When It Comes To Haj, No One Can Jump The Queue - Ezad Lazim

From Amirul Mohd Sajadi

MAKKAH, May 17 (Bernama) -- While many view celebrity life as one of constant luxury and ease, well-known singer Ezad Lazim revealed that the opportunity to perform the haj pilgrimage is not something that can be bought with fame or popularity.

Instead, the lead vocalist of Exists said he and his wife, Zeana Ramli, endured a long wait - like millions of other Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) depositors - before finally being selected to perform the fifth pillar of Islam.

“Many think that when you are an artist, you have money and recognition, so everything becomes easy. But when it comes to haj, no one can cut the queue or buy Allah’s call.

“We waited a long time. Alhamdulillah, this year my wife received the offer first, while I submitted an appeal as her mahram before we were eventually both selected. The feeling is truly beyond words,” he told reporters here recently.

Ezad, who is known for the song Usah Tinggal Daku Kekasih, said that his experience in the Holy Land opened his eyes to the reality of life and the position of human beings in the eyes of Allah.

He said that when donning the ihram and witnessing millions of people gathered with the same purpose, he truly understood that fame carries no meaning.

“Here, no one recognises us as artistes. It is just us with our sins, our prayers and our hope for forgiveness,” he said in a choked voice.

According to him, the most touching moments were each time he stepped into Masjidil Haram and stood before the Kaaba.

“There were times I couldn’t speak. The tears came on their own. When you look at the Kaaba, you are reminded of who you truly are… everything we chase in this world suddenly feels so insignificant,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zeana said the journey to become dhuyufurrahman (guests of Allah) was not easy, as she registered for haj in 2009 after returning from her first umrah a year earlier.

“For 17 years, I saved and prepared myself mentally, emotionally and financially. I had set my sights on this year as my year,” she said.

Throughout the waiting period, Zeana said she consistently woke up as early as 4 am or 5 am to perform Solat Taubat (prayers of repentance), Solat Hajat (prayers of needs) and Solat Tahajud (night prayer) with one firm intention - to be invited as a guest of Allah.

“When the call finally came, I felt as though Allah had answered the prayers I had held onto for years. That was when I understood that haj is not about being able - it is about being called,” she said.

-- BERNAMA