AhlulBayt News Agency: Hajj is often described as the journey of a lifetime, and for many Saudis, it becomes even more meaningful when shared with their parents.
Young pilgrims accompany their mothers and fathers to Hajj as a way to strengthen family bonds and deepen their spiritual responsibility, especially among first-time pilgrims. This experience fosters resilience, reflection, and shared rituals that create lasting intergenerational connections.
For 22-year-old Ethar Abdulrahman, the idea of going to Hajj alone felt overwhelming. She expressed her gratitude for having her mother by her side, saying, “You need someone to guide you — and who better than your mother?” She found comfort and strength in her mother’s presence, making the pilgrimage not only a religious journey but an emotional and personal one as well.
As she accompanied her mother, Abdulrahman’s role quickly shifted from daughter to caregiver, ensuring she packed thoughtfully, walked attentively, and remained emotionally present throughout every stage of the pilgrimage. She recalled preparing medications and creams in case her mother needed them and cherished the stories her mother shared about how Hajj was decades ago.
Spending days and nights side by side, praying, walking, and resting, profoundly impacted their relationship. Abdulrahman reflected, “It brought me much closer to my mother. I realized how wise and spiritually grounded she is.”
Similarly, for 24-year-old Rania Al-Mutairi, the decision to accompany her mother held deep intentions. She emphasized that her journey was not just about performing rituals but also about caring for someone she deeply loved, holding her mother’s hand in Tawaf and supporting her through the heat and crowds.
She described the experience as a spiritual and emotional balance between self-reflection and service. “Hajj makes you grow into both roles — servant and seeker,” she said.
Hamad Al-Qahtani, 26, accompanied his elderly father and said that the experience reshaped his understanding of patience. Initially anxious about logistics, he realized that slowing down allowed for deeper reflection and presence, making the pilgrimage a spiritual recalibration.
Storytelling plays a central role in these journeys, with older pilgrims sharing memories of their first Hajj under vastly different conditions. Abdulrahman recalled her mother marveling at the advancements made by Saudi authorities, comparing today’s facilitated pilgrimage with the hardships of previous decades.
While many young pilgrims focus on their own internal transformation, those accompanying parents often find their biggest spiritual growth comes from the act of service. Serving a parent during Hajj is seen as an act of worship that aligns with Islamic values of honoring one’s mother and father, especially in moments of need and vulnerability.
Al-Mutairi reflected, “I think I learned more from serving my mother than I did from any book. Observing her patience and faith taught me what true submission looks like.”
Young Saudis see profound symbolism in guiding their parents through rituals that previous generations once performed for them. The experience becomes a spiritual cycle where care is returned and support is given back, reinforcing faith across time and generations.
While every pilgrim walks their own path, those who share the journey with a parent carry more than just ihram and water bottles. They carry legacy, love, and a living reminder that faith is not only inherited but also nurtured.
/129
Your Comment