The annual Hajj pilgrimage takes place during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month on the Islamic calendar and is a religious duty that has to be fulfilled by every able-bodied Muslim, with the financial means, at least once in his or her lifetime. Dhul-Hijjah 1446 is expected to start on the evening of Wednesday (May 28), subject to the sighting of the moon, with Hajj being performed on the eighth, ninth and tenth of Dhul-Hijjah. Muslims from different parts of the world have already started embarking upon this journey of a lifetime, going to Makkah in Saudi Arabia, with a quota of about 2,500 South Africans allowed to perform Hajj this year. Many South Africans who had enlisted their names on the SAHUC waiting roll a few years back, are still waiting and praying that they will be able to perform Hajj in the near future. “To all our Hujjaaj, may your profound Hajj journey be filled with ease, safety and spiritual elevation and bring you closer to the Almighty. May your Hajj be accepted and may you return home safely.”
*Omar Faruk Bhiyan of 19th Ave, Laudium, is one of a group of 34 local residents performing Hajj this year, traveling with Rahi Travels of 13th Avenue, Laudium. The group departed on April 30 and plan to return back home on June 15. Omar, who is blessed to now be in Makkah, told the Laudium Sun, “I wish to give salaams to all Muslims in South Africa and throughout the world. Please make dua that I and all other Hujjaaj who are performing Hajj this year, have a safe trip and that the Almighty accepts our Hajj. Likewise we will make dua for all Muslims in South Africa & throughout the world, especially the oppressed people of Palestine.”