Making Hajj Dreams Come True - One Pilgrim At a Time

  When Sarah Long accepted Islam eight years ago, she knew little about Hajj ,the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. She would have never dreamed that she would one day help pay the way for Muslims to fulfill this sacred rite. She speaks to Amira Elghawaby about helping others uphold the fifth pillar of Islam, all while awaiting her turn to do the same.                       

From the leafy suburbs of her hometown of Virginia, USA, Sarah Long got the inspiration to send Muslims half a world away on a trip that would change their lives forever. She founded a non-profit organisation called 'Journey of Your Life' and raised enough money to send one couple for Hajj last year, all expenses paid, and is now aiming to send twelve more Muslims this year.

This means she and a team of volunteers are working to raise about $72, 000 online and through local fundraising events. In an interview with SISTERS, she reflects on her mission.

Q: So how did you come to be the founder of a project like this? 

A: The inspiration came to my husband and me last year during Ramadhan when we were leaving a halal restaurant in Virginia.  Once inside the car he started to praise Allah for all the many blessings in his life.  He actually opened the sunroof to the car to get a clearer view of the sky while giving thanks.  Smiling, I told him the best way to thank Allah is to do what He has asked of you by performing the fifth pillar of Islam, Hajj.  [This] eventually led to how we could help other Muslims, perform this once in a life time journey ... This is how "Journey of Your Life" came to be.

Q: How does it work? 

When we started 'Journey of Your Life' a year ago, we wanted to send Muslims in need. But then as we watched our project grow, we didn't want to exclude any Muslim so we decided that all Muslims are welcome, that all Muslims who feel they are ready for Hajj can register online. About thirty to forty-five days before Hajj, 'Journey of Your Life' will hold a public draw [to select] twelve Muslims.

Q: You mentioned that the organisation is non-profit - however, it must be difficult to devote the necessary time to it. Do you foresee it becoming a professional organisation with paid staff in the future? 
 
Insha Allah one day, but right now I do not work and have the time and dedication to devote to running this non-profit. My husband is a successful car dealer here on the East coast. He says Allah blesses him financially so that he may give back to others less fortunate. Whatever we fall short of raising, he has offered to cover the rest. However, I am very dedicated to raising the funds through hard work because it feels right and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Q: What sort of budget are you dealing with now? 
 
Since I have his backing, I am able to get all the necessary supplies needed (computer, materials, etc.) to run my non-profit. I do everything myself by running my own website, making all the flyers, logos, etc., to save money. I even have all my friends help out every Friday without pay because they love being a part of 'Journey of Your Life'. Being a part of this project gives everyone involved a sense of peace and happiness after we've raised money every week to help a fellow Muslim go to Hajj.

Q: What did you think about Hajj when you first heard about its importance in Islam? 

When I first heard about Hajj, I never in all my twenty-nine years thought that I would be a part of something so great.  I knew it was one of the five pillars, but not much else. I knew we were required to go, but never really thought much more about it.  Over the past year and a half, I've felt my life become redirected to what is really important ... and (feel strongly that) Muslims should not wait for the "perfect" moment to perform Hajj and (should) try to go as soon as possible because we never know when our life may end.

 Q: How do you feel about the prospect of going someday? 

I can't wait to go one day.  I can't get enough of the videos and pictures showing Hajj in full motion.  The beauty of it all typically brings me to tears. I can't wait for the day I know that it's my turn to go.