In the hustle and bustle of daily life, the pilgrimage remains a journey of life, a journey of believers towards peace, purification, and monotheism. My experience this year was different, filled with timeless moments and profound meanings.

My journey began the moment I set foot on the soil of Medina, where the sun rose to start a new day of my life. The tranquility that engulfs the city and the serenity that fills hearts was the first thing I felt. I met people of all nationalities, ages, and cultures, all there for one purpose, to get closer to God and contemplate His greatness.

Then I headed to Mecca, where spirituality was everywhere. I can't describe my feelings when I saw the Kaaba, even though it wasn't the first time, the same feeling repeats each time, as if I am visiting it for the first time. I started Tawaf around the Kaaba, with each step, I felt peace engulfing me, and I prayed to God to accept from us and forgive us.

Then the journey of Hajj began with standing in Arafah, a day when a Muslim feels as if he is in the presence of God Almighty, calling upon Him and asking for His forgiveness. In this place, I realized that we are all equal before God, there is no difference between rich and poor, or between black and white. We are all servants of God, seeking His mercy and forgiveness.

After Arafah, we headed to Mina and gathered pebbles on the day of sacrifice. In the following days, I spent my time between Tawaf and Sai, and the Hajj experience was not just religious rituals, but an opportunity for contemplation, reflection, and getting closer to God. Each step carried lessons and messages, from humility and tolerance to dedication and sincerity.

Despite the fatigue and exhaustion, the spiritual atmosphere and inner peace I felt exceeded all descriptions. Meeting people from all over the world, sharing in prayer, supplication, and sincere dialogues was a rich and worldly experience.

Hajj is a process of personal transformation. It is an opportunity to renew our covenant with God and renew our commitment to Him. It is also an opportunity for us to return to our religious roots and reassess ourselves and our actions.

At the end of my journey, I was not the same person who started the journey. I had changed, evolved, and grown spiritually. The Hajj was a journey of self-discovery and deepening faith, a journey filled with many lessons and experiences.

In this fast-paced world, Hajj is a reminder that we are all connected to one, which is God. Hajj is a reminder that we, regardless of our differences and preoccupations, can be one in faith, hope, and love.

As I write these words, I go back in my mind to those days, remember the moments I lived, and reflect on the lessons I learned. The Hajj was a journey I will never forget, a journey filled with precious memories and deep spiritual experiences.

I remember every moment of Tawaf around the Kaaba, where I felt peace and tranquility in my heart, and the desire to get closer to God. And I remember every prayer that came from my heart while standing in Arafah, as if I was in the presence of God, asking for His mercy and forgiveness.

I remember life in Muzdalifah, where we spent the night under the vast sky, remembering God and contemplating His creation. And I remember throwing pebbles in Mina, which represents the throwing of the devil and is a testament to steadfastness and perseverance in the face of life's temptations and striving towards good.

All these moments and experiences gave me an opportunity to reflect on my life, values, and faith. They gave me a chance to see the world from a different perspective, from the perspective of faith and monotheism.

The Hajj is a journey of life, a journey of self-discovery. It is an opportunity for renewal, change, and spiritual growth. I am grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to what the coming days will bring in terms of experiences and lessons.

Most distinctively this year, the participation of my father and mother in the Hajj journey was an embodiment of the deep bond that connects us. I remembered, as I stood between them and joined them in circumambulation around the Kaaba, how they had helped me stand on my feet since my childhood, and how they guided me with their wisdom and endless support through my different life stages. Their presence with me in this sacred journey reflected the sacrifices they have made throughout their lives for me. It gave me the opportunity to express my gratitude to them and show my appreciation for what they have given me.

In Arafat, as I was raising my hands in supplication, I looked at my father and mother. Their eyes were closed and their faces were uplifted towards the sky, in a state of complete devotion to God. In that moment, I realized that they are not only my role models in worldly life but also my spiritual inspiration.

This deep spiritual journey with my father and mother was not only an experience that enhanced my connection with God but also contributed to deepening the bonds that connect us as a family. It gave us the opportunity to share sacred moments, learn from each other, and discover the depth of love and respect we hold for one another. In this way, the Hajj journey became a mirror reflecting the beautiful and deep relationship I have with my parents.

Finally, I pray to God to accept our good deeds and yours, and to make us among those who return from Hajj rewarded, sins forgiven, and faith renewed. May you all have a blessed year.