End 2013/Early 2014 Umrah.

It was an unexpected journey as I received instruction on 23 December 2013 from the Bossman in Mekah to submit visa application at Saudi Arabia Embassy for 28 December 2013 flight. It was immediately submitted on the same day and was approved on the evening of 27 December 2013. I was instructed to lead seventeen (17) Jemaah who was listed as stranded passengers on 18 December 2013 due to non flight, four (4) gentleman and thirteen (13) ladies. I had no choice but to make several impromptu preparations.

28 December 2013: I was early at KLIA check in counter to ensure all the seventeen (17) jemaah would be boarded on SV 2051 nonstop flight heading for Medina Saudi Arabia ETD 2055 hrs. We were scheduled on a chartered flight. The flight was basic and the plane was somewhat old and I prayed to Allah that it could reach Medina well and good. There was no flight information on any screen and we did not know where we were and how long we would get to our destination. The only information we got when the plane started to rattle and please get back to your seat and fasten your belt. I decided to doze off and whatever happened I was in my sleep. I said my “syahadah” before dozing off.

At the Check in.

Part of the luggage

My other half giving me the last instruction.

Jali at extreme right with some of the Jemaah.

29 December 2013: Landed in Medina safely at 0330 hrs local time and was met by Tuan Haji Mansor, the local Agent. Immigration formalities were smooth since SV 2051 was the only international flight arrived at that wee hour of the morning. We headed for Gawharat Al Fayrooz Hotel and organized the room allocation. I shared with Encik Jalil at Room 505. We quickly washed up and in time for our first solat subuh at Nabawi Mosque. Immediately after subuh I guided Jalil to Raudah and paid our homage to the holy Prophet’s Makam. Jalil was very excited as it was his first visit to Nabawi. Back at the Hotel for breakfast I met Haji Israqy and Pak Wan, an acquaintance from Ah Deen Travel. I got several things organized by getting Saudi sim card for my hand phone and filling up the room refrigerator.

Nabawi.

After zohor at the Cafeteria for lunch, I was shocked to meet Tuan Haji Faharuddin and Hajah Rogayah, an aged couple whom I had been closed with since I first met them during 2008 Ramadan umrah. Tuan Haji Faharuddin was on wheel chair but there was no one assisting him to wheel him to the Mosque. Jalil and I gladly volunteered that we will wheel Tuan Haji to the Mosque.

During solat asar we accompanied Tuan Haji Faharuddin to the Mosque and immediately after that we ushered him to pay homage to the Holy Prophet’s Makam. We were very glad that we could do such a favor to Tuan Haji Faharuddin. For Magreeb and Isyakh, a young boy from Ah Deen Travel volunteered to assist Tuan Haji Faharuddin and we were temporarily relieved of our service. Just before Isyakh and thru isyakh, Medina had a downpour. It was very abnormal that it rain in Medina. At certain open air prayer section of the Mosque, the area had to be evacuated.

Tuan Haji Faharuddin.

Me and Tuan Haji Faharuddin in Nabawi.

After isyakh I organized the Local Mutawif to guide all the Jemaah in the entourage to visit Raudah and the Holy Prophet’s Makam. By midnight, the jemaah returned to the Hotel with mission accomplished. I was very glad that they did.

30 December 2013: At 0300 hrs I was awakened by the noise by the window and to my astonishment it was raining heavily outside. I purposely opened the room window as Medina air was very cooling at night.

During solat subuh we took along Tuan Haji Faharuddin on the wheel chair to the Mosque. We not only seek for Allah blessing, simultaneously we also had a good morning workout.

After breakfast the entourage gathered at the Hotel Lobby for Medina outskirt tour. We covered Masjid Quba, Date Farm, Jabal Uhud & Makam Syuhadah, Al Koraan Printing House and finally Date Market. We were back at the Hotel just before zohor. One of the male jemaah required immediate medical attention and I had to arrange the local Agent to take him to the Hospital. Jalil by himself took Tuan Haji Faharuddin to the Mosque and I had to remain in the Hotel to ensure the Jemaah in particular was taken to the Hospital. It was done and the Jemaah was back in the Hotel before asar certified cleaned and requested to rest. The only problem – his blood sugar content was extremely high.

 Masjid Quba.

Date Farm & Shop.

At Jabal Uhud & Makam Syuhadah.

Koraan Printing House.

Date Market.

The panic and the weather back to normal and we went to the Mosque for asar as usual with Tuan Haji Faharuddin on the wheel chair.  After asar we had to find the best conversion rate Money Changer as we had to change to Saudi Riyals to pay all the group overall expenses in Medina.

During Maghreeb we took Tuan Haji Faharuddin to the Mosque and we left him there in the Mosque. In between we went out for a drink and joined Tuan Haji Faharuddin for isyakh and wheeled him back to the Hotel.

31 December 2013: Free day for the Group. Last in Medina for Tuan Haji Faharuddin and immediately after solat subuh, we wheeled him to the Holy Prophet’s Makam to say his farewell (widaq). I saw tears rolling from Tuan Haji Faharuddin eyes and I felt great that I had done something good for this grand old man. Before zohor we met Tuan Haji Faharuddin and Hajah Rogayah at the Hotel Lobby waiting for the bus to take them to Jeddah for flight home. We bid them farewell and we proceeded to the Mosque for zohor. This time we felt different as we were jay walking to the Mosque as we were not accompanied by Tuan Haji Faharuddin anymore.

Haji Faharuddin by the Holy Prophet Makam & Nabawi. 

After isyakh Mutawif Azam came to the Room to deliver the dates that we ordered and simultaneously we settled all the Mutawif service fees in Medina.

01 January 2014: New Year Day in Medina and Last Day in Medina. After breakfast, we settled the entire Hotel and food bill to Tuan Haji Mansor. The Jemaah were now all ready to depart for the Holy City of Mekah and all luggages were down at the Hotel Lobby by 1100 hrs.

After zohor, all the Jemaah performed the widaq ritual and back to the Hotel for lunch. At 1500 hrs we bid farewell to Medina and headed for Bir Ali, seven (7) kilometers out of Medina to perform our miqat (the intention of performing an umrah). Once all rituals performed at Bir Ali we hit the Medina/ Mekah Highway 470 kilometers away. Haji Mustapa, thats me was the Mutawif for the journey and the Chief in Command. I recited the doa of safe journey and the tarbiyah. 

 Set for Mekah.

The Highway to Mekah.

Somewhere at about 100 kilometers mark along the highway when most of the Jemaah in their slumber land and the Driver was speeding away, disaster struck. The Jemaah was awakened with a loud bang. We were damn lucky as the bus one of the rear two tires punctured right along an R&R area. The bus stopped, reversed slightly and exit into the R&R. As it was Maghreeb, all the Jemaah performed the jamak taqdim of Maghreeb and isyakh at the Mosque and dinner as well at the Restaurant while the bus tire got replaced. It was a blessing in disguise as the R&R was exceptionally clean compared to Saudi normal standard. Syukur alhamdullillah there was no mishap and the doa starting of a journey really save our souls. It was a delay of about two (2) hours and at 1915 hrs we commenced our journey to Mekah.

Reached Mekah at 2230 hrs and checked in into Reyadah Grand Misfalah Hotel. Seven (7) of the Jemaah was supposed to check in at Elaf Kindah Hotel but it was fully occupied and temporarily allocated at Burg Al Sultan Hotel. All had to be well organized and to oversee the occupancies at two Hotels. The Jemaah requested to take a short rest and by midnight to gather at the Lobby for umrah.

02 January 2014: Lead by the Local Mutawif in Mekah at the front and I stood guard at the rear, we took the Jemaah to Masjidilharam to perform the umrah. Most of them were first timers. We ensured all the rituals were performed accordingly. Umrah completed at 0230 hrs. Everyone was dead tired. Some stayed on at Masjidilharam for solat subuh and some who came back to the Hotel was too tired to walk back to Masjidilharam for subuh.

After subuh and breakfast met Ustaz Azman at the Hotel Lobby of the same Travel Group who came for Umrah at an earlier date preparing for home. Jalil and I assisted where we could.

For the rest of the day, Masjidilharam as usual and at the same time I was guiding and tutoring Jalil about Masjidilharam and Mekah City. This was the first time Jalil came to Mekah. I am no expert but I am most familiar with the nook and corners. I shared the same room with Jalil at Room 1105. I was to ensure the safety of two (2) young ladies Jemaah and I accommodated them next to my room. The Hotel is about 400 meters away from Masjidilharam and we reserved 30 minutes lay time before the call of azan to start the 400 meters walk to the Mosque. The Lobby is spacious but the Cafeteria was too crowded. Wifi is available at the lobby and Cafeteria area only.

03 January 2013: For breakfast after subuh, I introduced Jalil to the Pakistan Lane where we could get roti prata, roti nan and mutton curry. At 0900 hrs I guided several Jemaah by the local bus transportation system to Tanaem to miqat for another umrah. Back at 1100 hrs and being Friday, Masjidilharam was packed with Pilgrims. I decided to perform my solat Jumaat at the Hilton Hotel Surau which is considered as part of Masjidilharam.

After solat asar we had to transfer the seven (7) Jemaah at Burg Al Sultan Hotel to Elaf Kindah Hotel. In the midst of the operation, the same male Jemaah who had medical problem in Medina also complained of uneasiness and need immediate medical attention. Haji Ismail, Mekah local Agent arranged for a taxi and ushered him to the best Hospital in town. He was back after isyakh, found fit and I was mentally relieved. However he requested for early return to Malaysia and we advised him otherwise. I slept early as I was fully exhausted of the days’ activities.

04 January 2014: After subuh, an outskirt tour of Mekah. Guided by the Local Mutawif Ustaz Ali we went to Jabal Thur, Arafah, Jabal Rahmah, Mudzlifah, Mina, Jairanah and finally to Jabal Nur. The crowd at all the places was exceptionally heavy as it was the first day of the week. As advised by Ustaz Ali, we just said our doa and prayers at the foothill of Jabal Rahmah. At Jairanah several Jemaah performed the miqat for another umrah. We were back at the Hotel in Mekah before zohor. Jalil proceeded to perform his umrah.

After isyakh, I visited the Elaf Kindah Hotel Jemaah to check on their well beings there.

In front of Hotel.

Jabal Rahmah at Arafah.

Hajjah Nur Amira.

Makhzan & wife.

Ustaz Ali.

Jabal Rahmah Peak.

The Doa at Jabal Rahmah.

Hajjah Nur Amira and Hajjah Hasliza.

Hajjah Hasliza, Haji Mustapa, Hajjah Roslinda.

Jemaah Hussin Parence & wife of Tawau Sabah.

The family from Tawau Sabah.

05 January 2014: Free Day. Out from the Hotel for subuh, I was astonished that the pavement was wet. It rained at about 0430 hours and the weather was still cloudy. At 0900 hours two ladies, Amira and Hasliza requested me to show them around the famous Zam Zam Tower and Safwah Shopping Complex. We walked through the rain. They window shop as I was sure they would returned without my presence. Final destination was our very own Malaysian Restaurant of De Saji at Safwah Complex.

Window shopping and walking thru the rain.

After zohor, Jalil now guided few Jemaah to Tanaem to perform the miqat. Jalil was now an expert. The rest of the day was routine, to the Mosque and submitted to Almighty Allah.

06 January 2014: Very cool morning. The temperature at Masjidilharam entrance indicated as 20.9 Degree C. After subuh, I changed few Ringgits to Riyals to supplement the dates that I missed in Medina.

After asar, another organized tour to Hudabiyah, a historical site, and the journey of the Holy Prophet. Ustaz Ali narrated to the jemaah the events of yesteryears during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet. We started by the Camel Farm, Masjid Hudabiyah and Mekah Mosques Museum. At Hudabiyah Mosques, the Jemaah performed the miqat for another umrah and solat Maghreeb. After isyakh the jemaah who performed the miqat at Hudabiyah continued with their umrah rituals.

 At the camel Farm.

 At Hubaidiyah Mosque.

Mueseum Mekah.

07 January 2014: Last Day in Mekah. Sharp at 0800 hrs I waited at Saudi Air Office door at 4^th Floor Hilton Hotel. I was the first customer of the day. Within 30 minutes I obtained all the eighteen (18) boarding passes for SV 2050 flight home on 08 January 2014. I was avoiding the hassle at the Airport Check in Counter.

Last breakfast at the Hotel.

Last shots of Masjidil Haram.

The solat area of Masjidil Haram.

In & Around Masjidil Haram.

The road to Masjidilharam from the Hotel.

Hotels in Misfalah area to be demoloshed.

The hill to be levelled to connect Ajeyad.

Hilton and Zam Zam Tower rear section.

Misfalah.

Maghreeb temperature.

Dataran Luar.

New Mosque & Minaret under construction.

Crane everywhere.

Zam Zam Clock Tower & Hilton Hotel.

Dataran in front of Hilton.

Hilton & Inter continental Hotel. In between, construction in progress.

The Clock Tower & Minaret.

The Kaabah got squeezed by the Mataf.

At 1100 hrs all luggage was instructed to be at the Hotel Lobby and I proceeded to Masjidilharam to perform my miqat. Since I had to organize all things were as planned I performed my jamak taqdim of zohor and asar in the room itself. The other Jemaah performed theirs at Masjidilharam and miqat immediately after zohor. Jalil had to organize the Jemaah at Elaf Kindah Hotel to gather at the main point of Reyadah Grand Hotel. The bus has no access to Elaf Kindah Hotel.

At 1500 hrs the bus arrived and we left Mekah for Jeddah around asar. It was going to be a long wait as our flight was only at 0800 hrs the following day. In Jeddah we stopped by at Chronice Shopping Complex and the Jemaah was spending their last Riyals. We proceeded to the Floating Mosque by the Red Sea to perform our jamak taqkhir of Maghreeb and Isyakh. Meantime we enjoyed the dinner picnic at the Esplanade and enjoy the Red Sea breeze. It was about 2300 hrs we headed for the Haj Terminal. The Local Agent was not allowed to enter the Complex and I had to organize things by myself, assisted by Jalil. Syukran Jalil. All problems we overcame together.

Finishing the the last Riyal in Jeddah.

After light drink at Jeddah shopping Complex.

 Riyal all gone.

Haji Ismail - the Local Agent.

Sorry.....no more riyal.

Picnic by the Red Sea.

Anxiously for Airport.

Last drink in Jeddah at the Floating Mosque.

08 January 2014: Out from the bus, I organized fifteen (15) trolleys to check in the luggage and the zam zam water. Boxes need to be plastic wrapped. By 0130 hrs all were checked in without any hassle of overweight. (I had the trick of doing it with the relevant). Some of us found a nice quiet corner to catch up with sleep. At 0300 hrs we were instructed to pass through Immigration and check in at the Departure Hall. I found it crazy as boarding time was at 0645 hrs, however we abided.

The Departure Hall was jam packed and it was again a Chartered Flight home to Malaysia. Our entourage had to sit on the floor as all available chairs were occupied. There was no Café for refreshment whatsoever. Toilets facilities were the only thing available for our convenient. It was crazy like a Cow Shed. As usual there was no audio information about our flights. We all just had to wait like fools. During subuh we all spread whatever mat available and performed the solat subuh in congregation.

Cow Shed Departure Hall. at Haj Terminal.

Finally the Airport shuttle bus arrived and all the Jemaah was excited to board the plane. I chose the last few to board the shuttle bus and the plane was about 3 (three) kilometers away. The plane was free seating and the last to board was accommodated at the First Class and Business Class section. Actually there was no class, only the seat was slightly bigger and the treatment was overall economy. I happened to sit at the first row of the economy, only awakened during meal and the rest I chose to doze off. I was wide awake an hour before landing at 2100 hrs at KLIA.

At luggage recovery I was the last to leave to ensure all the Jemaah in my entourage got theirs intact. Syukur Alhamdullillah, all was well.

We bid farewell to each other and as a Tour Leader, I did the best I could. I leave it to Almighty Allah judgment. As human beings it is rather impossible to please everybody. I too, have my shortcomings. Human planned but Allah destined.

Note:

I am leaving for Palestine and Amman Jordan on 15 January 2014 at 2200 hrs by Royal Jordanian Airline with thirty seven (37) other Jemaah. Since I was just back from Umran I did not choose to proceed to Saudi Arabia and insyaalah back from Amman Jordan on 22 January 2014.