Part 1: The Journey Begins – Medina and Mecca
My Hajj journey in 2026 began on 8 May 2026 when my family gathered at Changi Airport to bid me farewell. Their presence, warm embraces, and heartfelt prayers provided a comforting and meaningful start to this sacred journey. As I boarded a Saudia Airlines flight bound for Medina, I felt a deep sense of anticipation and gratitude for the opportunity to perform Hajj once again, nineteen years after my first pilgrimage in 2007.
Upon arrival in Medina, we travelled by bus to the Sofitel Hotel, conveniently located near Masjid Nabawi. We spent three peaceful nights in the blessed city of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). The serene atmosphere of Medina provided an ideal beginning to the pilgrimage, allowing me to prepare spiritually for the days ahead. Each visit to the Prophet’s Mosque brought a sense of tranquillity and reflection that is unique to Medina.
One of the blessings of this journey was sharing a room with Ustaz Miseran. During our stay in both Medina and Mecca, he became not only a close companion but also a source of guidance and encouragement. Through our conversations and daily interactions, I learned many practical tips and gained valuable insights that enriched my pilgrimage experience.
After three nights in Medina, we proceeded to Mecca and checked into Hotel Makkah & Tower, where we stayed for eight nights. When we left Medina we were in ihram clothing. Before entering Mecca we stopped at Bir Ali mosque to state our intention for umrah hajj. Upon arrival, we immediately performed our first Umrah.
During my stay in Mecca, I was blessed with the opportunity to perform three Umrahs before the commencement of Hajj. Each visit to Masjidil Haram was a deeply special and humbling experience, one that filled my heart with gratitude and awe. The journey, however, was not without its challenges. During tawaf around the Kaaba, navigating through the immense crowds required patience and composure. At times, the flow of circumambulation was disrupted by pilgrims who stopped abruptly, moved against the flow, or were unaware of the difficulties they created for others. Yet, these moments served as reminders that Hajj and Umrah are not merely physical acts of worship but also tests of patience, tolerance, and self-restraint. Likewise, the sa’i between Safa and Marwah was often undertaken amid massive crowds, making the ritual physically demanding and requiring perseverance. Despite the challenges, every step carried profound spiritual significance, reminding me of the unwavering faith and endurance of Hajar (AS) in her search for water for Prophet Ismail (AS). Through these experiences, I came to appreciate that the true essence of worship lies not only in completing the rituals, but also in cultivating patience, humility, and compassion amidst the trials that accompany them.
Following our stay in Mecca, we moved to our final accommodation in Shisha. There, I shared a room with three fellow pilgrims who would soon become good friends and cherished companions throughout our Hajj journey. Our small group was made up of individuals from different backgrounds and stages of life, yet our shared purpose in answering Allah’s call created an immediate bond of brotherhood. Anuar, in his 50s and working in a government organisation, was exceptionally friendly and sociable. He seemed to know everyone among the jemaah and often mingled widely rather than limiting himself to our circle of roommates. Abdul Hamid Ahmad, also in his 50s, is an IT professional and educator at a private IT training centre. Cheerful and bubbly by nature, he brought much laughter to our room with his constant jokes and light-hearted humour, helping to lift our spirits during the physically demanding days of Hajj. Hanifahr, in his 60s, had recently retired after many years of dedicated service in the lift maintenance industry. His calm and steady presence added balance to our group, and his life experiences enriched our conversations. As for myself, I had been retired for more than two years and, at 67 years old, was the eldest among the four of us. Despite our differences in age, profession, and life experiences, we grew close over our ten-night stay together in Shisha. By then, the friendship among the four of us had already taken root since our arrival in Madinah on 9 May 2026. Throughout those days, we supported one another, exchanged stories, shared meals, and helped each other navigate the physical and emotional challenges of Hajj. The bonds forged during those blessed days extended far beyond merely sharing a room. By Allah’s grace, what began as a temporary arrangement among strangers blossomed into a friendship and brotherhood that I pray will endure long after our return home. Indeed, their companionship became one of the highlights of my pilgrimage.
During the Hajj period, we spent memorable days and nights in Arafah and Mina, joining millions of Muslims from every corner of the world in fulfilling the sacred rites of Hajj. As I stood in Arafah among millions of pilgrims, memories of my first Hajj in 2007 came flooding back. Nineteen years had passed, yet the same feelings of humility and submission to Allah remained. Surrounded by pilgrims from every corner of the world, I was reminded once again that we are all equal before Allah, and that life in this world is temporary and passes by all too quickly.
The journey culminated with Tawaf Wada, the Farewell Tawaf around the Kaaba. Leaving Masjidil Haram after completing the final tawaf was an emotional moment. As I took one last look at the Kaaba, I reflected on the many blessings, lessons, and spiritual growth that Allah had granted me throughout the pilgrimage.
We departed Saudi Arabia and arrived at Changi Airport on 1 June 2026 after a nine-hour flight. It was heartwarming to see family members waiting to welcome us home. Their smiles and embraces marked the end of a remarkable journey and the beginning of carrying the lessons of Hajj into everyday life.
As I reflect on the journey, I am deeply grateful to Allah for granting me the opportunity to perform Hajj once again after nineteen years. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to Halijah Travels for their excellent logistical support and well-organised travel arrangements, which greatly facilitated our pilgrimage. Their dedicated team worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the comfort and welfare of the pilgrims, allowing us to focus on our acts of worship and spiritual development.
Subhanallah Walhamdulillah Wala illaha illallah Wallahu Akbar.
Wala Haula Wala Quwata Illah Billahil 'Aliyill'Azim
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