Hajj 1425 – by Jawahrah

…Leaving home for Madeenah…

Recordings are at the bottom of this story and sprinkled in the Makkah parts. *

We left from California around 6:30 am, and took us 5 hours to reach Washington D.C. (We were going from here to Washington D.C., to Frankfurt to Jeddah.  The flight was 27 hours.)  In Washington D.C. we were in the airport for 5 hours waiting for our flight to Frankfurt. (Ain’t fun at all to be in that airport when you’re wearing niqaab…sheesh.) Anyways finally at 6:30pm we boarded the plane, and the plane took off safely alhamdulillah. And then this person needed medical attention. There was a doctor on the plane, but the person needed to get to a hospital. The plane was already in air for 30 minutes when this happened, so we had to turn around and land in New York’s Kennedy Airport. That took an hour cuz the pilot had to be guided around and it to land in an empty area, etc. Bleh. Anyway, then after the plane landed it had to re-feul, the pilots had to re-route, and do all that stuff. It took 3 hours by the time we took off for the second time. The great thing was that when we got to Frankfurt, we didn’t have to sit around in the airport waiting for our airplane. Our connecting flight was 20 minutes after we arrived there, so we got to board immediately. ^_^ From there to Jeddah was 11 hours.

Ramadaan in the Haramain

A sister from the UK went for Umrah with her family during Ramadhan

Madinah

If you arrive in Madinah by plane from Jeddah, try to get a seat on the right hand side of the plane. Because, as you land, you can see Masjidul Nabawi. You can just about see it during the day, but if you arrive at night, you can see the minarets in the distance clearly as they are all illuminated. And you can also see the masjid as you drive towards the centre of Madinah from the airport. Visiting Madinah has quite a different feeling from visiting Allah’s house. I think its because Madinah is to do with a human being. And not just any old human being but the greatest one that ever walked the face of this earth, who made so many sacrifices and went through so many hardships so that the deen of Allah could prevail and remain for us. And yet what were we doing? I felt so small and insignificant.

On arrival in Madinah, we had missed all the salaahs. And we got the wrong hotel. Mum and dad had booked one close to the entrances that go to the prophets grave, so they wouldn’t have to walk too far, but this one was right at the opposite end. These things do happen when you go and are often tests of your patience. But when we drew back the curtains the next day, we forgot about all that. This was the view from the window.

Hajj Story by Menhaz

The journey of a lifetime

I performed my first hajj at the age of 19 in 2006. Even though I had been previously to perform Umrah, Hajj was a unique and indescribable experience, it truly was something that touched my heart.

The first sighting of the Ka’ba and the first touch, was a breathtaking moment; the beauty of it is incredible, and it is a memory that stays with you forever. I particularly enjoyed meeting people of all different ages, race and colour it was wonderful seeing so many brothers and sisters united; all here for the same purpose.

The second time I performed Hajj in at the age of 20 in 2007 was an equally overwhelming experience. I enjoyed every single second of every single day that I was there, and I pray that all my Muslim brothers and sisters get a opportunity to perform Hajj, as there aren’t enough words that can describe this extraordinary journey of a lifetime, you need to experience it to understand the magnificence of Hajj.

My Hajj Story – by Mujib

I never felt that this time would come. At the age of 18 it is quite young to do Hajj and at the begining of 2006 I never thought or imagined that I would perform Hajj this year.

I met so many people of different professions, race, colour all united with the white ihram and the pure intentions with conviction in our hearts, heading towards one destination, Labbaykallahumma Labbayk we all recited forgeting our differences standing side by side we are united in front of Allah.

Pictures and photographs are displayed around London, houses, Mosques etc. But the real picture is the one I saw through my eyes. The Ka’ba The House of Allah Almighty. The house that unites all hearts.

Since coming back home I have seen Makkah and Madinah in my dream. It is calling me back and I really miss it. I want to see it again, touch the ka’ba as I did, pelt the jamarat and cover my ears away from the evil whispers of the nasty shaytaan.

My dear respected brothers and sisters my words are nothing compared to what your eyes will see and explain for your self.

Open Your Eyes!