The Dream of a Lifetime Comes True.. Jordanian Pilgrims Express Their Joy Before Heading to Mecca

SadaNews - As the first convoys of Jordanian pilgrims embark on their journey to the holy lands from the "City of Pilgrims", hearts are filled with feelings of longing and nostalgia for the Sacred House of Allah, in a spiritual journey regarded as one of the greatest experiences a Muslim can have in their lifetime.

In a poignant scene where tears of farewell mingled with joy at reaching the ''dream of a lifetime'', hundreds of Jordanian families bid farewell to their loved ones heading to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, while voices chanted praises and prayers for their safe return.

A Touching Anticipation

Every year, pilgrims carry long tales of prayer and waiting. In a touching story, pilgrim Mohammad Alimait from Zarqa Governorate told Al Jazeera.net that he had applied for Hajj more than 10 times before receiving the news of his acceptance this year, with tears of joy. He confirmed that he immediately began preparing his belongings and bidding farewell to his family in anticipation of fulfilling a long-awaited dream.

As for educator Widad Khalil, she affirmed to Al Jazeera.net that she spent many years praying to Allah to grant her the opportunity to visit His Sacred House, expressing her immense happiness at joining the first batch of pilgrims this year after completing all the necessary health and administrative procedures for travel.

In a scene where tears of joy mixed with prayers, Um Saleh Jaditawi (70 years old) told Al Jazeera.net that the news of her being accepted for Hajj was the best moment of her life, stressing that her joy for this journey surpassed all previous occasions she had experienced.

In a heartfelt human story, young Mohammad Al-Saraireh from Karak Governorate in southern Jordan told Al Jazeera.net that he thanks Allah for accompanying his father, who is disabled, during the Hajj journey this year, considering that the reward for this trip would be doubled due to the profound meanings of honoring and serving one's parents.

Al-Saraireh explained that he made it a priority to complete all the required paperwork and procedures as quickly as possible, alongside preparing the luggage and settling the necessary costs early, to avoid any emergencies that might hinder his travel with his father.

He stated that "honoring and obeying parents is one of the noblest tasks a person can perform," adding that he is ready to carry his father on his shoulders if necessary to enable him to perform the rites of Hajj and complete his spiritual journey.

A Comprehensive Plan

Alongside the departure of the caravans, the Ministry of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs and Holy Places confirmed that all arrangements for this year's Hajj season have been completed, as part of a comprehensive plan aiming to provide the best services for pilgrims from the moment they leave the kingdom until their safe return.

Jordan's Minister of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs and Holy Places, Mohammad Al-Khalayleh, stated during the farewell ceremony in the "City of Pilgrims" that the number of Jordanian pilgrims this year is approximately 13,000, including 8,000 pilgrims from inside the kingdom and 4,500 from Palestinians in the interior (Palestinians of 48), in addition to administrators and companions. He pointed out that the ministry has prepared a comprehensive program that takes into account all organizational and service aspects for the pilgrims.

Al-Khalayleh clarified that the ministry has fully coordinated with the Saudi side to ensure smooth flow and reduce congestion at the borders, in addition to providing reserve buses, medical services, guidance booklets, and direct communication groups with pilgrims through smartphone applications.

He indicated that pilgrims will stay in Madinah for three days before heading to Mecca, as part of a plan aimed at achieving comfort and organization, emphasizing that Jordanian tents in Mina and Arafat will be located this year in advanced sites close to the area of throwing stones.

Not an Insignificant Cost

He pointed out that the ministry has provided additional services this season, including "open buffets" supervised by Jordanian chefs, along with continuous health monitoring for the pilgrims. He confirmed that the cost of Hajj starts from 3,140 dinars (approximately 4,428 dollars), which includes housing, food, transport, and sacrifices.

Several pilgrims confirmed to Al Jazeera.net that the cost of Hajj is not simple for Jordanian citizens, especially in light of economic conditions and rising living costs. However, they noted that they have saved this amount over many years as part of their "life savings" to answer the call of Hajj and fulfill the dream of visiting the Sacred House of Allah.

They stated that the difficulty of gathering the funds fades in front of the sense of tranquility and joy that accompanies the preparations for this spiritual journey, considering that Hajj is a wish worthy of patience, effort, and years of saving.

The Ministry of Awqaf emphasized the necessity of not dealing with any unlicensed entities to organize Hajj trips, warning of the dangers of performing Hajj without an official permit, amid the regulatory measures in place this year.

Source: Al Jazeera