Alhamdulillah, as far as our 2016 travel is concern, it could have not end in a more perfect manner. An opportunity to once again visit the holy cities of Mekah and Madinah to perform Umrah. I am grateful for the chance and very much like the previous Umrah trips, it is an amazing experience. An experience that makes you wanting to go through it again.

When it comes to documenting an Umrah trip, a lot has been written by Malaysian-based bloggers so I do not intend to do the same. Instead let me just walk you through the journey via some of the photos that I took. I’m doing this with one intention  – to inspire. Go through these photos, get inspired and make doa for you (and me!) to one day be invited to Mekah and Madinah. In Sha Allah.

We shared the economy cabin with a large group of Umrah passengers from Indonesia and quite a few other Malaysian umrah groups. For some of them, it is their first time flying on a long-haul. Shows the beauty of an umrah journey, people from different backgrounds with one common goal.

Multiple announcements made as early as 1-hour before crossing the designated Miqat point.

The destination. Masjidil Haram.

After Tawaf has been completed, the pilgrims move to perform Sa’I, a ritual in which Muslims travel back and forth seven times between the 2 small hills of Safa and Marwah. This is to commemorate Prohpet Ibrahim A.S’s wife, Siti Hajar’s search for water for their infant son and God’s mercy in answering prayers. Total length of Sa’I is about 3.15km.

A typical view after Solat in Masjidil Haram as visitors return to their hotels.

The continuous construction of the mosque to expand its capacity in accommodating future pilgrims.

The famous Mecca Clock tower with attached buildings that house various high-end accomodations.

The Zamzam Well which has been the source of Zam Zam water until today is located approximately 20m east of the Kaabah, within the Masjidil Haram. However today, a dedicated area has been setup outside the mosque for people to take the water for their own consumption.

Various shots of Masjidil Haram

It is also common for umrah pilgrims to visit various historical sites around Mecca.

Jabal Nur where Gua Hira’ is located. This is where Prophet Muhammad SAW’s first revelation happened in which Prophet Muhammad SAW was visited by the Malaikat Jibreel who revealed to him a verse from the Quran.

 

Random camels near Hudaibiyah. Unfortunately this nice little side tour has now evolved into a commercial one with number of busses > number of camels during peak times.

Peak seasons are always good times for the traders.

The remains of the old Hudaibiyah Mosque which is where the landmark Treaty of Hudaybiyyah took place in the year 628.

After 6 days in Mecca (which IMHO is too short!), we head to our next destination, Madinah.

A random stop on Mecca-Madinah highway for prayers.

Another stop for dinner at a rest area restaurant about 2.5 hours before reaching Madinah. Awesome food.

Madinah.

Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque) with its striking Green Dome rises above the tombs of the Prophet Muhammad SAW and early Islamic leaders Saidina Abu Bakr and Saidina Umar. A beautiful mosque.

 

A typical scene after prayers at the Masjid Nabawi.

The Quba Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the world. According to legend, its first stones were positioned by the Islamic Prophet Muhammad SAW as soon as he arrived on his emigration from the city of Mecca to Medina

Frozen fresh dates. A hot selling item outside Masjid Quba’.

Mount Uhud, the historical site where Battle of Uhud took place. A good reminder on strategy, importance of following orders and perseverance in a battle.

Ending our trip with Mandi Unta!

The journey back to KL.

 

Another trip to these 2 beautiful cities, another opportunity to be away from routine, another opportunity for a new start, new resolutions and new KPIs. Alhamdulillah.