The Hajj

"The spiritual journey that we shall embark upon over the coming days is something for which I have been preparing mentally, physically and practically. To perform the Hajj is to perform a pilgrimage of the body, mind and heart, and ultimately make a commitment to become a better person."

by Sadiq Khan

(December, 21, London, Sri Lanka Guardian) This month, I will be joining more than two million Muslims from around the world on the Hajj. The holy pilgrimage will make Dhul Hijjah and ‘Id ul-Adha particularly special for me and I am proud to be sharing it with the 25,000 other British Muslims making their way to Arafat.

The spiritual journey that we shall embark upon over the coming days is something for which I have been preparing mentally, physically and practically. To perform the Hajj is to perform a pilgrimage of the body, mind and heart, and ultimately make a commitment to become a better person. Alhamdullilah, I have been able to attend seminars and read guides which have helped me organise my trip and ensure I make the most of this experience and have a complete understanding of what the Hajj entails. However, I am relieved to know that there will be support for the British pilgrims once we arrive.

For the eighth year running, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is sending a British Hajj Delegation (BHD) to provide consular and medical support for the British Muslims on the Hajj. The team, which will be lead by my good friend Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn, will consist of three Foreign and Commonwealth Office officers, and seven doctors. This support is something which can be taken for granted, as British citizens should expect support from their government when they travel abroad, but Britain is the only non-Muslim country to support its Muslim community in this way!

The BHD, set up by this Government in 1999, is the only one of its kind and it has proved invaluable to many thousands of British Muslims who have previously made the Hajj. Last year, for example, almost 5,000 British Muslims needed the services of the BHD during the fifteen days of the Hajj. The Foreign Secretary, David Miliband MP, launched this year’s BHD last month at a special event at Westminster. He spoke about the diversity of our society and how holding a mirror up to Britain is like holding a mirror up to the world, particularly in relation to the Muslim communities of Britain. Our successes and challenges are said to represent the successes and challenges of Muslim communities around the world, which is why it is so significant that support is given to assist us in carrying out one of the five pillars of our religion.

The BHD demonstrates to me the value placed on the Muslim communities across Britain that are represented at the Hajj. However, I also view it as recognition that the strength of will, dedication and determination of the many British Muslims that take the trip, and the values which the Hajj celebrates, is a reflection of the characteristics and principles held and revered across Britain by people of all faiths and those who have none.

The Hajj is a demonstration of solidarity between Muslims, but also a celebration of a universal message - a commitment to peace, justice and the equal worth of all human beings. It is for this reason that I take very seriously the idea that a good pilgrim is one that shares their experiences with others, as this is a way to educate people about the true values of the Hajj and Islam.

I have the privilege of being able to attend religious celebrations of all denominations in my diverse constituency of Tooting. I have recently shared with constituents their joy as they celebrate ‘Id, Diwali, Chanukah and Christmas. They all share the values of peace, commitment and solidarity enshrined in the Hajj.

I’m sure many readers of The Muslim News will be performing the Hajj this year and I would like to wish you all the best for a peaceful trip. Please save a prayer for all those not able to make the special journey; those less fortunate than us whether they be in Darfur, Burma or Iraq. I would also like to wish ‘Id Mubarak to all readers of The Muslim News. I hope the New Year brings your family joy and prosperity.