On the 8th day of DulHijja early morning as we looked through our home, we could already see the sea of piligrims flowing through the pedestrian ways. We also put on our simple, special clothes known as Ihrams. These clothes were like a symbol of unity because everyone, no matter who they were, wore the same thing. It was a bit like a team uniform that made us all feel connected.
We then started walking towards Mina through the pedestrian ways. People around us were chanting aloud "Labbaikallahumma Labbaik" in a voice that sounded like music. The chant seemed to reach deep inside our hearts, making us feel something special, like a tickle of joy. Even though we all looked different, dressed the same in those simple clothes, whether we were rich or not-so-rich. This reminded us that in the eyes of Allah, we were all the same. Those who were closest to Allah were the ones who showed respect and followed His ways. They were the kind-hearted, humble ones who were really eager to meet Him someday.
The wise people had told us that the Hajj pilgrimage had a deeper meaning. When we gathered at Arafat, it was like practicing for a big day when all of us would stand in front of Allah. On that day, we would have to talk about the things we did while we were alive. And Ihram represented our two white funeral clothes.
We entered into Masjid Khaif. In those days, Masjid Khaif was a mix of men and women. So we were all together at one place. The chilling air condition inside gets colder and colder until we feel the chill inside and no blankets.
Next day to Arafat we got a bus and we took a place near Jabal Rahma. The weather was very hot and in those days the shades and sprinkling of water were not available. The trees of Arafat were just plants . After noon when prayer were over, we went to Jabal Rahma and father did a long supplication. I fainted.
Our first Hajj journey was not easy. We walked a long way and faced many challenges. I still remember Pathucha, looking so tired and asking my dad if we could rest before getting to Musdalifa. These experiences made our first Hajj feel like a special story. It was a story of faith, of sticking together, and of growing inside our hearts. And that story, we'll carry with us always.
