The Hajj: A journey of faith, gratitude, and transformation

“Labbayk Allahumma lab-bayk” (Here I am, Oh Al-lah, Here I am) are the first words every Muslim intending to perform the Hajj must utter. Having been a Muslim in name only since I was young, and this being my first Hajj pilgrimage, my journey began with a mixture of nervousness, excitement, and apprehension.

- TECH4GOOD FORMER DICT UNDERSECRETARY MON B. IBRAHIM

The Hajj pilgrimage is held annu-ally between the 8th and 13th days of Zil-Hajj, the 12th month on the Islamic lunar calendar. This year, the corre-sponding Gregorian calendar dates of Hajj 2025 in Saudi Arabia are between the 4th of June and the 9th of June.

At the Hajj, Muslims gather in Saudi Arabia to unite in acts of worship as they fulfil one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a religious obligation. It can be a spiritual experience of a lifetime for them, offering a chance to seek God’s forgiveness and the forgiveness of past sins. Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, after Shahada (declaration of faith), Salat (performing the five daily prayers), Zakat (giving charity from one's wealth), and Sawm (fasting dur-ing Ramadan).

My Hajj started in the Holy City of Madinah, where the days were spent praying at the mosque initially built by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). I was certainly awed by the vastness of the holy site. I had the chance to visit the Prophet’s final resting place.

Entering the Holy City of Makkah afterwards, every pilgrim had to don the ihram, two simple pieces of unstitched white cloth for men. This initial step is profoundly symbolic, stripping away all markers of wealth, status, and nationality. Rich or poor, prince or pauper, all pilgrims stand equal before God, united in their de-votion.