Someone told this joke while we had a discussion at the Kopitiam. It was about our Lawyer and our Contractor friend. We had a good laugh and in the end both the Lawyer and the Contractor argued with each other who was rightful to settle the bill.
Never trust a Lawyer.
A Billionaire has three good friends, a Headmaster, a Priest and a Lawyer. He gave each his good friend a million dollar and told them to put the money in his coffin when he died.
The Billionaire died and the Headmaster could only put $700,000 as he claimed that he used $300,000 to repair the school roof. The Lawyer was angry with the Headmaster. The Priest could only put in $500,000 as he claimed that he used the money to repair the Church and some for charity. The Lawyer was also angry with the Priest for not fulfilling their promises.
When came to the Lawyer’s turn, he proudly wrote a cheque for $ 1 million and deposited it into the Billionaire”s coffin. He declared he was the only true friend of the Billionaire.
Contractors.
Someone in Heaven was inquisitive about Hell and asked God to peep at Hell. God allowed and in return someone in Hell wanted to see Heaven. It was also allowed. Soon everyone in Heaven and Hell wanted to see each other’s place.
God being fair granted their wishes and asked them to build a Bridge linking at the middle between Heaven and Hell. Overnight the bridge part from Hell to Heaven was completed. The Heaven to Hell part was incomplete.
The Hell dweller was grumbling and the reasons that God gave there were not enough Contractors in Heaven to do the job.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Happy Birthday, Shasha.
27 September 2009 was Nurul Fitrishah 3rd Birthday. To the family she is Shasha.
She came to the house in the morning and we gave her the Birthday present. She was very inquisitively excited and wanted to unwrap on the spot. She requested to stay back but the parents had an appointment at her Uncle’s place at Shah Alam for Hari Raya function as well as a Birthday Party planned for her with the cousins. Shasha would come later in the evening, ok Nenek, thats what she told my wife..
Shasha came with her parents together with Darwis the two year old little brother soon after the Isyakh prayer. She was wearing the yellow gown that my wife and daughter bought for her as the Birthday present. My son was at home but Shasha somehow could not see eye to eye with the so Uncle. They seldom meet as my son resides in KL. Somehow when my son handed the “duit raya” to her she reluctantly accepted. At dinner she insisted on sitting on her father’s lap. She feared the Uncle. Having Shasha and Darwis in the house was chaotic and we enjoyed their mischief. They climbed all over even their parents could not stop them as they have an open passport with me around. Darwis fancy the mini wooden cars and the miniature motorcycles of my collections. When they turned to me, they would get to play with it. Not all kids would have the opportunity.
Shasha sometimes filled up our weekend. She would go home only when the Father fetches her after the Isyakh prayer, not earlier. We would either take her to Giant or Jaya Jusco, of her choice and she would be busy handling the mechanical playthings. Ten pin bowling is her favorite as she can throw balls. Sometimes I wonder where she taps her energy from and I would be busy chasing around after her.
Shasha………you light up our lives and sometimes my wife warns me not to spoil her. I don’t know how to turn down a sweet little girl. My heart melts when she’s around. The most beautiful sight to watch is when she quietly emptied a feeding bottle of milo and slowly closes her eyes to sleep. The world surrounds her would remain quiet for a while.
I wish she grow up successful in life.
She came to the house in the morning and we gave her the Birthday present. She was very inquisitively excited and wanted to unwrap on the spot. She requested to stay back but the parents had an appointment at her Uncle’s place at Shah Alam for Hari Raya function as well as a Birthday Party planned for her with the cousins. Shasha would come later in the evening, ok Nenek, thats what she told my wife..
Shasha came with her parents together with Darwis the two year old little brother soon after the Isyakh prayer. She was wearing the yellow gown that my wife and daughter bought for her as the Birthday present. My son was at home but Shasha somehow could not see eye to eye with the so Uncle. They seldom meet as my son resides in KL. Somehow when my son handed the “duit raya” to her she reluctantly accepted. At dinner she insisted on sitting on her father’s lap. She feared the Uncle. Having Shasha and Darwis in the house was chaotic and we enjoyed their mischief. They climbed all over even their parents could not stop them as they have an open passport with me around. Darwis fancy the mini wooden cars and the miniature motorcycles of my collections. When they turned to me, they would get to play with it. Not all kids would have the opportunity.
Shasha sometimes filled up our weekend. She would go home only when the Father fetches her after the Isyakh prayer, not earlier. We would either take her to Giant or Jaya Jusco, of her choice and she would be busy handling the mechanical playthings. Ten pin bowling is her favorite as she can throw balls. Sometimes I wonder where she taps her energy from and I would be busy chasing around after her.
Shasha………you light up our lives and sometimes my wife warns me not to spoil her. I don’t know how to turn down a sweet little girl. My heart melts when she’s around. The most beautiful sight to watch is when she quietly emptied a feeding bottle of milo and slowly closes her eyes to sleep. The world surrounds her would remain quiet for a while.
I wish she grow up successful in life.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Ramadan Umrah 2009.
PART 1
Bismillah hir rohman nir rahim. (In the name of Allah, the merciful).
It is about a journey of a simple man seeking peace with Allah and to himself. He ventured alone to the Desert of the Anbiyas to perform the Ramadan umrah.
22 August 2009: Left KLIA vides Gulf Air GF 281 at 1130 hours for Bahrain and landed at 1340 hours local time. Since it was the first day of fasting month, nothing much to do except window shopping at the Duty Free Shop. The connecting flight to Jeddah GF 0173 tentatively at 1620 hours but was delayed to 1900 hours. The call of the Maghreb azan was at 1800 hours and I scrambled for mineral water and some tit bits to break my fast. When I boarded the plane disappointingly someone had occupied my seat and I was ushered to the rear. Later someone claimed the seat and I was furious with the Air Stewardess for relocating me. Gosh, I said to myself, I am going to have a bad start. I was finally allocated to a vacant seat. The problem was, some elderly Indian Pilgrims simply sat where they like ignoring the allocated seat number. Everything went hay wire.
Arrived Jeddah Airport at about 2130 hours and the Immigration formalities was crazy. All the ten finger prints were scanned and photograph taken. To make matters worse, the Immigration Officials were fond of kissing cheek with each other in the form of their greetings. Each passenger took about 10 to 15 minutes each for the scanning procedure. By the time I got to the luggage conveyor system, the entire luggage had been taken off from the system and I got to hunt for my bags.
It was about midnight that I managed to congregate at the arrival mezzanine and was apprehended by some Arab personnel, the Muasasah Officials requesting for my Passport. My group comprised of ten male and ten females. Meanwhile, we took time off to pray at the Airport Surau. We loaded our luggage into the bus but could not proceed with the journey to Medina as our Passports were still with the Muasasah Officials.
23 August 2009: At 0400 hours our Passports was still under custody and we had to find a Restaurant for sahor. We found one near a Mosque and after sahor we joined the local for subuh prayer. We were given permission to proceed to Medina even though five (5) Passports could not be traced.
Arrived at Medina about 0900 hours and checked into Gawaharat Favrouz Hotel Room 204. I immediately took my shower and headed for the Prophet Mosque. I visited the Holy Prophet’s Shrine and entered the Raudah to perform the sunat prayer. It was nice to be back at this Mosque and I solemnly said my prayers. I thanked the Almighty Allah for being able to visit this Mosque again. I felt I was very near to the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and how fortunate I was to perform what others were unable.
After asar, I was surprised there was a heavy down pour; most unlikely it would happen in Medina. Everybody including the Arabs was excited. Medina greeted me with flowing tears as I normally do whenever I visited the Holy Shrine. For this trip I exceptionally shed plenty of tears and I nearly cancelled my trip at the very last minute. I left to Almighty Allah to determine my fate and hopefully Allah would bless the journey that I pursued. Only Allah knows what was in my heart then. Before flying off, I was contemplating whether to proceed with my trip or otherwise for reasons only known to me and my family. Never mind, I said to myself. Allah would take care of me if my “nawaitu” is really sincere. At Raudah, I spent sometimes seeking from Allah the truth and the “sirotulmustakim” (the right path). I confided with Allah that thee had come to surrender and seek His guidance.
Breaking fast at the Holy Prophet Mosque was a pride. The Malaysian Pilgrims especially, were treated as VIP guests. We were greeted at the doorway and shown to the spread of dates, laban, bread and zam zam water.
I performed only ten out of the twenty rakaat of terawikh as I was damn tired. As I came out from the Mosque there was a loud thunder followed with the second session of rainfall. I walked in the rain to the Hotel for dinner.
During dinner, I met Andy Yusuf, my sister in law nephew. I was glad to see a young man performing the Ramadan Umrah. Initially I did not recognize him but he mentioned to me that he is Yusof Nor’s son. I was proud that he introduced me to his friends as his uncle.
24 August 2009: The morning program was to visit the Quba Mosque, Qiblatin Mosque, Dates Orchard, Jabal Uhud and the Dates Market. All these places are very familiar that I often visited but the most important is the Quba Mosque. Took the abolition from the Hotel, performed two rakaat sunat prayer at the Mosque is equivalent of performing one umrah. Quba Mosque is the first Mosque that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) built when the Holiness arrived from Mecca during the hijrah.
I bought some dates at the Date Market. Again during asar, rain began to fall and it continued right to Maghreb. It was drizzling when I walked to the Mosque for breaking my fast. Alhamdullilah………….even Medina shared my sorrow.
I completed the twenty rakaat terawikh.
25 August 2009: Immediately after subuh, I performed the widak (last visit to the Holy Shrine). My doa was to be able to come again at a later time. I have been around the world but the most beautiful place in the world is the Holy Prophet Mosque – Masjid Nabawi.
Back at the Hotel, I put on my ihram and we were heading for Mecca, about 470 kilometers away. About 10 kilometers out of Medina, we stopped at Bir Ali Mosque for solat sunat and niat (intention) to perform an umrah.
Arrived in Mecca about noon and checked into Royal Sultan Hotel Room 907. I was unhappy with the room as it was too small for five occupants. However I would sort the matter later after completion of my umrah.
My roommates were Haji Nor, Haji Bakir, Haji Muda Saleh and Haji Amri. Haji Amri being the youngest at 26 years of age and the rest are all above 55. I was the eldest at 63+.
I did my zohor prayer in the room and immediately headed for Masjidil Haram for umrah. As I was walking beside Safwah Hotel, I heard familiar voice of solat solat solat. It was my Yemenese friend Abdillah who operates a Date Shop at Safwah Hotel. We greeted each other and he was glad to see me again during this 2009 Ramadan. I befriended Abdillah since 2006 Ramadan.
I completed my first umrah and headed back to the Hotel. I conferred with Hj Baqee, an Andalusia Travel & Tour Coordinator and complained to him about the small room. He understood my predicament and promised to relocate us to Room 410 the following day when it fell vacant. I thanked him and we shook hands an indication that both parties agreed.
I completed only ten out of the twenty terawikh as I was very tired from performing the umrah at mid day.
26 August 2009: After subuh, I went to look for Tuan Hj Faharudin and his wife Hajah Rogayah who was staying at a Hotel somewhere behind Hotel Hilton. I finally found them and handed the goodies my wife requested to extend to them. The elderly couple was my Mecca neighbor during the 2008 Ramadan umrah and they were glad to see me.
After zohor, disappointingly Room 410 was allocated to Hj Bakir’s wife and gang. They were occupying Room 810 and wanted a lower floor room. I was initially upset as Hj Baqee had agreed yesterday to allocate Room 410 to me. Alternatively I was given Room 810 and we accepted. We were all now settled in Room 810 for the rest of our stay in Mecca.
The main entrance to Masjidil Haram from the Hotel was Gate No 1, King Abdul Aziz Gate and I prefer to take the staircase to the first floor. I had to walk along Ajyad Road to the Mosque. The distance is about 600 meters. The nearest praying area in the Mosque was very spacious.
I completed the twenty rakaat terawikh.
27 August 2009: After subuh, the bus took us to the Plain of Arafat. I mounted Jabal Rahmah and said my silent doa. Jabal Rahmah is the spot where Adam and Eve got together after they were banished from Heaven by Allah. Adam was banished to Sri Lanka and Eve was somewhere in the Arab Peninsula. They finally met at this Mount where Adam was frantically looking for Eve.
For a while I was panic. I could not find the bus and I was frantically looking for it, just like Adam frantically looking for Eve. Finally I found the bus and I was upset with Hj Muda who saw me from the bus but failed to wave me on.
The next stop was Jairanah Mosque and I put on my ihram. After the sunat ihram prayer I said my niat for an umrah. Arrived in Mecca, I performed the umrah rituals and completed at 1215 hours. This umrah was dedicated to my late father, Haji Abdul Hamid bin Abdullah.
I completed the twenty rakaat terawikh and later met Hj Baqee and Hj Abu of Andalusia Travel to thank them about the allocation to Room 810.
28 August 2009: After subuh the bus took us to Tanaim for miqat and this time the umrah was for my maternal Grandfather, Shaari bin Salam.
Haji Bakir and I performed the Friday prayer in Safwah Tower as we were already late after the umrah and Masjidil Haram was overflowing.
After asar, I attended the tazkirah by Dato Daud Che Ngah.
I completed the twenty rakaat terawikh.
29 August 2009: After subuh I went to miqat at Tanaim and the umrah was for my personal self. I completed the umrah rituals at 0930 hours.
Send ihram and other soil clothing for laundry.
I completed the twenty rakaat terawikh.
30 August 2009: After subuh I went to Tanaim to miqat and this time the umrah was dedicated to my maternal Grandmother, Hajah Robimah bte Mohd Hanafiah.
I broke fast in the room as I was so tired.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh. Hj Muda and Amri brought back chicken briyani rice and we feasted at the Dining Hall.
31 August 2009: Back from subuh I got a message from Charlie Ng, informing me my former Assistant, Patrick Tan had passed away. I send my condolence message to Patrick’s wife back home.
I did not go for umrah today as I need a break. I felt stressful and having bad dreams lately. I had very little sleep lately.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh.
01 September 2009: After subuh I went to Tanaim for miqat and this time the umrah was dedicated to my late father in law, Abdul Rahman bin Ali.
After asar I went shopping and bought a small kettle and a water heater. Everyone could now prepare hot drinks right inside the room.
I began to cough and after Maghreb, Hj Bakir gave me some tablets. The medication made me dizzy and I could only complete sixteen rakaat out of twenty of the terawikh.
Later at night, Atan came to my room and he gave me a good rub on my weary leg muscles.
02 September 2009: After subuh I went to Tanaim for miqat and this time the umrah was dedicated to my late mother in law, Mariam binti Haji Tahir.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh. I decided to drop by to know the well beings of Hj Faharudin and his wife at their Hotel. Hajah Rogayah was kind enough to buy a gift for my wife and I received it with thanks.
Later I sent a short message to Hj Faharudin son informing him that his parents were in good health. Hj Faharudin handphone service was poor as their room was right behind a tall building and the transmission signal practically block.
03 September 2009: I took the cab to Tanaim to do my miqat and this time the umrah was dedicated to my late Uncle, Hj Khusari Ghazali who passed away a day before I left for the Holy Land.
After zohor, I replenished the refrigerator with fruit juices. In the evening I had a stomach cramp and I broke fast in the room.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh.
04 September 2009: It was Friday and Mecca was packed with Pilgrims. Since the Mosque was overcrowded it was very difficult to perform an umrah. I went to the Mosque very early for Friday prayers otherwise there would be no space available.
After asar, I walked to the 2008 Ramadan umrah Hotel, Zahrat Kamil at Misfalah area but disappointingly my Bangladeshi friends, Makbul and Salleh was no more employed at the Hotel. I wanted to meet them as they were very helpful when I stayed there last year.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawkh and later, Atan came by to my room to give me a good rub. The body was aching all over.
05 September 2009: All the five of us in the room woke up late for sahor. We had only fifteen minutes to spare and everybody was scrambling for whatever dates available in the refrigerator.
After subuh I went to Tanaim to miqat and this time the umrah was dedicated to my paternal grandfather, Abdullah bin Kanda Abdul Rahman.
On the way back I stopped at the Grocery Store and bought some eggs and indomee. Later after the terawikh, Hj Bakir applied his cooking skill and we enjoyed indomee soup for a change.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh.
Bismillah hir rohman nir rahim. (In the name of Allah, the merciful).
It is about a journey of a simple man seeking peace with Allah and to himself. He ventured alone to the Desert of the Anbiyas to perform the Ramadan umrah.
22 August 2009: Left KLIA vides Gulf Air GF 281 at 1130 hours for Bahrain and landed at 1340 hours local time. Since it was the first day of fasting month, nothing much to do except window shopping at the Duty Free Shop. The connecting flight to Jeddah GF 0173 tentatively at 1620 hours but was delayed to 1900 hours. The call of the Maghreb azan was at 1800 hours and I scrambled for mineral water and some tit bits to break my fast. When I boarded the plane disappointingly someone had occupied my seat and I was ushered to the rear. Later someone claimed the seat and I was furious with the Air Stewardess for relocating me. Gosh, I said to myself, I am going to have a bad start. I was finally allocated to a vacant seat. The problem was, some elderly Indian Pilgrims simply sat where they like ignoring the allocated seat number. Everything went hay wire.
Arrived Jeddah Airport at about 2130 hours and the Immigration formalities was crazy. All the ten finger prints were scanned and photograph taken. To make matters worse, the Immigration Officials were fond of kissing cheek with each other in the form of their greetings. Each passenger took about 10 to 15 minutes each for the scanning procedure. By the time I got to the luggage conveyor system, the entire luggage had been taken off from the system and I got to hunt for my bags.
It was about midnight that I managed to congregate at the arrival mezzanine and was apprehended by some Arab personnel, the Muasasah Officials requesting for my Passport. My group comprised of ten male and ten females. Meanwhile, we took time off to pray at the Airport Surau. We loaded our luggage into the bus but could not proceed with the journey to Medina as our Passports were still with the Muasasah Officials.
23 August 2009: At 0400 hours our Passports was still under custody and we had to find a Restaurant for sahor. We found one near a Mosque and after sahor we joined the local for subuh prayer. We were given permission to proceed to Medina even though five (5) Passports could not be traced.
Arrived at Medina about 0900 hours and checked into Gawaharat Favrouz Hotel Room 204. I immediately took my shower and headed for the Prophet Mosque. I visited the Holy Prophet’s Shrine and entered the Raudah to perform the sunat prayer. It was nice to be back at this Mosque and I solemnly said my prayers. I thanked the Almighty Allah for being able to visit this Mosque again. I felt I was very near to the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and how fortunate I was to perform what others were unable.
After asar, I was surprised there was a heavy down pour; most unlikely it would happen in Medina. Everybody including the Arabs was excited. Medina greeted me with flowing tears as I normally do whenever I visited the Holy Shrine. For this trip I exceptionally shed plenty of tears and I nearly cancelled my trip at the very last minute. I left to Almighty Allah to determine my fate and hopefully Allah would bless the journey that I pursued. Only Allah knows what was in my heart then. Before flying off, I was contemplating whether to proceed with my trip or otherwise for reasons only known to me and my family. Never mind, I said to myself. Allah would take care of me if my “nawaitu” is really sincere. At Raudah, I spent sometimes seeking from Allah the truth and the “sirotulmustakim” (the right path). I confided with Allah that thee had come to surrender and seek His guidance.
Breaking fast at the Holy Prophet Mosque was a pride. The Malaysian Pilgrims especially, were treated as VIP guests. We were greeted at the doorway and shown to the spread of dates, laban, bread and zam zam water.
I performed only ten out of the twenty rakaat of terawikh as I was damn tired. As I came out from the Mosque there was a loud thunder followed with the second session of rainfall. I walked in the rain to the Hotel for dinner.
During dinner, I met Andy Yusuf, my sister in law nephew. I was glad to see a young man performing the Ramadan Umrah. Initially I did not recognize him but he mentioned to me that he is Yusof Nor’s son. I was proud that he introduced me to his friends as his uncle.
24 August 2009: The morning program was to visit the Quba Mosque, Qiblatin Mosque, Dates Orchard, Jabal Uhud and the Dates Market. All these places are very familiar that I often visited but the most important is the Quba Mosque. Took the abolition from the Hotel, performed two rakaat sunat prayer at the Mosque is equivalent of performing one umrah. Quba Mosque is the first Mosque that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) built when the Holiness arrived from Mecca during the hijrah.
I bought some dates at the Date Market. Again during asar, rain began to fall and it continued right to Maghreb. It was drizzling when I walked to the Mosque for breaking my fast. Alhamdullilah………….even Medina shared my sorrow.
I completed the twenty rakaat terawikh.
25 August 2009: Immediately after subuh, I performed the widak (last visit to the Holy Shrine). My doa was to be able to come again at a later time. I have been around the world but the most beautiful place in the world is the Holy Prophet Mosque – Masjid Nabawi.
Back at the Hotel, I put on my ihram and we were heading for Mecca, about 470 kilometers away. About 10 kilometers out of Medina, we stopped at Bir Ali Mosque for solat sunat and niat (intention) to perform an umrah.
Arrived in Mecca about noon and checked into Royal Sultan Hotel Room 907. I was unhappy with the room as it was too small for five occupants. However I would sort the matter later after completion of my umrah.
My roommates were Haji Nor, Haji Bakir, Haji Muda Saleh and Haji Amri. Haji Amri being the youngest at 26 years of age and the rest are all above 55. I was the eldest at 63+.
I did my zohor prayer in the room and immediately headed for Masjidil Haram for umrah. As I was walking beside Safwah Hotel, I heard familiar voice of solat solat solat. It was my Yemenese friend Abdillah who operates a Date Shop at Safwah Hotel. We greeted each other and he was glad to see me again during this 2009 Ramadan. I befriended Abdillah since 2006 Ramadan.
I completed my first umrah and headed back to the Hotel. I conferred with Hj Baqee, an Andalusia Travel & Tour Coordinator and complained to him about the small room. He understood my predicament and promised to relocate us to Room 410 the following day when it fell vacant. I thanked him and we shook hands an indication that both parties agreed.
I completed only ten out of the twenty terawikh as I was very tired from performing the umrah at mid day.
26 August 2009: After subuh, I went to look for Tuan Hj Faharudin and his wife Hajah Rogayah who was staying at a Hotel somewhere behind Hotel Hilton. I finally found them and handed the goodies my wife requested to extend to them. The elderly couple was my Mecca neighbor during the 2008 Ramadan umrah and they were glad to see me.
After zohor, disappointingly Room 410 was allocated to Hj Bakir’s wife and gang. They were occupying Room 810 and wanted a lower floor room. I was initially upset as Hj Baqee had agreed yesterday to allocate Room 410 to me. Alternatively I was given Room 810 and we accepted. We were all now settled in Room 810 for the rest of our stay in Mecca.
The main entrance to Masjidil Haram from the Hotel was Gate No 1, King Abdul Aziz Gate and I prefer to take the staircase to the first floor. I had to walk along Ajyad Road to the Mosque. The distance is about 600 meters. The nearest praying area in the Mosque was very spacious.
I completed the twenty rakaat terawikh.
27 August 2009: After subuh, the bus took us to the Plain of Arafat. I mounted Jabal Rahmah and said my silent doa. Jabal Rahmah is the spot where Adam and Eve got together after they were banished from Heaven by Allah. Adam was banished to Sri Lanka and Eve was somewhere in the Arab Peninsula. They finally met at this Mount where Adam was frantically looking for Eve.
For a while I was panic. I could not find the bus and I was frantically looking for it, just like Adam frantically looking for Eve. Finally I found the bus and I was upset with Hj Muda who saw me from the bus but failed to wave me on.
The next stop was Jairanah Mosque and I put on my ihram. After the sunat ihram prayer I said my niat for an umrah. Arrived in Mecca, I performed the umrah rituals and completed at 1215 hours. This umrah was dedicated to my late father, Haji Abdul Hamid bin Abdullah.
I completed the twenty rakaat terawikh and later met Hj Baqee and Hj Abu of Andalusia Travel to thank them about the allocation to Room 810.
28 August 2009: After subuh the bus took us to Tanaim for miqat and this time the umrah was for my maternal Grandfather, Shaari bin Salam.
Haji Bakir and I performed the Friday prayer in Safwah Tower as we were already late after the umrah and Masjidil Haram was overflowing.
After asar, I attended the tazkirah by Dato Daud Che Ngah.
I completed the twenty rakaat terawikh.
29 August 2009: After subuh I went to miqat at Tanaim and the umrah was for my personal self. I completed the umrah rituals at 0930 hours.
Send ihram and other soil clothing for laundry.
I completed the twenty rakaat terawikh.
30 August 2009: After subuh I went to Tanaim to miqat and this time the umrah was dedicated to my maternal Grandmother, Hajah Robimah bte Mohd Hanafiah.
I broke fast in the room as I was so tired.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh. Hj Muda and Amri brought back chicken briyani rice and we feasted at the Dining Hall.
31 August 2009: Back from subuh I got a message from Charlie Ng, informing me my former Assistant, Patrick Tan had passed away. I send my condolence message to Patrick’s wife back home.
I did not go for umrah today as I need a break. I felt stressful and having bad dreams lately. I had very little sleep lately.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh.
01 September 2009: After subuh I went to Tanaim for miqat and this time the umrah was dedicated to my late father in law, Abdul Rahman bin Ali.
After asar I went shopping and bought a small kettle and a water heater. Everyone could now prepare hot drinks right inside the room.
I began to cough and after Maghreb, Hj Bakir gave me some tablets. The medication made me dizzy and I could only complete sixteen rakaat out of twenty of the terawikh.
Later at night, Atan came to my room and he gave me a good rub on my weary leg muscles.
02 September 2009: After subuh I went to Tanaim for miqat and this time the umrah was dedicated to my late mother in law, Mariam binti Haji Tahir.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh. I decided to drop by to know the well beings of Hj Faharudin and his wife at their Hotel. Hajah Rogayah was kind enough to buy a gift for my wife and I received it with thanks.
Later I sent a short message to Hj Faharudin son informing him that his parents were in good health. Hj Faharudin handphone service was poor as their room was right behind a tall building and the transmission signal practically block.
03 September 2009: I took the cab to Tanaim to do my miqat and this time the umrah was dedicated to my late Uncle, Hj Khusari Ghazali who passed away a day before I left for the Holy Land.
After zohor, I replenished the refrigerator with fruit juices. In the evening I had a stomach cramp and I broke fast in the room.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh.
04 September 2009: It was Friday and Mecca was packed with Pilgrims. Since the Mosque was overcrowded it was very difficult to perform an umrah. I went to the Mosque very early for Friday prayers otherwise there would be no space available.
After asar, I walked to the 2008 Ramadan umrah Hotel, Zahrat Kamil at Misfalah area but disappointingly my Bangladeshi friends, Makbul and Salleh was no more employed at the Hotel. I wanted to meet them as they were very helpful when I stayed there last year.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawkh and later, Atan came by to my room to give me a good rub. The body was aching all over.
05 September 2009: All the five of us in the room woke up late for sahor. We had only fifteen minutes to spare and everybody was scrambling for whatever dates available in the refrigerator.
After subuh I went to Tanaim to miqat and this time the umrah was dedicated to my paternal grandfather, Abdullah bin Kanda Abdul Rahman.
On the way back I stopped at the Grocery Store and bought some eggs and indomee. Later after the terawikh, Hj Bakir applied his cooking skill and we enjoyed indomee soup for a change.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh.
Ramadan Umrah 2009.
PART 11
06 September 2009: I was fast asleep at three in the morning when Hj Muda came back to the room with packets of chicken briyani. The lights were switched on and awakened me from my deep slumber. I was very upset that he was lacking consideration for others. I need a good sleep as my daily routine was performing the umrah unlike him who at these early stages spending his time “iktikaf” at the Mosque. His intention was good anyway, bringing back the chicken briyani but the announcement of his arrival had disturbed me.
After subuh I went to Tanaim to miqat and this time the umrah was dedicated to my paternal Grandmother, Teh Non binti Busu Latiff.
At zohor, I overslept being so tired after the umrah and I performed the zohor prayer in the room.
In the evening the ihram returned by the laundry was not mine and I returned it to Hj Nik but the one with Hj Nik was not mine either. The Hotel Laundry made a total mess. I landed with someone else’s sets of ihram. I could not trace the where about of mine.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh.
07 September 2009: After subuh I went to Tanaim to miqat and this time the umrah was dedicated to my sister in law husband, Hj Saleh bin Ibrahim who passed away about three months ago.
After zohor, I gave Hj Amri a piece of my mind. Being young at 26 years of age, he got a long way more to go in life. I have noticed lately that his communication and association with the elders were poor. He addressed me as “hang” (you) in Northern Malay slang. That was very disrespectful to a 63 year old man. I have a 34 year old son who has more etiquette. He walked around in short in the room, with his “aurat” exposed. He stubbornly wanted the air condition to be always on high fan mode when the rest four of us were freezing cold. He should understand our metabolism is weaker than his. Walking by the elders, was just breezing through which is non customary to Malay custom.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh.
08 September 2009: After subuh I went to Tanaim to miqat and this time the umrah was dedicated to my brother in law, Samad@Radzi bin Abdul Rahman who passed away many years ago.
I did my zohor prayer in the room as I was so exhausted to go to the Mosque. When Hj Amri came back to the room, I was alone in the room; he just walked in without the normal greetings of “asalamualaikum”. It proven that this guy is actually a “small boy”. The air condition fan was switched on to high mode and I could not stay in the room to have my afternoon nap. I went down to the lobby to have a warmer atmosphere at the same time I was observing the incoming newly arrived Pilgrims from Medina.
After asar, I went to Hilton Hotel and bought several donuts.
After terawikh I went alone to De Saji, Felda Restaurant at Safwah Tower and ordered “nasi goreng”. It cost me 20 Saudi Riyals. The rendang was delicious and I brought back some for Hj Bakir.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh.
09 September 2009: After subuh I went to Tanaim to miqat and this time the umrah was dedicated to my maternal Grand aunty, Itam Rahimah binti Mohd Hanafiah.
My teeth were aching and I could not consume any medication as I was fasting. I resorted to liquid for gargling to kill any germ or virus. I suspected the freezing cold had affected my gum.
After zohor I went to Abeer Garden Hotel to meet Hj Adenan my neighbor back home, who had just arrived from Medina.
I broke fast in the room as my teeth were still troubling me and I wanted to consume medicines immediately after breaking fast.
After terawikh, Hj Bakir and I went to see Hj Adenan at Abeer Garden Hotel to collect our dates which Hj Adenan bought in Medina. We got together and had drinks and getting the latest news back home from Hj Adenan. Hj Adenan was my roommate during the 2008 Ramadan umrah.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh.
10 September 2009: After subuh I went to Tanaim to miqat and this time the umrah was dedicated to my late brother, Saleh bin Abdul Hamid who passed away last year.
After zohor I went again to Abeer Garden Hotel to collect some books from Hj Adenan. I stayed back in Hj Adenan room, took a nap and proceeded for asar from thereon.
After terawikh while sitting at the lobby, I befriended Hj Mazlin, Hj Mazlan and Hj Nasir who were all from Penang. Hj Mazlin was the 1980 batch of TI Penang, the same school that I went to. We talked about the school.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh.
11 September 2009: Tahajud started and I performed only four rakaat at King Aziz underground. Before tahajud there was a solat jenazah and I thought the tahajud had started. I wonder why there were four takbirs before the tahajud. Realising the misque, I smiled to myself.
It’s Friday and I did not do any umrah. I spent the morning washing the ihram which could save me 10 Saudi Riyals if I send them to the Laundry. Friday prayer – started by going to King Aziz underground but I had to abandon the place as it was too warm and stuffy due to the overcrowding. I finally landed at the frontage of Safwah Tower Complex.
For the very first time, I went to the roof top to break my fast and continued with my Maghreb prayer. That was the first and the last I went to the rooftop.
During terwikh at rakaat 9 – 14, surah Yasin was recited and I was fortunate to be at the 3rd saf and able to see the Kaabah while praying.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh.
12 September 2009: Completed only six rakaat of tahajud at King Aziz underground.
After subuh I went to Tanaim to do miqat and this time the umrah was dedicated to my late step mother in law, Rogayah binti Tahir.
I could not tolerate the freezing cold anymore. I plastered the air condition fan switch only able to operate on low mode. This would prevent who else? from putting the fan mode to High. Apparently, Hj Bakir agreed as he too could not withstand the cold.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh.
13 September 2009: Tahajud – I did not perform.
After subuh I went to Tanaim to do miqat and this time the umrah dedicated to my late paternal Great Grandfather, Kanda Abdul Rahman bin Imam Todek.
After zohor I caught up with Hj Adenan at Hilton Hotel and we went shopping. I bumped into Dato Yaacob Hussein, my working mate at Esso PD. Last year Ramadan umrah I met him at Jabal Uhud in Medina.
After getting some clothing for Shasha and Darwis (Hj Adenan children) both of us decided to visit Hj Faharudin. The couple was glad to see us and it’s now more convenient for Hj Adenan who was staying nearby to drop by once in a while to check on the elderly couple well being.
I went back to Hj Adenan room and took a nap. Both of us overslept during asar and we prayed in the room.
We decided to break our fast at the Mosque Dataran. Here, all sorts of food are allowed and we brought “murtabak” to break our fast. It was really happening at the Dataran with Pilgrims exchanging various foods with each other. It was the first time I broke my fast at the Dataran.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh.
14 September 2009: Tahajud – Four rakaat at King Aziz underground.
After subuh I went to Tanaim to do miqat and this time the umrah was dedicated to my late step mother, Hajah Bee binti Adam.
In the afternoon I realized my both eyes were red and I confined myself to the room. I was scared it could be sore eyes and contagious. I performed zohor prayer in the room. Somehow, Hj Bakir’s wife had brought along some good eye drop and the application was very effective. By evening it was back to normal.
In the meantime, Hj Muda was coughing badly and having very bad sore throat. I offered Hj Muda to take on the medication that I bought for gargling to ease his throat. I had also noticed someone blatantly in spite of the plaster, put on the air condition fan switch to medium mode. I got fed up and lowered it to low. People are getting sick and someone in the room has no brain. At that point of time, I was still controlling my patient.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh and on the way back I stop by at Abdillah’s shop to buy some dates and sweets.
15 September 2009: Tahajud – four rakaat at King Aziz underground.
After subuh I went to Tanaim to do miqat and this time the umrah dedicated to my late Uncle, Mohd Ramli bin Mat Serah. This would be my last umrah for 2009 Ramadan. On the way back I decided to abandon the Van and took the bus instead. The young Arab Van Driver was reckless and drove like crazy. Not to endanger my life, I paid the Arab the full fare and asked him to kill someone else.
After asar, I went out shopping for souvenirs and the stuff that my wife requested.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh.
16 September 2009: Tahajud – Did not perform.
After subuh I shop for perfumes. My Mosque buddy, Captain Fauzi had requested for a bottle of “kasturi”. I did not choose Hilton as it would be damn expensive. I just went to the Bazaar; the “kasturi” is the same anyway.
Tonight would be the 27 Ramadan nights and to the Arabs, the night was Night of Lailatulqadar, the Night of 1000 Months. Mecca was packed full. It was estimated about 2.5 million Pilgrims gathered at Masjidil Haram. I went to the Mosque exceptionally early for terawikh and I had no problem with space. I completed the twenty rakaat. Last year I did only ten as it was too crowded. Alhamdullillah, this time all went well.
After terawikh I went to De Saji and ordered a 10 Saudi Riyal “mee goring”. The taste was acceptable. I had an invitation for “nasi briyani kambing” somewhere out of town but I rejected because I do not fancy mutton. Hj Bakir, Hj Muda and Hj Amri went. When I came back to the room they were still out feasting.
17 September 2009: Tahajud – the continuation of the 27 Ramadan night of Lailatulqadar to the Arabs. The Mosque was packed. I decided to go underground but I saw Pilgrims coming out sweating. I decided not to enter the underground. Along the road, Pilgrims were praying and I spread my praying mat and joined them as well. I did not perform the “witir” but I could not go back to the Hotel as the road leading to the Hotel was filled with Pilgrims. I stopped by at the coffee kiosk and enjoyed myself with a cup of hot copichino. When I entered the room, the three Hajis who went for the “nasi briyani kambing” was in bed.
During subuh, the crowd was still there and I could not enter the Mosque. I prayed under the Ramp to King Aziz First Floor.
Before zohor I went to Zam zam Tower shopping Complex and bought two Koraan for waqaf in Masjidil Haram on behalf of my late Father and uncle Khusairi. After zohor I met up with Hj Adenan and we went shopping at Safwah Tower.
After asar, I lead Hj Mazlan and Hj Mazlin to the Masfalah Market. After getting what they wanted, somehow I lost both of them in the crowd. We make our own separate way back to the Hotel but both of them were having problem as they were not familiar with the area. I met them at the lobby after Maghreb and we were laughing about the misadventure.
I completed only ten rakaat of terawikh and this would be the last terawikh for 2009 Ramadan umrah. After the terawikh, Hj Nasir, Hj Mazlan, Hj Mazlin, Hj Bakir and I met at De Saji Restaurant to have a drink. We then went for last minute shopping as the following morning all of us would be heading for home. I went to Abdillah Shop and bid farewell to him. See you next Ramadan, my friend. Insyaalah.
Back in the Room, packing all the stuff and sealing the zam zam water canister.
18 September 2009: LAST DAY IN MECCA.
Tahajud – I did not perform due to excitement of going home.
At subuh, I decided to pray at King Aziz underground as it would be easier for me to enter Dataran Kaabah after the prayer. I performed the “widak” immediately after subuh and the crowd was extraordinary large. It was Friday morning and lot of Pilgrims doing the tawaf sunat. It took me forty five minutes to complete the seven rounds of the Kaabah.
I missed the “Malam Khatam Koraan” as it was going to be tonight and I was heading home.
I recited my last doa and seek from Allah that this would not be the last time that I am to be present at the Kaabah. I seek for Paradise if I fail to turn up at Kaabah again.
I had to overcome the huge crowd to exit from Dataran Kaabah. I looked at the Kaabah for the last time hoping that 2010 Ramadan umrah, I would be present again. I thank Allah for all well with good health and no obstacles while performing the Ramadan umrah during my 28 days stay at the Holy Land. I succeeded on doing 18 umrahs in total.
I took a slow walk back to the Hotel, sweating all over.
All set, all luggage in the bus and we left Mecca at 0815 hours. In Jeddah the bus only stop for a break at the Floating Mosque by the Red Sea. I just step down to stretch my leg and to overview the familiar sight.
At 1100 hrs, we arrived at the Haj Terminal, the exit Airport. When we checked in there was problem as Gulf Air assessed that the Group total luggage including the zam zam water was overweight. There was bargaining, pleading and haggling and finally Gulf Air released without any compound.
Flight GF 2101 to Bahrain supposed to depart at 1420 hours but it was delayed to 1700 hours. During my conversation with Hj Bakir, I now understand why Hj Amri character was rather peculiar. I was told by Haji Bakir that Hj Amri was brought up from infancy by a single mother and no wonder he does not know the meaning or culture of a father and son relationship. Whatever….there was no excuse for him for not knowing or adopting the simple Malay culture of differentiating between the young and the old and the respect he has to bestow upon elderly people.
I was so exhausted of waiting, I slept on the floor and Atan was kind enough to render his jacket as my pillow. When I was awakened, the plane was ready for boarding.
Finally we boarded the plane and we broke fast as the plane was about to land in Bahrain. We landed at about 1900 hours.
The connecting flight to Kuala Lumpur was Flight GF 0280 departing at 2000 hours. We had only about an hour or so to spare and the plane departure was on schedule. We had to rush to find Gate 37, right at the end of the Terminal.
18 September 2009: The sahor was somewhere above India. It was a smooth flight all the way to KLIA.
The plane landed safely at KLIA sharp at 0945 hours. On hand to greet me was my wife, my daughter and little Shasha whom I missed very much. (Shasha is the three year old Haji Adenan daughter who is my neighbor).
HOME SWEET HOME.
CONCLUSION: I was very comfortable with the Royal Sultan Hotel. To perform an umrah, the Van came right to the Hotel doorstep for the miqat at Tanaim. The return journey, the Van would send us right to Hilton underground and by the escalator to King Faad Gate of Masjidil Haram. Compliment to the Van Driver, Abu Salim. The food was satisfactory, an Indonesian Chef. We even have “ikan kembong”. Haji Bakir and me normally took our food last as we wanted to avoid the crowd and the unnecessary political debate among the Pilgrims. There was no jam on the way to the Mosque and the passage was always clear except on the Night of 27 Ramadan. Except for the cold storage Room 810 and the defective thermostat, the rest of the Hotel facilities were satisfactory. We filled up the bath tub with the warm water and we ended up having cold shower. Clothes to dry took us only overnight with the aid of the desert air.
Every time I face the Kaabah, I asked Allah to judge me and penalize me for things that I have misdeed. I came to surrender myself and I leave to the Almighty to bless or befall my fate. I meant no offence to anyone for thee seek justice and truth as the follower of the Holy Prophet Mohamed (pbuh) and I believe in Allah.
Overall it was a successful umrah. There were no hard obstacles and Allah had paved the way for my safety and bestowed good health throughout my 28 days stay in the Holy Land. Syukur Alhamdullillah.
Insyaalah with good health, I would make the same journey in 2010 Ramadan.
THAT’S THE TRUE STORY OF MY JOURNEY.
06 September 2009: I was fast asleep at three in the morning when Hj Muda came back to the room with packets of chicken briyani. The lights were switched on and awakened me from my deep slumber. I was very upset that he was lacking consideration for others. I need a good sleep as my daily routine was performing the umrah unlike him who at these early stages spending his time “iktikaf” at the Mosque. His intention was good anyway, bringing back the chicken briyani but the announcement of his arrival had disturbed me.
After subuh I went to Tanaim to miqat and this time the umrah was dedicated to my paternal Grandmother, Teh Non binti Busu Latiff.
At zohor, I overslept being so tired after the umrah and I performed the zohor prayer in the room.
In the evening the ihram returned by the laundry was not mine and I returned it to Hj Nik but the one with Hj Nik was not mine either. The Hotel Laundry made a total mess. I landed with someone else’s sets of ihram. I could not trace the where about of mine.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh.
07 September 2009: After subuh I went to Tanaim to miqat and this time the umrah was dedicated to my sister in law husband, Hj Saleh bin Ibrahim who passed away about three months ago.
After zohor, I gave Hj Amri a piece of my mind. Being young at 26 years of age, he got a long way more to go in life. I have noticed lately that his communication and association with the elders were poor. He addressed me as “hang” (you) in Northern Malay slang. That was very disrespectful to a 63 year old man. I have a 34 year old son who has more etiquette. He walked around in short in the room, with his “aurat” exposed. He stubbornly wanted the air condition to be always on high fan mode when the rest four of us were freezing cold. He should understand our metabolism is weaker than his. Walking by the elders, was just breezing through which is non customary to Malay custom.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh.
08 September 2009: After subuh I went to Tanaim to miqat and this time the umrah was dedicated to my brother in law, Samad@Radzi bin Abdul Rahman who passed away many years ago.
I did my zohor prayer in the room as I was so exhausted to go to the Mosque. When Hj Amri came back to the room, I was alone in the room; he just walked in without the normal greetings of “asalamualaikum”. It proven that this guy is actually a “small boy”. The air condition fan was switched on to high mode and I could not stay in the room to have my afternoon nap. I went down to the lobby to have a warmer atmosphere at the same time I was observing the incoming newly arrived Pilgrims from Medina.
After asar, I went to Hilton Hotel and bought several donuts.
After terawikh I went alone to De Saji, Felda Restaurant at Safwah Tower and ordered “nasi goreng”. It cost me 20 Saudi Riyals. The rendang was delicious and I brought back some for Hj Bakir.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh.
09 September 2009: After subuh I went to Tanaim to miqat and this time the umrah was dedicated to my maternal Grand aunty, Itam Rahimah binti Mohd Hanafiah.
My teeth were aching and I could not consume any medication as I was fasting. I resorted to liquid for gargling to kill any germ or virus. I suspected the freezing cold had affected my gum.
After zohor I went to Abeer Garden Hotel to meet Hj Adenan my neighbor back home, who had just arrived from Medina.
I broke fast in the room as my teeth were still troubling me and I wanted to consume medicines immediately after breaking fast.
After terawikh, Hj Bakir and I went to see Hj Adenan at Abeer Garden Hotel to collect our dates which Hj Adenan bought in Medina. We got together and had drinks and getting the latest news back home from Hj Adenan. Hj Adenan was my roommate during the 2008 Ramadan umrah.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh.
10 September 2009: After subuh I went to Tanaim to miqat and this time the umrah was dedicated to my late brother, Saleh bin Abdul Hamid who passed away last year.
After zohor I went again to Abeer Garden Hotel to collect some books from Hj Adenan. I stayed back in Hj Adenan room, took a nap and proceeded for asar from thereon.
After terawikh while sitting at the lobby, I befriended Hj Mazlin, Hj Mazlan and Hj Nasir who were all from Penang. Hj Mazlin was the 1980 batch of TI Penang, the same school that I went to. We talked about the school.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh.
11 September 2009: Tahajud started and I performed only four rakaat at King Aziz underground. Before tahajud there was a solat jenazah and I thought the tahajud had started. I wonder why there were four takbirs before the tahajud. Realising the misque, I smiled to myself.
It’s Friday and I did not do any umrah. I spent the morning washing the ihram which could save me 10 Saudi Riyals if I send them to the Laundry. Friday prayer – started by going to King Aziz underground but I had to abandon the place as it was too warm and stuffy due to the overcrowding. I finally landed at the frontage of Safwah Tower Complex.
For the very first time, I went to the roof top to break my fast and continued with my Maghreb prayer. That was the first and the last I went to the rooftop.
During terwikh at rakaat 9 – 14, surah Yasin was recited and I was fortunate to be at the 3rd saf and able to see the Kaabah while praying.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh.
12 September 2009: Completed only six rakaat of tahajud at King Aziz underground.
After subuh I went to Tanaim to do miqat and this time the umrah was dedicated to my late step mother in law, Rogayah binti Tahir.
I could not tolerate the freezing cold anymore. I plastered the air condition fan switch only able to operate on low mode. This would prevent who else? from putting the fan mode to High. Apparently, Hj Bakir agreed as he too could not withstand the cold.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh.
13 September 2009: Tahajud – I did not perform.
After subuh I went to Tanaim to do miqat and this time the umrah dedicated to my late paternal Great Grandfather, Kanda Abdul Rahman bin Imam Todek.
After zohor I caught up with Hj Adenan at Hilton Hotel and we went shopping. I bumped into Dato Yaacob Hussein, my working mate at Esso PD. Last year Ramadan umrah I met him at Jabal Uhud in Medina.
After getting some clothing for Shasha and Darwis (Hj Adenan children) both of us decided to visit Hj Faharudin. The couple was glad to see us and it’s now more convenient for Hj Adenan who was staying nearby to drop by once in a while to check on the elderly couple well being.
I went back to Hj Adenan room and took a nap. Both of us overslept during asar and we prayed in the room.
We decided to break our fast at the Mosque Dataran. Here, all sorts of food are allowed and we brought “murtabak” to break our fast. It was really happening at the Dataran with Pilgrims exchanging various foods with each other. It was the first time I broke my fast at the Dataran.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh.
14 September 2009: Tahajud – Four rakaat at King Aziz underground.
After subuh I went to Tanaim to do miqat and this time the umrah was dedicated to my late step mother, Hajah Bee binti Adam.
In the afternoon I realized my both eyes were red and I confined myself to the room. I was scared it could be sore eyes and contagious. I performed zohor prayer in the room. Somehow, Hj Bakir’s wife had brought along some good eye drop and the application was very effective. By evening it was back to normal.
In the meantime, Hj Muda was coughing badly and having very bad sore throat. I offered Hj Muda to take on the medication that I bought for gargling to ease his throat. I had also noticed someone blatantly in spite of the plaster, put on the air condition fan switch to medium mode. I got fed up and lowered it to low. People are getting sick and someone in the room has no brain. At that point of time, I was still controlling my patient.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh and on the way back I stop by at Abdillah’s shop to buy some dates and sweets.
15 September 2009: Tahajud – four rakaat at King Aziz underground.
After subuh I went to Tanaim to do miqat and this time the umrah dedicated to my late Uncle, Mohd Ramli bin Mat Serah. This would be my last umrah for 2009 Ramadan. On the way back I decided to abandon the Van and took the bus instead. The young Arab Van Driver was reckless and drove like crazy. Not to endanger my life, I paid the Arab the full fare and asked him to kill someone else.
After asar, I went out shopping for souvenirs and the stuff that my wife requested.
I completed twenty rakaat of terawikh.
16 September 2009: Tahajud – Did not perform.
After subuh I shop for perfumes. My Mosque buddy, Captain Fauzi had requested for a bottle of “kasturi”. I did not choose Hilton as it would be damn expensive. I just went to the Bazaar; the “kasturi” is the same anyway.
Tonight would be the 27 Ramadan nights and to the Arabs, the night was Night of Lailatulqadar, the Night of 1000 Months. Mecca was packed full. It was estimated about 2.5 million Pilgrims gathered at Masjidil Haram. I went to the Mosque exceptionally early for terawikh and I had no problem with space. I completed the twenty rakaat. Last year I did only ten as it was too crowded. Alhamdullillah, this time all went well.
After terawikh I went to De Saji and ordered a 10 Saudi Riyal “mee goring”. The taste was acceptable. I had an invitation for “nasi briyani kambing” somewhere out of town but I rejected because I do not fancy mutton. Hj Bakir, Hj Muda and Hj Amri went. When I came back to the room they were still out feasting.
17 September 2009: Tahajud – the continuation of the 27 Ramadan night of Lailatulqadar to the Arabs. The Mosque was packed. I decided to go underground but I saw Pilgrims coming out sweating. I decided not to enter the underground. Along the road, Pilgrims were praying and I spread my praying mat and joined them as well. I did not perform the “witir” but I could not go back to the Hotel as the road leading to the Hotel was filled with Pilgrims. I stopped by at the coffee kiosk and enjoyed myself with a cup of hot copichino. When I entered the room, the three Hajis who went for the “nasi briyani kambing” was in bed.
During subuh, the crowd was still there and I could not enter the Mosque. I prayed under the Ramp to King Aziz First Floor.
Before zohor I went to Zam zam Tower shopping Complex and bought two Koraan for waqaf in Masjidil Haram on behalf of my late Father and uncle Khusairi. After zohor I met up with Hj Adenan and we went shopping at Safwah Tower.
After asar, I lead Hj Mazlan and Hj Mazlin to the Masfalah Market. After getting what they wanted, somehow I lost both of them in the crowd. We make our own separate way back to the Hotel but both of them were having problem as they were not familiar with the area. I met them at the lobby after Maghreb and we were laughing about the misadventure.
I completed only ten rakaat of terawikh and this would be the last terawikh for 2009 Ramadan umrah. After the terawikh, Hj Nasir, Hj Mazlan, Hj Mazlin, Hj Bakir and I met at De Saji Restaurant to have a drink. We then went for last minute shopping as the following morning all of us would be heading for home. I went to Abdillah Shop and bid farewell to him. See you next Ramadan, my friend. Insyaalah.
Back in the Room, packing all the stuff and sealing the zam zam water canister.
18 September 2009: LAST DAY IN MECCA.
Tahajud – I did not perform due to excitement of going home.
At subuh, I decided to pray at King Aziz underground as it would be easier for me to enter Dataran Kaabah after the prayer. I performed the “widak” immediately after subuh and the crowd was extraordinary large. It was Friday morning and lot of Pilgrims doing the tawaf sunat. It took me forty five minutes to complete the seven rounds of the Kaabah.
I missed the “Malam Khatam Koraan” as it was going to be tonight and I was heading home.
I recited my last doa and seek from Allah that this would not be the last time that I am to be present at the Kaabah. I seek for Paradise if I fail to turn up at Kaabah again.
I had to overcome the huge crowd to exit from Dataran Kaabah. I looked at the Kaabah for the last time hoping that 2010 Ramadan umrah, I would be present again. I thank Allah for all well with good health and no obstacles while performing the Ramadan umrah during my 28 days stay at the Holy Land. I succeeded on doing 18 umrahs in total.
I took a slow walk back to the Hotel, sweating all over.
All set, all luggage in the bus and we left Mecca at 0815 hours. In Jeddah the bus only stop for a break at the Floating Mosque by the Red Sea. I just step down to stretch my leg and to overview the familiar sight.
At 1100 hrs, we arrived at the Haj Terminal, the exit Airport. When we checked in there was problem as Gulf Air assessed that the Group total luggage including the zam zam water was overweight. There was bargaining, pleading and haggling and finally Gulf Air released without any compound.
Flight GF 2101 to Bahrain supposed to depart at 1420 hours but it was delayed to 1700 hours. During my conversation with Hj Bakir, I now understand why Hj Amri character was rather peculiar. I was told by Haji Bakir that Hj Amri was brought up from infancy by a single mother and no wonder he does not know the meaning or culture of a father and son relationship. Whatever….there was no excuse for him for not knowing or adopting the simple Malay culture of differentiating between the young and the old and the respect he has to bestow upon elderly people.
I was so exhausted of waiting, I slept on the floor and Atan was kind enough to render his jacket as my pillow. When I was awakened, the plane was ready for boarding.
Finally we boarded the plane and we broke fast as the plane was about to land in Bahrain. We landed at about 1900 hours.
The connecting flight to Kuala Lumpur was Flight GF 0280 departing at 2000 hours. We had only about an hour or so to spare and the plane departure was on schedule. We had to rush to find Gate 37, right at the end of the Terminal.
18 September 2009: The sahor was somewhere above India. It was a smooth flight all the way to KLIA.
The plane landed safely at KLIA sharp at 0945 hours. On hand to greet me was my wife, my daughter and little Shasha whom I missed very much. (Shasha is the three year old Haji Adenan daughter who is my neighbor).
HOME SWEET HOME.
CONCLUSION: I was very comfortable with the Royal Sultan Hotel. To perform an umrah, the Van came right to the Hotel doorstep for the miqat at Tanaim. The return journey, the Van would send us right to Hilton underground and by the escalator to King Faad Gate of Masjidil Haram. Compliment to the Van Driver, Abu Salim. The food was satisfactory, an Indonesian Chef. We even have “ikan kembong”. Haji Bakir and me normally took our food last as we wanted to avoid the crowd and the unnecessary political debate among the Pilgrims. There was no jam on the way to the Mosque and the passage was always clear except on the Night of 27 Ramadan. Except for the cold storage Room 810 and the defective thermostat, the rest of the Hotel facilities were satisfactory. We filled up the bath tub with the warm water and we ended up having cold shower. Clothes to dry took us only overnight with the aid of the desert air.
Every time I face the Kaabah, I asked Allah to judge me and penalize me for things that I have misdeed. I came to surrender myself and I leave to the Almighty to bless or befall my fate. I meant no offence to anyone for thee seek justice and truth as the follower of the Holy Prophet Mohamed (pbuh) and I believe in Allah.
Overall it was a successful umrah. There were no hard obstacles and Allah had paved the way for my safety and bestowed good health throughout my 28 days stay in the Holy Land. Syukur Alhamdullillah.
Insyaalah with good health, I would make the same journey in 2010 Ramadan.
THAT’S THE TRUE STORY OF MY JOURNEY.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Jamil Ariff.
I lost a friend on 4th Hari Raya 2009 on 23 September 2009. Jamil Ariff suffered a stroke two days before Hari Raya and admitted to University Hospital KL. On 23 September 2009 he suffered a heart attack and succumbed to the cardiac arrest.
I knew Jamil since 1960 when we were in Form 1 at GES Tapah. In 1963 to 1965 we were studying together at TI Penang. After Cambridge he joined Telekom Malaysia until retirement. Jamil was a keen sportsman and was excellent in hockey and football.
Two months ago he came to my house prior to giving Tai Chi instruction to his class in Klang. He was a Tai Chi Master, very rare being a Malay. However he did not manage to convince me to join his class.
Raja Mohamad called me prior to my Maghreb prayer on 23 September 2009 to convey the sad news. I was shocked and I must bid farewell to my dear friend. On 24 September 2009 early morning at 0700 hours I left for SS 19 Subang Jaya to pay my last respect. His body was taken to SS 19 Mosque for the last rite and I was fortunate to be able to participate. He was buried at USJ 22 Muslim Cemetry.
About ten of my batch mate TI 63 -65 came to pay our last respect.
May Allah bless his soul.
AL FATIHAH.
I knew Jamil since 1960 when we were in Form 1 at GES Tapah. In 1963 to 1965 we were studying together at TI Penang. After Cambridge he joined Telekom Malaysia until retirement. Jamil was a keen sportsman and was excellent in hockey and football.
Two months ago he came to my house prior to giving Tai Chi instruction to his class in Klang. He was a Tai Chi Master, very rare being a Malay. However he did not manage to convince me to join his class.
Raja Mohamad called me prior to my Maghreb prayer on 23 September 2009 to convey the sad news. I was shocked and I must bid farewell to my dear friend. On 24 September 2009 early morning at 0700 hours I left for SS 19 Subang Jaya to pay my last respect. His body was taken to SS 19 Mosque for the last rite and I was fortunate to be able to participate. He was buried at USJ 22 Muslim Cemetry.
About ten of my batch mate TI 63 -65 came to pay our last respect.
May Allah bless his soul.
AL FATIHAH.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Hari Raya.
Several histories created on 2009 Hari Raya. During the Solat Sunat Aidilfitri, the Nazir was booed in the Mosque and his speech was cut short. I stayed put in Port Klang and not moving anywhere during the Hari Raya period. I slept on Hari Raya day.
First Day: Well attired with Baju Melayu and sampin for the Solat Sunat Aidilfitri at Kampong Raja Uda Mosque. Greeted by some friends and they were surprised I was already back from the Holy Land and in time to join them for the prayer. I took my usual place at the first saf right at the right hand corner. Surprisingly my usual place was not taken by anyone as if they knew that I would be back. After the takbir, the Mosque Secretary took the microphone and welcomed the big congregation. It was informed that the Ketua Kampong was unable to attend due to poor health condition. Next the Nazir took the stand and his speech was interrupted and asked to take his seat. He was booed out. His remark was uncalled for when he pleaded in public to the former Nazir (who was among the jemaah) not to be “angkuh” and “bongkak” for not handing over to the Mosque Committee the affairs of the New Mosque. The Nazir declared that the Mosque Committee is the legal custodian of the new Mosque affairs. He fails to realize that the Mosque and the New Mosque are two separate entities all together. The situation was chaotic and some Jemaah was booing and demanded the Nazir to end his speech. YB Badrul intervened, stood up and stopped the Nazir’s speech and requested him to be seated. History created and it never happened before in Kampong Raja Uda Mosque or at any Mosque before. What a shame and the biggest blunder the Nazir had made. No wonder, the Ketua Kampong declared that he was invalid. The Secretary’s face turned white not expecting the jemaah’s reaction. They under estimated the situation. They thought that the jemaah was on their side. During this Solat Sunat Aidilfitri, the jemaah was mostly made up of the Kampong sons and daughters who returned to the Kampong for Hari Raya. They surely upset with the situation as both the Nazir and the Secretary are not sons of the Kampong whereas the former Nazir is. Honestly, if I were the Nazir, I do not know where to put my face. His credibility completely downs the drain and surely he is no more suitable to be the Nazir. Why in the world he uttered such remarks in a Mosque on Hari Raya day?? He must be nut. On Aidilfitri day, is when we seek forgiveness from each other and not the day to offend anyone. Some Jemaah commented that was the implication of swearing in the Mosque.
Imam Jaafar Hj Sirat, Imam No 1 conducted the solat sunat Aidilfitri even though the Nazir had planned to use Haji abdullah Fatani to be the Imam. It was good that Haji Abdullah Fatani did not turn up.
After the khutbah it was followed with “jamuan”, something new introduced by the Mosque Committee but the reception was poor. On Hari Raya day, soon after the prayer all the jemaah would normally rush home to meet family members and feast together. This is where again; the Mosque Committee never rationalizes of holding one. On Hari Raya day, there is plentiful of food at every house. Maybe it was only good for the Bangladeshis and other Muslim foreign workers.
My first guest was Malik Ahmad, my good friend and he came to collect his slippers that I bought for him in Mecca. He related to me all the tales happening at the Mosque during my 28 days absence.
In the afternoon, I spent my time in bed catching up with my sleep and the jet lag. I did not expect any guests as everybody would be busy with their family reunion.
After Isyakh, three (3) of my good kampong buddies came to the house. Murad, Wan Zainal and Pak Long Mustafa. We were discussing about the morning fiasco at the Mosque. Murad was telling me how the Nazir had embarrassed Imam No 1 during one Maghreb prayer. The Nazir requested Imam No 1 to hand over the microphone to the Timbalan Nazir to conduct the Maghreb prayer. So….the morning fiasco is norm to the Nazir. Embarrassing someone is common to him. Allah is great and the Nazir himself was embarrassed in public in a Mosque in front of about 1000 Jemaah. Does he feel embarrassed?? I don’t think so for my past experience knowing him, he does not know the word shame (malu). Treasurer of the Kampong Khairat Kematian who failed to produce six years accounting statements, swore in the Mosque that he had handed RM 17,000 to a deceased Treasurer of the Saham Wakaf and took away the Van Jenazah from the Kampong Saham Wakaf Chairman. If I were him I would leave the Kampong and live in Ulu Bendul where nobody knows my pasts.
When they went home, I tuned to 812 to see the update of the EPL and glad that MU won 4-3 against its closest rival Manchester City.
The rest of the night I was blinking at the ceiling as I had overdosed during the day.
Second Day: I hit the sack soon after subuh and up and about at zohor. The first guest was a few children who were more interested with “duit raya”.
As we were expecting a few visitors during the afternoon, my wife prepared “kuah lontong” as we have plenty of cooked “nasi himpit”.
Just after zohor, my wife’s elder sister with her son dropped by.
Later, Zaaba with his wife and Nasir with his family came by. Late in the evening, my brother Amran, his wife, Izzat and his granddaughter four year old Amirah came by. Cheeky Amirah made us laughing as she speaks in Indonesian slang adapted from the Indonesian Maid. They left after Maghreb.
The last guest was my wife youngest brother with his wife and they stayed up until midnight.
The common topic of the day was about Medina and Mecca and I related to them how I spent my busy daily schedules.
Third Day: I am not taking any phone calls or responding to any short messages services (sms).
Sabirin who had just came back from Kodiang Kedah and Raja Sahar came to the house just before zohor. Again, the topic was the Nazir debacle in the Mosque during Solat Sunat Aidilfitri. Raja Sahar was telling me that most people whom he met had negative impression of the Nazir and want him removed.
After zohor, the house broke loose. Shasha, Awis, Adhar and Kak Ein came with their parents. The laughter of children is the best music to my ears and little Shasha who is most familiar with the house acted as the Chief. All my small wooden cars came down and Awis love the staircase and the miniature motorbikes.
At night before Isyakh, my good old buddy, Wak Salim accompanied by Izhar came by. They were disappointed that I did not announce my arrival home as they planned to perform the takbir during Aidilfitri night. I told them I was damn exhausted of the flight and my wife was busy preparing for the Adilifitri dishes.
Later Ajam called for night cap somewhere in town but I had to turn him down as I was damn sleepy. My sleepy eyes are still hay wire and need adjustment to local time zone. In the Holy Land I normally sleep during the day and stayed awake at night.
Fourth Day: Expecting a few guests from ex colleague in Guthrie.
For the very first time, I spent the Hari Raya at home and I think it was not that bad after all. The road is too dangerous nowadays and staying at home is the best where I have my usual bed at my immediate disposal in case I need to take forty winks.
First Day: Well attired with Baju Melayu and sampin for the Solat Sunat Aidilfitri at Kampong Raja Uda Mosque. Greeted by some friends and they were surprised I was already back from the Holy Land and in time to join them for the prayer. I took my usual place at the first saf right at the right hand corner. Surprisingly my usual place was not taken by anyone as if they knew that I would be back. After the takbir, the Mosque Secretary took the microphone and welcomed the big congregation. It was informed that the Ketua Kampong was unable to attend due to poor health condition. Next the Nazir took the stand and his speech was interrupted and asked to take his seat. He was booed out. His remark was uncalled for when he pleaded in public to the former Nazir (who was among the jemaah) not to be “angkuh” and “bongkak” for not handing over to the Mosque Committee the affairs of the New Mosque. The Nazir declared that the Mosque Committee is the legal custodian of the new Mosque affairs. He fails to realize that the Mosque and the New Mosque are two separate entities all together. The situation was chaotic and some Jemaah was booing and demanded the Nazir to end his speech. YB Badrul intervened, stood up and stopped the Nazir’s speech and requested him to be seated. History created and it never happened before in Kampong Raja Uda Mosque or at any Mosque before. What a shame and the biggest blunder the Nazir had made. No wonder, the Ketua Kampong declared that he was invalid. The Secretary’s face turned white not expecting the jemaah’s reaction. They under estimated the situation. They thought that the jemaah was on their side. During this Solat Sunat Aidilfitri, the jemaah was mostly made up of the Kampong sons and daughters who returned to the Kampong for Hari Raya. They surely upset with the situation as both the Nazir and the Secretary are not sons of the Kampong whereas the former Nazir is. Honestly, if I were the Nazir, I do not know where to put my face. His credibility completely downs the drain and surely he is no more suitable to be the Nazir. Why in the world he uttered such remarks in a Mosque on Hari Raya day?? He must be nut. On Aidilfitri day, is when we seek forgiveness from each other and not the day to offend anyone. Some Jemaah commented that was the implication of swearing in the Mosque.
Imam Jaafar Hj Sirat, Imam No 1 conducted the solat sunat Aidilfitri even though the Nazir had planned to use Haji abdullah Fatani to be the Imam. It was good that Haji Abdullah Fatani did not turn up.
After the khutbah it was followed with “jamuan”, something new introduced by the Mosque Committee but the reception was poor. On Hari Raya day, soon after the prayer all the jemaah would normally rush home to meet family members and feast together. This is where again; the Mosque Committee never rationalizes of holding one. On Hari Raya day, there is plentiful of food at every house. Maybe it was only good for the Bangladeshis and other Muslim foreign workers.
My first guest was Malik Ahmad, my good friend and he came to collect his slippers that I bought for him in Mecca. He related to me all the tales happening at the Mosque during my 28 days absence.
In the afternoon, I spent my time in bed catching up with my sleep and the jet lag. I did not expect any guests as everybody would be busy with their family reunion.
After Isyakh, three (3) of my good kampong buddies came to the house. Murad, Wan Zainal and Pak Long Mustafa. We were discussing about the morning fiasco at the Mosque. Murad was telling me how the Nazir had embarrassed Imam No 1 during one Maghreb prayer. The Nazir requested Imam No 1 to hand over the microphone to the Timbalan Nazir to conduct the Maghreb prayer. So….the morning fiasco is norm to the Nazir. Embarrassing someone is common to him. Allah is great and the Nazir himself was embarrassed in public in a Mosque in front of about 1000 Jemaah. Does he feel embarrassed?? I don’t think so for my past experience knowing him, he does not know the word shame (malu). Treasurer of the Kampong Khairat Kematian who failed to produce six years accounting statements, swore in the Mosque that he had handed RM 17,000 to a deceased Treasurer of the Saham Wakaf and took away the Van Jenazah from the Kampong Saham Wakaf Chairman. If I were him I would leave the Kampong and live in Ulu Bendul where nobody knows my pasts.
When they went home, I tuned to 812 to see the update of the EPL and glad that MU won 4-3 against its closest rival Manchester City.
The rest of the night I was blinking at the ceiling as I had overdosed during the day.
Second Day: I hit the sack soon after subuh and up and about at zohor. The first guest was a few children who were more interested with “duit raya”.
As we were expecting a few visitors during the afternoon, my wife prepared “kuah lontong” as we have plenty of cooked “nasi himpit”.
Just after zohor, my wife’s elder sister with her son dropped by.
Later, Zaaba with his wife and Nasir with his family came by. Late in the evening, my brother Amran, his wife, Izzat and his granddaughter four year old Amirah came by. Cheeky Amirah made us laughing as she speaks in Indonesian slang adapted from the Indonesian Maid. They left after Maghreb.
The last guest was my wife youngest brother with his wife and they stayed up until midnight.
The common topic of the day was about Medina and Mecca and I related to them how I spent my busy daily schedules.
Third Day: I am not taking any phone calls or responding to any short messages services (sms).
Sabirin who had just came back from Kodiang Kedah and Raja Sahar came to the house just before zohor. Again, the topic was the Nazir debacle in the Mosque during Solat Sunat Aidilfitri. Raja Sahar was telling me that most people whom he met had negative impression of the Nazir and want him removed.
After zohor, the house broke loose. Shasha, Awis, Adhar and Kak Ein came with their parents. The laughter of children is the best music to my ears and little Shasha who is most familiar with the house acted as the Chief. All my small wooden cars came down and Awis love the staircase and the miniature motorbikes.
At night before Isyakh, my good old buddy, Wak Salim accompanied by Izhar came by. They were disappointed that I did not announce my arrival home as they planned to perform the takbir during Aidilfitri night. I told them I was damn exhausted of the flight and my wife was busy preparing for the Adilifitri dishes.
Later Ajam called for night cap somewhere in town but I had to turn him down as I was damn sleepy. My sleepy eyes are still hay wire and need adjustment to local time zone. In the Holy Land I normally sleep during the day and stayed awake at night.
Fourth Day: Expecting a few guests from ex colleague in Guthrie.
For the very first time, I spent the Hari Raya at home and I think it was not that bad after all. The road is too dangerous nowadays and staying at home is the best where I have my usual bed at my immediate disposal in case I need to take forty winks.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Safely Home.
SELAMAT HARI RAYA to everybody. The plane touched down at KLIA on the eve of Hari Raya from Bahrain at 0945 hours right on schedule and on hand to greet me was my wife, daughter and little Shasha. I would blog on my journey of the 28 days stay at the Holy Land later. I had decided to stay put in my house this Hari Raya and not moving anywhere.
It was a successful Ramadan umrah, the food was satisfactory and the Hotel well located. The crowd was not that big compared to last year maybe due to H1N1 and the absence of the Iranians. The only setback was the Saudi embarkation immigration formalities at Jeddah and Gulf Air flight delay both at Bahrain and Jeddah Airports.
Weather was good in Medina and for two days, Medina shed its tears like I did, it rained and accompanied by lightning just like back home. In Mecca the temperature went up as high as 45 degree centigrade but in the room it was freezing cold. I term Room 810 as a Cold Storage with a defective thermostat.
I could only managed to perform eighteen (18) umrah, unable to supersede the last year record of twenty one (21) due to time constraint and Friday was a non performance day. My special umrah was for my beloved late father and late Uncle Hj Khusari Ghazali who departed to meet the Creator a day before I departed for the Holy Land.
Fasting and performing the umrah is equivalent of one Haj and the blessing is just like performing the umrah with the Holy Prophet (pbuh). The blessings of a single prayer at Masjidil Haram in Mecca is like praying 100,000 times and at Masjid Nabawi in Medina is 1000 times compared to praying anywhere else. This is one particular month that I do not want to miss.
Insyaalah, I am looking forward for 2010 Ramadan. I seek for the Almighty blessing that I have the strength and allow my heart keep beating to the day.
It was a successful Ramadan umrah, the food was satisfactory and the Hotel well located. The crowd was not that big compared to last year maybe due to H1N1 and the absence of the Iranians. The only setback was the Saudi embarkation immigration formalities at Jeddah and Gulf Air flight delay both at Bahrain and Jeddah Airports.
Weather was good in Medina and for two days, Medina shed its tears like I did, it rained and accompanied by lightning just like back home. In Mecca the temperature went up as high as 45 degree centigrade but in the room it was freezing cold. I term Room 810 as a Cold Storage with a defective thermostat.
I could only managed to perform eighteen (18) umrah, unable to supersede the last year record of twenty one (21) due to time constraint and Friday was a non performance day. My special umrah was for my beloved late father and late Uncle Hj Khusari Ghazali who departed to meet the Creator a day before I departed for the Holy Land.
Fasting and performing the umrah is equivalent of one Haj and the blessing is just like performing the umrah with the Holy Prophet (pbuh). The blessings of a single prayer at Masjidil Haram in Mecca is like praying 100,000 times and at Masjid Nabawi in Medina is 1000 times compared to praying anywhere else. This is one particular month that I do not want to miss.
Insyaalah, I am looking forward for 2010 Ramadan. I seek for the Almighty blessing that I have the strength and allow my heart keep beating to the day.
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