Two days in Makkah, Saudi Arabia
A Surreal Sunrise: Charting a Course from Empty Streets to Makkah's Call
Rise and shine in Jeddah! Waking up to another adventure-filled day, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to explore this exotic yet familiar land with my buddy Mustafa, who was experiencing Saudi for the very first time. I, however, have visited the country before as a kid with my parents, but this time, it felt like a brand new journey as I delved deeper on my own accord. And let me tell you, Mustafa's excitement levels were skyrocketing much higher than my own.
We were in for a shock as I threw open the curtains of our hotel room to reveal a ghost town, a surreal contrast to the bustling streets of the previous night. The roads were empty, not a soul in sight, painting a picture straight out of a suspense thriller.
Checkout time! We grabbed our belongings, and as we stepped out we felt the thick, hazy air of the city crawling onto our skin. The humidity was so dense, it fogged up my glasses straight away, making it seem as if we were venturing into a surreal, dreamlike world. We were heading to Makkah.
Take a peak at my pal Mustafa! Picture taken at the midway point on our trek up the majestic Jabal Al Nour, Makkah
Little roadtrip from Jeddah to Makkah
With a tap on the phone, we summoned our convenient ride, discovering that even in this foreign land, the comfort of Uber was readily available. Our driver was chatty, despite the language barrier. He spoke Arabic while we were left deciphering his words with the help of Google Translator. Even with technology on our side, our conversation was far from smooth, but the insights we gained into local culture and traditions were priceless, we think.
Freeways were wide, open and running so smoothly. Along the way, you'll be transported through a landscape of stunning barren desert, dry mountains, and tree-less terrain. Imagining life in this wild frontier, back in the day, sparks a sense of wonder. How did people navigate these barren landscapes and reach their destinations? It's a tantalizing mystery that only enhances the beauty of this rugged terrain. The hotel we booked was called AL Joud Boutique Hotel, Makkah, it had comfortable and spacious room waiting for us.
As we made our way to the hotel, the scorching heat of the day unveiled the secret to why the streets come alive at night in Saudi - it's simply too hot to bear during the day!. Upon checking into the hotel, we embraced the same routine as the Saudis, seeking refuge from the scorching heat by staying indoors during the hottest part of the day. Later when it cooled down a little before dusk, we went for ihram(ritual clothing) shopping and later went to Masjid e Ayesha for the ritual of putting on Ihram followed by a prayer.
WE PAID HOMAGE BY PERFORMING UMRAH WITH UTMOST RESPECT AT THE HOUSE OF THE DIVINE.
An Umrah is a pilgrimage to Makkah that involves a series of rituals, including putting on special ihram (ritual clothing) and circling the Kaaba seven times. Prayers are also offered at the Masjid Al-Haram, followed by the Sa'i (running between the mountains of Safa and Marwah). Finally, the pilgrim is required to shave or trim their hair and perform the Halq or Taqsir (partial or complete shaving of the head).
Why do we perform Umrah? Performing Umrah is believed to bring the individual closer to Allah, earn spiritual rewards and forgiveness for sins, and serve as a purification of the soul. Additionally, it is an opportunity for Muslims to visit the city of Makkah, the holiest site in Islam, and to reflect on their faith and spiritual journey.
Taken during circumambulation around Holy Kaaba
Exhausted from the physically demanding journey of Umrah, we took a step outside the holy walls of Masjid Al Haram and were transported to a world of wonder. The bustling shopping centers, lively street vendors, and the diversity of pilgrims from all over the world created an unforgettable atmosphere. We indulged in a delicious feast at the nearest food court and then strolled the streets, taking in the energy of the city without a particular destination in mind. We roamed until the late hours. When our tired bodies could no longer keep up, we headed back to the hotel and surrendered to a deep and well-deserved slumber.
HOW TO SPEND TWO DAYS IN MAKKAH
dAY 1:
Visit Masjid Al Haram - Make sure to visit the Grand Mosque, which is the holiest site in Islam, and perform the Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaaba.
Explore the Kaaba - After completing the Tawaf, take some time to admire the Kaaba and its intricate decorations.
Perform Sa'i - This is a ritual of walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa, which is located just outside the mosque.
Visit Clock Tower Museum - This Museum is a must-visit tourist attraction for the jaw-dropping bird’s eye view of Makkah city.
Picture taken from top of Jabl Al Nour, Makkah at night
dAY 2:
Visit Mount Arafat - This is the site where Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon, and it is a place of pilgrimage for Muslims.
Visit Mina - This is a tent city where pilgrims spend the night during the Hajj, and it is also a site of many historical events in Islamic history.
Visit Muzdalifah - This is another site of pilgrimage, where pilgrims gather pebbles to be used in the stoning of the Devil at Jamarat.
Visit Jabal Al Nour- Also known as Cave Hira that is where the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Another one taken during the hike up to Cave Hira or Jabl Al Nour
a sincere appeal to all who visit jabal al nour
A plea for all the pilgrims and visitors, let's keep the sacredness of Jabal Al Nour intact. Let's show some reverence by keeping the surroundings tidy and litter-free. After all, it's a holy sanctuary, not a garbage dump.
saying goodbye to makkah
Saying goodbye to Makkah can be a bittersweet moment, but there are few things you can do to make it a meaningful experience:
Perform the Farewell Tawaf - This is the final Tawaf that a pilgrim performs before leaving Makkah, and it symbolizes their farewell to the city and the mosque.
Purchase a souvenir - Consider purchasing a souvenir or a piece of jewellery to commemorate your pilgrimage to Makkah, and to have a lasting reminder of your spiritual journey.
Make a difference with your generosity - Let's lend a helping hand to those in need and make the world a better place by donating what we can. Every little bit counts, so give from the heart, no matter how small the amount may be.
Join us as we set off to Taif, simply press the bright orange button labelled "Taif" to know all about it.