Millions of Muslims from around the globe recently completed their pilgrimage to Makkah for haj, the annual Islamic journey of faith. This year’s event was marked by heartfelt experiences and profound reflections shared by the pilgrims. Many described the pilgrimage as a transformative journey that strengthened their faith and provided invaluable spiritual lessons.
Bruneian pilgrim, Hajah Nurul Ain binti Haji Ismail shared her experience with the Bulletin.
“Alhamdulillah, haj gave me a whole new experience. It was a spiritual healer,” she said. “I was amazed to see the sea of humans, regardless of race, rank, or status, all striving for Allah the Almighty’s redha, competing for rewards without caring about the scorching heat, long distances, or even their health conditions.”
Hajah Nurul Ain further reiterated that the journey was not without its trials. “Haj also taught me patience and acceptance,” she said. “We faced challenges such as delayed buses and leaky tents, but we overcame them with patience, frequent istighfar, and zikir. All these experiences made it a sweet memory for me.”
The sense of community was a significant highlight for Hajah Nurul Ain. “The bond among the Bruneian pilgrims was very strong. We were there for each other, to help and support, especially in Mina, where our bond grew stronger as we lived under the same roof, ate, and prayed together. We shared Bruneian food and provided motivational support during the 3.2-kilometre walk from Mina to our bus,” she remarked.
She added that the connection with people from different backgrounds was another enriching aspect. “Getting to know people from various nations and hearing about their journeys made me more grateful for the blessings and services provided by our agency and the Bruneian government,” she stated.
Hajah Nurul Ain expressed deep gratitude to Darussalam Services Sdn Bhd and the Bruneian government.
Hajah Nurul Ain also offered advice for future haj pilgrims: “Haj requires knowledge and physical, mental, and spiritual preparation. It demands a lot of energy. Take care of your health and diet as they play a crucial role in achieving a perfect and accepted haj.”
Another Bruneian pilgrim also shared her spiritual journey to the holy land.
“My husband and I had a memorable experience during haj. In Madinah, we stayed near the al-Nabawi Mosque. Despite the hot weather, we prayed peacefully in the Rawdah and visited sites like a date farm, Jabal Uhud, and the Quba Mosque,” said Hajah Nur’Amirah binti Haji Rozaini. She added that, “before leaving, we paid respects at Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) tomb.”
“In Makkah, seeing the Kaaba brought immense joy. On the Day of Arafah, facilities were comfortable with ample food and clean restrooms. After Asar prayer, we prayed outside the camp under cloudy skies. Our journey from Arafah to Makkah was smooth, allowing us to perform Tawaf, Sa’ie and Tahallul efficiently,” she reiterated.
She shared that in Mina, they stayed in a tent close to the Jamarat, which was very conve-nient.
“The facilities were comfortable. Our haj journey taught us gratitude, fulfilment in worship, the importance of guarding our words and hearts, and the value of strengthening bonds with fellow pilgrims,” she observed.
“We also learnt to embrace simplicity, patience, and self-reflection,” she concluded.
As these stories illustrate, haj 2024 is more than just a religious duty. It is a journey of faith, unity, and personal growth that left a lasting impact on all who participated. – Fadley Faisal
