A family’s experience in performing Hajj in 2024: The joys and challenges. The Critical Choices Every Pilgrim Must Make!
As-salamu alaykum, dear friends.
I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and joy as I share my transformative experience of performing Hajj with Islamic Travel – a journey that I hope will inspire the future pilgrims of 2025. This sacred journey was intended to illuminate our hearts, and transform our lives, and it exceeded our expectations Alhamdulillah. I’m excited to reflect on my own encounter with the divine during this incredible pilgrimage.
A Journey of Faith and Reflection
When my husband, daughter, and I first made the firm intention to perform Hajj last year, my heart was filled with both anticipation and apprehension. Hajj was completely new to us, and I would be lying if I said that fear didn’t creep in at times. Friends and family told me their stories -some awe-inspiring, others scary – and each tale left me wondering what lay ahead. But as Allah (SWT) would have it, our experience was beautifully guided by Brothers Yusuf and Hani from Islamic Travel who were a beacon of support, their timely responses and heartfelt advice turned our uncertainties into confidence. They took the time to address every question we had. Their reassuring presence, as well as that of the Sheikhs and other guides, helped diminish my worries, and I felt grateful for their wisdom and support. It truly felt like Allah swt had sent guidance through them.
As a family, we chose the standard package, which included 17 incredible nights—3 nights in the beautiful city of Madinah and 14 nights in the holy city of Makkah. Upon our arrival at Jeddah Airport, a friendly team associated to Islamic travel was waiting with open arms, making us feel at home with an VIP Air Conditioned comfortable bus transferring us to our hotel.
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Finding Comfort and Community in Madinah
Our stay in Madinah was filled with warmth and hospitality, the sacred city of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the light of every Muslim’s life. It is the second holiest city in Islam after Makkah where Masjid-e-Nabawi stands and where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ established the Muslim community.
The hotel facilities were humble, just like the city, and the proximity to Masjid an-Nabawi was a blessing beyond words.
After two nights, with the kind assistance of Brothers Yusuf and Hani, in serving the guests of Allah, at every turn they tried to alleviate our struggles and anxiety. This happened when they had organised for us our private vehicle embarking on our journey to Makkah as apposed to the long drive to Makkah by bus that had to stop at the many check points.
Upon reaching Makkah, the hotel in Azziziya exceeded all expectations. The accommodation was extremely comfortable. On the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, we took a well-organized bus journey to Mina, and as we arrived, I was struck with awe. The Mina camp surpassed every vision I had imagined. Comfortable flip-out sofas, warm blankets, and a backpack full of essential items, including prayer mats, tasbih counter, Vaseline and unscented soap, made us feel right at home. Making this camp feel like a 5-star experience in the desert.
Experiencing the Beauty of Mina
Each meal in Mina was an open buffet, breakfast, lunch & dinner, filled with delicious options, alongside coffee stations and ice cream fridges—truly a five-star camping experience! The camp was air-conditioned in the sleeping areas which was a blessing, making our stay comfortable and worry-free complete with modern Western-style toilets and showers, relieving some anxieties I had prior to our stay.
As a practical tip for my fellow female pilgrims, waking up early to freshen up before Fajr prayers, became a cherished ritual, allowed me to avoid long lines at the restroom, ensuring I remained comfortable throughout the busy days ahead. The food was plentiful and delightful, a reminder of Allah’s bountiful provisions. Meal times could also be used for toilet arrangements as it was less crowded.
The Significance of Arafah
On the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, we participated in the pivotal journey to Arafah. This sacred plain, the atmosphere was pure beauty, pure serenity and our camp offered comforts I had not expected. I took advantage of the opportunity to make abundant du’as amidst the surrounding beauty. Take advantage of every opportunity for Dua as this will become your cherished moment in connecting with Allah. A crucial takeaway from Arafah, the walk from Muzdalifah to Jamraat can be taxing, but with plenty of water and electrolytes, you’ll be well-prepared. Stock up on water and electrolytes; the journey to Jamraat can be long and arduous, and hydration is key!
Though I encountered challenges, including a slight heat stroke, I lovingly viewed it as a test from Allah (SWT). Definitely having the support of Islamic Travel, and their Rapid Response team was a huge support to our health and safety. In those moments of struggle, I was reminded that our challenges in this pilgrimage carry profound lessons. If asked, I would relive every step of this beautiful journey without hesitation, Alhamdulilah. These trials serve as reminders of the strength of our faith and the importance of patience during such sacred times. If given the chance, I would endure an even tougher journey for the sake of Hajj without hesitation.
Walking the Sacred Path, the blessings continue
Public transport is available to the Kabbah for tawaf al ifada but brothers Yusuf and Hani
will allocate a guide to take you there, usually after midnight, bring some cash with you to pay for the odd Taxi who will make the most of it and charge you a very high price. You will get separated in the large crowds from your guide at times, but don’t worry you will catch each other at the meeting point which your guide will organise, or you can simply take a shuttle bus or taxi back. Jamraat on the 2nd and 3rd day was a lot easier, we went after Asr which was pleasant enough, and we were more prepared with lots of water and an umbrella, and another tip here, make a spray bottle your best friend.
Walking to Jamraat requires comfortable shoes, and I recommend wearing something breathable and supportive, like Skechers. While the path may sometimes seem overwhelming, I assure you that the camaraderie built among fellow pilgrims makes every step an enriching experience.
After completing Hajj, post-Hajj, we had six more extraordinary nights, with private buses whisking us to and from Masjid Al-Haram, allowing us to soak up the spiritual atmosphere in comfort. I can’t express enough how much I appreciated every detail was considered and incorporated into our journey, to make things as smooth as possible. The support from brothers Hani, Yusuf, and the amazing friendly knowledgeable guides transformed our pilgrimage into a collection of cherished memories.
Closing Thoughts and Gratitude
This magnificent journey left an permanent positive mark on my heart and soul. The kindness extended to us by Brothers Yusuf, Hani, and the entire Islamic Travel Team transformed our pilgrimage into an unforgettable experience, full of joy, spirituality, and a family connection. That’s why Islamic Travel stands out, Family connection is felt throughout the journey. They really embrace each and every pilgrim like their own family and you never feel excluded.
As I reflect on this sacred journey, I encourage each of you future pilgrims: come with an open heart, filled with positivity and patience and then more PATIENCE. Allah (SWT) promises ease to those who seek Him with sincerity. As you step onto this sacred path, trust that Allah (SWT) will guide and ease your way, just follow the advice and instructions from Islamic travel with respect and patience, as they work to make the Hajj journey the best that it can be. May your Hajj be a deeply moving and memorable experience.
Jazak Allah khair to everyone involved in making this journey possible, and may Allah continuously shower you and your loved ones with His boundless blessings. Insha’Allah, may every one of you experience a memorable Hajj, and may your journey draw you closer to your Creator.
Allahuma Ameen.
