Mecca: US pilgrim David James shared his journey to Islam, recounting years spent seeking answers to profound questions about life, the universe, religion, and the relationship with Allah. He found no satisfactory answers in the environment he grew up in-until, by chance, he came across an English translation of the meanings of the Holy Quran.
According to Saudi Press Agency, David, who is deaf and now goes by the name Abdullah, conveyed through sign language that reading the Quran was unlike any other book he had encountered. It brought him a deep sense of peace he had never felt before, prompting him to read more and delve deeper until four years ago, when his search led him to embrace Islam.
Today, Pilgrim Abdullah is preparing to perform Hajj as part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation for 1446 AH, implemented and supervised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance. He is among a group of deaf and hard-of-hearing pilgrims who now find themselves in a historic moment before the Holy Kaaba, eagerly awaiting the performance of Hajj. He described his first steps toward the Sacred House as moments filled with happiness-overwhelmed by the sight of the Kaaba for the first time, the smiles of fellow pilgrims, and the surrounding atmosphere of heartfelt prayers that brought him peace and comfort.
Another US pilgrim, Abdulraouf Abdulrazzaq, was raised in an Islamic environment and married a Muslim woman who, like him, is deaf. For years, they watched Hajj coverage through media and social platforms, observing scenes of pilgrims circumambulating the Kaaba, standing on Mount Arafat, and performing the stoning ritual at Jamarat. Year after year, their longing to fulfill this pillar of Islam grew-until finally, their dream came true.
While the deaf couple shares this spiritual journey of Hajj, their nine-year-old son Imad continues his journey of memorizing the Holy Quran in the United States, having already memorized 15 chapters. His father hopes to one day bring him to perform Hajj and visit the Grand Mosque.
Meanwhile, pilgrim Rebecca Sylvie, moved to tears, expressed her emotions as she described her experience performing the fifth pillar of Islam. She said it is the most beautiful experience of her life-particularly because of the support and services provided. Specialists help her understand the rituals and obligations of Hajj in sign language, which connects her to the world around her.
Deaf pilgrims praised the services and facilitations provided to enable them to perform this great act of worship with ease and tranquility, stressing that they would return to their countries with hearts full of love for the Kingdom and its pioneering role in serving Islam and Muslims.