A Special "Hajjia"

She looked around her. She was a "Hajia" now or in the middle of graduating to be one... Subhan Allah... a title she had not considered before... She realized that she was only one among millions and yet she knew she was "special" nonetheless. She was chosen by Allah this year to take part in the greatest pilgrimage known to mankind. Skin of all colors from shiny ebony to the palest of white surrounded her. Yet, this exotic interplay of colors had created the most fascinating kaleidoscope she had ever seen... Almost like a hologram that she longed to freeze but was unable to because everything around her was moving. The voices she heard were synchronized not by accents or words but by hearts rhythmically beating together at the realization of the most beautiful motto ever uttered... "Allahu Akbar... Allahu Akbar... Allahu Akbar"



Yes and she was there to be a part of it all. On her way to Muzdalifa, she peered out of the window on her side of the bus. Her eyes caught sight of an African woman. The woman had fallen asleep holding onto her baby more out of the need for comfort than the hope of protecting the child. This scene kept repeating itself throughout the ride, and the monotony of it was suffocating her. There she was in this air conditioned bus comfortably seated watching what seemed to be a very disturbing documentary of some kind. Then, she asked herself what if there comes a time when she finds out that she is no longer the one watching from "above"? And where will she be on the Day of Judgement? Will she still be the one observing the less fortunate from a distance or will she be trading places with this African woman who was struggling to survive? She felt her cheek suddenly dampen from a tear drop that had managed to escape her right eye only to be awakened by the sound of the guide's voice announcing their arrival...


إِنَّهُ مَن يَأْتِ رَبَّهُ مُجْرِمًا فَإِنَّ لَهُ جَهَنَّمَ لَا يَمُوتُ فِيهَا وَلَا يَحْيى (20:74)
20:74 (Surat Taha) VERILY, as for him who shall appear before his Sustainer [on Judgment Day] lost in sin - his [portion], behold, shall be hell: he will neither die therein nor live; [58]
وَمَنْ يَأْتِهِ مُؤْمِنًا قَدْ عَمِلَ الصَّالِحَاتِ فَأُوْلَئِكَ لَهُمُ الدَّرَجَاتُ الْعُلَى (20:75)
20:75 (Surat Taha) whereas he who shall appear before Him as a believer who has done righteous deeds [59] - it is such that shall have lofty stations [in the life to come]:
جَنَّاتُ عَدْنٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا وَذَلِكَ جَزَاء مَن تَزَكَّى (20:76)
20:76 (Surat Taha) gardens of perpetual bliss, through which running waters flow, therein to abide: for that shall be the recompense of all who attain to purity.

In case you are wondering, this is not my story but the story of a very special member of our club who recounted her parable with tears in her eyes. You know her as Zafarana... She has often made us laugh, cry, and ponder... I don't think I have done her story justice, but I thought it was worth a try. It is one of the few stories that continues to play in my mind till this day. I didn't know Zafarana very well at the time but I instantly knew that she was going to occupy a very special place in my heart and the hearts of many others... and I was right. May Allah protect her and bless her always... "Hajjin Mabroor" to a very special Hajjia...