others belonging to the same group trailed in by 5:30 to 6am). That’s because at the end of the day the tickets are with you and not the head of the group! Anyway… after a 4 hour journey we landed at the Jeddah airport and were huddled around from the airport to this tentish thing outside for further verification and checks. All in all most of our day was spent on the road (bus provided for the complete group that is) and headed to the flats (Aziza) where we were to stay that we reached by night.

Here it is important to highlight that since one is in the state of “ihram” one has to be careful of going to the washroom, sleeping, waddu and all. And since till Umrah is not complete you have to be in that state one has to be extra careful of everything. Here the first incident in my life that I will never forget is as follows: We went for Umrah by 12ish and though tired from the journey managed to perform it with ease. The journey back home however, was another thing altogether. Since my father was in a wheelchair (which my brother-in-law was managing) it was difficult to get around on most roads and sidewalks. Also, being in a foreign place we managed to get lost and ended up sitting outside a mall. I still remember it was 3am in the night when finally we saw 2 men (from the same travel group) how led us back to the flat. That night once we took of the ihram for the night we slept like logs.

 I don’t know why but here I would like to mention a certain lady who was the life of our group of 8 ladies (since we were all sharing a room) kept us going through all the days that we were there. And whenever we felt low or depressed she was there somehow to perk us up. Another young lady whom I shall not name came to be a really good friend and like a sister to me and my family was also noted as the life of the “room” because of their charismatic personality.

The second incident I will never forget is that of getting separated from my mother at the train station. You see my mother was during the specific time of Hajj also in a wheelchair. The family who have taken self responsibility of managing my mother’s wheelchair (whom now we literally feel were one of Allah’s miracles for us) got stuck in the massive crowd of people that were present and so we managed to get to the Arafat station before she did.

The third incident was getting separated from my family at the Mudalfa station. I was with my sister at the time and the way the time went I shall not mention for it is believed to each their own test and I guess that was for me and my sister.

Amongst all of this the important things we learnt were:

·         Travel light – you really don’t need too many clothes

·         Carry loads of soothing (unscented) creams – or betnovite lotion (you will get rashes and you will need it)

·         Loading an overnight bag for Arafat and Mudalfa isn’t smart. It just weighs you down. Just carry a bottle of water and a pouch for the stones that you need to collect and books for dua if need be.

·         Yes if you go in winters it does get cold but at Minah you are provided with a simple rug so you can carry that

·         Sensible shoes (this is for ladies ONLY)

·         Before you go for Hajj walk walk and walk. Don’t stop walking. It’s the best practice you can have.

·         Every garment you make should be light and soft (to avoid rashes and skin irritation)

·         Carry lots and lots of panadol and flu medication (other medication depends on what the doctor has prescribed to you)

·         Learn all routes well. In case you get lost you should have a bit of knowledge of where to go and how to reach there

·         In case you feel there is about to be a stampede or massive crowds stick to the corners to avoid getting crushed

·         Carry lots of band-aids. You will get blisters and they do hurt when you walk.

·         Be as hydrated as you can when walking. Take light sips of the water so that you have plenty till the time you reach your destination to avoid blackouts and exhaustion

At the end of all this I can’t say that I have changed – that is I am not wearing a hijab or an abaya but I do feel that I am trying (note emphasis on trying) to be a better person. To be mature in most of my decisions, to think rationally and at the end of the day be a better person than what I used to be.

Shootout at Hilal Park

We always have certain days in our lives that we will never forget – a wedding – loss of a loved one – time spent with a special someone – and for me the time when my father was shot. We had of recently begun our “adventure” of going for a walk to the “Hilal Park” so that once we went for Hajj we’d be able to perform it with light ease. Anyway on 25^th June 2012, a day that started off as ordinary with me going to work, cribbing about it, getting home and ultimately gearing to go to the park with my parents ended with my family waiting outside “South City” with my father in the operation theatre – a bullet in his leg.

The incident itself is crystal clear in my mind…I still remember my father parking the car …my mother and me getting out of it – 2 molvi men came out of the blue in a hurry and mumbled something inaudible. My mother thinking that they were simple beggars told them to move on to which the elder of the 2 shot at my mother. Now my mother due to her age has slow reflexes but at the point she managed to duct the bullet. Hearing the shot my father tried getting out of the car to which the man shot my father in the leg at close range before sitting on the bike with his accomplice and running away.

The moment the shot was fired many people rushed to the scene – some simply starring at my father – others thinking of ways to help. Finally this gentleman came forward and rushed my father to “South City” for emergency treatment and a lady called one of the best of doctors to help us with the medical treatment. To this date I remember calling my brother-in-law and asking him to reach there and then calling my aunt to come get me from the park where I had stayed back with the car.

Its itched in my memory of how my uncle was dealing with the police and family (cousins and their children) sat with us till the surgery took place. How my aunt was sitting with my mother in the room praying and waiting for my father’s safety.

It’s funny yet sad that we hear of people getting shot or getting robbed at gun point but when it happens to your near and dear ones then it really does hit home. It really makes you wonder what this country is coming to. Every day we hear of shoot outs or robbery, of brutal murders and other hideous crimes and nothing can be done about it. My family is simple and ordinary and don’t have millions or trillions to flaunt – what was there to take from us? Why us? We never thought ill for anyone or for that matter tried to harm anyone then why us?

I pray that may Allah keep us all safe. People deserve to have a peaceful life no matter what caste or creed or race. No one deserves to get shot out just because they don’t carry cash or gold or other jewels nor do they deserve to get kidnapped only to be found in bundles in deserted areas where one doesn’t even think of going. I have no words to explain what I felt. During that time my family and I were so agitated and frustrated that we could only think of leaving this country as soon as possible. Now we have just come to terms with what has happened. Every day I go to work – out with friends – and return home with a slight fear in my heart – what next?