“It really was a journey of a lifetime.”
So said one group of deaf Muslims who recently returned from a holy pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
More than 300 excited family members and friends waited for the group at Cape Town International Airport on Monday afternoon as the 58 deaf people from the Al-Wagaah Islamic Institute for the Deaf, along with their minders, arrived home.
It was the first time the deaf went on umrah, also known as the little hajj, and they were all overwhelmed when they finally set eyes on Islam’s holiest shrine, the Ka’abah, says Al-Waagah’s chairperson, Cassiem de Wet.
“It has been an emotional and memorable two weeks for the group, who are performing the spiritual journey for the first time,” De Wet said.
SPIRITUAL TRIP: The 58 people from the Al-Wagaah Islamic Institute for the Deaf. PHOTO: Supplied
The massive undertaking was made possible with the help of stakeholders and donors such as Deen Channel, the Muslim Judicial Council, Radio 786 and Khidmatul Awaan Pilgrim Services.
Donations totalling R1.7 million poured in, and the group along with 59 volunteer assistants departed Cape Town on 2 February.
De Wet said while the journey was a great blessing, they had many challenges, the worst of which was getting around as they had six people in wheelchairs.
“It was a very special trip and we are very happy that we were able to be part of such a blessing for our patrons,” he tells the Daily Voice.
“There were naturally logistical issues and others, but the good definitely outweighed the bad. We were given the opportunity to have access to many places on our own.”
WELCOME HOME! Travellers tired, but well after pilgrimage. PHOTO: Supplied
He says they were welcomed by a local NGO called The Makkah Lovers.
“All praise and thanks to Allah SWT who placed a soft spot in the hearts of the South African Ambassador, Shuaib Cassoo, and Princess Nouf Bint Migrin, Patron of the Deaf, to make this possible to this humble group.”
De Wet added everyone was tired but well, and are resting and looking forward to sharing stories of their trip.
Deen Channel CEO and TV host, Faizal Sayed, who joined the group to document their journey, said the deaf pilgrims from underprivileged communities are “extremely excited” to share their journey with viewers.
EMOTIONAL: Families were emotional at the airport, following the spiritual visit. PHOTO: Supplied.
“I hope this mission has brought their plight of sometimes living in the corners of this world to light. We thank you, South Africa, for supporting the deaf through this project,” said Sayed.