The Hajj - A Journey in Parts - Jeddah

On disembarking from the plane I am assaulted by the dry heat of the desert. The heat from the asphalt adding to the discomfort as we step a short distance from the plane to  bus. We are whisked away to customs where we take our place in the queue behind the other pilgrims. The air is cool and filled with the pleasant chatter of people anxiously waiting.  Slowly we progress with the rest of our group and eventually it is our turn.

Passports are scrutinised and stamped, bags are searched and finally we are instructed to move to an area outside, which is shaded from the overbearing sun by, what can only be described as, a gigantic marquee.

Our group gathers together to patiently wait with our luggage for the next leg of the journey.  We have made it we are in the Holy Land.  We pray and then unpacking some food I break bread with our fellow travellers.  A certain magnetism is slowly growing in my heart, a yearning desire to set eyes on the holy mosque and the treasure nestled at its centre.

The bus arrives, we board keeping our documents for the final checkpoint. And, I cannot for the life of me remember how it started, the chanting of the Talbeeyah:

"Labbaika Allahomma Labbaik. Labbaik La Shareeka Laka Labbaik. Innal-Hamdah, Wan-Nematah, Laka wal Mulk, La Shareeka Laka."

"Here I am at Thy service O Lord, here I am. Here I am at Thy service and Thou hast no partners. Thine alone is All Praise and All Bounty, and Thine alone is The Sovereignty. Thou hast no partners."

My heart is overwhelmed with with a feeling of elation, I am indeed one of the fortunate few who have been granted an audience in the Lords city, a guest to the perfect Host, where your hearts desire is revealed and your experience is not determined by your lips or what you say or wish for but what is truly in your heart, your soul, so that all guests experience the journey uniquely. What the soul desires, so the Host obliges. The husk is removed and the true being exposed in all its glory.

At the final checkpoint our documents and passports are taken and each of us is given an armband with country of origin, group details and other information, in case we need help during our stay. And finally on to the holy city. I wait in anticipation... :-)

Comments

  1. AnonymousOctober 11, 2010 at 11:10 PM

    Good timing and brings back fond memories. The Talbiyah sent shivers thru me first time I heard people chant it & having read your blog now, realise that it still does. After donning the Ihraam this must be the 2nd most powerful act. Certainly a unique experience for each individual, a distinct contentment that can never be found anywhere else in the world.

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