Faith beyond sight: Blind Pakistani pilgrim's lifelong Hajj dream fulfilled

Among the millions of pilgrims in Mina, 63-year-old Pakistani Habibullah stands out. For him, this year's Hajj is not merely a pilgrimage but the culmination of a lifetime of unwavering patience and profound faith.

Born sighted, Habibullah lost his vision at 18. He then dedicated his life to teaching Islamic jurisprudence in Pakistan, memorising the entire Holy Quran in Braille.

Speaking to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), he tearfully recounted his lifelong dream of Hajj, praying daily to visit the Grand Mosque.

"This Hajj season, my dream came true," he shared. "It is true that I do not see the Holy Kaaba, but I feel it in my heart, as if it resides within me. Knowledge and education are light; true darkness is the absence of knowledge, not vision."

His profound inner light and unwavering faith define him. "I was a blind child," he reflected, "but today I am a successful man thanks to my knowledge, my faith, and Allah's choice to bring me here."

With a smile of certainty, he concluded, "The blind child I was decades ago has achieved great success today. I am happy and grateful to Allah." His story is a testament to profound faith and perseverance, fulfilling a four-and-a-half-decade dream of Hajj.