Abdul-Wahab Jawando (Correspondent in Saudi Arabia, Marhaba 99.3 FM, Accra) Writes:
I am sure that almost all Ghanaian pilgrims and aspiring pilgrims were delighted to be part of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
Hajj is widely regarded as a divine calling. Although administrative lapses or personal negligence may sometimes prevent an individual from performing Hajj, many believers see the opportunity as an invitation from Almighty Allah.
I must confess that we were in high spirits as we embarked on our journey. By the grace of Allah, we had a smooth and successful trip from Tamale/Accra to Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. From the airport, we were transported to our hotels in Madinah, where we spent about 24 hours before proceeding to Makkah.
The real excitement began at Zulhulaifa (Miqat), where we stopped to make our intention (niyyah) and put on our Ihram for Umrah, as we were performing Hajj Tamattu. The joy and enthusiasm on the faces of the pilgrims clearly reflected their readiness to embark on this sacred journey.
The excitement continued throughout the journey from Madinah to Makkah, with pilgrims constantly reciting the Talbiyah: “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik…….”
The happiness reached its peak when we left our hotels for the Holy Haram and caught our first glimpse of the Holy Kaaba. That unforgettable moment was followed by the performance of Tawaf and Sa’i between Safa and Marwah.
Insha Allah, I will share a more detailed account of my experiences in subsequent writings, including our movements to Mina, Arafah, Muzdalifah, Jamarat and our return to Mina.
Fast forward to the time for our departure back to Ghana.
Numerous announcements and reminders were made regarding luggage requirements and prohibited items. However, true to habit, some people took the instructions for granted, while others perhaps assumed they could find a way around the regulations.
There were no major issues with the two 23-kilogram checked bags allocated to each pilgrim, as these had been weighed and processed days earlier at the designated centres.
Then came the sad reality when it was time to board the flight with the 10-kilogram hand luggage allowance at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
Many pilgrims exceeded the permitted weight and even carried oversized bags. The airline refused to compromise on the agreed baggage regulations established with the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana.
What was even more surprising was the nature of some of the items that had to be removed or abandoned. Among the prohibited or excess items were dried meat, sugar, milk, Lipton tea, canned drinks, bottled water, and even dried cooked rice;food items that had been served daily during our stay and were apparently being preserved by some pilgrims for transportation back home.
Some individuals even wore as many as ten abayas at once in an attempt to “beat the system,” as the saying goes.
Suddenly, strong and able-bodied men and women became visibly distressed and dejected. They had reached a point of no return. Large quantities of newly purchased goods had to be left behind at the airport.
Many people cried openly and complained bitterly, describing the enforcement of the regulations as unfair treatment.
These were the same pilgrims who had arrived in Saudi Arabia full of joy, excitement and gratitude. Yet many of them, especially those on the first and second flights, departed feeling disappointed, frustrated, and saddened.
Now that this reality has dawned on some of our fellow Hujjaj, it is our hope and prayer that those yet to be airlifted back to Ghana will take the necessary precautions and comply with the baggage regulations. Otherwise, they may face the same unfortunate experience.
As the saying goes, a word to the wise is enough………….
