Ramadan 2014 Umrah.

Initially I wanted to give Ramadan Umrah 2014 a break as I was having some financial constraints due to forthcoming commitment. By sheer of luck I was approached to supervise and handle a couple of Jemaah who had signed up to perform the Ramadan umrah. An offer of discounted price was within affordable and I gladly accepted. Allah had been kind to me and pave the way for another spiritual journey of 2014 Ramadan umrah.

09 July 2014: SV 829 taxied out at Gate C2 KL International Airport (KLIA) at 1450 hrs and took off for Riyadh/ Medina at 1500 hrs.  The plane was spaciously empty and to my comfort, I got a row of four (4) seats to myself. Landed at Riyadh at 1715 hrs local time and took off for Medina at 1830 hrs. Iftar was served on board just before landing at Medina at 1940 hrs. It was a very long hours of fasting due to time factor as iftar is only permissible when the sun sets.

Immigration formalities were swift as it is a small Airport and we arrived at Fairooz Shatta Hotel just as azan Isyakh was called. Had a quick dinner and checked in into Room 711 with Ustaz Mazlan Ibrahim as my roommate.

After a quick shower, rushed to Masjid Nabawi, performed solat jamak takhir of Maghreeb / isyakh and manage to catch up with only four (4) rakaat of terawih and solat witir. Spiritual obligation in the Holy Land thus began.

It had been a long and tiring day.

10 July 2014: Was up at 0300 hrs for sahor and subuh was just after 0400 hrs.

Immediately after zohor, I visited the Holy Prophet (pbuh) Tomb & His two Comrades and paid my homage. I conveyed the salam of family members and close friends. Raudah was near but was filled up with Jemaah.

After asar I got organized by getting new pair of slipper, sejadah and hand phone Saudi card topped up. I tried to enter Raudah but it was overcrowded again.

Iftar was inside Nabawi and was great to be among the Jemaah of all races from all over the world again. After terawih I had to sort out my Iphone with a stuck sim card. For a simple task of unscrewing and screwing, the Arab Technician charged me 50 Saudi Riyal. Crazy charge but what choice do I have?

11 July 2014: Friday. Early morning, the Muslimah were taken for a tour of Masjid Nabawi and surrounding by Ustaz Mazlan but I abstained, instead went to sleep. Suddenly I woke up and the time at the hand phone was 1220 hrs and it’s time for solat Jumaat.  Down at the Hotel Lobby, I suddenly realized it was only 0720 hrs. Gosh! I forgot to change the hand phone time to Saudi time. The phone timing had tricked me and I smilingly took the lift up to the room and resumed the morning nap.

Solat Jumaat inside Masjid Nabawi and normally Friday prayer is overcrowded however managed to squeeze myself a little space.

Iftar was at the Nabawi Dataran with Ustaz Mazlan and Termizi – a final year student of Medina University. Outside the Mosque they served nasi briyani for iftar.

After terawih I did not performed my witir as I planned to enter Raudah at whatever circumstances after midnight. On the way back to the Hotel, I stopped by at the Food Court and bought a takeaway pack of beef burger (in Arabic it is kudu).

12 July 2014: At 0045 hrs I slowly walked to Masjid Nabawi hoping to sneak into Raudah. There was a new ruling to enter Raudah and I fully agree with the new system. Entrance is only permissible after every ten (10) minutes when the Jemaah in Raudah being evacuated. I waited for my turn and once I was inside it was only between me and Allah. I prayed all that I could think off and said all the doa in mind.

I then performed the witir and walked back to the Hotel at 0140 hrs, mission accomplished. Journey to Masjid Nabawi in Medina is definitely incomplete without entering Raudah. I was so excited that I went to the wrong floor instead and surely I could not open the room door.

After subuh at 0630 hrs, the Bus picked us up for Outside Medina Tour. Starting with Masjid Quba, Date Farm, Jabal Uhud (Makam Syuhadah), Masjid Qiblatin, Masjid 7, the site of Qandak War and finally the Date Market. All these places are familiar to me. We were back at the Hotel just before zohor.

Iftar was back in the Mosque. I preferred inside the Mosque as the food was simple and the atmosphere was very much spiritual.

After terawih started packing as we were leaving for Mekah the following morning.

13 July 2014: Immediately after subuh, I performed the widaq Rasullah – bidding farewell to the Holy Prophet (pbuh).

Clad in the ihram, the Bus made its way out of Medina at 0930 hrs and stopped by at Bir Ali to perform the miqat. We left Bir Ali at 1020 hrs, the Bus sped through the desert road and we arrived in Mekah at 1440 hrs. There were no stoppages as we were all fasting. I slept through most of the journey.

We checked into Room 510 with Ustaz Mazlan as roommate again at Haneem Firdaus Hotel behind Mekah Hilton. It was a corner room on the fifth floor and we had a good view facing Masjidilharam. Down at the lobby, the Hotel has wifi facilities. We performed the jamak takhir of zohor and asar in the room. The Jemaah were free to perform their umrah at their own convenience.

First iftar in Mekah was at the Hotel Dining. After Maghreeb in the room, I walked to Masjidilharam and performed the umrah ritual on my own. The other jemaah were all veteran and needed no guidance. As the terawih prayer was in sessions I performed the umrah ritual and completed during the witir prayer. Raised my hands in doa, I thank the Almighty for inviting me to the Holy Baitullah again. Last at the Kaabah was early January 2014 and in July 2014, I was here again. Alhamdullillah and syukur alhamdullillah. There are millions of Muslims in the world who dream to be at the Kaabah and here I am being invited again and again. It is Allah blessings that this was my tenth Ramadan since 2005 that I was presence in front of the Holy Kaabah. I seek for your compassion, Ya Allah.

Rested for a while in front of the Kaabah and admire the majestic structure architected by Almighty Allah. Took a few gulp of zam zam water and looked for my slipper. I was very sure where I kept it but someone had an interest on mine by mistake or otherwise. Since the Hotel is quite near, I decided to walk back to the Hotel barefooted. Mafi musykillah……..when I was a small kid in the kampong, I used to run around barefooted chasing after the chicken.

14 July 2014: Food for sahor served to the Jemaah starting at 0300 hrs and prepared by Haji Radi, Mekah born Malay with Indonesian wife. My first suboh at Masjidilharam and the Mosque was partially empty. It was expected the last ten (10) days of Ramadan that the Mosque would be overfilled.

After asar I went shopping at Bangla Lane as things are much cheaper along the Lane. I was going to do my own washing and bought a pail and soap powder.

15 July 2014: Ustaz Mazlan and I took a cab and we went to Aziziyah looking for a Tailor Shop to specially tailor made a jubah. Unfortunately all orders were rejected as it was closed to Aidilfitri and the Tailor got their hands full.

It was closed to 0230 hrs and we went to Hedramaut Nasi Mandy Restaurant for sahor. It was overcrowded and we decided to return to Mekah to have our sahor at the Hotel instead.

Subuh – for the first time since 2011, I entered Masjidilharam Underground to perform my prayer.

After asar, I went to Felda De’Saji Restaurant to get some Malay homemade cookies.

Since I like the Mosque underground because it was very cooling I decided to perform the terawih at underground.

16 July 2014: After subuh the Jemaah were taken for outside Mekah tour. We went to Jabal Thur, Arafah, Mudzlifah, Mina, Jairanah and finally Jabal Nur. Some Jemaah did their miqat at Jairanah to perform another umrah. We only stopped at jairanah.

After asar, I decided to walk down memory lane and entered the local Market. The fruits were damn cheap; water melon only cost; three (3) Saudi Riyal. Bought one and cut into pieces to sedekah for iftar.

17 July 2014: Went shopping with Hajah Mala, Hajah Cik Wan and Ustaz Mazlan to Jabal Omar Shopping Complex looking for fashionable jubah. We got a few of the latest fashion in the market.

After asar, very shocking news from Ustaz Mazlan – MH 17 was down somewhere at the Ukrainian/ Russian border and all perished. It was hot and breaking news among the Malaysian Jemaah. My son at Astro Awani updated me of the latest.

Just before iftar, my good old friend, Haji Adenan came down from the Hill to meet and joined me for iftar. I was very glad to rendezvous with him and he is always a good buddy. We went for terawih together and he decided to rejoin me in the room a few days later. He took along the jubah that I just bought, for modification.

18 July 2014: Friday. Ustaz Mazlan and I went to Zam Zam Tower Shopping Complex to do some shopping as Ustaz Mazlan would be returning home early and tying matrimony after Aidilfitri. I also joined Ustaz Mazlan and got something for my family back home.

My first solat jumaat in Mekah.  After Friday prayer, Fitri Pak Sheik) – a student from Riyadh University came and visited us in the room.

19 July 2014: The last ten (10) days of Ramadan began and qiamulai prayers commenced at 0100 hrs nightly.

After zohor, Ustaz Mazlan and I got to transfer Hotel to a two (2) bedded room at Luluat Al Rahman Hotel, about fifty (50) meters down the road. We got to give up the present four (4) bedded room to accommodate a family coming in from Medina late in the evening. We still take our food at Haneem Firdaus Hotel. The room was now higher at Floor 10, Number 03. This Hotel seem to be more convenient with the two (2) wide lifts.

Terawih – with Haji Adenan, we went to the new Masjidilharam new expansion Building. The surah for the night was Yasseen and I could really concentrate as I am very well verse with the surah. As the surah was recited, my tears rolled down my cheek as I began to realize how fortunate and lucky the Tahfiz (the person who can memorize the Al Qur’an) are. How I wish, I can memorize the whole Al Quran?

20 July 2014: I performed only six (6) rakaat instead of ten (10) of qiamulai prayers.

After asar, I fulfilled my Mother’s request to pay of my late brother Mahmud Abd Hamid, “fidiyah”. Ustaz Mazlan accompanied me to the Muasasah kiosk at Zam Zam Tower. It was a relieved that I had fulfilled as promised with my Mum.

Since I was at Zam Zam Tower, I also fulfilled a promise to my good kampong buddy, YM Raja Sahar to get him some replicas.

21 July 2014: After asar, I was looking around for Shasha’s dress but I was rather disappointed as there was no new fashion on the shelf.

Just before iftar, Haji Adenan came down from the Hill with his backpack to join me in the room. I now have a sparring partner. We went for terawih together at Masjidilharam new wing.

Ustaz Termizi just arrived from Medina and also joined us in the room.  

               

22 July 2014: I decided not to join the qiamulai as I was very sleepy. During the terawih, I had to wash my face twice (2X) to keep awake.

In the afternoon, Ustaz Mazlan left for Jeddah Haj Airport for home. From now on, I will be responsible for the welfare of all the Jemaah in the entourage.

After asar, I returned to Bangle Street with Haji Adenan to look for ridak. Ridak – coffin cover. I got two (2) pieces to be donated to the kampong Kereta Jenazah.

23 July 2014: Qiamulai with Ustaz Termizi at Masjidilharam.

After subuh, I escorted the six (6) new arrived Jemaah by van for outside Mekah tour. Haji Adenan also joined and we decided to miqat at Jairanah for umrah. This umrah was on behalf of my late brother, Mahmud Abd Hamid. On arrival in Mekah I performed the ritual by the Kaabah at the first floor of the Mataf.  It was shady and I took my own sweet time. This time around, I carried my slipper in my sling bag.

I did the tahlul and instructed the Barber for No 1 haircut. It was quite close to bald.

Terawih – threesome as Ustaz Termizi also joined. The surah was Al Rahman and Wa’qiah.

24 July 2014: Qiamulai of eight (8) rakaat just opposite of the Hotel at the open space.

Tonight was the Night of 27 Ramadan and the Arabs believe it was the Lailatulqadar Night. Masjidiharam, the New Wing and the Dataran were jammed packed. It was on Friday night and Jemaah from the surroundings including Jeddah make the trip to Masjidilharam. Isyak started at 2100 hrs but by 2000 hrs, all entrances to Masjidilharam by Misfalah area was closed. We were diverted to Masjidilharam New Expansion through just an entrance and we had to walk among the packed crowd about one (1) kilometer away. One has to be strong to sustain the big size Arabs. Pushing and jostling were common. The Arabs are impatient species and they are never orderly. Haji Adenan and I finally managed our way into the new Expansion first floor to perform our Night 27 Terawih.

Returning to the Hotel from the Mosque after terawih was a major problem. The Jemaah going back to Misfalah area from the New Expansion got smacked into the jemaah exiting from the main Masjidilharam. Stepping on someone toes was common.

At the Hotel, I was shocked to learn that an Indonesian Muslimah from the same Hotel was trampled to death somewhere at the narrow lane beside Hilton Hotel. The husband was seen fainted at the Dining Hall and I just observed from far. I was glad to learn that the Allahyarhamah solat jenazah was conducted after subuh prayer and it was Friday morning. About a million Jemaah was praying for her. The overnight Jemaah was still around. Her passage to Paradise made easy, insyaalah.

25 July 2014: Friday, Qiamulai of ten (10) opposite the Hotel.

After subuh, found difficulty to doze off and so I called home and reported my well being. Surprisingly, this year I had no health problem, at times I even forgot to take my medication. No cough and no flu. With my past experiences, I learnt the trick, don’t shower during the day.

Friday prayer was at the Hilton Surau, which is also declared as part of Masjidilharam.

As usual, for terawih, Haji Adenan and I preferred the New Expansion Building. After terawih, I called Dato Aziz who resided at Makkah Hilton. Dato Aziz from Johor was with me during the January 2014 Palestine tour.

26 July 2014: Qiamulai of six (6) opposite the Hotel.

At 1100 hrs, I escorted Hajjah Cik Wan to Jeddah Haj Terminal vide a Taxi as she was returning to Malaysia. I was so disgusted and lectured the Saudi Arab Taxi Driver as he was very impatient and inconsiderate. He disallowed me even for five (5) minutes spare to assist Hajah Cik Wan to obtain a trolley for her luggage. I reprimanded him that’s not the way to handle Allah’s Guest. God forsaken, if there is no Kaabah and Masjid Nabawi, no Muslims in the world would want to visit Saudi Arabia. The problem with Arabs, they don’t know the meaning of “ukhwah”. I was really cheesed off with the Taxi Driver. I was back in Mekah at 1400 hrs and headed straight to the bed to catch up with sleep.

Just before iftar, the sky suddenly darkened and rain started falling in Mekah during iftar.  What a blessing!! It was another crowded night as during the terawih, the completion of the Holy Al Qur’an recitation and followed with the doa Al Qur’an. The crowd situation was more or less similar to the Night of 27.

Haji Adenan and I managed to squeeze our pint size bodies among the crowd to perform the khatam Al Qur’an terawih at the New Expansion.

I was glad one of my Jemaah assisted a lost Indonesian Muslimah and took her back to the Hotel and fed her. One of the local Indonesian helper led her back to her residing Hotel.

27 July 2014: I did not attend the qiamulai. Haji Adenan returned to his home base at the Hill. I now left alone in the room, had space of my own and started packing.

After subuh, I just could not sleep and decided final shopping at Ben Daud Zam Zam Tower. I got to get some cookies and sweets for Shasha.

Just after Maghreeb, there was an indication that the following day would be Aidilfitri. The clock tower at Zam Zam Tower was lighted with laser beam light pointing to the sky with the word “Eid Mubarak”. There was cannon fire fired from the hill top. Therefore, 27 July 2014 was the last day of Ramadan and the following day 28 July 2014 was AIDILFITRI.

After isyakh there was no more terawih and the streets and shopping complexes was filled with Jemaah of all races, on last minute shopping spree for Aidilfitri. Things were bit expensive on that night and I was advised to stay away.

28 July 2014: AIDILFITRI.

At 0300 hrs, I started walking to Masjidilharam for subuh prayer at 0415 hrs. If I was late, there no way I could enter the Mosque. After subuh, I stayed put and solat Aidilfitri only commenced at 0700 hrs. It was very lonely but my tasbih (rosemary) accompanied me.

We had a small feast at the Hotel after solat Aidilfitri. Aidilfitri in Mekah is no big deal and no posh celebration. There was no such thing as lemang and ketupat.

The moment after solat Aidilfitri, Masjidilharam is very quiet, no more crowd and not much security personnel around. After asar, I went up to the Mosque rooftop to take some photographs and I even ventured to the wheelchair Mataf to take a nearer shot of the Holy Kaabah and surroundings. No security personnel to stop me.

Dinner was late at 2230 hrs as the Cook was on Aidilfitri break.

29 July 2014: LAST DAY IN MEKAH. Surprisingly, during the subuh prayer, the Imam sobbed all the way. Presumably, he was sad that Ramadan had gone and the next Ramadan is Allah’s will.

At 0830 hrs, I took the Jemaah passports and flight tickets to Saudi Airline Office at Makkah Hilton fourth floor. The boarding passes were only issued two (2) hours later at 1030 hrs. Only one personnel was handling the issuance when there were several SV flights out on that day. One thing I observed about the Saudi Arabs; they are very pleased to see people in distress and in difficulty.

Rushed back to the Hotel and headed for Masjidilharam to perform my widaq – farewell to the Kaabah. I seek in doa with Allah to be invited again to Baitullah – the House of Allah. At 1130 hrs I completed the widaq and back to the Hotel for final packing.

I made sure everything was in order, the jemaah luggage and zam zam water before loading them into the Bus. We left Mekah at 1530 hrs and headed straight for the Haj Terminal - the designated Departure Airport for umrah pilgrims.

At the Terminal, we smacked into a major problem. There were no trolleys around as we arrived at the peak hour; however we remained calm as we were far too early for our flight. We waited a while and got 14 (fourteen) trolleys at three (3) Saudi Riyal each.

For the very first time, I took off my hat to the Saudi Airline Staff at the Haj Terminal. They came looking for us and directed us personally to C1 Check in Counter. I had twenty (20) Jemaah and twenty three (23) zam zam water to check in. I got all of them checked in. It was made simple as I already had the boarding passes. They even issued a new Boarding Pass for one Jemaah who accidently lost her boarding pass. That was very kind and obliging.

Immigration formalities was systematic and adequate, however there were some Middle East Arabs (God knows from where?) who wanted to jump the queue and I just told them off to back the line. Arabs never know how to queue at Money Changers, cash counters, Pharmacies and any check in counters.

We all got into the Departure Hall and I prayed the solat jamak takhir of Maghreeb and Isyakh. I now felt relieved, suddenly felt hungry and had my dinner.

SV 329 took off at 2330 hrs, nonstop to KLIA and I felt comfortable as we were not flying above the Ukrainian/ Russian border. The plane was full as Saudi Arab was visiting Malaysia for Aidilfitri holidays.

30 July 2014: At 1330 hrs local time, touched down safely in KLIA and all Jemaah were happy that their luggage and zam zam water was intact and in good condition.

Insyaalah, I shall return.

HOME SWEET HOME.

The many faces of Pakmus in the Holy Land: