Tohir Solomons

Hajj has begun in Cape Town

Posted on the May 6th, 2005 under Uncategorized by Tohir

Last night we had a family dhikr, followed by an announcement many had some feeling of anticipation about, yet came as a surprise. My uncle Fareed and (fav) aunt Wasiela have made their intention to perform Hajj this year, Insha-Allah.

It is difficult to fully capture the moment into words. And ironically, prior to that, everyone was sporting their camera phones. But perhaps, the moment was too good to capture. Everyone, including the camera phone people were in awe. And in the end, a video wouldn’t have done justice to the Nur (spiritual light) that permeated the lounge.

Hajj in Cape Town is unique, and by Hajj I mean the theme and culture, not the practise which can, of course, only be performed in Makkah al-Mukarramah.

It must have been an intimate moment with their Creator when they took the decision together. Following that they inform the family. In Cape tradition, there’ll be a visit to the graves of the Saints who brought Islam to the Cape, and preserved it through the period of slavery.

The custom in Cape Town is to greet family and friends personally, request their forgiveness for any wrong that may have been committed, and request duah (prayers) for their well-being on this sacred journey. Not to forget, a kaartjie (invitation card) must be sent to the Muslim radio stations so that they can also announce it on-air for people who know them, but may have moved, or haven’t been in touch for years, school mates, etc.

In the weeks preceding their departure, family and friends come to the house to wish them well, share experiences on Hajj (and Sahuc and the agents… [hopefully not this year]). Distant family members see each other after time, so there’s catching up to do.

As for the family, they play a major part, unrequested, but true to the hospital nature of Muslims in Cape Town. Thinking ahead, there has to be a decision on who is going to look after the house (and kids), who is available and when to drive the couple around as they greet people. And of course, ladies start taking out their baking/cooking books to offer whatever they can. And youngsters – what techniques can they use to justifying getting that delicious cake… (only joking, and please, no references to my stomach!)

Hajj lasts for a few days, but in reality, takes a lifetime to prepare for. In Cape Town, with all its beautiful practices, Hajj has begun! Insha Allah, I hope to capture it in more details, including photos.

Lastly to Uncle Fareed and Aunty Wasiela – we are proud of you!! It resonates in me that Hajj is not about economics as people make it out to be. It is about will power. Allah has invited you. If you take small steps to Allah, Allah comes with bigger steps to you.