Hajj Part 2: Ummrah and Makkah

Day 5 (11 August 2018)

Labyk-allah-huma-labayk (am here my lord am here)

We are preparing for our Ummrah so I changed in to my Ehram (Two un-stitched garments).

The first trip of our eternal journey starts today. We leave for Makkah at 7:30 am in the morning and we should arrive at 4:30pm. Throughout this trip, me and my mother have been extremely punctual when instructed by our group leaders.

We managed to have breakfast and arrived at the foyer at 7:10am (irritatingly). Only to be told by the travel coordinator (Mohammed Bashir jnr) that we would be travelling by cab. *We were non- the wiser, that there was a problem. So, at this stage, I was kind of glad that I would be travelling by car, as we would be facilitated with more leg space and would also have the privilege to arrive in Makkah before the rest of our group.

Unfortunately, this privilege of travelling by car would be short lived. We learnt that The Ministry of Hajj had rejected our visas to Makkah, and therefore we would have to visit the Ministry of Hajj office (opposite Dajjal palace) to have our visas approved. Nine others shared the same fate, however, a couple of the Hujjaj reacted to the news in a negative way. Long story short we eventually had our visas approved at 10:30am and set off for Makkah.

Patience are a virtue, otherwise the Shaytaan will destroy you?

The virtues of this holy pilgrimage are heavily based on patience. Having patience is the foundation of conquering all spiritual conquest. The sahabas and the prophets’ struggles were heavily based on subscribing themselves to a high degree of patience.

We eventually arrived at 6pm. However, the 9-hour journey was turmoiled with struggle and obstacles. Firstly, we had three stops and each stop lasted approximately 25 minutes. The Meccan securities were being total ass-holes and they were disrespecting the pilgrims with non-sensicle questions about our visas. Secondly, the two pilgrims who were in the car, did not really master the art of listening and I felt like my English was poor as they never understood anything I said and they would always talk over me. They also had the gall to blame us for not having our visas even though we were all in the same boat. Thirdly, my Mother decided to patronize my ability to stay organized and finally I almost got in to fight outside the haram as we were going to perform our Umrah. This was the cherry on top of the icing. I wanted to really blow up there and then.

Just for the record, I embraced all the obstacles and overcame all the challenges, to the best of my ability. I did get annoyed towards the end, but the essential thing is that I never lost temper and never acted in a manner which would void my umrah. May Allah (SWT) accept all my struggles and also accept my umrah.

We finally arrived at our hotel. I quickly left the cab and zoomed for the hotel room. This was due to a number of reasons which I have stated above. Allhumudulilah, what a site I was gifted with. 17 floors up and we had an uninterrupted window view of the Haram. Myself and mum must have done something very virtuous in life, for us to be blessed with such a view. I don’t think in our wildest dreams did we envisage that we would have such a breath-taking view. Am not the most comfortable with heights, however, those fears were in the back of my mind.

Our Hajj Umrah (The first real test)

After tearing ourselves away from our room view. Myself and mum made our way to the haram. We were swallowed by the swarm of pilgrims that had arrived at the haram. Magribh, was always the busiest time for prayer. There must have been at least 1 million pilgrims in the Haram at one go.

Going back to the Umrah. Like a bunch of chicken locked up in a cage, we managed to labour through or way in to the entrance. Getting in to the Haram was never easy. An altercation had taken place between me and this man. Typical, it had to be a Pakistani; him and his wife were pushing through a crowd in which there was no space to maneuver. I saw him first, trying to push through on my right side, when he had no luck, he tried to push through me until I reminded him that he should show some sabr. After failing to push through me. He then went to the left and decided to push through my mum. Naturally being protective and fearful of losing my mum before the start of our Umrah, I put my arm in front of the women. Her husband reaction was to push me with all his might; at that particular moment I saw the red mist and stepped towards him but luckily I moved as quick as I stepped forwards. The fear of my Umrah not being accepted weighed heavily upon me and that’s why I voided any further altercation.

Mum was proud that I refrained from any altercations. On my way down to the haram area, to my surprise, I bumped in to Imran Scars (A Tooting lad). I shouted out to him, we quickly embraced and we were quickly separated by the Haram security. A certain level of excitement and happiness had been infused since meeting Scars. There is also something when you meet one of your own in foreign lands.

We made our way through our tawaf (Seven rounds around the Kabah). That was physically demanding and soul torturing. Getting through the tawaf and looking after mum was my main objective.

Allhumdulilah, we finished our tawaf and it was time for Esha. Soon as the Kiyaam was made, like a tidal wave, both of us were pushed in to Marwa and Safwah section of the Haram. Me and mum quickly made a point of access for after Esha. This was our only chance of meeting. The sheer volume of people and the way things move in Salah is quite incredible. Imagine being in Westfield for new-years sales, times it by 50, that’s the nearest I can get to describe the scene.

We were advised by some very kind brothers from Sheffield that we should use the second floor for Sai but mum was insistent to complete the Sai in its origins. Although this irritated me, I did understand. After the first turn, I managed to lose mum at the green lights (Brisk walking for men only), a group of Indonesians swarmed the green light area and I lost sight of mum. I frantically looked for her to no avail. I eventually found her on her third round. I was ecstatic to find her and we then completed our Umrah.

*Looking for someone in the Haram without a mobile phone, is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Impossible!!!!

I had taken her back to the hotel and cut my hair (Not shaved my hair). After showering and changing my clothes. We went to get some food from the old place that we used to eat from. We made our way back to the hotel for some much-needed sleep.

Day 5 finally over.

Thought of the day

Whatever you pray for the Most, Allah (SWT) will bring in front of you as your test. In my case, emotional intelligence and patience.

Day 6 (12 August 2018)

Both myself and mum woke up at 6:30am, we both missed Fajr, due to the physical and emotional strains of the previous day. We happily prayed our salah in front of our window view of the Haram. By Allah (SWT), some of the sweetest moments in my life have already been taken, overlooking the Holy Haram.

After praying salah, I went to sleep for an hour or two, and then woke up for 8:30am. After I woke up, I still did not feel as spiritually engaged, as one should feel when preparing for such an important journey. Something was missing and I really needed to trigger the fire of spirituality in to me.

The magic Mufti!!

After pondering for a couple of hours. I decided that a Mufti Menk YouTube video would do the trick. I watched a video which basically covered the reasons for Hajj and the spirituality of the Hajj journey. The video was an hour and half and it was extremely beneficial for me as it detailed how and what I should do to fine-tune myself for the journey of a lifetime. For the first time in the trip, I felt like the journey had a purpose, and that purpose would drive me to work with a spiritual momentum.

We had breakfast at the hotel. The hotel buffet was super amazing and I was taken back by the wide variety of food which was at our peril. The presentation was world-class, with foods from all across the continent, a vast array of colours, with carefully decorated pieces of fruits and vegetables, scored carefully in to an image of a flower or an animal. Obviously, I held myself back from gawping with my mouth wide open, rather I had adopted the nonchalant approach, which enabled me to act as normal as possible.

We both ate conservatively but nonetheless we did eat comfortably allhumdulilah. We were held in good company by uncle from Nottingham and Q’s family. Plan of action was to spend most of our time in the Haram.

*Uncle was an elderly gentleman of South African- Indian descent. A very warming man standing 6ft 4, with a huge heart, and a man who only spoke kind words. He was accompanied by his wife.

Q, Qadeer

Over the last few days I have spent lot of time with Q. We have the same kind of humor and we were both extremely laid back. Q is a good 12 year older than me but that did not stop the growth of our friendship

I have felt very sorry for him (not like I was taking pity). He has disclosed his life to me and it was difficult holding back tears . Q’s father suffered from mental health and was extremely abusive towards his mother, two of his sisters suffered from both physical and mental health issues. He is currently living in Cardiff with his two children and wife, whilst his mum lives with the other two in London.

What I have observed so far from this trip. Q is stuck between two women and is finding difficult to find middle ground between the two. On the dinner table his wife has thrown several comments about her mother-in-law. It’s not too difficult to realise that she clearly does not get along with her It’s not my place to judgement so I will comment no further but It was uncomfortable.

The reality of marriage has dawned on me. Both Q and his wife have given me their opinions on marriage and nothing seems to be tickling my fancy. Nevertheless, their views are clearly based on their own marriage issues. They both make some valid points in their own perspectives.

Myself, mum and Q’s family spent time strolling the shopping center within the hotel. Loads of the best branded shops with the top fast-food chains. Myself and mum had the grilled chicken and rice, something we had previously enjoyed on our previous trip to Makkah. The local restaurants in the malls are far much cheaper and provide better value for money. It would be wise if you are looking to travel to Makkah.

Thought of the day

The Hajj journey is done purely for the sake of Allah (SWT), the Hajj which is accepted by Allah (SWT), is the one which is supplicated in his name first. Try to spend enough time doing Ibadah rather than engaging in the market environments, which is seemingly unavoidable in Makkah.

Day 7 (13 August 2018)

Mum wakes up at 3:00am to get up for Fajr. She was adamant that we pray in the Haram and more important get a decent praying spot. Mum was panicking (for no reason) and threatened to leave me. So, I quickly wore whatever I found and ran out to the mosque. The heat was still so intense at 3am in the morning. I felt like I was coming down with a fever so I quickly found a spot and calmed myself down. We spent a good hour an half before Fajr salah making whatever supplication we could. The fever managed to ease.

Breakfast in the morning. The usual indulgence without over indulging (If you pardon the pun). I told mum that we should get the shopping out of the way so that we can focus our time as much on Ibadah as possible. Mum was of the same view.

We set off after Zuhr salah. Mum made her way through every jewellery shop in the hotel complexes. The heels of my feet were becoming heavy and I felt like I was losing a centre meter of my height with each step I was taking. Finally, I found an Islamic book-shop, so, I told mum that I would be sitting in there till she needed me. I finally found a book on Imam Ghazali, a very thought provoking book that I would invest in before I leave Makkah.

The majority of her shopping was done so we decided to grab some food. We went to the old food mall that we usually visited and shared a half chicken with rice. We made our way back, mum was really happy, she was ecstatic that I supported her throughout her shopping experience.

I was happy that she was happy. But it’s funny, you go shopping with a woman without complaining, all of a sudden you become the best son in the world.

I think Q was missing my company or he was looking for a break, maybe a bit both. So, he dropped me a call and requested that we pay a visit to the haram together to pray Magribh and Esha. We met with his family and we left for the haram. As usual, there was a lot of tension between his mother and wife.

A chord was struck in my heart

Somehow, I lost Q and everyone else. I met one of the One Call boys, brother Samaad. In between prayers and reading Quran. Brother Samaad, explained how he got in to the deen. His experience was after his father passed away, he became very strict with his prayers. One story that stuck with me, was how he attempts to be the best muslim possible in order for him to take his parents to Jannah. I pondered all night on this matter and wished to do the same for both my parents. You never know what Allah (SWT) has planned for you or your parents, so it’s crucial that we uphold ourselves in the best possible way in front our maker

*Brother Samaad was an endearing brother. Something drew me towards him and I was blessed to have this conversation with him. May Allah (SWT) reward the brother, make him successful in the hereafter.

A Pakistani brother was watching me during my time with Samaad. Curiosity got the better of him (as is the case). He decided to ask me where am from, so I politely answered that am from the UK, I knew where this conversation was going, so a smile crept up on my face. The brother poked on the question further about my ethnicity, till he was satisfied with my response, am of Bangldeshi/Pakistani origins. The brother was amazed and enquired further which town/village she was from. Upon my response, things quickly escalated, he wanted to meet my mother, and he wouldn’t stop bothering me about it. Considering the fruitful conversation that I was engaged in, it was evident to Samaad that I was visibly irritated by the brother’s harassment. He politely intervened and the brother got the message. The question is, why on earth why would I introduce my mother to a total of stranger?

Day 8 (14 August 2018)

Our last full day at the Swissotel. Myself and mum were discussing how sad it was going to be knowing that we were going to be losing one of the most breath-taking views in the world. After mulling over our sadness, we decided to get ready for Fajr. Fajr, completed as usual with another wave of people joining the millions that were already here.

Breakfast- me and mum have decided our plan of action. Buy quick so we have as much time as possible for Ibadah. Between Zuhr and Asr we shopped. I bought a couple of prayer mats and a couple of gifts from the mall.

I realized street shops we charging extortionate prices for basic items so I decided that it was better to get extorted by the malls within the hotel. We bought loads of prayer mats and gifts. Only the Ouds left now.

Maneuvering around the Haram had become increasingly difficult by each given day since we arrived. We made our way back to the hotel after a spot a of lunch at Mcdonald’s. Considering the fascination of the Big Mac in the U.K, it only made sense to order one. We struggled to find any seats so we were content with the floor. Good thing about mum, she’s not your typical women in that sense, she is happy to sit anywhere.

Finally, we made our way to the hotel and at the reception, where there was a swarm of people gathered around a table. From far, two Pakistani flags were being waved around. As I approached the crowd, people were gathered around two massive cakes canvassed with the Pakistan flags printed on the white smooth Icing layer. The cake was huge a huge square, am sure it could have fed 300 to 400 people.

I was shocked that a country that has a total disregard for its Pakistani migrant workers, are somehow embracing Pakistani independence. Extremely hypocritical in my personal observation.

Magrib and Esha was prayed with the usual suspects. We managed to get a tawaf in between both salah’s. Myself and Q decided that we should go for a night stroll and grab a cup of tea once we packed our luggage. We were knackered but a much-needed tea was required.

How are plans went to flames?

I think women have this intuition that men are up to something. Khalida (Q’s wife) decided that Q’s should fill up at 25 bottles of Zam Zam. Don’t get me wrong. I support the idea that you should drink as much Zam-Zam as possible. But am not sure how much man hours would be spent filling up the bottles, and the thought of carrying them back, lets not start on that. I feel like Q’s wife on a personal retribution mission . To be fair he never complained but torture was written all over his face.

*My respect for Q had scaled to new heights. I respect people who have the ability to recognize their fault’s and act on rectifying them. Am not going bog to you down with his problems. Without the marriage aspect of things there are many similarities between myself and Q. I think that’s why we connected so well.

*At 11:10pm- Q had broken the news to me of his new diverted trip to collect Zam Zam. A What’s App Message was sent on the group that our luggage could be messed up in transit, as there were up to four or five other groups that would be departing at the same time. We changed our plans very quickly and made a dash to find our luggage. My luggage had still not been collected, however, we went on a wild goose chase looking for Q’s luggage for an hour. After frantically looking for his luggage, up and down 17 flights of floors for an hour, we managed to locate his luggage, Khalida had taken them in in to her room.

Day over…..tommorow, Aziziyah.