As our Trust’s Muslim chaplain, it gives me immense pleasure to welcome the Month of Hajj or (Dhul-Hijjah) which started on Sunday 11 July.  

Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca and a journey of lifetime for able-bodied Muslims to perform. However, due to Covid-19 restrictions, no foreign pilgrims or anyone from our staff were able to go to Mecca to perform Hajj this year. 

For those who will actually perform the Hajj it will be an intense and exhilarating experience of rituals; and for those of us who reside here it is a time for prayers, fasting, giving charity, cleansing spiritually and reflecting on the symbolic theme of Sacrifice. 

Monday 19 of July is the Day of Arafah and will be a very memorable time for the pilgrims, and for all of us Eid Al-Adha will take place over three days, 20 to 22 July. Eid prayers will take place in mosques with social distancing measures. 

I hope this month brings happiness, reflection, patience and gratitude. We will endeavour to celebrate the festival of Eid in a safe and happy way and I extend Eid greetings to all staff, patients and visitors in advance. 

Sadaf Solangi, Trust Muslim Chaplain 

Pictured above is Hajj 2020, with social distancing in place.