Saturday, August 12, 2017

MECCA: Malaysian pilgrim Hasnah Shawal, 73, from Kuala Ketil, Kedah, has taken her blindness in her stride as she performs the haj alongside hundreds of thousands of fellow Muslims.

When met recently at Rehab Al-Janadriyah Hotel, Hasnah expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform haj this year.

“When we got the notification from Tabung Haji (TH) that I was chosen, we rushed to make the necessary preparations. I am so thankful to be here after waiting for so long,” she added.

Also present were her brother Mohd. Saad Shawal, 69, and his wife Manis Sidek, 69.

“I registered for haj a long time ago, and collected money little by little, including some family inheritance. And now that I’m here, I’m so happy. I don’t know what else to say accept to thank God,” Hasnah said.

Going to the Grand Mosque for worship is not difficult, she said, as there are many people ready to help, including her family, TH staff and other pilgrims.

Manis, meanwhile, said escorting her sister-in-law for haj is easy as she is not fussy and follows advice and instructions.

“When she (Hasnah) got selected (by TH for haj) it was only for her. After we appealed, we managed to come along as her escorts. Of course, it is a big responsibility and we accept it. Pray for us to do our best,” she added.

Manis said the first time they tried to perform Umrah, they were pushed by the huge crowd and decided to stop after the first circle around the Kaaba.

“Later that night we went back again and pushed my sister-in-law in a wheelchair on the ground floor and managed to complete it. Alhamdulillah,” she added.

Source: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2017/08/266455/blindness-not-hindrance-hasnah-upholding-fifth-pillar-islam