On proper performance of Hajj

Fellow Hajjis who performed Hajj this year want me to write on this subject and share our experiences that may remain as reference for the intending pilgrims. When I was in dilemma with whom to go in view of offers of Hajj agencies, my nephew, an army officer suggested considering the option of going with Retired Armed Forces Officers Welfare Association (RAOWA). I agreed instantly. RAOWA offered a Hajj package at Tk 3,27,000 with an agency. It did not include expense for Qurbani, which we individually paid through bank in Makkah. RAOWA arranged a briefing and training session. Finally, travel itinerary and accommodation at hotels in Makkah and Madina were intimated. I was allotted a seat in a room with five beds on the 4th floor, and my room mates were Rezaul Karim, Ijazul Haque and Habibullah, -- an educated entrepreneur, high ranking banker, and a promising maulana respectively. We four went to say prayers together in Heram Sharif (Makkah) and Masjid-e-Nababi (Madina). In Makkah, Hajj agency made an offer before Hajj days of a special bus on payment of 1000 Riyals which we accepted. I later withdrew from it on reconsideration, along with Brigadier General Hafiz; and remained with the on-going package. Actually while I was preparing for Hajj I got various reactions and advice from Hajjis, say- why I was late, going at 70 years of age, because one has to be physically fit and so on. I was late because I had a neurology problem in August 2008 due to wrong medical treatment. I became weak; but Allah kept me on work and fit. A neighbour who regularly says prayer told it is up to Allah who grants one to perform acceptable Hajj; age weakness is no factor, Allah made it easy for your sincerity. When I reached Makkah, fear of weakness was still in my mind. Roommates who were yet to be acquainted with me did not call me for Umrah. As I rose up in the morning I asked the hotel receptionist who is a Bangladeshi, if a wheelchair would be available to enable me perform Umrah. He replied he could arrange one and his Bangladeshi friend would take me from hotel in wheelchair, and bring back after performing Umrah. Accordingly he was called, the man charged 150 Riyal. During Hajj season service charges go up. The hurry he made, obviously for his next trip, compelled me to ask him to move properly. I performed Umrah to the best of my ability, which Allah the merciful has seen and inshallah accepted. I was in a fix what to do in coming Hajj days and started with Kafela for Meena in the name of Allah and sought His blessings. Immediately situation changed and I felt strong, performed all the rituals of 9th and 10th Zilhaz, passed long route on foot to perform Toafe Ifaza which is mandatory for hajj. All this was made possible by the mercy of Allah. During the journey to Jamarat and Makkah, Major General Ejaz Ahmed Chowdhury was paired with me and we did it to earn the satisfaction of Allah. We pray Allah has accepted our efforts 'Mabrur Hajj'. RAOWA Hajj Kafela left Dhaka for Jeddah on October 23 and returned Dhaka on November 20. During this period according to the schedule we did rituals at Makkah, Meena, Arafat and Muzdalifa making night halts in these places. From Makkah we went to Madina and made night halt there. From Madina we went to Jeddah. We tried to perform Hajj, Umrah, Ziarat properly for which we studied, took preparation and hope Almighty Allah accepted us forgiving our mistakes. Good books on this subject are available which should be studied by the intending pilgrims. Experiences of the hajis can also be shared. What we did as rituals during the whole period are: offering 'Doa' during 'Toaf' and 'Sai', performing stoning ritual; regular and nafal prayers. It would be proper to share hajj experiences with others instead of forgetting everything upon return home. Of course there might be some problems caused by temporal beings like agencies, moallem and concerned authorities; but the happiness is heavenly. Happiness should be shared by expressing gratitude to almighty Allah who enables his servants to perform Hajj. There is no reason why happiness and pains should not be shared with others. If the shortcomings of the agency or the authority are pointed out, the concerned agencies might be aware, say- ensuring proper toilet facilities in all relevant places, or, ensuring proper and timely bus services. Passengers' jostling while embarking the aircraft is a Bangladeshi trait. Can this not be rectified? Hajj creates a unique opportunity to mix with Muslims from all over the world. On way to and from Masjid or within Masjid or Hotels or shopping centres, one can talk as per convenience to other nationalities, apart from Bangladeshis. I talked to pilgrims from Turkey, Tanzania, England, Nigeria, Malaysia, Pakistan and India and exchanged greetings and views. An Englishman pushing the wheelchair of his mother during Toaf expressed greetings while going out after completing seven rounds. Tanzanians were close and visited my room. Turkish physician in his country's medical mission was very nice; gave me a date and a glass of Zamzam water which cured my cough. Another Englishman after offering Esha prayer with me called for Toaf. Bangladeshis told sufferings of various types. Egyptian bus driver came to earn during Hajj. As Major General Ezaz Ahmed took up leadership of Kafela everything was closely monitored including agency's activities that were not deemed up to mark by members as per package cost, took measures to facilitate movements; helped visiting historic sites, battles fields etc. It is a matter of happiness that the kafela members, including officers and their wives, were devoted to perform Hajj. We offered Ziarat, said prayers in Masjid-e- Nababi, Doa with all our hearts for Prophet Muhammad (sm). We hope Allah has accepted us. We are now to look at what signs of 'Kabul Hajj' (accepted Hajj) are shown in books. These are in short: changes in life style, hatred to vices, remain engaged in 'ibadat' performing prayers, duty to human beings. May Allah give us strength to keep up to the standard of Hajji! The writer is an advocate. He can be reached at email: quamrul.islam13@yahoo.com