2012 Ramadan Umrah.

Pre Umrah.

The Ramadan umrah is the annual routine trip that I anxiously looking forward to. This time I decided to join the group that transit at Amman in Jordan for a day tour of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. I joined Almukminin Travel & Tour which teamed up with Ah Deen Travel with a total package of thirty six (36) Pilgrims.

Departing KLIA.

18 July 2012: RJ 181 took off from KLIA at 2210 hrs headed for Bangkok Thailand.  

19 July 2012: RJ 181 landed in Bangkok at about 0030 hrs to pick up the Amman bound Thai passengers as well as for refueling. We were all remained seated in the plane and at 0250 hrs RJ 181 finally took off for Amman Jordan. 

We landed at Queen Alia Airport in Amman at 0530 hrs local time.

At Queen Alia Airport, Amman, Jordan. Sleepy and tired.

After acquiring the Tourist Collective Visa, we were shuttled to Golden Tulip Hotel for a short rest and breakfast. The first site day tour was the Cave of Ashabul Kahfi. The Cave of the Seven Sleepers narrated in the Holy Koran where Allah sent seven young men to sleep for three hundred (300) years and they did not deviated from their faith when they were awakened.

Inside Ashabul Khafi Cave.

At the entrance of the Cave.

On the way to the Dead Sea we stopped at a Souvenir Center where we picked up items for remembrance of our presence in Jordon.

The local Tour Operator organized for a stop at Amman Beach Resort for us to enjoy the scenic beauty and the salty Dead Sea. Along the way, five star international hotels sprang by the beaches to cater foreign tourist running away from the European winter. The day weather was scorching hot and no one was prepared to go for a swim but I dipped my two feet into the sea. I picked up few pebbles of rock salt from the Dead Sea for personal therapy back home. Across the shore is Palestine West Bank, so near yet so far, only able to be seen not to set foot on. As I learnt, there is no living thing can survive in the Dead Sea and the salinity is five times greater compared with the ordinary sea water. What baffled me, the Dead Sea is below sea level. At last, my dream came true as I was very inquisitive about the Dead Sea ever since I studied Geography in school and the Holy Koran.

Dead Sea.

Dipping in the Dead Sea.

At Amman Beach Resort.

The next visit was the Mosque and Shrine of Holy Prophet Shueeb. The story goes that Prophet Musa (Moses) came all the way from Egypt to Sham (Jordan) to woo the beautiful daughter of Prophet Shueeb. Prophet Shueeb was the leader of Midyan tribe east of Sinai.

Prophet Shueeb Shrine.

Inside prophet Shueeb Mosque.

With Haji Ismail at the Shrine & Mosque Complex.

As we headed back to the Hotel we stopped by at a Fruit Farm and tasted some juicy fruits like apricots, pears, grapes, apples, oranges and all kinds. I was astonished to see a banana plantation exist in Amman. With the climatic condition, I wonder what kind of agricultural practices the Jordanian adapted. 

Fruit tasting.

I enjoyed the scenic Mountain View along the way to and from the Dead Sea. The bus maneuvered through the narrow roadway by the edge of the mountain and a false move could plunge into the deep barren rocky valley. I dread to imagine the consequences. 

We passed through the Government administrative district within the city outskirt and were in time for late lunch at 1500 hrs in the Hotel. Adjourned to the Hotel room, washed and performed our afternoon prayers. We were confined in the Hotel, as Group Visa holders are restricted to loiter outside the Immigration controlled Hotel. We had dinner at 2000 hrs and performed the jamak of the evening prayers.

At Golden Tulip Hotel, Amman.

At 2300 hrs the airport shuttle Bus picked us all up heading for the Airport for the Holy Land. Good bye Jordan and will be back again next month on the way home.

THE UMRAH BEGAN.

20 July 2012: RJ 722 took off from Amman to Medina at 0250 hrs. It was announced that Ramadan started on 20 July 2012 throughout the Arab nations and we had our sahor in the plane. The Pilot announced the time out and we had to take the last gulp of water before fasting began. At 0535 hrs we landed in Medina Saudi Arabia, the eternal resting place of the Holy Prophet Mohammed pbuh.

Welcome to Saudi Arabia – I was very please to land in Medina Airport instead of Jeddah. The Immigration personnel in Medina are more accommodative and friendly compared to the one in Jeddah. While sorting out our luggage some of us perform the subuh prayer. The Bus took us to Fayrooz Hotel and I was checked in into Room 902 with Haji Saifuddin Musa and Tuan Haji Syed Malik. It is a small world as Haji Saifuddin is a neighbor of my Guthrie mate Haji Wahab Subuh and Tuan Syed Malik was once a working mate of my elder brother, Jamaluddin.

Fayrooz Hotel.

My first prayer at Masjid Nabawi was the solat Jumaat and I thank Allah in prayer that I am back at the Holy Land as His Guest during this Ramadan. I bought myself a 10 Sadi Riyal sejadah (praying mat) for 2012 Ramadan. Breaking of fasting at Masjid Nabawi is something that I am always proud of. Malaysians Pilgrims usually given a special welcome and specially treated as invited guest to the Holy Land. The second terawih and my first in Ramadan 2012 were in Masjid Nabawi, was only 10 rakaat as I planned to take a nap and woke up past midnight.

Earlier at the Hotel Reception Counter my mood cheesed off. I saw from the corner of my eye the presence of Mr. X – the Division 1 Government Officer staying at the same Hotel (please see posting on 27 October 2008 to get a better story). It was a sickening sight. Thank Allah I did not meet him later in Mecca during the duration of my stay.

21 July 2012: At 0100 hrs, I quietly slipped out from the Hotel room and went to Masjid Nabawi alone to pay my homage to the Holy Prophet and to Raudah. At that early hour, avoiding the crowd I had my own leisure of about two hours at Raudah. I performed all the sunat prayers that I know off and back to the Hotel in time for sahor. I was back again at the Mosque at 0430 hrs for the subuh prayer.

Near to the Raudah.

The Prophet Pulpit.

All the Pilgrims paying homage to the Holy Prophet Shrine.

The Holy Prophet Shrine.

At daybreak, the Bus took us to Quba Mosque, seven kilometers outskirt of Medina. Masjid Quba is the first Mosque that Holy Prophet Mohamed built during his arrival from Mecca during the hijrah and the fadilat; if we take an ablution from home, travel and pray two rakaat at Masjid Quba is equivalent to one umrah. The next visit was Jabal Hud to visit the Shuhadah Shrine, Masjid Qiblatin and the Dates Farm. These places are all too familiar to me and I just took some time off at those places.

The night terawih was 20 and the following day would be a long bus journey into the Holy City of Mecca.

 

 

 Night scene outside Nabawi.

 

 My presence at Nabawi.

22 July 2012: Immediately after subuh, I performed the widak at the Holy Shrine. Widak is a ritual of saying farewell to the Holy Prophet and in prayer that insyallah, Allah would invite me again to the Holy Land.

At 0900 hrs, we were all dressed up in our ihram and suddenly I realized, my belt was missing, hidden somewhere in the luggage. I had to get a replacement for 15 riyal and I was all set. The bus left Mecca at 1030 hrs and we stopped at Bir Ali Mosque for miqat. Miqat is a compulsory (wajib) ritual to pronounce our intention to perform the umrah. The bus sped through the Medina/Mecca highway with only one stop to freshen up. 

Ready to leave for Mecca in ihram.

Reached Mecca around 1530 hrs and checked into Room 402 at Zahraret Kamil Hotel at Ibrahim Khalili Road. I was a resident of this Hotel in Room 302 during 2008 Ramadan Umrah. There is a slight change where the Mezzanine Floor had been converted to a six bedded room and the Dining Hall is now located at the former SR Floor. The Hotel is very familiar to me but there is a complete change of management. The Hotel is also located about 100 meters away from Reyadah International Hotel where I resided during 2011 Ramadan umrah. Therefore, the environment is very familiar. Room 402 is foursome with an additional Pilgrim, Haji Saidon. The first breaking of fast was at the Dining Hall as we had to get ourselves organized and settled down. This is going to be home for a month.

In front of Zahret Kamil Hotel.

As we were all very exhausted after the long journey we all did not attend the terawih and performed the solat fardhu in the room. Some Pilgrims decided to complete the umrah after terawih guided by the local Mutawif. I decided to do at the following day, avoiding the night crowd.

Tawaf at the Kaabah.

23 July 2012: Past midnight Haji Saifuddin and Haji Saidon anxiously went to Masjidilharam to complete the umrah ritual and they were short of time to be back at the Hotel for sahor as subuh was at 0435 hrs. They had only seven dates and few cups of zam zam water for sahor. After sahor and subuh, I performed my umrah alone by circumambulating the Kaabah seven times, performed the saie from Safa to Marwah and scissor off my hair. I performed the umrah at my own pace and finally had my head bald for 20 Saudi Riyal to complete the whole ritual.

From now on it’s the Hotel and Masjidilharam which is about 250 meters away. Sometimes, at certain circumstances I did perform the solat fardhu in the room. The zohor prayer is always hot outside and the Mosque is too crowded where all Pilgrims seek shade in the Mosque.

After asar I went to Rejat Hotel at Zam Zam Tower to visit Hj Faharuddin and family. To prepare for my one month stay, I bought a tea pot and two “kole” (tin mug) for my drinking convenient. I brought along from Malaysia several sachets of black coffee, oatmeal and sweetener. Hot water is always available at the Dining Hall. 

Breaking of fast is normally dates and zam zam water in the Mosque. There is a two hour interval between Maghreeb and Isyakh for the Pilgrims convenience to rush back to the Hotel to have a proper meal or dinner. At times, I just broke my fasting in the Hotel which was more convenient. 

As for the first terawih in Masjidilharam, I performed twenty rakaat with Haji Saifuddin.

24 July 2012: After subuh, we visited the Desert of Arafah and Jabal Rahmah. On the way back, we stopped at Jairanah Mosque to miqat for another umrah. This time the umrah was on behalf of my late father, Haji Abdul Hamid Abdullah.

Jemaah ready for outside tour.

I performed 20 rakaat of terawih with Hj Saifuddin and Tuan Syed Malik at Babul Umrah, 1^st floor. This spot would be my regular as it is not crowded.

25 July 2012: After subuh, sent clothing and ihram to the Laundry. I then decided to buy a pail to do my own washing from now on as it would be more economical. 

I performed 20 rakaat of terawih at the rooftop with Tuan Syed Malik and Haji Saifuddin. Later we went to Safwah Tower as Saifuddin wanted to buy habatusauda honey. I dropped by at Felda De Saji Restaurant and did not encounter any familiar faces. Actually I wanted to show Tuan Syed Malik and Haji Saifuddin where Felda De Saji Restaurant is.

26 July 2012: At 0700 hrs after subuh I went to Tanaim with Haji Bakir to miqat for my third umrah which is for my late maternal Grandfather, Shaari bin Salam. I completed at 1100 hrs.  Terawih – completed 20.

Haji Bakir Azizan is my 1999 Haj roommate but every Ramadan umrah he joined a different Travel Package and stayed at a different Hotel. Nevertheless, we remain close buddies and performed umrah together. 

27 July 2012: Woke up late for sahor and just in time before subuh. Solat Jumaat – Masjidilharam was packed to the brim and we settled to pray at Zam zam Hotel Lobby. I completed 20 rakaat of terawih. Haji Saifuddin was my constant companion whenever I performed the solat terawih.

Zam Zam Tower Complex beside Masjidilharam.

28 July 2012: The group visited Hubaidiyah Mosque after subuh to miqat for my fourth umrah. Hubaidiyah Mosque look the same as I went for the first time several years ago. The Mosque is historic and one of the spots where miqat are allowed pre umrah, yet the Mosque remains neglected.  I completed the umrah at Masjidilharam at about 1100 hrs and the umrah was for my maternal Grandmother, Hajjah Robimah Hanafiah. After asar I walked around the Market to get some fresh fruits. I completed 20 rakaat of terawih.

29 July 2012: After asar, I went to Zam Zam Shopping Complex and bought Alfajar Watch for 280 Saudi Riyal. This watch, Made in China came with solat timing and it was a helpful guidance for all of us to know the exact solat timing. Raymond Weil or Rolex was beyond my budget and intention. Performed 20 rakaat of terawih and I went over to meet Haji Faharuddin at Retaj Hotel to hand some Saudi Riyals which I changed for them.

30 July 2012: At 0700 hrs I went with Haji Bakir and Colonel Jamal to Tanaim to miqat for my fifth umrah and completed at 1015 hrs. The umrah was for my father in law, Abdul Rahman Ali. I completed 20 rakaat of terawih.  I had a meeting with Haji Wan Azrin as my return to Malaysia was brought forward to 19 August instead of 21 August, the original schedule date.

31 July 2012: Went to Tanaim at 0630 hrs with Haji Bakir and Colonel Jamal to perform sixth miqat umrah. I completed the umrah earlier at 0945 hrs and it was on behalf of my late mother in law, Mariam binti Tahir. Haji Saidon, my roommate, left for home and the replacement was Haji Ameer Tajuddin, an ex Air Force Helicopter Pilot. Three (3) elder brothers of Haji Ameer were my hostel mates back in the 60s. Haji Ameer had to call me “Yeop”. In fact I was the oldest among the roommates. I completed 20 rakaat of terawih.

The magnificient Kaabah.

01 August 2012: Went to Tanaim with Haji Bakir, Haji Ameer and Colonel Jamal to miqat for my seventh umrah. I completed 20 rakaat of terawih. While resting after terawih, we saw Tuan Syed Malik was sweating profusely and his sugar level was really down at 1.3. We all got panicked and hurriedly looking for sugar to feed him and prepare sweet hot drink for him to elevate his sugar level. This is where, friends became handy and important, and otherwise Tuan Syed Malik could fell into hypo. Haji Wan Azrin, the group Leader left for home, leaving Imam Rodi as Caretaker. Imam Rodi is a local resident from Pattani Thailand.

02 August 2012: I normally did not perform any umrah on Thursday and Friday as it was exceptionally crowded where Pilgrims from Jeddah and surrounding towns would take time off to perform their umrah. Haji Saifuddin had a tummy ache and Tuan Syed  Malik was down, not feeling well today and I went to the Mosque all alone. After asar, I went to Safwah Tower to do some shopping as I had to get some apparel for Shasha, Darwis and Lokman Hakim. Terwaih – I completed 20 rakaat but Haji Saifuddin left at 10.

Tallest Clock Tower in the world.

Light pointing towards the sky from the top of the Clock Tower.

Just after terawih.

03 August 2012: Friday solat jumaat – Haji Saifuddin and me were late and the only space available was under shade at the Dataran in front of Inter Continental Hotel. The local Ustaz said, “Anywhere around Masjidilharam is considered as Masjidilharam – the Grand Mosque”. I completed 20 rakaat of terawih and after that I confronted Ustaz Ishraqi regarding the confirm date of my departure.

04 August 2012: After subuh, went to Tanaim with Haji Bakir to perfor miqat for my eight umrah on behalf of my late paternal Grandmother Teh Non binti Busu Latiff. Soon after breaking of fasting, I was purging. I chose to go alone to the Mosque at the very last minute and decided to pray at the roof top. It was drizzling and I prayed for a shower but did not materialize. However, with Allah blessing; I had no problem while performing the terawih and managed to complete 20 rakaat.

05 August 2012: After subuh went with Haji Bakir to Tanaim to perform miqat for my ninth umrah on behalf of my late brother in law, Samad@radhi bin Abdul Rahman. After asar, Room 402 occupants moved down to the six bedded room at Mezzanine floor. It was a bigger room where Imam Rodi and Haji Adenan joined us. We have personalized Dining table and we did not have to use the lift anymore to go to the Dining Hall or to the Hotel Lobby. The air condition unit is more powerful and we were also shut out from the crazy Arabs who are very fond of using the car horns along the busy Ibarhim Khalili Street. Haji Saifuddin and I decided to perform the terawih at the roof top but both of us did only 10 as we were very sleepy and tired after settling at Mezzanine Room. Ustaz Ishraqi fixed up Mobilly internet at my Iphone. Now, I could read some news back home.

The Pilgrims were doing the tawaf at the Kaabah.

06 August 2012: After sahor, I was frantically looking for my medicine box as it was misplaced during the room transfer. Finally found it under the bed and in meantime Tuan Syed Malik supplemented his as we consume the same diabetic control medication. I overslept after subuh and missed going for umrah. I completed 20 rakaat of terawih.

07 August 2012: At 0630 hrs after subuh, Haji Ismail requested to tag along to go for miqat at Tanaiam and I obliged. Many things went wrong today on my tenth umrah; my newly bought slippers were stolen at Tanaim Mosque, heavy traffic jam from Tanaim to Mecca and Haji Ismail being an old man was a slow walker. I completed the umrah much later than usual and it was on behalf of my late brother in law, Mokhtar@Hanapiah bin Abdul Rahman. Ustaz Ishraqi left for home and handed to me the responsibilities of keeping all 27 Pilgrim Passports. It was a heavy responsibilities but I took it for the good sake of the Pilgrims as they might need the Passport for medical attention at the Government Clinic or Hospitals. I shared with Haji Saifuddin the code of my bag in case I was out of the room. I kept on checking the safety of the Passports every now and then as any got missing, I would be in deep trouble. After asar, I went to Pakistan Street to find a replacement for my missing slippers. I completed 20 rakaat of terawih. 

08 August 2012: Went to Tanaim alone after subuh to miqat for my eleventh umrah. The umrah was on behalf of my late paternal Great Grandfather, Kanda Abdul Rahman bin Imam Todek. Washed and hang dry the two pieces ihram. After asar, for a changed of diet, I bought 3 Indo Mee Cup. I performed 20 rakaat of terawih.

The beautiful chadeliar at Masjid Aisyah at Tanaim.

09 August 2012: Tahajud started at 0100 hrs being the last ten day of fasting. I did 8 rakaat at Inter Continental Hotel Dataran. I performed 20 rakaat of terawih. After terawih, Haji Ismail Jujut came and visited me at the Hotel. Haji Ismail Jujut is my local Mecca Resident buddy and recently when he was in Malaysia, we visited Acheh together.

  

10 August 2012: Friday – free from umrah. After subuh, went to bed but Haji Ameer, the Helicopter Pilot slept like a crippled Helicopter. He was snoring like crazy and I had to plug my ears with the earphones. Solat jumaat – I went alone and landed at Hilton Surau. Immediately after breaking of fast, I started purging probably due to the instant Indo mee I consumed during the night. I dread I could not perform the terawih but somehow I went through 20 rakaat without any problem. I doa a lot when I stepped out from the Hotel.   

11 August 2012: My tummy was still giving problem and during sahor I just took 2 pieces of bread. Colonel Jamal gave me some pills for purging. I did not go to the Mosque during subuh and did my subuh prayer in the room instead. I spent some time reading the Koran in the room. At daybreak I could not go to sleep and I spent the morning jay walking along Pakistan Street. Haji Alwi checked in into the room. After asar with Haji Adenan I went shopping at Hilton as I wanted to buy a couple of jubah. I took the pill that Colonel Jamal gave and went for my isyakh and terawih. I went through 20 with the terawih.

The Royal Palace outside Masjidilharam facing the Kaabah.

12 August 2012: Dare not do umrah as my tummy was not feeling that good. The pill that Colonel Jamal gave me did not work well. I however managed to complete 20 of terawih. After terawih, as advised by my buddy to take some solid food and hard tea.

13 August 2012: After subuh I went to Tanaim alone to miqat for my twelve umrah. It was on behalf of my late maternal aunty, Khatijah binti Shaari. While having a nap after the umrah, 2 Jemaah came to request for Passports as they need immediate medical treatment. Haji Wan Azrin confirmed affirmatively from KL that I had to leave Saudi Arabia on 19 August 2012 with 6 other jemaah, a gentleman and five ladies. Among the ladies was a Tok Puan from Trengganu.  I sent a short message to Haji Mokhzar, the Travel Agent in Malaysia to announce my disappointment. On second thought I had no choice as the ticketing indicated that my departure home would be 19 August 2012. I was upset because I was not duly informed prior leaving for Saudi Arabia. Initially, I was told my departure home was on 21 August 2012. Putting my disappointment aside, I had to concentrate on the ibadah and completed 20 rakaat of terawih, anyway.

Starting point of tawaf at the First Floor.

14 August 2012: Inspite of having a tummy ache, I went to Tanaim alone to miqat for my thirteenth and final umrah. Back at Mecca, I had to rush back to the Hotel as I need a clean and comfortable wc. This was the most challenging umrah and I completed it rather late, closed to 1100 hrs. The umrah was on behalf of my late maternal aunty, Zainab binti Shaari. 

Imam Rodi delivered all the dates that I requested him to buy. Being local and conversant in Arabic, Imam Rodi could obtain the dates at much cheaper prices.

Tonight was the Night of 27 Ramadan and to the Arabs it was the Night of Lailatulqadar, the Nights of 1000 months Allah blessings. Mecca began to be crowded since zohor and was expected, 3 million Pilgrims will perform the terawih tonight. Aware of the circumstances through my past experiences, I went to the Mosque earlier than usual. In spite of being early, Masjidilharam was already filled up and no more entry, I had to make a detour and landed at the ground Floor of the newly constructed Mosque next to Babul Umrah. Construction was not fully completed but the Ground Floor was unofficially opened during 2012 Ramadan. Being a special night, I withstood under any circumstances to completed 20 rakaat of terawih. I succeeded.

 

 The newly constructed Mosque.(unofficially opened).

15 August 2012: I did my subuh in the Hotel room as I understood, the Mosque was still filled up from the previous night occasion and late Pilgrims were not even allowed entry to the Mosque Courtyard. Mid morning, Tuan Syed Malik and his wife left for home. After asar, I went to Hilton to buy Yemeni honey that I promised my friend back home Haji Farid Mohd. I got a bottle myself too. By asar, the crowd had dispersed, most had left for home and the terawih crowd was back per normal and I completed 20 rakaat.

16 August 2012: Haji Ameer decided to join us for subuh and we settled at Intercontinental Dataran. One Jemaah interrupted my sleep complaining about the early departure. I explained it was beyond my control and he could lodge his disappointment when he reached home later. Since I was given the task to lead home the 19 August 2012 Jemaah, he thought I was part of the debacle. I showed him the ticket which was well printed before his departure to Saudi Arabia. I was also a victim.

My tummy was giving me problem off and on; therefore I decided to get my own medication at the Pharmacy. Luckily, the Pharmacist was an Indonesians where I could explain to him my predicament. Thank Allah, what he prescribed was perfect and after that, the problem came to an abrupt halt and I was at ease.

I prepared the list of names that would be going back with me on 19 August 2012 and posted it at the Dining Hall. 

Tonight terawih was the completion of the Koran, the recitation of Chapter 30. The crowd was similar to the Night of 27 and I resorted to the ground floor of same newly completed Mosque. It took me about an hour to get back to the Hotel when 20 rakaat of terawih was completed. There was about 25 minutes of doa by the Imam after the last Chapter was recited.

Since Tuan Syed Malik had vacated the room, a new Pilgrim who had just arrived from Malaysia, Tuan Haji Mohamed from Ipoh checked in.

Apparently, Haji Mokhzar had also arrived in Jeddah and he was on his way to Medina. I talked on the phone nicely to him expressing my disappointment of the early departure home. We will sort it out in Malaysia, so he said.

At the background is the newly constructed Mosque.

In front of King Abdul Aziz Gate.

17 August 2012: The Mosque was now back to normal where most Jemaah had packed off and left Mecca for home to celebrate Aidilfitri. Aidilfitri could be on the 18 or 19 August. Solat Jumaat – went with Haji Adenan to Hilton Surau and immediately after that I did some shopping. After Isyakh we expected there was no terawih, therefore Aidilfitri would fall the following day. It was not so, there was terawih and Aidilfitri now confirmed on 19 August 2012. For 2012, Saudi Arabia would fast for 30 days. Since the whole surah of the Koran had completed, I did only 10 rakaat of terawih as I had to do a lot of packing.

18 August 2012: Last Day of fasting. Haji Ameer Tajuddin left for home after subuh. He was glad that he did not leave on Aidilfitri Day. Mid morning, Haji Adenan and I went to Masjidilharam frontage to take some photographs.  Haji Azraai from KL contacted me to get in touch with Haji Rafei who would assist me and company at Jeddah Haj Airport for clearance. Phone number noted and I was glad that assistance was on the way. I had no experience at the Haj Airport. At night which was my last night at Masjidilharam, after Isyakh I took some photographs of the Kaabah and took some interesting shots in the Mosque.

My best shot of the Year.

Me and the Kaabah.

The lady Pilgrim faced the Kaabah and raised her hand in doa. The ray of lights and the lights of Hope. Allah may grant.

I then went to Rejat Hotel to meet Haji Faharuddin & family wishing them Aidilfitri and also to bid farewell as I would be going home immediately after solat Aidilfitri, the coming morning.

19 August 2012: Malam Aidilfitri – sleepless night. Haji Saifuddin and I went to the Mosque exceptionally early at 0300 hrs as there was no more sahor. We found a comfortable place at Babul Umrah first floor facing the Kaabah. After subuh, we stayed on, sat put until solat Aidilfitri. If ever we left the place, there was no way we could gain entry into the Mosque and we would be praying on the roadside. Last year I could not even enter the Mosque and I prayed outside.

Solat Aidilfitri.

Waiting for solat to begin.

 

 

 

 The Jemaah outside the mosque during solat Aidilfitri.

After the prayer, as I normally did, I just gave away my sejadah to any Pilgrim that does not carry a sejadah. After all, the solat Aidilfitri was my last solat jemaah at Masjidilharam. Haji Saifuddin and I adjourned to the Hotel for Aidilfitri feast. Surprisingly, we saw lemang, lontong, ketupat and sate on the table. Just like home.


By 0815 hrs I had to perform my widak at the Kaabah i.e. farewell to Kaabah. Luckily there was not much crowd and after circumambulating the Kaabah seven times, I said in prayer to Allah, hopefully this will not be my last visit. I saw Kaabah for the last time and sadly walked back to the Hotel. By 0900 hrs I was back in the Hotel and final preparation to leave Mecca.

The seven (7) Jemaah gathered at the Lobby and I gave them the final briefing about the journey home. I collected 50 Saudi Riyal each in case we need to pay up “baksis”. (Baksis is an Arabic word for payment to cover convenient cost). Organized by Haji Radhi we left Mecca for Jeddah Haj Airport in two (2) cars. All our luggage and zam zam water canisters well stuffed in the boot. It was very sad to leave Mecca. On the way to the Airport, I contacted Haji Rafei and he was waiting for our arrival. Haji Rafei would be taking home seventeen (17) Pilgrims with him.

At HAJ AIRPORT.

Seven (7) zam zam water canisters had to be plastic bag by the Airport which cost 56 Saudi Riyal. Trolley Porters cost 60 Saudi Riyal. All the luggage + zam zam water trolleys had to be lined up at the Royal Jordanian Check In counter. Passports were handed to Haji Rafei and he alone did the check in. I stayed at a distant. When all luggage and zam zam water checked in and boarding passes obtained, the baksis was finally at 50 Saudi Riyal per passenger. We now don’t have to worry about excess baggage anymore. Our entire luggages were cleared. Smiling faces all rounds. Excess luggage was our biggest fear.

We passed through Immigration swiftly and waited at the Departure Lounge. We now had the time to perform solat jamak, zohor and asar as asar azan was just heard. At about 1600 hrs we boarded the shuttle bus to the awaiting RJ 703 and we took off for Amman Jordan at 1640 hrs.

Good bye Saudi Arabia. I shall return insyaalah.

At AMMAN, JORDAN. 

RJ 703 touched down at 1840 hrs at Queen Alia Airport. Haji Rafei handed to me seven (7) boarding passes for the Amman/ KLIA flight. Jordan Airline handed the transit passes, passed Immigration and the shuttle bus took us to Golden Tulip Hotel. I was given two rooms for the male/female passengers to change, wash themselves and perform the two evening prayers. Dinner was served.

To play safe and avoiding overcrowding in the shuttle bus I lead the seven (7) passengers to take an early shuttle bus to the Airport that left at 2330 hrs. Tok Puan sponsored all the costs incurred at the Jeddah Haj Airport. Thank you Mok Chik…….she preferred to be address that way.

 Tok Puan, third from right at Amman Airport.

20 August 2012: Last leg of the journey: RJ 180 departed at 0210 hrs local time and arrived at KLIA via Bangkok at 1925 hrs. All luggage and zam zam water arrived intact. To my astonishment, I saw luggage that belong to Tuan Syed Malik which left Jeddah on 16 August 2012 at the luggage conveyer belt. We took the trouble to collect it, informed him on the phone and pushed the luggage to Lost & Found for his collection and recovery.

Love one was all waiting for our arrival. Home sweet home.

  

SUMMARY

I am totally happy about the whole Ramadan umrah. Though I had one Opposition Politician as my roommate, I had set my rule straight from Day 1.No Politics in the room, unless someone wanted to duplicate Teoh Beng Hock.

No complaint about hotel and food. At one instant we had sambal petai ikan bilis.Our food was catered by Haji Radhi, a Mecca born and bred by parents originated from Kedah Malaysia. He’s married to an Indonesian from Banjermasin Indonesia. Over the years, Malaysian women Pilgrims had taught his wife the Malaysian taste from the various States and she even can prepare “nasi dagang” and “nasi kerabu”.  Food as concern, it was like home.

Knowing the current Hotel situation in Mecca, I considered I got the best deal with the price paid and could not bargain for more. I went to the Dead Sea and saw Palestine at a distant. I now added Jordan in my travelogue list. 

I make new acquaintance and they were all nice people, especially Haji Saifuddin. Who can ever forget the peculiar snoring sounds of the ex Helicopter Pilot? I remember Tuan Syed Malik was staring at the ceiling sweating profusely and Haji Ameer jokingly asking him whether he was thinking of akhirat? Haji Saifuddin broke his fasting few minutes earlier when I awakened him from his slumber and told him, it was sahor time. Haji Saifuddin and I were tricked by Ustaz Don azan alarm clock. We were all very cooperative and assisted each other. We mind our own business and one ibadah is personal to holder according to individual perception and affordability. 

2013 Ramadan Umrah? Insyaalah (God Willing). 

The Pilgrims on the street.

Pilgrims walking towards Masjidilharam.

Busses taking out Jemaah out of Mecca.

Once Hotel Rawabi Taj - destroyed for development.

Hijaz Hotel completely destroyed.

Hotels at Misfalah area waiting to be destroyed.

 

 

        New Hotel and Apartment under construction behind Inter Continental Hotel.

In the years to come, accommodations in Mecca would be scarce and expensive.
 

Ibn Abbas meriwayatkan bahawa Rasulullah S.A.W. bertanya kepada seorang wanita dari Madinah: “Apa yang menghalang kamu dari mengerjakan Haji bersama kami?”

Wanita tersebut menjawab: “Kami mempunyai dua ekor unta. Suami dan anak saya menggunakan seekor dan seekor lagi untuk tunggangan ahli keluarga yang lain.

Rasulullah SAW kemudian memberitahu wanita tersebut: “Apabila bulan Ramadan tiba, pergilah mengerjakan ‘umrah, kerana ‘umrah di bulan ramadan adalah seperti menemaniku mengerjakan Haji.”

 

[Sahih al-Bukhari (1764)]