Lessons from the holy journey

Durefishan Saleem describes Hajj as 'a story of sabr, shukar and tawakul'

KARACHI:

For actor Durefishan Saleem, Hajj was far more than a religious obligation; rather, it became a deeply personal journey of patience, gratitude, and faith, leaving her with lessons that she says will stay with her long after returning home.

Sharing her reflections on Instagram after completing the pilgrimage, the actor described the experience as "a story of sabr, shukar and insane tawakul", capturing the emotions that defined her days in the holy cities.

Durefishan performed Hajj alongside her parents, a blessing she said made the journey even more meaningful. While she fell ill on the first day of Rami, she found strength in her mother and father, who, she noted, had more energy than she did throughout the demanding rituals.

Beyond the physical challenges, the actor spoke warmly about the friendships she formed with fellow female pilgrims. Recalling the shared experiences of worship and companionship, she wrote, "We prayed, cried, laughed and ate every camp food."

Those moments, she said, were enriched by hearing inspiring stories of piety and learning about faith through everyday practice rather than words alone. The spiritual impact of Hajj, however, extended far deeper than the memories she created.

Reflecting on the transformation she experienced, she admitted that she could not yet fully express everything she was taking away from the pilgrimage. What she knew with certainty, she said, was what she was leaving behind.

"Don't know what I am taking with me because there is so much that I can't put in words for now, but I know what I am leaving behind - the weight of things and emotions I had carried for a while," she wrote.

According to the actor, Hajj taught her the value of detachment and complete surrender to Allah's will. "Detachment from every emotion and surrender is what Hajj taught me," she reflected, adding that it is a lesson she intends to remind herself of repeatedly in the future.

Saleem said her body was aching, but her heart felt "fuller than ever". She concluded her message by extending Hajj greetings and prayers, hoping that every Muslim is granted the opportunity to fulfil the sacred obligation and experience a transformation that reaches far beyond the outward journey.