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It’s that time of year again: Hajj time - not to be confused with Hammertime or  Kajagoogoo.

In case you don’t know, the Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca every Muslim is expected to do at least once in one’s lifetime if they are physically and financially able. Think of it as the Islamic equivalent of the annual firemen’s carnival or church picnic just on a much grander scale!

Apathy; what else do I dare to feel? Moments before boarding the plane, many emotions fill my brain: sadness, anticipation, anxiety. Yet, the only one I really dare to feel is apathy. Yet, another flight taking me away from the land of my parents, my siblings, my best friends. What a plethora of feelings! Every time, it’s getting worse as I am getting older. 20 years, almost to the day. 20 years of immigration and self-exile from where I was born.

By now, everyone’s surely heard of the Pentecostal pastor in Gainesville, Florida who intends to burn some Korans in a big bonfire on September 11. We assume everyone reading this has heard that Reverend Terry Jones is organizing a Koranapalouza since news has even reached places in the world where running water and reliable electricity are still considered ‘upgrades’ in real estate ads. Just because you have a dirt floor does not mean you’re out of the loop apparently. Everyone knows about Reverend Terry Jones but if you don’t, ABC News did a profile of the guy who likes to spend quality time rolling around the floor while moaning, and you can watch more about him here.