Shahieda Charles, 60, has been selling koeksisters and paaper for 11 years, hoping to raise enough money to go on Hajj, but she had a shortfall, and if it was not for a non-profit organisation, she says she would probably not have been able to go this year.
Rih La Tul Umr was founded by Najwa Mohamed-Luddy in 2019 to help women with financial challenges go on pilgrimage to Mecca. The name means journey of a lifetime, and Ms Mohamed-Luddy says she started it after having a spiritual encounter while on Hajj herself in 2018.
The organisation now has 64 volunteer members. They hold fund-raisers and work with businesses and the travel industry to assist with travel arrangements. During Covid, the members donated outfits, abayas, dresses and scarves to sell to raise money for the beneficiaries. Two years ago, they helped six women, last year 16 and this year 26 with women over 60 taking preference.
An event was held at the St Athans Road Mosque’s hall on Saturday May 11 to celebrate the 26 beneficiaries.
“The Hajj packages are expensive and in order to assist more ladies, Rih La Tul Umr only assists with shortfalls. There is also an obligation on the prospective hajji to make an effort from her side to undertake the journey of a lifetime,” Ms Mohamed-Luddy said.
For Ms Charles, of Bonteheuwel, being able to go on Hajj is a dream come true.
“I cry every day because I didn’t think it would be possible, and then I got accreditation. I have been working for 11 years towards this. I am grateful for the help I have received from the ladies of Rih La Tul Umr who made this journey possible.”
Rashieda Solomons, 65, of Beacon Valley, expressed similar sentiments, saying: “I am so grateful for their help and that they choose to consider us seniors first is a blessing.”
And Suhair Ismail, 39, of Goodwood, added: “It is such an important journey to undertake, and in our religion, we believe that the spiritual encounter there makes you come back like a new-born. You become a better person spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically. This initiative is really beautiful, and when I come back, I definitely want to be part of the organisation. The work that they do is beautiful.”
