U.S. Muslims Embrace Hajj Amid Regional Tensions
Faisal Rashid and his wife awoke early one morning to secure spots for this year’s Hajj before available packages sold out. From their home in Pasadena, California, Rashid navigated the digital booking platform with anticipation. When they learned of their successful booking, emotions ran high. Rashid, 35, recalls the emotional moment as his wife prayed while tears streamed down her face. “It was a joyful experience,” he shared.
Despite the eruption of war in Iran and the subsequent strains, the couple remains determined to complete their pilgrimage. They join many U.S. Muslims heading to Saudi Arabia amidst regional tensions. This year’s Hajj, set to begin on Monday, is a monumental Islamic event, uniting Muslims in religious rituals. For many, the journey is a rare spiritual experience, offering a chance for renewal and a fresh start.
A Journey of Faith
For Muslims like Rashid, the journey requires patience and perseverance, with some spending years saving money and awaiting a permit. Rashid, a doctoral candidate and reserve officer with the LAPD, understands the rarity of this opportunity. “If God invites you, then you can go,” he said.
Amid concerns over the Iran conflict, Rashid has stayed focused on his spirituality. He emphasized that Islam teaches letting go of uncontrollable events. “You do your best, but ultimately, God is the best of planners,” he explained.
Travel Concerns Amid Tensions
The political climate has heightened travel concerns for this year’s pilgrims. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted slight progress in peace talks, while President Trump discussed suspending military actions during negotiations. The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh previously advised reconsidering travel due to security risks.
Ahmed Sufyan, a Michigan surgeon, expressed worries about flight disruptions returning from Hajj. His travel includes stops in countries involved in the conflict. Yet, faith remains his guiding force. “It’s faith that drives us,” he affirmed.
Hajj stands apart from personal vacations, adding weight to the spiritual commitment. “Hajj transcends politics and conflict,” Sufyan stated, hopeful for personal growth.
The Unity of Hajj
Hajj gathers Muslims of diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity. In India, where many Muslims reside, pilgrimage planning continues, albeit with increased travel costs due to fuel prices.
Noor-e-ain Shahid, a Texas neurologist, faced challenges arranging child care due to travel unpredictability. Her initial plan for family care in Dubai was altered by regional tensions. Instead, her in-laws will stay with the children in the U.S. Shahid remains unphased, trusting her journey’s outcome to divine will. “If Allah has decided my end is this,” she said, accepting her fate.
Emotional preparations include gratitude. “It’s like a rebirth,” Shahid reflected. Participating in Hajj is an opportunity for renewal.
In California, Rashid and his wife prepare physically by exercising. New shoes are a necessity, requiring time for adapting. They have also embraced spiritual preparations and garnered prayer requests from others.
“Entering Hajj with a clean heart is important,” Rashid noted. “You want to avoid anxiety over worldly matters.”
Associated Press writer Sheikh Saaliq in New Delhi, India, contributed to this report.
Associated Press religion coverage receives support through collaboration with The Conversation US, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.