DR. KHALED M. BATARFI The man at the desk in the eyeglasses store was an Asian in his sixties. His smile was bright and hearty. After the usual welcoming words, he asked me if I was going for Haj this year. I told him, I could, but I was still hesitant. His eyes opened wide. “Why would you hesitate?” he wondered. “Is there anything wrong with you? You look in good shape to me, doctor.” “I am fine,” I reassured him, and went on to explain. “Even though my last pilgrimage was a decade ago, and I am eligible for a permit, I can see that millions come from countries thousands of miles away for their first, once-in-a-lifetime Haj, and they deserve the space more than I do. I have already performed Haj many times, and I could, Inshallah go again, when all these mega projects are completed in two years time, so why the rush? Why should I take up space and add to the crowd when I can give my place to a fellow Muslim? The man seemed unconvinced, so I continued with more passion: “You may say I am but one man and what difference would it make if I did not perform Haj? I would say that if everyone says the same, you will have a crowd. That is exactly the point about doing one's duty. Many feel that if they do their duty, others won't. Well, they should remember that Allah will ask them what they did, not what others have done. Examples are set by pioneers and leaders. If others are hesitant, then set a good example for them to follow.” The man just sat there, smiling at me, until I finished my enthusiastic speech. He then responded: “I have a different reason for not going to Haj. It is my heart. I don't feel good. It seems my cholesterol and blood sugar have finally got the better of me. You are a doctor, right? In what hospital? Can you check me out? If you can tell me I am able to walk long distances, carry heavy luggage and tolerate heat, crowds and other Haj conditions, as I used to, I would certainly go this year, Inshallah.”
I explained to him that I am a university professor, not a medical doctor, but I could not help noticing that the man was also overweight. Why would he want to perform another Haj with his obvious health problems? His answer amazed me: “Brother, I have lived in this country 22 years. I have performed Haj 20 times. If it wasn't for my age and health problems, I would never miss performing Haj for as long as I live!” “But you need a Haj permit, don't you?” I asked. He laughed and said: “I have never asked for one and have never had one, ever! I don't even go with Haj companies. They cost too much and provide too little. We, a group of friends, do it the way Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions did it. We walk all the way, we carry our own luggage, we live and sleep in the open. We, basically, do it the hard way!” I was amazed. It took me some time to absorb his logic before I responded: “I hate to correct you, brother, but your information is not accurate. The Prophet (pbuh) and his companions did not perform Haj every year, did not walk and carry their belongings on their backs, but rather rode on camels and horses. They lived in tents not in the open, and sought the easiest, not the hardest ways of performing Haj. Most importantly, they only performed Haj when they were ready and up to it physically and mentally. When the Prophet (pbuh) ordered them one year to return, they did. He gave them permission to go the next year and they followed his orders.” The man listened with respect, thought for a few minutes, then said: “Doctor, it is not so easy to ignore the call, and to hear Hajis cry 'Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik' while I sit in my pajamas watching them in front of my television, here in Jeddah, only 60 miles from where they stand on the Mountain of Mercy. My family and friends are thousands of miles away, and they cry because they are not able to be here to perform Haj. They can't believe I would not go if I could. Brother, I will be here for two more years and that may or may not be extended. That is the case all the time as there is no permanent residence in this country. So, who knows if come next year, I may be back home, and hence lose my chance to perform my last Haj.” He took a long breath, gave me another sweet smile, then said: “I understand all that you have said, my dear Saudi brother. My mind does, really! But, pardon me, sir, my heart does not!” Dear readers, what do you think of multiple Haj performance, especially under current conditions of crowding and organizational difficulties? Let's share our thoughts on this issue. – Dr. Khaled M. Batarfi can be reached at [email protected] and followed on Twitter: @kbatarfi
