Looking back, I would love to go again, with my parents for Hajj and hopefully my siblings will have the same chances and opportunity, as I am to go there as well.
I even prayed for friends and others that I know who has either been good or bad to me to be given the same chance as well. Insyallah.. But before I go there, I have to learn Arabic. It has just move to my top language to learn. If it’s too hard, then maybe I’ll take Persian; at least I can converse with them or at least have the decency to understand what they were trying to say.
p/s: To ask where toilet is - Wenhammam?
Showing posts with label Umrah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Umrah. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Travelog Umrah : The Lesson Learnt
Many things that I can take away from this journey and experience. Some are more personal than others. These are the things that I can think of right now;
- Do not leave/ abandon your parents to stranger if you did not stay with them. If you are there with them, it’s the best time to serve them. A roommate who happens to be a stranger can help on certain stuffs, but the responsibility to get them to the mosque is up to you.
- Unity among group; obviously Malaysia is not as strong as other nation (Turkish and Iranian). From the moment they stepped into Masjidil Haram right to the moment they perform tahallul, they did it as a group. The group that I went with splits up even in the middle of tawaf. So again if you go with family (parents, wife, kids), stick to them. The experience is more precious if you are in it together.
- Both Masjidil Haram and Masjid Nabawi are places for ibadah, make full use of it, as we did not have the luxury to get there everyday. Shop if you must but don’t overspend and don’t spend time at the shop more than you did at the mosque.
- If you plan to recite Al-Quran inside Masjidil Haram, a flask of hot drinks would come handy, good for your throat.
- Get to mosque at least one hour earlier, to get a good seat (that is with Kaabah view). I found that many Iranians and Turkish always packing in this section. Not many Asian faces that I can locate.
- Patience, things happens for a reason, and take every incident (good or bad) as a test. What better place can you get a test if not the Holy land itself?
Travelog Umrah : The People
Being there, I appreciate the kind of person I am. The Asian (Malaysian, Singaporean, Brunei-an, and Indonesian) are the polite, well-mannered ones. Others are not so. However each race have their own pros and cons. I might gloat for Malay being well mannered and all, but as rude as the Arabs seems, I respect them.
Most all of the Arab men stick with their family. They take full responsibility of their family. You can see at almost every section, there will be a son pushing wheelchair and send his mom to a prayer spot, later picks her up again. A grandson diligently pushing his granddad or grandmother during tawaf. A brother constantly sending bottles of zam-zam water to his mom and sis while waiting for prayer. Where are the Malay guys? They either ditch their mom to some stranger like me or let their wife pray at the hotel room while they make their way to the mosque. Is that responsibility?
The Arabs also bring along their small kids to perform umrah. Its cute though seeing the 2-year-old running back and forth between Safa and Marwah in their ihram. I think they enjoyed saei the most.
During maghrib prayer one day, I shared my sejadah with an Iranian lady (apparent by how she dressed). While waiting for Isya’ I read Al-Quran, trying to catch up on my daily target. I was reciting very quietly, as I was embarrassed about my reading (tajwid,songs,pronounciation,etc,etc..).
She insisted that I read louder, while I was reading, she corrected a bit here and there. I finished the surah and she asked whether or not could I speak English. I was so glad that she does, as I have not found a single Arab soul yet that I can make a decent conversation with.
We got to know each other and chatted for a while, she did not have email but I gave her mine anyway. It’s good that I finally get to know someone. We promised to meet again tomorrow during Suboh at women prayer area that faces the door of Kaabah. But I failed to locate her; or rather she did not found me. It’s fated that we only met once there, which I’m still grateful for it.
One thing that I realize, the jemaah likes to give away alms. There are many people giving away foods, candies and dates to others inside the mosque. There was one time; I was reciting Al-Quran facing Kaabah, then suddenly comes the cleaning lady offering me a cup of hot tea. I showed that I already have my supply but she insisted that I take it. My throat was soothed with the hot drinks.
Seeing so many faces, I realised there is no way to tell whether or not you are a Muslim physically (I mean by the look). I bumped into this Arab couple and I thought I've seen the guy before, after few minutes I realised who he reminds me off, Justin Timberlake, seriously, I am not kidding...There are few types of Arabs and I can say that some of them did not look much different from some Caucasian, so the point is look doesn't matter. Its all about what your faith are that will unite you.
Most all of the Arab men stick with their family. They take full responsibility of their family. You can see at almost every section, there will be a son pushing wheelchair and send his mom to a prayer spot, later picks her up again. A grandson diligently pushing his granddad or grandmother during tawaf. A brother constantly sending bottles of zam-zam water to his mom and sis while waiting for prayer. Where are the Malay guys? They either ditch their mom to some stranger like me or let their wife pray at the hotel room while they make their way to the mosque. Is that responsibility?
The Arabs also bring along their small kids to perform umrah. Its cute though seeing the 2-year-old running back and forth between Safa and Marwah in their ihram. I think they enjoyed saei the most.
During maghrib prayer one day, I shared my sejadah with an Iranian lady (apparent by how she dressed). While waiting for Isya’ I read Al-Quran, trying to catch up on my daily target. I was reciting very quietly, as I was embarrassed about my reading (tajwid,songs,pronounciation,etc,etc..).
She insisted that I read louder, while I was reading, she corrected a bit here and there. I finished the surah and she asked whether or not could I speak English. I was so glad that she does, as I have not found a single Arab soul yet that I can make a decent conversation with.
We got to know each other and chatted for a while, she did not have email but I gave her mine anyway. It’s good that I finally get to know someone. We promised to meet again tomorrow during Suboh at women prayer area that faces the door of Kaabah. But I failed to locate her; or rather she did not found me. It’s fated that we only met once there, which I’m still grateful for it.
One thing that I realize, the jemaah likes to give away alms. There are many people giving away foods, candies and dates to others inside the mosque. There was one time; I was reciting Al-Quran facing Kaabah, then suddenly comes the cleaning lady offering me a cup of hot tea. I showed that I already have my supply but she insisted that I take it. My throat was soothed with the hot drinks.
Seeing so many faces, I realised there is no way to tell whether or not you are a Muslim physically (I mean by the look). I bumped into this Arab couple and I thought I've seen the guy before, after few minutes I realised who he reminds me off, Justin Timberlake, seriously, I am not kidding...There are few types of Arabs and I can say that some of them did not look much different from some Caucasian, so the point is look doesn't matter. Its all about what your faith are that will unite you.
Travelog Umrah : The Feeling
How can I describe? At first it was excitement that I finally made it!! But after second night in Madinah, it changed to something different…it started during the night that I went to Raudhah.
Before Isya’ I was battling with my own feeling of anger, and guilt for having to send the two MC back to hotel. Right after Isya’ I was rushing out to send them back and somehow it was fated that we stumbled upon another MC that is heading back, so I entrusted her to bring the two MC. I stayed and waited for turns to enter Raudhah with a group of other Malaysians. The moment it was opened, the Arabs rushed through. Malaysians stayed as the guard told us. Not long after that we were let in. they open bigger space for women. People where pushing from right, left and centre for a chance to pray in Raudhah area. In a split second I realized that I was stepping on the green carpet, it is Raudhah!! Somehow or rather in the midst of pushy crowd, a passage is cleared for me to perform solat sunat, and to top it all; I have quite an ample airtime for prayer in the area. I’ve got more than what I asked for, alhamdulillah….
When I was trying to exit the area, crowd pushed me to one side, and it was towards Prophet Muhammad’s tomb!! I can see what I thought was the door. At this time I though I have dried up my tears during prayer earlier, then it start to well up again. It was streaming down my cheek non-stop, I guess it was partly because of the blessed feeling of being there at that moment and partly influenced by others surrounding me at that time.
I prayed to be given the chance to come back, with my parents and for my siblings to be able to come as well. I walked out very slowly, appreciating each moment spent; I even managed to have a look on the green dome (original Masjid Nabawi). I felt humble and blessed at the same time. Not all people that came here are given chances to step into Raudhah, let alone pray,make request and doa’.
After reaching Mekah, I decided to fully make use of my time at Masjidil Haram, I do not want to waste anymore time, hence the decision made to cut ties with the two MC. I did not really abandon them, just that I let both of their mahram to take care of them. I did not step in and tried to concentrate on my ibadah.
I feel humble each time I faced Kaabah, its calming just looking at it and I would not be satisfied if I did not get a prayer spot that did not have Kaabah view. I was never satisfied with my time spent there. I could have done more. It was absolutely liberating not having to think about anything but what to do next in the mosque.
Before Isya’ I was battling with my own feeling of anger, and guilt for having to send the two MC back to hotel. Right after Isya’ I was rushing out to send them back and somehow it was fated that we stumbled upon another MC that is heading back, so I entrusted her to bring the two MC. I stayed and waited for turns to enter Raudhah with a group of other Malaysians. The moment it was opened, the Arabs rushed through. Malaysians stayed as the guard told us. Not long after that we were let in. they open bigger space for women. People where pushing from right, left and centre for a chance to pray in Raudhah area. In a split second I realized that I was stepping on the green carpet, it is Raudhah!! Somehow or rather in the midst of pushy crowd, a passage is cleared for me to perform solat sunat, and to top it all; I have quite an ample airtime for prayer in the area. I’ve got more than what I asked for, alhamdulillah….
When I was trying to exit the area, crowd pushed me to one side, and it was towards Prophet Muhammad’s tomb!! I can see what I thought was the door. At this time I though I have dried up my tears during prayer earlier, then it start to well up again. It was streaming down my cheek non-stop, I guess it was partly because of the blessed feeling of being there at that moment and partly influenced by others surrounding me at that time.
I prayed to be given the chance to come back, with my parents and for my siblings to be able to come as well. I walked out very slowly, appreciating each moment spent; I even managed to have a look on the green dome (original Masjid Nabawi). I felt humble and blessed at the same time. Not all people that came here are given chances to step into Raudhah, let alone pray,make request and doa’.
After reaching Mekah, I decided to fully make use of my time at Masjidil Haram, I do not want to waste anymore time, hence the decision made to cut ties with the two MC. I did not really abandon them, just that I let both of their mahram to take care of them. I did not step in and tried to concentrate on my ibadah.
I feel humble each time I faced Kaabah, its calming just looking at it and I would not be satisfied if I did not get a prayer spot that did not have Kaabah view. I was never satisfied with my time spent there. I could have done more. It was absolutely liberating not having to think about anything but what to do next in the mosque.
Travelog Umrah : The Places
- We went to 2 main places, first Madinah, then Mekah. I was asked which one I like better? Mekah or Madinah? Well, there is pro and cons for each places. Both are equally good, but I like both for different reason.
- I like Madinah for its calm city. Not much traffic near Masjid Nabawi and the city itself is better planned.
- I like Mekah for Masjidil Haram. Despite being the holy place, the area is chaotic and loud with heavy traffic after each prayer time.
- For the mosque, I like Masjidil Haram more. It’s a family mosque. No separate entrance for men and women. A guy can send his old mother right to the place she sits during prayer and later picks her back at the same spot. This way, the son can be fully responsible of the mothers well being.
- The rest of ziarah places are optional and good to appreciate Islamic history. There were also trips to Gua Hira' but I did not joined because I was too tired that day. However at each and every places that we stopped, sure enough there will be sort of mini bazaar going on.
pictures will come later :)
Travelog Umrah : The Ibadah
Nothing much to tell as all I hope was for it to accepted by Allah SWT. In Madinah I did all the compulsory one (5 prayers) and no additional ones.
This is partly due to my ignorance and partly due to me having to baby-sit the two MC. The day before we move to Mekah, it struck me, is this why I came here for, just sightseeing? Or is it more than that? And that night I fought hard with feelings on the desire to stayback and try to get into Raudah versus sending the two MC back to hotel and missed the opportunity.
Alhamdullillah, Allah is great. We met another hotel mate on the way out and she agreed to bring those two MC back to hotel.
While waiting to get to Raudhah, some of the people are finishing Al-Quran and it hits me, what have I done with my time here? I must do something.
So I start plotting my plan to finish Al-Quran during my remaining 6 days in Mekah.
I have to finish 100 pages a day = 20 pages during one prayer time.
I went early before each prayer and stayed back to finish my target of the day. In the beginning I was very slow, spent almost one hour for 10 pages, but later on, I managed to quicken my pace and completed 20 pages in 1 hour. I know that for sure my tajwid was a bit messed up, but I tried my best. There are occasions that other Arabic jemaah would try to correct my readings. May Allah bless them.
So by 24th I managed to khatam Al-Quran. I know my reading is not perfect, but I promised myself to work on that. After that only I managed to perform some solat sunat, I know I can do better. InsyaAllah there will be next time.
My favourite is tawaf sunat :) and of course looking at Kaabah..
This is partly due to my ignorance and partly due to me having to baby-sit the two MC. The day before we move to Mekah, it struck me, is this why I came here for, just sightseeing? Or is it more than that? And that night I fought hard with feelings on the desire to stayback and try to get into Raudah versus sending the two MC back to hotel and missed the opportunity.
Alhamdullillah, Allah is great. We met another hotel mate on the way out and she agreed to bring those two MC back to hotel.
While waiting to get to Raudhah, some of the people are finishing Al-Quran and it hits me, what have I done with my time here? I must do something.
So I start plotting my plan to finish Al-Quran during my remaining 6 days in Mekah.
I have to finish 100 pages a day = 20 pages during one prayer time.
I went early before each prayer and stayed back to finish my target of the day. In the beginning I was very slow, spent almost one hour for 10 pages, but later on, I managed to quicken my pace and completed 20 pages in 1 hour. I know that for sure my tajwid was a bit messed up, but I tried my best. There are occasions that other Arabic jemaah would try to correct my readings. May Allah bless them.
So by 24th I managed to khatam Al-Quran. I know my reading is not perfect, but I promised myself to work on that. After that only I managed to perform some solat sunat, I know I can do better. InsyaAllah there will be next time.
My favourite is tawaf sunat :) and of course looking at Kaabah..
Travelog Umrah : The Tests
Test 1:
I was tested even before I get there. First there were issues with travel agent. Of late, there were many scams on Umrah packages; my first booking with agent A was a bit dubious. They asked for RM500 more than said prices one month before the departure date. I was a bit reluctant and Alhamdulillah, managed to find another agent in short period of time that offers within my budget.
Test 2:
I was supposed to finish my menstrual cycle on the 15th june and by the time I touchdown Jeddah able to perform any ibadat that I desired. However on the 9th june, I did not have my period yet. Went to the clinic, and although it is not advisable to take any medication, I don’t want to take any risk. I wouldn’t want to miss my opportunity there. While on medication, I even prayed hard that I would be given chances to perform as much ibadah as possible in both Makkah and Madinah, and Alhamdulillah, I did.
Test 3:
If there is one thing that I like about long flight is the in-flight entertainment. Gulf Air has a good range of movies and it takes very strong will power not to succumb to the temptations…J
Test 4:
In both Mekah and Madinah I was placed in a room with two ‘makcik’ (MC). One of them comes with a husband and another with a son. We stayed in Madinah first and Masjid Nabawi has different entry for men and women. Due to this reason I took the responsibility of walking the two MC to the mosque and also picking them up for lunch although I have to race back and forth from the hotel to the mosque. I never really stayed back at the mosque, as they were not able to go back to the hotel on their own. At first I was glad that I helped them. Would imagine liking that my mother was treated likewise.
However, I sensed that this would go on even after we move to Mekah. Both of the husband and son totally let go off their responsibility to a total stranger, which is yours truly. I was a bit upset and angry, I know I shouldn’t be. Helping them is a form of ibadah as well. But how can I claimed my deed if I was feeling that I am dragged to help them? They were becoming a burden and I’m feeling reluctant every time I helped them. This has got to stop. I must make my feelings clear to them. On the first day in Mekah, I came clean, I asked them to arrange with respective husband and son on timing and how to go to the mosque.
It is not that far anyway, less than 300 m walk, its just that I feel that it is not fair dragging them to follow my odd timing as I planned to spend quite some time at Masjidil Haram, while they need to go back to hotel for dinner, snack break in between etc…So they agreed, they say they can managed on their own. I apologize for not being able to take care of them
(I actually can, but very reluctant as both were there with their mahram, I mean what is the responsibility of a mahram, if they could not even take care of the two MC?).
If I still do it, I fear that I will loose all of my pahala for not being honest. MasyaAllah…. it’s a daily conflict that I dealt with everyday in Mekah.
There were occasions that the MC did not go to the mosque because the husband did not pick her up….Subhanallah….
Test 5:
My patience was tested most of the time here. I'm the type that get on with what I am doing. So when we have to group for tahlil and Yaasin recital, I expected it to commence immediately at agreed timing. However, the ustaz here likes to gives muqadimah, nothing wrong with that, just that it was longer than the actual recital itself. I usually do not like this type of delay and it was really testing my patience. Hope I managed it well there and did not compromise my ibadah...
I was tested even before I get there. First there were issues with travel agent. Of late, there were many scams on Umrah packages; my first booking with agent A was a bit dubious. They asked for RM500 more than said prices one month before the departure date. I was a bit reluctant and Alhamdulillah, managed to find another agent in short period of time that offers within my budget.
Test 2:
I was supposed to finish my menstrual cycle on the 15th june and by the time I touchdown Jeddah able to perform any ibadat that I desired. However on the 9th june, I did not have my period yet. Went to the clinic, and although it is not advisable to take any medication, I don’t want to take any risk. I wouldn’t want to miss my opportunity there. While on medication, I even prayed hard that I would be given chances to perform as much ibadah as possible in both Makkah and Madinah, and Alhamdulillah, I did.
Test 3:
If there is one thing that I like about long flight is the in-flight entertainment. Gulf Air has a good range of movies and it takes very strong will power not to succumb to the temptations…J
Test 4:
In both Mekah and Madinah I was placed in a room with two ‘makcik’ (MC). One of them comes with a husband and another with a son. We stayed in Madinah first and Masjid Nabawi has different entry for men and women. Due to this reason I took the responsibility of walking the two MC to the mosque and also picking them up for lunch although I have to race back and forth from the hotel to the mosque. I never really stayed back at the mosque, as they were not able to go back to the hotel on their own. At first I was glad that I helped them. Would imagine liking that my mother was treated likewise.
However, I sensed that this would go on even after we move to Mekah. Both of the husband and son totally let go off their responsibility to a total stranger, which is yours truly. I was a bit upset and angry, I know I shouldn’t be. Helping them is a form of ibadah as well. But how can I claimed my deed if I was feeling that I am dragged to help them? They were becoming a burden and I’m feeling reluctant every time I helped them. This has got to stop. I must make my feelings clear to them. On the first day in Mekah, I came clean, I asked them to arrange with respective husband and son on timing and how to go to the mosque.
It is not that far anyway, less than 300 m walk, its just that I feel that it is not fair dragging them to follow my odd timing as I planned to spend quite some time at Masjidil Haram, while they need to go back to hotel for dinner, snack break in between etc…So they agreed, they say they can managed on their own. I apologize for not being able to take care of them
(I actually can, but very reluctant as both were there with their mahram, I mean what is the responsibility of a mahram, if they could not even take care of the two MC?).
If I still do it, I fear that I will loose all of my pahala for not being honest. MasyaAllah…. it’s a daily conflict that I dealt with everyday in Mekah.
There were occasions that the MC did not go to the mosque because the husband did not pick her up….Subhanallah….
Test 5:
My patience was tested most of the time here. I'm the type that get on with what I am doing. So when we have to group for tahlil and Yaasin recital, I expected it to commence immediately at agreed timing. However, the ustaz here likes to gives muqadimah, nothing wrong with that, just that it was longer than the actual recital itself. I usually do not like this type of delay and it was really testing my patience. Hope I managed it well there and did not compromise my ibadah...
Travelog Umrah : The Journey
Day 1: 15th June 2009
It started on 15th of June 2009. In order to fit in my budget, I took the package that includes transit flight. So we (group of 30 something people, which none that I know) flew to Bahrain on a 7-hour flight. After 2-hours of taxi, we depart to Jeddah. Journey took another 2 hours. Upon reaching Jeddah, massive queue at immigration check point. We were stranded for nearly 3 hours (I guess) before we can proceed to move to Madinah. We took bus and 6 hours later we reached Madinah, just in time to catch Suboh in Masjid Nabawi. My first solat there was performed outside the mosque, as we were running late.
Day 2: 16th June 2009
After Suboh and breakfast, were asked to assemble again at 7 am to officially being introduced to Masjid Nabawi. The guys had the liberty to be accompanied by mutawwif inside the mosque, while we the ladies, found our own way. One of the mustajab places in Masjid Nabawi is Raudhah. Entrance for women is restricted to certain area and certain timing. We were grouped according to countries and waited for turns to enter Raudhah. The guards were responsible to keep things in order. For those coming from Asean, the method that they used to group us is by holding a sign. What does it says? ‘Penerangan Agama’. For first timer like me, am a bit puzzled, who is giving the ‘penerangan’ and ‘apa yang nak diterangkan?’. After some time, it dawn on me that it’s their way to group us together :). The rest of the day is free and I took the opportunity to perform every solat fardhu in the mosque. Did some shopping for my sisters after Isya’
Day 3: 17th June 2009
We had a scheduled ziarah to historic places in Madinah such as Masjid Quba, Masjid Tujuh, Masjid Qiblatain, Jabal Uhud and bazaar kurma. Went back for Zuhur at Masjid Nabawi and the rest of the day is for ibadat. After Isya’ I tried once again to enter Raudhah. Managed to get in, what a feeling.
Day 4: 18th June 2009
We are going to Mekah. All dressed up in ihram. Stopped by Masjid Bir Ali to complete the first rule – to express your intention of doing umrah at a border to Tanah Haram (miqat). The journey took 6 hours by bus and we arrived at Masjidil Haram just before Asar to complete tawaf. Only managed to complete saei after the prayer.
Day 5: 19th June 2009
No pre arranged agenda for today, I dragged both MC to mosque for Suboh prayer with me and send them back for breakfast. Went back to Masjidil Haram after that and picked them up again for Zohor prayer. And both of the husband and son was nowhere in sight. anyhow.. its Friday and I had my first Friday prayer of my life, although I did not understand one bit of the khutbah :p
I made friends with two other ladies and bounce idea with them on what to do with the two MC and that night I decided to confront them.
Day 6: 20th June 2009
We had another scheduled ziarah today. We only stopped at Jabal Thur, Arafah, and Jabal Rahmah. The rest we only passed by from inside the bus are Jabal Nur, Muzdalifah dan Mina. We were taken to a mosque for miqat and returned back to Masjidil Haram. Managed to complete umrah before Zohor.
Day 7: 21st June 2009
No prearranged activites, jemaah are free to spend time as we wish so I choose to stay in the mosque throughout, except for after Asar. There were talks held by Ustaz from Andalusia about good places and mustajab point for doa at Kaabah.
Day 8: 22nd June 2009
Same as yesterday, except that today we had Yassin recital and tahlil arwah. I was taken aback because it was held at the hotel. Why not make use of the holy place Masjidil Haram itself? The mosque is quite vacant after prayer, especially on the first floor. What the mutawwif has to do is arranged for a place to meet. I would have though that it would be more afdal.
Day 9: 23rd June 2009
Went to camel farm (not really a farm by a Malaysian definition) area, Hudaibiah truce area and the museum for the two mosques. I was a bit reluctant to join this trip as I will miss the opportunity to perform solat Asar in Masjidil Haram, however the plus point would be we were taken to miqat for final umrah.
Day 10: 24th June 2009
It was a free day, and I finished my Al-Quran today :). Slept in front of Kaabah and in between did some solat sunat and tawaf sunat while waiting for Suboh and tawaf wida’.
Day 11: 25th June 2009
Performed tawaf wida’ at around 0630H. An ustaz gave tips, a doa in front of Kaabah with the intention of coming back. I left feeling gloomy and very reluctant to leave the mosque. We left Mekah at 8 am heading to Jeddah.
1550H flight to Bahrain
1800H arrived in Bahrain – transit 2 hours
2040H depart to KL
Day 12: 26th June 2009
0940H arrived in KL
I took the KLIA express to KL Sentral and took taxi back home (its a working day, so I could not bother anybody to pick me up)
1200H reach home....
p/s: MC = makcik a.k.a my roomate
It started on 15th of June 2009. In order to fit in my budget, I took the package that includes transit flight. So we (group of 30 something people, which none that I know) flew to Bahrain on a 7-hour flight. After 2-hours of taxi, we depart to Jeddah. Journey took another 2 hours. Upon reaching Jeddah, massive queue at immigration check point. We were stranded for nearly 3 hours (I guess) before we can proceed to move to Madinah. We took bus and 6 hours later we reached Madinah, just in time to catch Suboh in Masjid Nabawi. My first solat there was performed outside the mosque, as we were running late.
Day 2: 16th June 2009
After Suboh and breakfast, were asked to assemble again at 7 am to officially being introduced to Masjid Nabawi. The guys had the liberty to be accompanied by mutawwif inside the mosque, while we the ladies, found our own way. One of the mustajab places in Masjid Nabawi is Raudhah. Entrance for women is restricted to certain area and certain timing. We were grouped according to countries and waited for turns to enter Raudhah. The guards were responsible to keep things in order. For those coming from Asean, the method that they used to group us is by holding a sign. What does it says? ‘Penerangan Agama’. For first timer like me, am a bit puzzled, who is giving the ‘penerangan’ and ‘apa yang nak diterangkan?’. After some time, it dawn on me that it’s their way to group us together :). The rest of the day is free and I took the opportunity to perform every solat fardhu in the mosque. Did some shopping for my sisters after Isya’
Day 3: 17th June 2009
We had a scheduled ziarah to historic places in Madinah such as Masjid Quba, Masjid Tujuh, Masjid Qiblatain, Jabal Uhud and bazaar kurma. Went back for Zuhur at Masjid Nabawi and the rest of the day is for ibadat. After Isya’ I tried once again to enter Raudhah. Managed to get in, what a feeling.
Day 4: 18th June 2009
We are going to Mekah. All dressed up in ihram. Stopped by Masjid Bir Ali to complete the first rule – to express your intention of doing umrah at a border to Tanah Haram (miqat). The journey took 6 hours by bus and we arrived at Masjidil Haram just before Asar to complete tawaf. Only managed to complete saei after the prayer.
Day 5: 19th June 2009
No pre arranged agenda for today, I dragged both MC to mosque for Suboh prayer with me and send them back for breakfast. Went back to Masjidil Haram after that and picked them up again for Zohor prayer. And both of the husband and son was nowhere in sight. anyhow.. its Friday and I had my first Friday prayer of my life, although I did not understand one bit of the khutbah :p
I made friends with two other ladies and bounce idea with them on what to do with the two MC and that night I decided to confront them.
Day 6: 20th June 2009
We had another scheduled ziarah today. We only stopped at Jabal Thur, Arafah, and Jabal Rahmah. The rest we only passed by from inside the bus are Jabal Nur, Muzdalifah dan Mina. We were taken to a mosque for miqat and returned back to Masjidil Haram. Managed to complete umrah before Zohor.
Day 7: 21st June 2009
No prearranged activites, jemaah are free to spend time as we wish so I choose to stay in the mosque throughout, except for after Asar. There were talks held by Ustaz from Andalusia about good places and mustajab point for doa at Kaabah.
Day 8: 22nd June 2009
Same as yesterday, except that today we had Yassin recital and tahlil arwah. I was taken aback because it was held at the hotel. Why not make use of the holy place Masjidil Haram itself? The mosque is quite vacant after prayer, especially on the first floor. What the mutawwif has to do is arranged for a place to meet. I would have though that it would be more afdal.
Day 9: 23rd June 2009
Went to camel farm (not really a farm by a Malaysian definition) area, Hudaibiah truce area and the museum for the two mosques. I was a bit reluctant to join this trip as I will miss the opportunity to perform solat Asar in Masjidil Haram, however the plus point would be we were taken to miqat for final umrah.
Day 10: 24th June 2009
It was a free day, and I finished my Al-Quran today :). Slept in front of Kaabah and in between did some solat sunat and tawaf sunat while waiting for Suboh and tawaf wida’.
Day 11: 25th June 2009
Performed tawaf wida’ at around 0630H. An ustaz gave tips, a doa in front of Kaabah with the intention of coming back. I left feeling gloomy and very reluctant to leave the mosque. We left Mekah at 8 am heading to Jeddah.
1550H flight to Bahrain
1800H arrived in Bahrain – transit 2 hours
2040H depart to KL
Day 12: 26th June 2009
0940H arrived in KL
I took the KLIA express to KL Sentral and took taxi back home (its a working day, so I could not bother anybody to pick me up)
1200H reach home....
p/s: MC = makcik a.k.a my roomate
Travelog Umrah : Prologue
I have been meaning to do this for quite some time. Had plans with some colleague back in 2008. Initially only 2 of us, then it became 4. After some hurdles later, it was two, and then I am alone. I don’t think I can put it on hold anymore and decided to carry on albeit being the only one. So I signed up and here goes, my best recollection of what I have been through way back before 15th June 2009 up till today.
The theory & responsibility
What is Umrah? The last of five pillars of Islam is doing Hajj in Mekah for those who can afford it. Umrah is a simplified version of Hajj, which is a ritual done not constrained to any timing and less taxing compared to Hajj. Read more here.
For a Muslim, it is compulsory to do Hajj, however due to visa restriction and long queues, the first Umrah is recommended (for those who can afford it).
This post is going to be in installment each compartmentalised to its own topics that I thought would be relevant. Some terms used are in Malay as I either not sure of the English term or simply better left that way. Pictures will come later because at this point, I had it on my sis' laptop :)
The theory & responsibility
What is Umrah? The last of five pillars of Islam is doing Hajj in Mekah for those who can afford it. Umrah is a simplified version of Hajj, which is a ritual done not constrained to any timing and less taxing compared to Hajj. Read more here.
For a Muslim, it is compulsory to do Hajj, however due to visa restriction and long queues, the first Umrah is recommended (for those who can afford it).
This post is going to be in installment each compartmentalised to its own topics that I thought would be relevant. Some terms used are in Malay as I either not sure of the English term or simply better left that way. Pictures will come later because at this point, I had it on my sis' laptop :)
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