The two brothers, Youssef and Taj Al-Sir Al-Arifi, endured years of hardship. Their obstacle was neither illness nor lack of time, but a devastating war that changed the lives of both the country and its people. Among the convoys of Sudanese pilgrims, the travel bags carried not only ordinary belongings, but also immense pain from loss, memories of displacement, and precious hopes that Sudan would regain its peace and security.
Pilgrim Youssef Abdullah Al-Arifi could not hold back his tears as he recalled memories stretching over three years. The joyful plan had been for him to perform Hajj alongside his parents, but the bullets of war in Khartoum shattered those plans. Fate did not give them much time, as both of his parents passed away during the years of conflict before they could accompany him on the journey of a lifetime.
Youssef said in a sorrowful voice, “I intended to perform Hajj with my parents, but the circumstances of war prevented us, and afterward they passed away… praise be to God in all circumstances.”
The years then carried Youssef into displacement in Bahrain, where his son lives. From there, he tried to spiritually make his way toward Mecca, but without success. Still, hope never faded. He returned to his homeland and applied again this year, finally receiving acceptance and preparing for his first journey to the Holy House of God, carrying with him the memory of his parents and endless prayers for them and for his country.
On the other hand, the journey of his brother, pilgrim Taj Al-Sir Al-Arifi, became a living example of “beautiful patience.” In 2023, Taj Al-Sir was on the verge of fulfilling his dream after his application had been accepted, but the outbreak of war before the completion of the procedures redirected him from Mecca to a difficult journey of displacement with his family to River Nile State.
Throughout the years of displacement and hardship, Taj Al-Sir’s heart remained attached to the Kaaba. After returning to Khartoum, hope was renewed, and he submitted his application once again. This year, he finally breathed a sigh of relief after both his application and his brother Youssef’s were accepted together.
