Huda Zaqqout, who lives in the Gaza Strip, is finally getting to go on Hajj at the age of 64.This year’s Hajj is a landmark: the first full pilgrimage after an almost unprecedented period of three years when the COVID-19 pandemic brought one of Islam’s holiest and most beloved rites to a virtual halt.For Zaqqout It’s been hard - raising 10 children on her own and living in the Gaza Strip, blockaded on all sides and torn by multiple wars.But Zaqqout says her life feels like a miracle because she is surrounded by her family, including 30 grandchildren.She had registered to go on Hajj before but her name was never picked.This year she decided to sign up for Umrah, the so-called “lesser pilgrimage” to Mecca that Muslims can do at any time of the year.After her return from Umrah, there was an annual draw to pick names for Hajj on the radio and Zaqqout's name was announced.It just so happens to be the first year women can participate without a “mahram,” or a male relative to escort them.It’s perfect timing for Zaqqout, as her sons cannot afford to accompany her.Instead, she will travel with a group of women, all over 60.For Gazans, the trip is particularly hard.Gaza has been blockaded by Israel and Egypt since 2007, when the militant group Hamas took power in the tiny Mediterranean coastal territory.Though pilgrims are allowed to travel, it is a bureaucratic nightmare.Then there is the arduous bus ride to Cairo Airport, at least 15 hours and sometimes even twice that because of long queues at the border and at multiple Egyptian checkpoints in the Sinai.But that hasn’t dampened Zaqqout’s joy.People around her neighborhood have been congratulating her and wishing her well.She’s been excitedly preparing by watching YouTube videos to learn the Hajj rituals.She's also been going to a physiotherapist, knowing she’ll be doing a lot of standing and walking.Zaqqout said Hajj is the last thing left on her life’s to-do list.On Mount Arafat, the climactic moment of Hajj, she said she will pray for peace and love between people.She’ll pray for God to free Jerusalem and Palestinian prisoners and she'll pray for her family.Meanwhile, in Lebanon, Abbas Bazzi is now preparing for his fourth Hajj.Bazzi doesn’t fit most people’s image of a religiously observant Muslim.Among other things, he teaches conscious breathing classes, practices reiki healing and does yoga.People found the blend between those practices and Islam strange, but he saw them as complementary.Born in a Shiite Muslim community in south Lebanon, his parents were secularists who never went to mosque or practiced religious rituals.He studied all the major world religions, but he remained most convinced by Islam, which he considered “the most complete” system.In Mecca, he said he saw unity, love and peace.