Hajj and Umra
It is obligatory for a muslim having health and resources to go for Hajj and Umra atleast once in life time for the pleasure of Allah. We have the previlage of being the guests of Allah for this pilgrimage. Both these are performed in Mecca. Having gone to Mecca it is preferable to visit Madeena to have ziarath of the maqbara of Rasool SA. We have to sacrifice our time, money and pleasures for the pleasure of Allah.
Till 1991 I could not think of going due to financial difficulties. Fortunately I got a job in Muscat and Alhamdulillah my condition became stable. After clearing my debts and helping my sisters daughter's marriages, I went for Hajj in 1993 with my wife by road in special bus from Muscat. It took more than 2 days for going and similar time for return. We went first to Madeena for 2 days and after Ziarath of the maqbara of Rasool SA and praying in Masjid Nabawi went to Mecca. Seeing the Kaba for the first time was a wonderful experience of peace and satisfaction. We remained for 15 days in Mecca doing the rituals of Umra and then Hajj. Main thing which is tested in all these is whether you are submissive to Allah and obey the sayings of Rasool SA and whether you are patient in the difficulties faced.
Next time I again went with my wife for Umra and Hajj in 1998 when we were in Trivandrum. Then all the Hajj flights were from Madras. We first went to my brother in Madras and then to Mecca. One of our cousin sister who was an elderly member of our family accompanied us. This time we went first to Mecca and after finishing Umra and Hajj went to Madeena. My wife had little fever and giddiness there but it was OK after taking medicines. It took more than 40 days as we went in Hajj committee.
In 2001 when we came to our sons house in Kuwait he arranged for an Umra for me, wife and elder daughter by bus. It was very pleasant as there was no rush in Rabial Awal (June). We returned after visiting the maqbara of Rasool SA at Madeena.
In 2006 when I was Principal of Younus College, Quilon I again went for Umra and Hajj with wife. This time also it was through Hajj Committee and flight was from Calicut. We went first to Madeena and then to Mecca. Everytime you visit Mecca and Madeena you experience different feelings and the satisfaction you get is unimaginable. This time in Mecca I had chest pain. My wife took me to the clinic. Doctors frightened me. We just left the clinic gave a sadka and surprisingly I became ok. My mother used to say sadka will save you from all difficulties.
In 2014 when we are in Kuwait my sons arranged to go for an Umra by bus. As my wife's health condition was not good I went alone. One advantage of being alone is that you need not worry about others and can do all rituals without anxiety.
In 2019 Nov my son wanted me to accompany them for an Umra. Though I did not agree for it immediately later I thought it is better to go as a last Umra. Alhamdulillah tickets booked for 21st to go to Madeena first and then to Mecca for Umra and return insha Allah on 24th night. Alhamdulillah we performed Umra in the most peaceful way. May Allah accept our Umra and all duas Aameen
May Allah accept all our Umra and Hajj, forgive all our sins and accept all our prayers for ourselves , our family, other relatives and the whole human beings Aameen.
Dr. Mohamed Ali Essa
