You return, but not as you were
A pilgrimage is a journey to a holy place, one that often leads to deep personal transformation. After such a journey, the pilgrim returns to daily life, but never quite the same. A pilgrim is, quite literally, someone who has come from far away, travelling with purpose towards a sacred destination. Traditionally, this involves a physical journey to a place of profound spiritual significance for those of a particular faith. For Muslims, it is a journey to Mecca to perform the fifth pillar of Islam, Haj.
Haj unites belief with action, thought with movement. It makes sense that this harmony is best achieved when the sacred is not only spiritual but has a material presence and specific location. When you embark on a pilgrimage, you feel an inner calling: 'There is something I need to find.' Often, that "something" is not a place, but a part of yourself.
During Haj, pilgrims may lose track of time or forget what day it is. Yet, in that timeless space, they begin to remember who they are, or more importantly, who they are becoming. Every step of a pilgrim is a question; every mile walked is a meditation. Pilgrims walk with intention, seeking not just the destination, but the meaning behind their journey.
There is a kind of alchemy on the road they walk. As they perform the rituals of pilgrimage, they live a different life, even if briefly. The longer they walk, the lighter they feel — not because their backpack grows lighter, but because their burdens begin to shift. Regret turns into reflection, pain becomes an offering, and doubt transforms into prayer.
Over time, the nature of pilgrimage has evolved, modes of transport have changed, and technology is now part of the experience. Today's pilgrim may carry a smartphone, documenting each moment, but the sincere spirit of the journey remains the same. Pilgrimage still breaks down barriers — social, cultural, and personal — and opens the heart to new perspectives.
At its core, pilgrimage is a test of patience and character. It can be spiritually, emotionally, and physically demanding. There are no five-star hotels, no luxury spas, and no guarantees of comfort. Yet, for many, it is the most rewarding experience of their lives.
A pilgrim uses a cold water fountain to cool down during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mina. — Reuters file photo
The sacredness of Haj offers an unparalleled opportunity to draw closer to Allah. Muslims around the world strive for the chance to perform it at least once in their lifetime, as it is a fundamental pillar of Islam. Haj is not only a religious obligation; it is a chance for spiritual renewal.
Muslims believe that Haj allows one to wipe the past sins and return home forgiven. The Prophet, Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said, "Whoever performs Haj and does not commit any obscenity, or transgression shall return free from sins as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him." He also said, "The reward of a Haj Mabroor is nothing but paradise." Accordingly, most pilgrims agree: you never return the same. It is not about reaching a sacred place or seeing a famous site; it is about what happens within you as you move through the journey with humility and openness. Many come back quieter, more grounded. Some make life-altering decisions; others simply carry a deeper sense of gratitude.
Even if you return to the same place, you are not the same person. You have been shaped by the road, blessed by the wind, and humbled by your own weakness. You bring home something invisible but powerful: a story, a truth, a moment of peace you didn't know you needed.
Pilgrimage is physically demanding, emotionally taxing, and spiritually intense. But these challenges deepen the experience. It is far more than a trip to a sacred destination, instead, it is a profound inner transformation. Haj offers Muslims not only the opportunity to fulfil a religious obligation, but also the gift of forgiveness, clarity and rebirth. The road may be difficult, but in that difficulty lies its meaning.
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Observer
7 days ago
- Observer
You return, but not as you were
A pilgrimage is a journey to a holy place, one that often leads to deep personal transformation. After such a journey, the pilgrim returns to daily life, but never quite the same. A pilgrim is, quite literally, someone who has come from far away, travelling with purpose towards a sacred destination. Traditionally, this involves a physical journey to a place of profound spiritual significance for those of a particular faith. For Muslims, it is a journey to Mecca to perform the fifth pillar of Islam, Haj. Haj unites belief with action, thought with movement. It makes sense that this harmony is best achieved when the sacred is not only spiritual but has a material presence and specific location. When you embark on a pilgrimage, you feel an inner calling: 'There is something I need to find.' Often, that "something" is not a place, but a part of yourself. During Haj, pilgrims may lose track of time or forget what day it is. Yet, in that timeless space, they begin to remember who they are, or more importantly, who they are becoming. Every step of a pilgrim is a question; every mile walked is a meditation. Pilgrims walk with intention, seeking not just the destination, but the meaning behind their journey. There is a kind of alchemy on the road they walk. As they perform the rituals of pilgrimage, they live a different life, even if briefly. The longer they walk, the lighter they feel — not because their backpack grows lighter, but because their burdens begin to shift. Regret turns into reflection, pain becomes an offering, and doubt transforms into prayer. Over time, the nature of pilgrimage has evolved, modes of transport have changed, and technology is now part of the experience. Today's pilgrim may carry a smartphone, documenting each moment, but the sincere spirit of the journey remains the same. Pilgrimage still breaks down barriers — social, cultural, and personal — and opens the heart to new perspectives. At its core, pilgrimage is a test of patience and character. It can be spiritually, emotionally, and physically demanding. There are no five-star hotels, no luxury spas, and no guarantees of comfort. Yet, for many, it is the most rewarding experience of their lives. A pilgrim uses a cold water fountain to cool down during the annual haj pilgrimage in Mina. — Reuters file photo The sacredness of Haj offers an unparalleled opportunity to draw closer to Allah. Muslims around the world strive for the chance to perform it at least once in their lifetime, as it is a fundamental pillar of Islam. Haj is not only a religious obligation; it is a chance for spiritual renewal. Muslims believe that Haj allows one to wipe the past sins and return home forgiven. The Prophet, Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said, "Whoever performs Haj and does not commit any obscenity, or transgression shall return free from sins as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him." He also said, "The reward of a Haj Mabroor is nothing but paradise." Accordingly, most pilgrims agree: you never return the same. It is not about reaching a sacred place or seeing a famous site; it is about what happens within you as you move through the journey with humility and openness. Many come back quieter, more grounded. Some make life-altering decisions; others simply carry a deeper sense of gratitude. Even if you return to the same place, you are not the same person. You have been shaped by the road, blessed by the wind, and humbled by your own weakness. You bring home something invisible but powerful: a story, a truth, a moment of peace you didn't know you needed. Pilgrimage is physically demanding, emotionally taxing, and spiritually intense. But these challenges deepen the experience. It is far more than a trip to a sacred destination, instead, it is a profound inner transformation. Haj offers Muslims not only the opportunity to fulfil a religious obligation, but also the gift of forgiveness, clarity and rebirth. The road may be difficult, but in that difficulty lies its meaning.
Observer
09-06-2025
- Observer
Omani pilgrims lauds flawless Haj
Pilgrims from Oman will return on Thursday after the successful completion of the final rituals of Haj 1446, according to the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs. Before leaving the holy land, the pilgrims would do another 'Tawaf ' around the Holy Kaaba and hold special prayers for the suffering Palestinians. Tawaf is the ritual of circumambulation of Mecca, in which the pilgrims offer prayers to the Almighty. Pilgrims will be able to complete it according to the dates of their return home. This year, Oman sent 14,000 pilgrims to the holy city comprising 13,530 Omanis and 470 expats. "Our pilgrims who used the ministry portal for the same, will return in batches from Thursday after the final rituals," said a spokesperson from the ministry. He further said that the beautiful moments of love and brotherhood that several millions of believers from different parts of the world spent in the holy land for six days, regardless of their nationality or language, are an example to the world. The pilgrims, led by Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashdi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, and Head of the Omani Haj Mission, reached well before the actual rituals so that they could carry out the step-by-step procedures of Haj 1446. Following successful departure of pilgrims, entry restrictions to Mecca will be lifted from Wednesday. Umrah permits for foreigners will be issued from June 14. However, those within Saudi Arabia will be allowed from the 11th. Oman Haj Mission lauded Saudi Arabia for the flawless implementation of Haj. The Omani pilgrims have lauded the Saudi authorities, the Ministry of Haj and Umrah and its partners for immaculate organising of the Haj and for excellent crowd management. According to statistics, over 1.4 million international pilgrims representing more than 130 countries arrived at the holy sites this week and were transported safely and efficiently via over 20,000 buses and the Mashair Train network. 'This is one of the largest coordinated people-movements on Earth. Pilgrims were able to fulfil their rites in peace and without crowding — on their own schedule," he said. Saudi Arabia's mastery of crowd management is the result of decades of experience hosting the world's largest recurring religious gathering. Every Haj season builds on the last, with extensive simulations, audits, and post-event analysis feeding into a dynamic system of continuous improvement. The Kingdom's ability to harmonise massive movement with minimal disruption is not only a logistical achievement — it's a spiritual service. 'Everything felt so calm and organised,' said Fatima Ahmed, a first-time pilgrim. 'I was nervous before arriving in Saudi, but the way we were guided made it feel like the journey was being carried out for us.' The Kingdom's Haj operation is now studied globally as a model for managing mass gatherings — religious or otherwise. With its seamless fusion of technology, infrastructure, cultural empathy, and governance, the Kingdom has shown the world how to manage crowds with care, precision, and purpose.
Times of Oman
09-06-2025
- Times of Oman
Omani pilgrims begin departing Makkah after completing Hajj Rituals
Muscat: Today, the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH, pilgrims began departing Makkah after completing the Hajj rituals in an atmosphere of security and tranquility, by the grace of God. They benefited from an integrated system of services provided by the relevant authorities, which enabled them to perform the fifth pillar of Islam with ease and peace of mind. Pilgrims who chose to hasten their departure left Makkah yesterday, the 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah, after performing the stoning of the three Jamarat (Small, Middle, and Large) on the second day of Tashreeq. They concluded their pilgrimage with the Farewell Tawaf — the final circumambulation of the Holy Kaaba. Around 14,000 pilgrims from the Sultanate of Oman performed the Hajj rituals smoothly and comfortably, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Omani Hajj Mission's specialized delegations. The mission worked to meet the pilgrims' needs and provided a range of services to help them complete the Hajj successfully. The Omani Hajj Mission will continue offering its services until all Omani Hajj campaigns have departed the Holy Land.
