Hajj, A Sacred Journey Debriefed

A special debrief and enlightening discussion on Hajj 1440H hosted by Hajji Ustadth Sohaib El-Nahla, with visiting guest speakers Hajji Shaykh Ismail Yusuf and Hajji Rizwan Wadan.

This is an evening for those who have just returned from hajj 1440H to share their insights, lessons, experiences and personal stories about the immense spiritual journey of Hajj as well as tackling issues such as technology, sustainability, and safety for those intending to complete this sacred once in a lifetime journey. 

The evening will feature an educational and interactive guided discussion for people who want to go to Hajj with video footage to show the reality on the ground. Taking part in the pilgrimage at least once in one's lifetime is a major obligation for all able-bodied Muslims of financial means, and between two and three million people participate in the ritual every year.

After attending this event, people will have a good understanding of how to effectively perform Hajj and be informed of relevant rules and things to avoid during the pilgrimage. We will also have a discussion around various social and political issues related to Hajj.

You will also be given plenty of advice on intelligent ways in which you can prepare for your journey and make your hajj as hassle free as possible and avoid practical difficulties while maximising the spiritual benefits.

While the specific rituals carried out by Muslims today date back to the Prophet Muhammad's "farewell pilgrimage" in 632 AD, travelling to Mecca was a sacred annual rite for Arabian tribes centuries before the advent of Islam.

Bio 1 :

Shaikh Ismail Yusuf Imam of Hastings Mosque.

Originally from Tanzania Shaykh Ismail speaks his native Swahili as well as being fluent in Arabic and English. Shaykh Ismail has led groups to hajj for more than 10 years as a spiritual guide and has brilliant experience of the journey.

He lived in the blessed city of Madina to study Shariah for 5 years and graduated in 1993 with a BA in Shariah from Medinah Islamic Universty near our beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu Alaihi Wasallim) to learn before going on to obtain his Masters in Islamic Studies at London Muslim College in 2000 whilst being part-time Imam of Hastings Mosque before graduating in 2002 and taking on the role of full time Imam of Hastings Mosque.

Bio 2 : Rizwan Wadan

Rizwan Wadan who attended Hajj this year as a pilgrim and documentary film maker is a pioneer in the filming industry for his technical achievements in the field of camera stabilisation and for his dedication to tackle socio-political issues through film.

He helped to develop one of the most versatile and powerful systems available in the industry, leading to work on productions such as Star Wars, Disney’s Artemis Fowl, The Favourite, Luther amongst other big budget features, dramas and commercials.

He is also tackles socio-political issues through the visual medium and helps nurture new talent within the filming industry.

As a British Muslim filmmaker Rizwan is currently setting up initiatives (workshops, training, mentoring, film fund) to help creatives from BAME and Muslim backgrounds to gain the skills, on-set etiquettes and experience required to succeed in the industry.

Rizwan attended Hajj this year 1440H and documented his journey on camera.

Bio 3 :

Sohaib El-Nahla

Sohaib El-Nahla is a former martial arts UK National Athlete, National UK Coach and current instructor. Graduate in Economic and Social Policy. A teacher, community and youth leader, lecturer and speaker on topics such as practical spirituality in Islam, spiritual, physical and emotional wellbeing, masculinity in the modern world, martial arts, women's self defence, political analysis, literature and film. He has also been featured on TV, Radio and Magazines such as BBC Radio, TRT, BMTV,  Alchemiya, Combat Magazine and The Martial Arts Journal.