.:: Kid’s Ice-Box ::.

Well, first of all sorry for the late post. I’ve been kind of lazy and there are so many pictures to resize. This post is definitely one of my longest post ever, or if not longest. So, there won’t be any major updates after this, since this post will cover about 2 months of post. Anyway, hope you guys will enjoy this post !

*WARNING! This post is VERY long and there are 50+ pictures. So, if you are having a problematic connection ( like mine ) or dislike reading long post, please consider first. You have been warned.*

9 October 2006
It’s morning, around 2am. I was supposed to sleep during this time, but I just don’t know why I woke up. Maybe I was feeling excited and nervous at the same time. I couldn’t sleep for about an hour. During this time, I was thinking about so many things, like will this trip be a blessed on, will I come back alive, will I be able to cope with the test of God in the holy land, and so many non related stuffs. Then, around 3am, I finally went back to sleep. Around 4.45am, my dad woke me up for sahur. After showering, went down to eat with them. After finish sahur and Subuh prayers, I had a short nap till 8.30am. I woke up around that time, then went to do some last minute checking in my baggage. After everything was okay, I went down to wait for the cab that will bring us to KLIA. Yeah, my family is not able to send us off, because he’s working on that day. Oh well, at least we get to see them off at home.

Around 9.45am, the cab arrived, and after we put all our baggages inside the cab, we bid farewell goodbye to each other. I was a bit touched when I hugged with my brother, since I’m very close with him. After that, we then pushed off to KLIA. I don’t remember anything during the journey there, because I was sleeping.

Around 12pm, we arrived safely at KLIA. After getting our baggages, we proceed to the inside, and went to find our travel agency for our boarding pass and passport. After we have obtained them, we went to check in. Alhamdullilah, we were the first one group. Since our flight is scheduled around 3.30pm, we took this time to relax and took some photos while waiting.

Around 1.30pm, after performing Jama’ prayers, my mum decided to go to the boarding area. This is my first time entering KLIA boarding area, and I haven’t fly on a plane for so long, so I felt excited when doing the checking, passing the security , scan my passport and stuffs. It was high tech and systematic. After all the identification stuffs were done, we had to go to the terminal by the Aero-train. Wow. That was the first word that came out of my mouth the first time I saw the train. I was thinking that we had to walk.

After we arrived at the terminal, we waited at the waiting room. It was empty at the beginning, but later it started to fill up with so many people. All of these people are also going to Jeddah. We took some photos while waiting. Around 3pm, we were allowed to board the plane. I have to admit, I was very excited when I board the plane, because I haven’t board a plane for a very long time. Then, around 4pm, our plane took off from Malaysia and we were on our way to Mekkah. I felt…excited and happy when the plane took off, looking forward to the journey to Mekkah. On the way to Jeddah airport, I spent most my of time listening to entertainment stuff, playing games and watching movies. During this time, we had to fast an extra 5 hours than we normally did because of the different time zone. I was really hungry, but I had to be patience, because this is a test from God. We only berbuka during 11.45am, like 15 minutes before we arrived at the airport.

Alhamdulillah, we safely landed at Jeddah International airport around 12.00am in Malaysia time zone, 7.00pm in Jeddah time zone. From here on out, I will be using Jeddah time zone. Upon arriving at Jeddah, my mother reminded me and my sister that we have arrived at the holy land, so we must be careful with our words and action, as well being patience whenever unfortunate or trouble happens.

After we got off from the plane, we then proceed to the area where we have to get our baggage. It took about an half an hour to take our beg. After retrieving our baggages, we proceed to exit area where we would meet our Mutawif ( a person who would take care of us during the trip ). After we meet up with him, he then showed us to the bus where it will bring us to the next terminal that will bring us to Medina. We meet up the rest of the Jemaah in the bus. We had some food while waiting for the rest of the Jemaah. It wasn’t that much, but at least it would give us some energy. After all the Jemaah were aboard the bus, we finally took off to the Jeddah domestic airport. On our way, I decided to look at the scenery outside.

Subahanallah.

It was like being in a commentary show. I was just amazed looking at the streets, the buildings, the desert, the cars, the roads, everything. It was totally different from Malaysia. It had a old yet unique feeling and look. I felt like going through a journey, an adventure or some sort. I wished that the night would never end. I wouldn’t mind just traveling and looking at these roads all night long. I was so into the view outside that I didn’t even realize the time we traveled from Jeddah International airport to the domestic airport. I think it took about 40 minutes, but I felt it was like 20 minutes of traveling. We arrived safely at the domestic airport around 8.30pm.

After we got down, we went to look for some trolleys and went inside to get our boarding pass to go to our next destination, Medina. Looking for trolleys at the airport is very difficult, as there are so few. Then, we went inside and waited while our mutawif went to get our boarding passes. We had to wait for a long time for our boarding pass, as there seems such a huge crowd. There was a very long que for the boarding pass, so we had to wait. After about an hour waiting, we still haven’t got our boarding pass. Our mutawif then brought us to the x-ray area where we have to check our beg. Even so, we still haven’t got our boarding pass and our passport back. The atmosphere inside the airport was panic and chaotic. Poor the mutawif, he only had to handle all the work, and the jemaah keep harassing him with questions didn’t help him at all. We had to wait for another hour just to get our boarding pass.

I forgot to mention about the group of people who would be traveling with us. There were about 7 groups. I will just give names : Group A is consisting of a young couple ( when I mean couple, they are married. ;p ) Group B consists of a mother, father and a son. Group C is like group B just that replaces the son with 2 girls. Group D and E are a middle age couple, and the best one, group F consists of 1 datuk, and 3 datins. Including us, there are 6 groups our jemaah.

Since everything was chaotic and the ustaz was unorganized, he gave the boarding pass and baggage tags to the datuk group. The datuk group obviously gave the boarding pass to each person, but he kept most of the baggage tags for himself. He only gave left overs to us. If my normal self, I would have probably cursed this datuk to death for doing that, but somehow, and strangely, I didn’t. I accepted it and somehow, I was calmer that I usually was. I take that incident as a test from God, so there is no reason for me to be angry about it. Group A, D, E, and F got their boarding pass first, so they left first.

After a while, we finally got our passport back, as well our boarding pass. However, to our surprise, our flight was cancelled ! So, we had to wait for our next flight, which we don’t know is when. We’ve been at the airport for about 3 hours already, and yes we were hungry and tired. However, we had to be patience and wait for our flight while other of the jemaah went to eat. While we were waiting, we meet with the group F, which is the Datuk’s group. We were very surprise, as we thought that his group had already left with the rest. Turns out to be that the crew didn’t allow his group to board the plane, because the plane was already full. He looked really furious, but what could he do ? So, group F would be coming along with us.

10 October 2006
It was already 12am, but we still haven’t got our flight information yet. We have been at the airport for more than 5 hours. We were all tired, but to me, I took this a test from God. Patience, patience, that’s all we can do. Complaining and whining won’t bring me anywhere. Around 1am, alhamdulillah, it was our announced that our flight is available for boarding. The flight from Jeddah domestic airport to medina airport will take about 45 minutes, so I took this opportunity to sleep. Around 2.45am later, we arrived safely. After we arrived, we quickly went to get our begs. I was shocked to find the group that went earlier was actually waiting there. Turns out to be that their begs haven’t arrived, and unfortunately for them that their begs came along with our plane. So, after getting our begs, we all went to find our mutawif, who will take care of our trip here in Medina. The mutawif in Medina and Mekkah are different people.

The was a sudden commotion from the Datuk’s Group. Later it was found out that one of his baggage was missing. Once again I could see his face was all red, and he was shouting and cursing around. I just kept quite and reminded myself to be patience. Alhamdullilah, throughout the journey, we didn’t encounter any problems with our baggages. After waiting for a while, we got a taxi that would bring us to our hotel. We will be staying in Medina Hilton for our Medina trip. I wasn’t as interested looking at the view outside compared to earlier trip, mainly because I was so tired and sleepy. By the time we arrived, it was already 4am. I thought to myself that I could really use a good sleep and rest, but it was very near to Subuh time, so I had to bear with it for a while. The distance between the hotel and the Mosque is very near. The mosque in Medina here is called Masjid Nabawi, where prophet Muhammad tomb is in there, also one of the most scared and special mosque in the world.

As we approach nearer to our hotel, my heart suddenly beat more and faster than before. Scared ? Excited ? Happy ? Nervous ? Those were among the feelings that I had when I saw the mosque. But I couldn’t go and pray yet, because I was so tired and sleepy, so I told my mum I won’t be praying at the mosque for the Subuh prayers.

After our quick sahur, I waited for the azan, prayed, then took a deep sleep. I will be going later to the mosque in the afternoon for Zohor Prayers.

Around 10.30am, my mum woke me up, and it was time for me to go to the mosque. After a quick shower to make myself fresh, I went down to the mosque along with my mother and sister. This was my first time outside the hotel, and I must say that the weather is very hot. Definitely much hotter than Malaysia, but the heat is a bit different than Malaysia, it was dry hot. I had to wear sun glasses, or else my eyes would have burned. My mum gave me a few guidance to go to the mosque, since this was my first time coming here.

After that, I went by myself, since the man and women area is separated. As I approach nearer to the mosque, my heart began to race faster. I was nervous, and excited at the same time, for this will be the first time I step foot inside one of the greatest mosque in the world, Masjid Nabawi.

As I entered through the main door, I stopped. I was stunned, speechless, and couldn’t think of anything but the greatness of God. The mosque was indeed one of the most amazing sights I ever seen. It was grand, beautiful and majestic, that was my first impression of the mosque. The floor was made of marble, and the upper part of the pillars was covered with gold. Even the door was magnificent and marvelous carved with Arabic writings. While I still was amazed by the greatness and beauty of the mosque, I went deeper, and I notice it was getting colder, because there is air-con inside of the mosque. I was quite easy to move further inside the mosque, because there were not so many people at the back. However, as I moved even deeper inside the mosque, there were a lot of people.

My fast paced steps where then slow down by a long line of people, queuing. Obviously these people are waiting for something. My reason for going in front is because I’m looking for Raa’dah and Prophet Muhammad’s Tomb. Raa’dah is a place where it was said that it was one of the many gardens in paradise. Raa’dah can be differentiae by the color of the carpets. The normal carpets in the mosque will have the color red, however Raa’dah will have the color of green. The location of Raa’dah is between Prophet Muhammad’s Tomb and his Mimbar ( a place to read the Khutbah ). It is very good if you are able to pray at Raa’dah, so this was what I was looking for.

I finally reached at one area where it was block with white plastic fence. I was wondering what could it be ? As I was wondering, I was slowly pushed by the crowd. I notice there were cleaners cleaning the place. Slowly and slowly, I moved closer and closer to the mimbar area. I then looked at my watch, it was 15 min’s more to Zohor prayers. Then, of all the sudden, the cleaners opened the white fence. When this happened, all the people who where lining up at the fence and near the fence RAN and PUSHING, not walking, but RUNNING and PUSHING inside the mosque. I was indeed shock, for I would have never expected this to happen inside this mosque.

It was like a mad house, like people are rushing to buy tickets for a concert or to watch a football match. It was like a mad house. During this time, I was pushed during the madness. I couldn’t do much about it, so I just followed the flow. Then, as I finally was able to regain myself, I wondered where was I ? I looked around, and the place where I was full and packed of people. Not even one space is spared. Why is the place so full compared to other areas ?

I then looked down at my legs. Subahanallah ! I was standing at Raa’dah, at the place where I was looking for ! God was kind enough to let me have my first prayers in the mosque at Raa’dah, and I was deeply touched and grateful to God. Even though the space was very small, but too me it was more than enough. It was then time to pray for Zohor, so I prayed, alhamdulillah, at Raa’dah. This was the first time I didn’t have enough space to sujud or rukuk, but it was a great and humble experience.

After I have finished my prayers, it was time for me to visit the tomb of Prophet Muhammad. It wasn’t easy, because it was packed with people. Again, I was pushed by the sea of people. About 30 minutes being pushed, I finally reached at the tomb. I then wave and gave my salam to Prophet Muhammad, Saidina Abu Bakar and Saidina Umar. I couldn’t get a clear view of the tomb, nor was I close to the tomb because there were so many people. After I was done, I then proceed to exit the mosque. Going back isn’t easy however, because they will close areas with the plastic fence again, to allow the females to pray at Raa’dah
Along the way out, I was stopped by a old looking man. He then asked if I can speak English, and I replied I could. He then explain to me about his situation, which I couldn’t understand that much. All I remember that he needs some money so that he could go back to his house at Mekkah. He first asked me 500 riyal ( equal to almost RM 500 ), but then I told I don’t have such money, and that my money was at the hotel where I was staying. I was suspicious about his story, but then he sways my suspicion by saying that he will pray for me at Mekkah if I helped him. So, I asked him to follow him back to the hotel while I get some money.

When I arrived at the hotel, I asked him to wait outside while I go up to my room to get the money. When I got to the room and told my mother about it, my mother told me to be careful, because even here at Medina people will lie and cheat to get money. However, since I promise the person and trust him, I took 50 riyal and went down to give it to him. When I arrived and gave him the money, he just took the money and left. I was indeed shocked and deeply hurt by this incident. I was sad, because he lied inside the House of God. I was a upset, but I told myself to be patience, as this is a test from God.

After that, I went to sleep. My mother woke up me around Asar. I then took a shower, perform my Asar prayers, and then got ready to pray Maghrib at the mosque. Around 5.15pm, I went down and proceed to the mosque. Along the way, I was stopped by a group a African kids, then speaking Arabic to me. I was already suspicious of what they might do, due to the afternoon incident. However, I was touched when I found out by his sign language that he only wanted to give me a place for me to berbuka. Oh God, You are al-Mighty.

Then, I followed the kid inside into the mosque, then he gave me a place to sit. So, I set there, and around me are all Arabic people. I feel kind of left out, since all of them were speaking Arabic. However, even though I’m not from there, they still were kind to help me give food. I could still remember a young, around 8 / 9 years old, took water and food for me. He even offered me so many stuffs, like Yogurt and bread. Subahanallah, may Allah bless this people.

Around 6.05pm, the azan sound, and it was time for us to berbuka. So, I ate the dates, bread and drank a cup of water, which I later found out it was air zam-zam. I tried to finish the food that they gave, but it was too many. Also, I don’t eat yogurt, so I couldn’t even finish half of it. Plus, Arab’s Yogurt is sour ! I notice that the people here can eat 6, 7 and even 10 kurma, where as for me 1 & 2 is more than enough. I guess mainly because it’s there food.

After eating, it was time to pray. After the prayers, I went back to the hotel to eat my dinner, and waited till 8pm for the Isyak and tarawikh prayers. Here in Mekkah and Medina, the prayers will be delayed for 2 hour in Ramadan month compared to Malaysia, to give people time to eat since most of the people would want to go and pray at the main mosque, like Masjid Nabawi and Masjidil Haram. So, around 7.45pm, I went to the mosque, and it was already full. However, I manage to pray inside the mosque.

The tarawikh prayers here is very enjoyable, even though the Imam read long surah, but they read it fast, since it’s their language. However, that doesn’t mean that they don’t make mistakes. They too make mistakes sometimes. I really enjoyed my tarawikh prayers. After the tarawikh prayers, I went back to sleep, mainly because tomorrow we be visiting some historical places in Medina.

11 October 2006
After sahur and Subuh prayers, we waited at the lobby with the rest of the Jemaah. We will be visiting to some of the historical places in Medina. Our first stop was Masjid Quba. Masjid Quba was the first mosque build by Prophet Muhammad and his companions. It was also said that if you go there with air sembahyang and prayed 2 rakaat of Sunat prayer, your pahala ( deed ) will as if you have done 2 Umrah. So, when we arrived there, I went to the man’s section and prayed. After that, I meet up back with my mother and took some photos.

We were only there for 20 minutes, since we have other places to go as well. However, we were delay a bit because the two datin’s were lost.

After everyone was gathered, we then moved to our next destination, the Kurma farm. Nothing much is there, except kurma trees and a shop selling kurma’s. My mother decided to take a few shots.

After that, our next destination was supposed to be Jabal Uhud, but for some reason, our drive brought us to a different place, Qiblatain mosque. The Qiblatain mosque also has a history, where this was the place Prophet Muhammad received the message from God to change the kiblat ( direction of prayers ) from facing Baitul Maqdis to face Baitullah ( Kabbah ). The meaning of Qiblatain in English is two kiblat.

After performing a short sunat prayer, we then to the cab and proceed to our next destination, Jabal Uhud. On the way to the journey, I saw the Ustaz was arguing with the driver in Arabic, quiet furious. Finally, after a while, we arrived at Jabal Uhud. Jabal Uhud is a very special historical place, because this was the place where many of the Muslim worriers fought and died in the name of Islam. This is also was the place where the Uhud war took place. In this war, the Muslims lost to the Quraisy army, because the disobey the prophets warning and also because of their own greed. There is also a piece of land where they fence up. In this piece of land, hundreds of Muslims warriors were buried, but sadly they don’t have a tombstone.

After taking a few photo’s and pay our respects, we went back to go to our last destination, Bazaar Kurma. Here they sell of lot of kurma and fruits.

However, to our surprise, the driver of our cab took us back to our hotel, shut the air-con off and told us to get off. He refuses to bring us to the bazaar, because according to him that it wasn’t in his contract. Indeed all of us were shock by this situation. Our ustaz tried very hard to reason with him. The datin’s even asked him nicely, but he just refuses to bring us to the bazaar. Patience, I reminded myself.

After 20 minutes of arguments, at last our ustaz gave up and he told us to leave the cab while the he find a new one to bring us to the bazaar. Before we left the cab, the datin’s curse the driver, like wishing him die or his cab tire go flat. So, we waited for a while. I honestly don’t mind not going to the bazaar, because I’m more concern of going to the mosque so that I can get a place at Raa’dah again. However, my mum reminded that the ustaz is trying his best to please the jemaah, so we must not make his efforts become waste. I quickly istighfar, realizing my mistake.

After a while, the ustaz finally got us a new transportation. After all the jemaah was gathered, we went to the bazaar Ramadan. There were many shops, so we went to the shop that our ustaz showed us. It looked like a fruit shop, filled with a lot of kurma, nicely arranged. While my mum was busy shopping, I too bought some kurma. I took some photos and help out my mother too buy.

After all the jemaah done buying, we then back to our hotels, but we were delayed a bit because once again the Datin’s were lost.

As soon we arrived, I quickly went up and proceed straight to the mosque, as it was near Zohor already. I still hoped I could get a place a Raa’dah. I had to under go the same process like yesterday, because the mosque was full just like yesterday. This time, I didn’t really get a good spot. I couldn’t even pray sunat at the beginning. However, thank God there was a nice man who gave his spot to me so that I could pray sunat. Subanallah, may God bless this man. However, since it was originally his place, I decided to give him it back, since it was not mine. I was a bit worried at the beginning that I was unable to pray Zohor, however lucky someone pulled me and gave me a very small and tight spot. Luckily I was thin, so I fit in just nicely. I am already grateful that I already have place to pray. Once again, after the Zohor prayers, I went to give my respects to Prophet Muhammad, Saidina Abu Bakar and Saidina Umar. Like yesterday, it was packed jam with people.

After the Zohor prayers, basically I did what I did like yesterday. There are some new things I discover, like during berbuka, I ate outside of the mosque instead inside. Also, I got a taste of the Beryani rice here in Medina. It taste a bit salty, but it’s really nice. I got it as my food for berbuka. Also, today I performed Tasbih prayers, which took 40 minutes. Alhamdulillah, I also got chance to pray at Raa’dah, after I finish performing my Tasbih prayers. I was more comfortable performing my prayers at Raa’dah this time, since there weren’t many people, since it was night.

Tomorrow will the day I will go to the Holy Land, Mekkah, and perform my first ever Ummrah.

12 October 2006
Today is my last day at Medina, and today we will go to Mekkah. The morning days were like yesterday, except today is my last day in Medina, so I have to give my last salam to Prophet Muhammad, Saidina Abu Bakar and Saidina Umar. As usual, the mosque is always full, so it was no surprise. Sadly, today I was unable to pray Zohor at Raa’dah, however alhamdulillah, after the Zohor prayers, I manage to pray sunat there. After that, I bid farewell to Prophet Muhammad, Saidina Abu Bakar and Saidina Umar, with hope someday I will be able to come and visit them again.

I was surprise to find out from my mother later when I got back from prayers that we were the last group to go to Mekkah, because the rest have already gone. In a way, I felt that this is something God has planned for us, so I just follow His way and I am grateful for whatever He has given to me.

So, after Asar prayers, I start wearing Ihram. Ihram is wearing a clean white cloth, not sewed, must not wear anything underneath ( even underwear ) and stay away from the things that are forbidden during ihram. I had a bit problem wearing it at the beginning, as the upper part of the cloth kept on slipping off. Lucky Ustaz Rashid helped me out. Ustaz Rashid is our mutawif here in Medina, whereas Ustaz Hilmi is our Mutawif in Mekkah. Before we left our hotel to Jeddah Domestic airport, we took some photos.

After that, we proceed to the airport. Alhamdulillah, when we arrived, we encountered no problems, from checking in to our flight. Alhamdulillah, everything was smooth. We berbuka at the airport, and our ustaz happened to buy as a lot of food ! However, my mother decided to give our food to a group of people who are traveling in a different agency. I didn’t mind this at all, since I wasn’t feeling that hungry. Before we departed with our ustaz, we took some photos.

Around 6.45pm, it was our flight, and we had no problems with our flight to Jeddah International airport. Alhamdulillah, we safely arrived. We then were greeted by Ustaz Hilmi and his friend Ustaz Kamal. So, after getting our luggage and begs, we then pushed off to Mekkah. Once again, I never slept during the journey to Mekkah, as I once again was amazed with the road and desert, also another reason is I was so excited. I am on my way to see my Lord, and see the greatest mosque in the world, Masjidil Haram and the black house, Kaabah.

It’s was already 12pm, and we were almost arriving at Mekkah.

13 October 2006
When we arrived at Mekkah, it was a massive jam, because everyone in Mekkah is going to Masjidil Haram to perform Tahjud prayers, and that for a very long time, Tahjud prayers fall on Malam Jumaat ( Night of Jumaat ). Once again, we I saw the mosque, my heart began to beat faster, even faster when I saw Masjid Nabawi. I kept saying to myself “Subanallah, I’m here”. I guess I’m too nervous and excited. After a very long while, we safely arrived at our hotel around 2am. Our hotel name in Mekkah is Zahret.

This is my first time, so I need a guide to help me to perform my Umrah. Sadly, my mother is having period, so she is unable to guide us. Instead, my mother asked Ustaz Hilmi if he can help. Ustaz Hilmi said he will arrange another ustaz to help out. So, it will be me and my sister performing Umrah under supervision of the Ustaz, but with the guide of God.

Most of my non-Muslim friends are confused by Ummrah and Hajj. Here are the differences between Ummrah and Hajj, The Umrah can be taken at any time throughout the year and although completing it is highly commendable, Muslims are still required to perform the greater Hajj, during the appointed time.

Around 3.30am, our ustaz finally arrived. So, we were off to Masjidil Haram to perform our Ummrah. The distance of our hotel and the mosque is very near, so there is not much of a problem of finding our way back. After our ustaz gave us a few advice and signs incase we lost our way, we were ready to enter the mosque.

So, we entered the mosque. The mosque had a very humble and grand feeling in the air, you can feel it. While proceeding to the courtyard of Kaa’bah, I took this opportunity to look around. I was amazed of its size of the mosque. It was indeed big, as big as MMU Malacca, or maybe even bigger. Then I saw the Black House Kaa’bah. I was amazed, stunned for a second by its beauty. It maybe just a black house, and I’ve seen it many times before, but seeing is indeed believing. Subahanallah.

So, our first task in performing Ummrah is to tawaf ( circle ) around the Kaa’bah, 7 times, starting from the Hajar Al-Aswad ( the black stone ) in a counter clock wise way. It wasn’t easy, since the crowd is massive, and the Kaa’bah is NEVER empty. Alhamdulillah, we managed to perform our tawaf. After that, we prayed sunat after tawaf around the Kaa’bah area.

Next, our task is Sai’; meaning walk back and forth from Safa and Marwah mountain for 7 times. However, we went to the upper Safa and Marwah, because the below one was full and packed with people. Alhamdulillah, we managed to perform this no problems. We stopped for a moment when it was time for Subuh prayers. After, we continue and finished.

The last task is to cut at least 3 strings of hair, and of course it is sunat to shave. My sister went home after she has done it, while I went to asked the ustaz to help me to bring me to barber shop. Yup, I’m going to shave my hair bald. So, after I shaved, I went back. I notice the barber shaved almost all of my hair, that I could actually feel my head.

Warning, the next picture is showing the picture of my head bleeding a bit…:P

After I was done, I felt so happy that I couldn’t stop smiling. I felt like I’ve have accomplished something so big, something worth it. My mother congratulates me, and hugged me. Alhamdulillah, I finish performing my Ummrah. After that, I went to sleep. Basically my routine here was the same like I was in Medina, sleep in the morning ( of course wake up and perform prayers like Zohor and Asar ), go to the mosque for Maghrib, Isyak and Tarawikh prayers. However, I couldn’t go to pray tarawikh prayers today, because I suddenly got sick.

Tomorrow we will be going to some historical places in Mekkah, so I slept early.

14 October 2006
I woke up for sahur, went for Subuh prayers, and then waited at the lobby, because we will be going to some important places in Mekkah. This time the Datuk group didn’t follow. So, the first place we went was Jabal Thur. Jabal Thur is the place where Prophet Muhammad and Saidina Abu Bakar were hiding when they pursued by the Quraisy people. Upper of Jabal Thur is the Thur cave, where it is the place Saidina Abu Bakar put his life on the line where he protected the Prophet from being bitten by a poisonous snake, by putting his leg and let the snake bit him instead of Prophet Muhammad. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see the cave, so just could see from below.

Snap some photos, then we were off to our next destination, Jabal Ar-Rahmah.

Jabal Ar-Rahmah is the place where it was said when Adam and Eve meet after hundred of years. It also said it’s the very recommend for you to pray for your jodoh here. However, going up to the top isn’t easy, because the steps are very small. Furthermore, it was fasting month, so it was quite difficult for us to climb up. Alhamdulilah, with some small difficulty, we finally reached on top. When we were on top, we faced the kiblat and then prayed for our jodoh.

On our way back, I saw there were so many handicap and poor people begging for money. I felt really pity towards them, so I gave almost each everyone of them 1 riyal. May God bless everyone here.

After that, we went to see important places that are used for hajj, but we didn’t get to stop by. Compared to Medina, we didn’t stop by that much, it was more to sight seeing. Finally, we arrived at a place called Jarranah. This place is the miqat point for us to niat Ummrah. Yup, I want to do another Ummrah, since we are all this way. So, after niat, I have to change to Ihram, which I happen to bring.

Once we were all done, we were brought back to the hotel. After that, I went to the mosque to perform my Ummrah once again. Alhamdulillah, I manage to do my Ummrah with no problems. In fact, I felt so much happier and satisfy doing my this Ummrah compared to my first one. On my way back, I took the route I took this yesterday, but the floor was so hot, like an oven, even hotter I would say. I had to skip my way to find shade. My feet burnt a bit.

So, when I got back, I just went to sleep after praying Zohor. My routine is the same like yesterday, except today I will be praying Tarawikh, my first tarawikh in Mekkah. I would say the tarawikh in Mekkah is indeed the best I ever experience compared to Medina. The imam rarely makes mistake, and his voice is very deep and clear, which makes the prayers very enjoyable and feeling.

15 - 22 October 2006
From this point on, my whole activity is sleep in morning, wake up between prayers, and prays at the mosque at the night and dawn. My aim everydays is get Lailatul Qadar, a night better than 1000 month, and also do more tahjud prayers. Always after tahjud prayers, I will go and buy kebab and roasted chicken ( ayam golek ). Indeed the food is very nice, and I loved every single bit of it.

I easily get sick here, mainly because of the weather I assume. However, by the time I reached Mekkah, the weather has cooled down a bit compared when I was in Medina. Sometimes I will go and do some tawaf sunat if I finish earlier or I feel up to it. Everyday when I tawaf, I get closer and closer to the Kaa’bah, and one day I was just 1 feet away from the Kaa’bah, and I finally realize that the black cloth covering the Kaa’bah isn’t just a cloth, but it had writings of Allah written on it. Indeed it was beautiful and magnificent.

When I can’t go to tahjud prayers, I will open the window and take photos of people praying outside.

It’s really a humble experience when you see people will even willing to pray. At Mekkah, your true nature will be shown upon God. I’ve seen people argue and fight inside the mosque. There is no hiding, only the truth.

Ramadan in Mekkah is alive. Compared to Malaysia, Raya is celebrated more compared to Ramadan, but not here in Mekkah. In Mekkah, Ramadan is a very special month for them. The city just never sleeps, even at night. All shops open till dawn, the roads will be closed to allow people to pray. I am truly grateful that God gave me this opportunity to be here, at this very blessed city.

I also remembered that there were one day that Mekkah actually rained. I don’t know if you can see it properly here.

23 October 2006
Today is Syawal, meaning Raya. However, I didn’t sleep during the morning, because later we have to pray Sunat Raya. So, since this last day where the upper floors will be upon, I decided to go to the upper floors instead. This is the first time where I visit the upper floors. Usually I will pray inside the mosque, but today, I decided to pray at the upper floors. So, I went to the upper floors.

When I got at the upper floors, there weren’t many people yet, since I went around 1.00am. Since its Syawal, people no longer stay inside the mosque in long periods like the used too. When I was up here, I felt so peaceful, and the wind was so smoothing and peaceful, made me felt calm, like I’m home. Then, I looked at Kaa’bah from the upper floors. It was indeed beautiful and amazing to see so many people circling the Kaa’bah. It was indeed a sight to behold. As I continue to be amazed, I suddenly felt sadness and grateful, because all this while I’ve never been a good servant to God, yet He still let me come here to His home. Hot tears pour down to my cheek. I am indeed grateful for everything He has given too me, and I do hope one day I will be able to come here again. So, I prayed sunat, then took a walk around the upper floors of the mosque.

After that, I went back home to take my shower, and get ready for Subuh and Sunat Raya prayers. My mother told me that after Subuh I shouldn’t go back, because there won’t be any space. Indeed she was right, the whole place was full by Subuh, and even after Subuh people didn’t went back. I once again returned to the upper floors, and luckily I manage to get a spot. So, after Subuh, I waited there. Then, while waiting for the Sunat Raya prayers, I saw the sun rising, and it was indeed a beautiful sight. Birds’ flying around as the sun is rising, as the beginning of a new day. I was very happy and fortunate to see this during my last days in Mekkah.

Then the takbir Raya sounded, but honestly I prefer Malaysia’s takbir. After Sunat Raya prayer, I went back home and raya-ed with my sister and mother

After a short breakfast, I finally decided to try and go kiss the black stone, Hajar Al-Aswad. Kissing the stone is never a easy task, as I heard many stories about how people went through just to kiss the stone. People there would push, pull, knock, or even hit among each other just to kiss the stone. If you watched it, it was indeed a ugly sight, but somehow, I felt like I wanted to try to kiss it today, before I leave this Holy land.

So, I went to Kaa’bah to see if the crowd has lessen. Looks like I was wrong as usual. The crowd is just the same like it was in Ramadan, and the area of Hajar Al-Aswad is crowded. Even so, I felt like I should try. So, I went in, and try to kiss the stone. Sadly, I couldn’t, because I was pushed and pull over and over again. Every time I was close to the stone, the wave of people would just sweep me away from the stone. Still, I didn’t give first, however, after having my glasses knock off from my face and almost stepped, and my face hit by a sandal, I decided that it might not be my time yet, so I gave up. My whole body hurts after my attempt.

So, I went back to the hotel, and I hoped my sister gets to kiss the stone, because she also wants to try to kiss it. Alhamdulillah, she got to kiss the stone. After that, my mum returned from home, and we decided to give our family at Malaysia a call. It was nice to hear their voice, as I miss them all very dearly. However, I was very emotional when I spoke with my father, than I was crying so badly, and kept apologizing to him of all the mistakes and bad things I done to him, but he kept saying its okay, as he forgave me, and it’s good to hear my voice. After that, I just continue my usual routine, sleep, wake up between prayers, and go to the mosque for Maghrib and Isyak. However, since we don’t have Tarawikh anymore, we decided to go to shops to buy gifts and present for our family and friends at Malaysia.

Random shot before went shopping

This is the first time I went to the other parts of the shops around Mekkah. Usually I would just shop at the usual place that I shopped, but this time my mother brought us to a different area. It was fun browsing around the shops, and to my surprise the people here can speak Malay. My mum bought me a Jubah of my choice, which I liked it very much. We shopped a lot of stuffs, and I bought tasbih to give my friends. Not too mention we took some photos too.

When we were done shopping, my mum treated us at Taza and eat some ice-cream. We shopped till mid-night.

Also, at this night, you could see that the streets aren’t alive as it used to be. The streets looked empty.

24 October 2006
Today will be the last day I will be in the holy land, and tomorrow and I will be going back to Malaysia. As usual, my morning activities are like what I used to do, but today I will be fasting, so that’s why I rest in the morning. Nothing really much happen today, just that we finished our shopping list at the night.My mum brought us to another side of the mosque, which I never seen or been before.

Also, today we went to try the KFC, and man it’s really good. It has a different taste from Malaysia, and I recommend anyone who goes to Mekkah to try it.

We started to do the packing for tomorrow’s journey.

25 October 2006
This will be the last day I will be in the holy land, and I feel a bit sad, but somehow I feel that one day I will come back to this place, and I hope I will be to do my Hajj at least before my life ends. So, in the morning, we made a final check before we lock the begs and brought them to the lobby. After that, in the afternoon, around 1.30pm, we had to go to the mosque and perform the tawaf wida’ ( goodbye ). It was blazing hot, but alhamdulillah we manage to complete it. After we have perform tawaf wida’, we are must Mekkah immediately, only return to the hotel just to take stuffs.

Around 2.00pm, we pushed off from our hotel to the Mekkah International Airport. We arrived around 4pm, and then we had to go check in.

Even though we are leaving the holy land, test from God will still be there, and Subahanallah, we when we arrived at the airport, our first test had already begun. We had to line up, and it was a massive crowd, and the situation was very chaotic, just like how we first arrived at Jeddah airport. In fact, this was 100 time worse. I witnessed people arguing and fighting over small things, like a trolley and cutting que. It was indeed an ugly sight to see. We had to push from the entrance of the airport to the X-ray area, which took us 3 HOURS. Yes, 3 hours. We were tired, furthermore we were fasting. But, I didn’t mind this, because this is a test of patience, and alhamdulillah, I’ve learn of lot of patience’s while I was in Mekkah.

After we got over the X-ray area, alhamdulillah, everything went smoother and well. However, my mother reminded not to relax first, as unexpected things might happened, so we were on our toes. So, we waited, and finally it was time for our flight. Alhamdulillah, we didn’t encounter any problems after the X-ray area. Our flight was around 9pm, and I played around with the entertainment stuffs while the flight from Jeddah to Malaysia.

26 October 2006
Alhamdulillah, we safely arrived at Malaysia around 11am. Everything was much smoother compared at Jeddah, from getting our baggage and from moving a point to another. I wonder why can’t the Arab’s be as organized as Malaysia ? Anyway, after we got our begs, went to the arrival area, and I met with my brother. Hugged him so tightly, and then met up with the rest of my family. I miss them all so much. It was really great to see them.

We went back home and safely arrived at home around 1.30pm.

This was indeed a humbling and valuable experience that I underwent. I was indeed happy, and I never felt happier than I was in Mekkah. I never regretted going, not once, even though I had to leave behind so many things, but it was worth it. I really enjoyed the trip, and if I have another opportunity, or if God invites me again, insyallah I will come and answer His call.