12 Days, 10 Nights, An Umrah Trip Photostory #LambaianTanahSuci
- 7 Comments
- By azuan
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.
MH150, Malaysia Airlines Airbus A330-300.
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.
Miqat at 36,000 feet
Multiple announcements made as early as 1-hour before crossing the designated Miqat point.
The destination. Masjidil Haram.
Tawaf – going around the Kaaba 7 times in a counter clockwise direction
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.
travel back and forth seven times between the 2 small hills of Safa and Marwah.
A typical view after Solat in Masjidil Haram as visitors return to their hotels.
A typical view after Solat in Masjidil Haram as visitors return to their hotels.
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.
Landmark
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.
Jabal Nur
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.
Camels @ Hudaibiyah
Peak seasons are always good times for the traders.
Good business
The remains of the old Hudaibiyah Mosque which is where the landmark Treaty of Hudaybiyyah took place in the year 628.
The remains of the old Hudaibiyah Mosque
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.
Rest Area
Another stop for dinner at a rest area restaurant about 2.5 hours before reaching Madinah. Awesome food.
Awesome Chicken & Lamb
Sharing is Caring
Madinah.
Masjid Nabawi
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.
People from all corners of the world 🙂
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
Quba’ Mosque
Frozen fresh dates. A hot selling item outside Masjid Quba’.
Fresh frozen dates
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.
Mt Uhud
Ending our trip with Mandi Unta!
Untaaaaa!
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.
Syed N January 2, 2017 at 12:35 pm
Awesome photos…. rindu jugak!!!
azuan January 2, 2017 at 12:37 pm
Thanks Syed. A great place indeed.
RaW | Ramble and Wander January 2, 2017 at 12:44 pm
You’re one lucky guy to have been able to go there for umrah & ziarah twice. Sadly, I missed out a lot on the ziarah part because I’ve never been there through an umrah & ziarah package. Anyway, I think, for most of us who have been there, we can’t really help but feel rindu with these 2 places every time we see photos/videos of them, kan? The sense of longing would always be there. Hopefully we’d all get the chance to perform umrah again & hajj too.
azuan January 2, 2017 at 12:49 pm
Alhamdulillah… hopefully a Hajj trip one day bro.
Also, you may now take advantage of the SV cheap fares in flying to Europe/Africa and have a 72 hours transit visa to perform umrah!
RaW | Ramble and Wander January 2, 2017 at 1:58 pm
Amiinnnn! 🙂
That’s very true about SV, btw. Their Y class pun dah improved a lot.
Farah Nadiah January 2, 2017 at 2:10 pm
I have been wanting to perform umrah but the restrictions imposed on single lady travelling alone can only make me dream. Thank you for sharing the pictures. A light reading as the pictures tell the story. 🙂
azuan January 2, 2017 at 4:36 pm
cepat2 dapatkan mahram 😛