It is said that if one is not forgiven in Arafat, then where else will they be forgiven? That sentence alone is enough to bring tears to my eyes. Arafat means recognition—recognition of weaknesses, fears, and hopes long hidden.

Longing for Hajj is longing for that pure standing. For confessions spoken without intermediaries. For whispers heard by no one but God. There, a person realizes how deeply they need mercy—and how wide open the door of forgiveness truly is.