Kuala lumpur: 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.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ezad explained that many think being an artist makes life easier due to money and recognition. However, when it comes to haj, no one can bypass the queue or purchase 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 recently.

Ezad, known for the song "Usah Tinggal Daku Kekasih," shared how 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 noted that donning the ihram and witnessing millions gathered for the same purpose made him realize that fame is meaningless. "Here, no one recognizes us as artistes. It is just us with our sins, our prayers, and our hope for forgiveness," he added emotionally.

He described the most touching moments as those when 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 expressed.

Meanwhile, Zeana Ramli shared her own journey to becoming dhuyufurrahman (guests of Allah), which began with her registration for haj in 2009 after 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 stated.

Throughout the waiting period, Zeana 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 the firm intention of being 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 concluded.