Benjamin-ef. Hodžić: It is a special challenge to be both a hajji and a guide for the first time

The chief imam from Prijedor, Benjamin-ef. Hodžić, is performing the Hajj for the first time this year, while also bearing the responsibility of guiding a group of 34 pilgrims from Sarajevo. As he points out, it is a unique experience filled with emotions, challenges, and a special spiritual experience.

Speaking about his first encounter with the Hajj, Hodžić said that arriving in Mecca is the fulfillment of a long-standing desire and a special honour from Allah.

– Praise be to Allah Almighty, who honoured me and my wife to come to the Hajj for the first time. Our elders used to say that there is no more beautiful invitation than when Allah invites a person to be His guest. I had thought about the Hajj before, and this year an opportunity arose to perform this Islamic duty, but also to be a guide for a group of pilgrims from Sarajevo – said Hodžić.

He emphasised that the role of a guide is demanding, especially when encountering the Hajj rituals in their full scope for the first time.

– There is always a certain uncertainty because you do not know how everything will look in practice. However, with Allah's help, all the rituals went smoothly, and the pilgrims are satisfied. A large number of our male and female pilgrims are coming to the Hajj for the first time and expect answers to many questions. Because of this, the guide must be constantly available and provide support at all times – he said.

He particularly highlighted the stay at Arafat, which represents the culmination of the Hajj journey.

– Arafat was the most demanding part of the Hajj, but also its most important moment. As is often said, Arafat is the Hajj. After that day, a person feels a special relief and gratitude for having fulfilled one of the greatest life wishes – emphasised Hodžić.

After the completion of the main Hajj rituals, the pilgrims are preparing to leave for Medina, where they will visit the Prophet's Mosque and convey the greetings they have brought from their families and friends.

– Mixed emotions are noticeable among all pilgrims. On one hand, they are happy to go to Medina and visit the Prophet's Mosque, and on the other, they feel sadness at parting with Mecca and bidding farewell to the Kaaba. These are moments that leave a deep mark on the heart of every believer – he pointed out.

He added that he hopes many pilgrims, after this journey, will again have the opportunity to visit the holy sites of Islam.

– Saying goodbye to the Kaaba is not easy. Nevertheless, we all carry the hope that Allah Almighty will invite us to be His guests again and enable us to experience these blessed moments once more – Hodžić conveyed.

Finally, he expressed satisfaction with the organisation of the Hajj and thanked everyone involved in caring for the Bosnian-Herzegovinian pilgrims, emphasising that quality organisation and support significantly facilitate the performance of Hajj rituals and the stay at the holy sites, MINA reports.