Lost my temper briefly in the Haram and feeling uneasy
As-salamu alaykum. I had just finished Jumu‘ah at the Haram and was wrapping up my Umrah. I even waved goodbye to the Kaaba and was feeling really uplifted. Leaving the mosque the crowds were intense - packed and pushing from every direction. I was being jostled like everyone else, and normally I let it go because it comes with the situation. But the woman next to me seemed annoyed by the movement and deliberately shoved me with her hand. In a flash, out of anger and instinct, I shoved her back. What upset me most wasn’t the usual crowding - I’ve been pushed around carelessly many times - but that hers felt intentional. I regretted it immediately. She then acted like the injured party in front of her group - she looked to be in her early to mid‑60s - and they gathered around asking why I had pushed her. She recoiled as if I’d attacked her, while my shoulder still stung from her shove. I tried to stay calm and explain myself. A kind Turkish sister came up behind me, took my hand, gently patted my back and helped soothe me. I asked if she’d seen it; she said yes, reminded me to have sabr, and kept holding my hand and rubbing little circles on my back until we got out. Then she quietly left. Her kindness meant a lot. I’ve been working on controlling my temper, so I felt really disappointed in myself for reacting, especially in such a sacred place. I’m still thinking about it and feeling unsettled. Sharing this because the crowds at the Haram can really test people’s patience. Has anyone else had moments like this during Umrah or Hajj, and how did you come to terms with it afterward?