NO doubt, there is something special about the Kingdom, that beckons 75-year-old Kaleem Ahmed Khan from London every year in Ramadan. Khan is a Pakistan-born Briton who has spent almost five decades of his life in London, and has been coming to Saudi Arabia consecutively for the past 18 years to perform Umrah in Ramadan and visit Madina. Khan's first trip to the Kingdom was for Haj in 1976. After his retirement at the age of 60 he started receiving a pension, which he spends for his annual journey. The rest of the year, he lives in isolation in Central London without his family. He said, “For a man who has no family, money carries no meaning. I feel it is better to gain Allah's favor through that money rather than to waste it on worldly desires.” Talking about what motivates him to travel to the Kingdom every year, Khan said, “It is nothing but a spiritual attachment. It is a call from deep down within my heart, which I can't deny. For me, it is my passion, my worship. Away from the bustling life of London, Makkah and Madina are entirely different worlds.” Khan said he feels happy that Allah grants him the chance to perform Umrah every year. He recalls that in his earlier trips he used to perform multiple Umrahs, which caused him sores and swelling on his feet. Lately, he mourns his declining health that has weakened his spirit. “Now I feel I am no more capable of performing many Umrahs like before. Age has not only weakened my health, it has also affected my spirit.” In spite of his limited resources, Khan expressed satisfaction that he spends his money in a divine act. “Being a Muslim, it is my staunch faith that Allah calls only those whom He wants to His Holy House, and Allah calls only those who have true piety and devotion for Him. Otherwise there are many multi-millionaires in this world who have never had the chance to come on this sacred pilgrimage, while an old and ordinary man like me who has no more than a handful of money and meager possessions make it every year.” Tears rolled down on his cheeks as he recited a verse from a famous Urdu nasheed: “Aatay hain wohi /jinhay sarkar bulatay hain.” (Only those people come here/who are answering a call) Since, Khan has spent a major part of his life alone, he feels rendering his services for charitable activities is a good way to satisfy his inner self. He added, “Being privileged to come here every year, I feel it is my responsibility to perform Umrah on behalf of my parents and siblings who were never able to experience his heavenly journey.” Khan said Allah has blessed him with material wealth and health, which he wants to use in a constructive way. “I not only spend my money for Umrah but also for charity. But I prefer to keep what I donate a secret between me and my God. I feel vindicated that at least I have been able to help suffering people in some way.” Since he has been visiting the Kingdom for nearly two decades, he has seen the holy cities developing before his own eyes. “I saw the time when there was no proper flooring in Holy mosque of Makkah and Madina and I have seen the time when the grand and majestic mosques are standing, showing the strength of Islam and telling the story of its glory. It feels great.” He praised the hospitality and the organized arrangements he has seen through these years. When travelling to Madina, Khan feels like he has reached the era of the Noble Prophet, peace be upon him. He feels a strong spiritual connection to that noble era and says the key to keeping that connection alive is to have strong faith. “Only people with a staunch faith can feel this blessing, not every one can feel it!” He concluded his conversation with the wish: “May Allah keeps the sacred land of the two Harams flourishing and prosperous, and grant every Muslim at least one chance in their lifetime to experience this sacred pilgrimage.” __
