Israel’s recent conflict in Gaza and the closure of the Rafah border have shattered the long-held dream of Mahmoud and Fatima Jarghoun to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
After 18 years of anticipation, the Palestinian couple had sold their precious jewellery to fund their pilgrimage to Mecca, a journey they had been eagerly awaiting. However, the ongoing blockade and restrictions have left them trapped in Gaza, unable to fulfill their spiritual aspiration.
Mahmoud Jarghoun, 67, expressed the profound sense of confinement and disappointment they are experiencing, likening their situation to living in a prison.
The closure of the Rafah border, which serves as the primary gateway out of Gaza, has further exacerbated their despair. The couple’s home in Khan Younis stands as a stark reminder of the devastation caused by the recent conflict, with rubble and debris scattered across the floor.
Mahmoud lamented the loss of their house and the financial burden of repairs, estimated at $20,000.
The inability to embark on the Hajj pilgrimage has added another layer of anguish to the already traumatic aftermath of the war. Mahmoud described the dual impact of losing their home and being unable to fulfill their religious obligation as a heavy blow.
The pain of war, destruction, and isolation from the outside world has left them grappling with a profound sense of loss and longing.
For Muslims, the Hajj pilgrimage holds immense spiritual significance, being one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a sacred duty for believers who have the means to undertake the journey at least once in their lifetime.
As the pilgrimage season approaches, Mahmoud and Fatima Jarghoun’s unfulfilled dream serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the enduring impact of geopolitical barriers on personal aspirations and religious obligations.
