AhlulBayt News Agency: Hamed Uqbaldat, a 103-year-old pilgrim from Eritrea, has fulfilled his lifelong dream of performing Hajj despite physical challenges.
Standing among 1.6 million pilgrims on Mount Arafat, Hamed participated in the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina, demonstrating that faith transcends age.
His journey, marked by hardship and devotion, showcases the power of determination in completing Islam’s sacred pilgrimage.
Born an orphan, Hamed never met his father, who passed away months before his birth. For a century, he worked as a cattle herder and trader in Eritrea’s Anseba region, always dreaming of undertaking Hajj.
Despite his advanced age, he refused to let physical limitations prevent him from fulfilling his dream.
“After 100 years, I was finally blessed with the opportunity to perform Hajj,” Hamed told Al Sharq Al Awsat.
“Yes, I suffer from pain in my legs and eyes… but when I washed my face with Zamzam water, everything disappeared. I swear to God, I no longer feel any pain.”
His experience highlights a key principle of the pilgrimage: Ikhlas (pure intention) helps overcome obstacles.
Hamed’s journey to Mecca took decades. Having lived through Eritrea’s colonial and post-independence struggles, he remained steadfast in his faith. His story resonates with pilgrims who save for years to afford the journey.
Despite the physical demands of Hajj—including long walks, crowded spaces, and intense heat—Hamed completed the rites with resilience. His participation in the symbolic stoning ritual (Rami al-Jamarat) and prayers on Mount Arafat reflected his deep spiritual commitment.
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