Hajj Realized Dream of Four Sisters
Visiting the holy sites witnessed by the Prophet Muhammad is a dream for every Muslim. As we eagerly await the arrival of Eid al-Adha, the Hajj pilgrimage is also an important topic on the agenda of the Islamic world. Muslims embarking on the Hajj journey are anxiously waiting to find out if they have been granted permission to visit the holy land. In this news article, we share the story of four Moroccan sisters who received joyous news after the anticipation.
The three-year period of the daunting COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on everything, including the Hajj pilgrimage. This year’s Hajj, returning to normal standards after the pandemic, has been the subject of impatient anticipation.
Muslims will perform the Hajj rituals between June 26 (Monday) and July 1 (Saturday) this year. Additionally, Eid al-Adha will be celebrated in the Islamic world starting from June 28.
Four sisters, aged between 65 and 82, had applied for Hajj multiple times in previous years but did not receive a positive response. Surprisingly, this year, they all received approval for Hajj visas at the same time, which they shared as great news. For the Moroccan sisters, this year’s Hajj pilgrimage has been a dream come true after years of hope and longing.
Before their departure to Saudi Arabia, they expressed their indescribable joy in an interview with the Saudi news site Sabq at the airport:
“After years of waiting, inshaAllah (God willing), we will be able to perform Hajj,” they said, expressing their feelings.
The Makkah Route
The four sisters were among many Moroccans who aimed to fulfill their Hajj pilgrimage through the Makkah Route, a Saudi project that provides facilities and ensures a smooth journey for pilgrims from specific countries.
The sisters mentioned that the applications facilitated through the Makkah Route Initiative made the procedures for entering Saudi Arabia resolved within minutes.
The initiative, which started on a trial basis in 2017, has expanded this year to include pilgrims from seven countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Morocco, Bangladesh, Turkey, and Ivory Coast.
These ladies, who embarked on the journey to the holy sites regardless of their advanced ages, serve as a beautiful example of patience rewarded with the great blessings of Allah. Their simultaneous acceptance for Hajj is also a special favor bestowed upon them. As we approach Eid al-Adha, we pray for safety from Allah, atonement for our sins, and the opportunity to follow the path of the Prophet Muhammad.
