17th Umrah Trip: A Journey That Begins Within...

"Labbaik Allahumma labbaik.." 

(Here I am, O Allah, here I am)...

(The holy Kaabah in Makkah)

This year, hubby and I chose to begin our travels early. Instead of chasing new cities or familiar comforts, we felt drawn to start with a spiritual journey of an Umrah trip, a return to the Holy Lands. It felt right to place our hearts first before anything else, to realign our intentions before the year unfolded further.

Though we have performed Umrah many times before, the preparations never seem to grow easier. There were documents to check, bags to pack, prayers to memorise, and quiet worries of faltering health that crept in between moments of excitement. I realised that experience does not always bring ease; sometimes it brings deeper awareness of responsibility and purpose.

(Masjid Nabawi in Madinah)

In those moments, I reminded myself to pause, to breathe and to soften my heart. This journey was not only about arriving in Makkah and Madinah, but about learning to let go of control, of haste, of unnecessary anxiety. I hoped that with a calmer heart and sincere spiritual readiness, the ritual of the pilgrimage itself would be fulfilled with ease.

Our Umrah Itinerary:
(21 - 31 January, 2026)
Day 01: KL - Makkah
Day 02: Makkah - 1st umrah
Day 03: Makkah - Hudaibiyah, 2nd Umrah
Day 04: Makkah - Jaaranah, 3rd Umrah
Day 05: Makkah - Down with fever
Day 06: Makkah - Madinah, the Hijrah Route
Day 07: Madinah - Mosque Tour, Raudhah Visit
Day 08: Madinah - Historical City Tour
Day 09: Madinah - Makràkah Badar Tour
Day 10: Madinah - A Day of Rest
Day 11: Madinah - KL

Perhaps this Umrah, once again inviting me to begin not only with steps taken on sacred ground, but with peace nurtured quietly within.

Day 01: Makkah – Arrival with Intention...

“Today, I place my heart before Allah, carrying hopes, sins, and silent prayers, trusting that every step in this sacred land is already a mercy...”

(In our ihram in Jeddah International Airport)

Day 01: 21/01/26 (Wednesday)
Route: KL - Jeddah - Makkah
Flight: MH156 1900/2340 KUL-JED
Hotel: Safwah Hotel, Makkah

We left Bidara House around noon, the traffic mercifully light. After prayers at Masjid Sultan Abdul Samad, KLIA, we parked our bigfoot at the Long Term Car Park, settled and ready to let go of worldly routines for the days ahead.

By mid-afternoon, the MKM Umrah group gathered for our briefing. Baggage checked in, boarding passes in hand, and for the first time, we smoothly passed through Immigration using MyBorderPass, a small ease that felt like reassurance.

Flight MH156 departed on time. We were already in ihram, the journey calm with only slight turbulence. As we crossed the miqat at Qarnul Manazil, we made our niat for Umrah, quiet words of Talbiah carrying deep hopes.

We landed in Jeddah at 11.30 pm. Immigration was swift, officers kind, and the bus ride to Makkah took about an hour. At Safwah Hotel, we checked in and rested briefly before Subuh called us awake.

The journey had begun. Not just across lands, but inward, towards surrender and remembrance.

Day 02: Makkah — The First Umrah, my soul felt at home...

 “First day of Umrah - a heart full of tawakkul, a soul in need of His mercy...”

(Our first umrah)

Day 02: 22/01/26 (Thursday)
Activity: Makkah 1st Umrah
Hotel: Safwah Hotel Makkah

Sleep was scarce, and we woke slightly groggy, but Subuh at the musolla in Safwah Tower steadied our hearts. After a hearty breakfast, we prepared ourselves for our first Umrah, guided calmly by our tour leader, Ustaz Mohd Amir Rashid.

Tawaf was performed at the Mataf area, followed by sa‘ie on the first level of Mas‘a. Each ritual was carried out with intention. Every step accompanied by quiet prayers. The crowd was dense, yet the cool morning air brought a refreshing clarity to both body and mind. By Allah’s grace, our first Umrah was completed smoothly and with unexpected ease.

Back at the hotel, a cool shower and much-needed rest revived our weary bodies. As evening fell, we performed Maghrib and Isya' on the rooftop. With Friday approaching, Masjidil Haram was filled to the brim. Locals and pilgrims from every corner of the world, all drawn by the same call.

Tonight, we retired early, hoping that a deep sleep would restore our tired muscles. Our body and soul humbled, and quietly content.

Tired bodies rested easily, while our hearts felt calm and full. The first Umrah was completed with grace, each step a quiet reminder that ease comes from Him alone.

Day 03: Makkah - Sunset and Revelation Stories...

"In this blessed place, I leave behind my burdens and carry only trust in Allah’s mercy...”

(Sunset view at Jabal Khandamah)

Day 03: 23/01/26 (Friday)
Activity: Makkah - Hudaibiyah - Jabal Khandamah - Hira Cultural Village
Hotel: Safwah Hotel Makkah

A good night’s sleep gave us a fresh start. Early morning, we travelled to Hudaibiyah, the miqat for our second Umrah. We stayed only briefly, enough for sunnah prayers and to renew our intention, before returning to Masjidil Haram.

By then, the mataf area was already full to the brim. Pilgrims slowly filled every prayer space in preparation for Jumaat. Amid the dense crowd, we navigated our way to register for a buggy rental for tawaf and sa‘ie. After a few failed attempts, the online booking finally went through.

Our buggy ride began around 11.00 a.m., and by noon, the tawaf and sa‘ie were completed with ease and gratitude.

After Jumaat prayers, we joined the steady human tide back to the hotel. Lunch was simple, packed white rice with beef curry followed by a short rest before Asar prayers at the rooftop. Today being an auspicious Friday, we joined the group for infaq sabil for the needy.

Later in the late afternoon, we set off for Jabal Khandamah to catch the sunset over Makkah. The view was quietly breathtaking. We continued on to Hira Cultural Village, exploring the Museum Wahyu and waiting for members of our group who climbed Jabal Hira. Dinner was modest, bakso and gado-gado from one of the many food outlets, not particularly memorable, but filling enough.

We returned to the hotel late at night, bodies tired and eyes heavy. Yet beneath the fatigue was a quiet contentment, another day woven with worship, patience, and moments of reflection in this sacred city.

Day 04: Makkah – Ja‘ranah, Our Third Umrah and Ziarah Sites...

 “Some days on this journey are not carried by strength, but by quiet perseverance and faith...”

(Riding on a buggy for Tawaf and Saie)

Day 04: 24/01/26 (Saturday)
Activity: Makkah - Ja'ranah and various ziarah sites
Hotel: Safwah Hotel Makkah

I woke up this morning with a sore throat and a slight fever. I hoped a Panadol would help, but instead my body felt heavier and weaker. After Subuh prayers on the rooftop, I kept breakfast light so as not to upset my stomach. Hubby, on the other hand, was clearly enjoying himself, sampling pastries and cakes with delight. I couldn’t blame him; the breakfast spread was tempting.

Later in the morning, our group set out on a road trip to Ja‘ranah, another prominent miqat for Umrah. Along the way, we stopped at several significant sites on the outskirts of Makkah, Jabal Thur, the Hajj sites of Jamrat, Mina and Muzdalifah, and finally the historic Jabal Rahmah at Mount Arafat. The heat, the crowd, and the long walk to Jabal Rahmah drained me completely. Not even my favourite ice cream could soothe the sore throat and pounding headache.

At Masjid Ja‘ranah, we performed our sunnah ihram prayers and recited our niat for the third Umrah. Once the talbiyah was recited, exhaustion took over and I slept most of the way back to Haram. Back at the hotel, we quickly booked a buggy online and made our way to the top floor of Masjidil Haram for tawaf and sa‘ie. Alhamdulillah, we completed our Umrah just in time for Asar prayers.

By then, my body had clearly reached its limit. I skipped dinner, focused on drinking plenty of water, and rested. The planned visit to Ka‘Kiah Wholesale Market and the famous Nasi Unta restaurant was eventually cancelled, perhaps everyone felt the same quiet fatigue.

By 9.00 pm, I was already in bed. The night was restless, interrupted by frequent trips to the bathroom, but beneath the discomfort was a sense of gratitude. Even in weakness, Allah allowed me to complete the Umrah. Some days are not about strength or comfort, but about perseverance, tired, unwell, and still trusting that every step is counted.

Day 05: Makkah – Nursing a Lingering Flu...

“When the body weakens, the heart learns to lean more deeply in trusting in God's plan.”

(Subuh prayers at the rooftop)

Day 05: 25/01/26 (Sunday)
Activity: Makkah - Complete rest in bed
Hotel: Safwah Hotel Makkah

The flu refused to loosen its grip today. The fever still lingered, though my throat felt slightly better after gargling warm salt water. At the first azan before Subuh, I willed myself out of bed. My joints ached, my muscles protested, but a hot shower helped steady my resolve.

The walk from Safwah Tower to Masjidil Haram, barely 50 meters on any other day, felt endless. Reaching Gate 92, the entrance to the escalator leading to the rooftop, my preferred prayer area, took every ounce of strength I had. Each step felt heavier than the last.

Breakfast was light, mashed potatoes and salad, just enough to carry me through to lunchtime. The rest of the morning was spent resting in bed, hydrating with Zamzam water, and taking painkillers to ease the body aches.

The group went on a day trip to Taif, but we chose to stay behind. We’ve been there several times before, and in my condition, it would have been more taxing than uplifting. Sometimes, knowing when to pause is also a form of gratitude.

I skipped lunch and managed only a few spoonfuls of instant noodles for dinner. While hubby went to pray at the mosque, I performed my prayers in the room, quietly following the Imam of Masjidil Haram. Even from a distance, the connection remained, gentle, comforting, and deeply reassuring.

Today was not about movement or milestones, but about patience, surrender, and trusting that healing, like worship, takes many forms.

Day 06: Makkah – Madinah, the Hijrah Route...

"Allah measures the journey not by comfort, but by sincerity in every step...”

(On the bus to Madinah)

Day 06: 26/01/26 (Monday)
Activity: Makkah - Madinah, the prophetic hijrah route...
Hotel: Emaar Elite Hotel Madinah

Feeling slightly better this morning, we went early for Subuh prayers. Today was our departure for Madinah. Our packed bags waited quietly outside the room, a silent reminder that our time in Makkah was drawing to an end.

My appetite was still weak, so breakfast was light, just some salad and potatoes. We rested until it was time for tawaf wida’. Not fully fit to walk the Mataf, hubby arranged a buggy ride for our farewell tawaf at 11.00 am, allowing me to complete it with calm and gratitude. Afterwards, we waited at the first-floor prayer area for Zohor and performed jamak prayers for Asar.

Checkout was at 1.30 pm, leaving no time for lunch, but we had packed simple food for the journey. By 2.30 pm, we boarded the bus and slowly left Makkah. Departing this sacred city is always emotional. With a heavy heart, I prayed that Allah grants me the opportunity to return again, to this most blessed place.

Some members of our group continued by the Haramain High-Speed Train, while we travelled by bus. The journey was uneventful, and still recovering from the flu, I slept through most of it.

We arrived in Madinah late at night. The Masjid Nabawi looked forlorn from afar. I whispered my salam to Rasulullah - "Peace be upon you, O Prophet of Allah, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings"...

We checked into Emaar Elite Hotel. A hot shower eased the fatigue, and soon after, rest came easily. My body weary, my heart full, and my soul quietly grateful.

Day 07: Madinah - Moments of Humility in Raudhatul Jannah...

 “Take on only as much as you can do of good deeds, for the best of deeds is that which is done consistently, even if it is little...” – Sunan Ibn Majah

(Gate No. 1 - Babul Salam)

Day 07: 27/01/26 (Tuesday)
Activity: Madinah, moments of humility and submission in Raudhatul Jannah...
Hotel: Emaar Elite Hotel Madinah

The morning in Madinah was bitingly cold, yet our hearts were warm with the intention to pray as much as possible in Masjid Nabawi. A single prayer here carries a reward multiplied a thousand times over, especially when performed berjema’ah.

After a hearty breakfast, we spent the afternoon on a ziarah around the Prophet’s Mosque, visiting Saqifah Bani Saedah, Masjid al-Ghamamah, and the surrounding historic sites, each echoing stories of faith and sacrifice.

That night, I prepared myself for my Raudhah slot at 11.00 pm via Nusuk. Many ladies were still trying to secure a slot, which made the moment feel even more humbling.

Hubby accompanied me to Gate 37, where the process was calm and well-organised. Entering in small groups, we were given ample time to pray and make doa. I was blessed to pray in front of the mimbar, my heart full and unguarded. In the Garden of Paradise, words need no form, only sincerity.

I slept that night overwhelmed with gratitude, thankful to Allah for allowing me to stand in Raudhatul Jannah, a place where prayers are answered and hearts are gently restored.

Day 08: Madinah – Major Battles and Quiet Remembrance...

“Some places teach not through words, but through the weight of history they leave on the heart...”

(Majid Al Zuhairi Farm)

Day 08: 28/01/26 (Wednesday)
Activity: Madinah City Tour
Hotel: Emaar Elite Hotel Madinah

This morning we set out by bus for an external visit around Madinah, tracing places that hold deep meaning in Islamic history. Our first stop was Masjid Quba, the first mosque built in Islam. We were advised to perform ablution at the hotel and pray two raka'at upon arrival. A simple act, yet one filled with immense reward, said to equal that of an Umrah. Amid the dense crowd, the calmness of Quba felt grounding, a reminder that faith often begins with quiet intention.

We then visited Majid Al Zuhairi Farm, a popular date outlet where we stocked up on ajwa, amber and medjoul dates in preparation for the coming Ramadhan.

Along the way to Uhud, we passed Masjid Qiblatain and the Seven Mosques, each standing as silent witnesses to pivotal moments in early Islamic history.

Our journey concluded at Jabal Uhud, a place that carries both strength and sorrow. At its base lies the Martyrs’ Cemetery, where many companions of the Prophet are buried, including his beloved uncle, Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib. Standing there invited reflection on sacrifice, obedience, and the cost of faith.

The visit ended after noon. The rest of the day unfolded gently, free and unhurried, returning to Masjid Nabawi for prayers as the heart quietly absorbed the lessons of the day.

Day 09: Madinah – Badr, the First Battle in Islamic History...

“And Allah had already given you victory at Badr when you were few in number...” - Surah Al-Imran 3:123

(Fourteen Martyrs of Badr)

Day 09: 29/01/26 (Thursday)
Activity: Madinah - Makrakah Badar Tour
Hotel: Emaar Elite Hotel Madinah

Today we travelled about 150 km southwest of Madinah to Badr, a journey of nearly two hours by bus. Now a place of pilgrimage, Badr holds immense historical and spiritual significance, marked by sites such as the battlefield, the Martyrs’ Cemetery, and the Badr Museum.

Standing on the Battleground of Badr, we were reminded of how a small Muslim force overcame a much larger Quraysh army, an event the Qur’an calls Yawm al-Furqan, the day that distinguished truth from falsehood.

We visited the Martyrs’ Cemetery, where the fourteen honoured martyrs of Badr rest, and nearby landmarks including the Muslim Command Centre at Areesh Mosque, Al-Adwa Al-Dunya, Al-Adwa Al-Aqsa, and Jabal al-Malaikah, believed to be where angels descended to aid the believers.

We also collected water from the historic healing wells Bir Rawha and Bir Syifa located on the outskirt of Badr.

After a hearty lunch of fried fish and prawns at Ayed Fish Restaurant, we performed our jamak prayers at Bilal bin Rabah Mosque before returning to Madinah.

We arrived after Maghrib, physically tired but spiritually full. I prayed in the room while hubby made his way to Masjid Nabawi's rooftop.

Before sleep took over, I reflect on the Battle of Badr. A quiet reminder that strength does not lie in numbers, but in faith, sincerity, and trust in Allah.

Day 10: Madinah - A Day of Rest...

"You can't calm the storm, so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass..." - Timber Hawkeye

(I am not in the best of moods...)

Day 10: 30/01/26 (Friday)
Activity: Madinah - Rest in Bed
Hotel: Emaar Elite Hotel Madinah

It was a difficult night. My body felt feverish, my throat raw and sore. I took painkillers to keep the temperature down and sucked on lozenges, though even cool water was painful to swallow. Sleep came only in fragments, interrupted by frequent trips to the washroom.

I woke early for Subuh with a throbbing headache and managed only a small breakfast - one piece of bread with honey. The rest of the morning was spent in bed, wrapped in a thick blanket, hoping for strength to return. I felt heavy-hearted missing prayers at the mosque.

By noon, the fever finally broke. I had a light lunch, my appetite still poor, and spent the day resting, nursing a persistent cough and aching body. As evening fell on our last night in Madinah, hubby quietly began packing our bags, an unspoken reminder that this chapter of our journey was coming to an end.

Illness slowed my body, but it also taught me surrender. In this quiet room, wrapped in blankets and patience, I was reminded that rest, too, can be an act of faith and that healing comes in its own time.

Day 11: Madinah - KL, Leaving the Holy Lands...

"May Allah accept our prayers, purify our hearts, and grant us the ability to perform Umrah again and again..."

(Having breakfast over the Indian Ocean)

Day 11: 31/01/26 (Saturday)
Route: Madinah - Kuala Lumpur
Flight: MH159 2130/1115+1 MED-KUL

Our bags were packed and arranged neatly outside the room, ready for the porter. As this was our final day in Madinah, we made every effort to perform our obligatory and sunnah prayers at the mosque. For the last time, we recited our salam to the Prophet, bade farewell, and offered heartfelt doa, carrying with us hopes and gratitude that words could hardly express.

After Asar prayers, we boarded the bus to Madinah International Airport. Leaving Madinah is an emotional experience, it feels as though a piece of my heart remains behind in this blessed City of the Prophet. I leave Madinah with tears in my eyes and peace in my heart, carrying its blessings quietly within me, until the day Allah allows me to return.

Baggage check-in and immigration clearance went smoothly. Our 9.30 pm MH159 flight departed on time. The seven-hour journey was uneventful, and I slept through most of it, allowing my tired body and soul to rest. 

We arrived at KLIA at 10.45 am.

Alhamdulillah...

Saudi Arabia 2024 - 16th Umrah Trip...

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience...” - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

(Bismillah... May Allah blessings be on us throughout our pilgrimage)

Date: 19 – 31 August 2024
Flight: 19/08/24 MH156 1450/1900 KUL-JED
31/08/24 MH159 2230/1310+1 MED-KUL

Hotels:
19 - 20/08/24 - Taif Platinum Park Hotel
20 - 25/08/24 - Makkah Pullman Zamzam
25 - 31/08/24 - Madinah Emaar Elite

Mutawwif: Ustaz Muhammad Ilyas bin Md Zin

Umrah Menara Jam MKM Itinerary:
Day 01: KL – Jeddah – Taif
Day 02: Taif – Makkah
Day 03: Makkah – Tannaim
Day 04: Makkah – Ja’aranah
Day 05: Makkah Free and Easy
Day 06: Makkah - Hudaibiah
Day 07: Makkah – Madinah
Day 08: Masjid Nabawi Tour
Day 09: Madinah Free and Easy
Day 10: Madinah City Tour
Day 11: Madinah Optional Tour
Day 12: Madinah Jannat al-Baqi
Day 13: Madinah – Kuala Lumpur

Next destination: Afghanistan Autumn Trip

Umrah Day 01: KL – Jeddah – Taif 👉

01 Umrah: KL – Jeddah – Taif

“Be tolerant of those who are lost on their path. Ignorance, conceit, anger, jealousy, and greed stem from a lost soul. Pray that they will find guidance...” - Elder Wisdom

(A typical spate of disruptions)

Day 01: 19/08/24 (Monday)
Route: KL – Jeddah – Taif
Hotel: Taif Platinum Park Hotel

By 6.30 am we loaded our luggage in Sara's car. Sara would be sending us to KLIA after she punched her card at JPA Putrajaya. She is yet to receive her official placement letter. From Putrajaya we detoured to have a scrumptious breakfast at Restoran Nasi Lemak Royale in Kota Warisan. It was still early when Sara dropped us at the KLIA departure hall.

 

(We were early!)

By 11.00 am the group gathered at Level 5 KLIA, for a briefing by KKM officers. Our Mutawwif for this trip was Ustaz Muhammad Ilyas bin Md Zin. After the briefings and beg tagging we proceeded for the check-in process. Our flight MH156 was delayed to 5.35 pm and passengers were provided with a RM35 meal voucher. We had Burger King set lunch at the Arrival Hall. Performed Zohor/Asar prayers before we boarded the plane. We watched movies in between naps on board the plane.

 

(A group photo of UMJ 119)

(At the departure hall)

We arrived safely at Jeddah King Abdul Aziz International Airport around 11.00 pm. Immigration and custom clearances were smooth. Once we claimed our luggage, we packed an overnight bag for our one-night stay in Taif as all the big luggage would stay in the bus. We boarded a comfortable 40-seater bus for our journey to Taif located about 180 km via Makkah - Jeddah Hwy that would normally take around two hours, with a stop for comfort break along the way.

We reached the city of Taif around 2.00 am and checked in Taif Platinum Park Hotel. After a refreshing shower and Isya'/Maghrib prayers, we tried to have a brief sleep before Fajar prayers.

(Our lodging in Taif)

• Umrah Day 02: Taif – Makkah👉

02 Umrah: Taif – Makkah

“The unexamined life is not worth living...” - Socrates

(Masjid Abdullah Ibnu Abbas, Ta'if)

Day 02: 20/08/24 (Tuesday)
Route: Taif – Makkah
Hotel: Makkah Pullman Zamzam Hotel

We had a heavy Arabian buffet breakfast at the hotel cafe.

 

(Arabian buffet breakfast)

(Heavy breakfast to last till lunch)

By 7.00 am all luggage were ready at the lobby. We checked out at 10.00 am and started our tour of Taif. Taif is a city in the Makkah Province of southwest Saudi Arabia. It is known for 20th-century Shubra Palace, a grand, white-walled building with latticework windows. The Taif Regional Museum exhibits artifacts from Islamic and pre-Islamic periods. In the west, King Fahad Garden has grassy lawns, restaurants and a lagoon. Just east is Taif National Park, with trees and a large dam.

(Scenes around Taif city)

Our first visit was Masjid Abdullah Ibnu al-Abbas where we performed Dhuha prayers and recited our doa. The mosque is named after Ibn Abbas, the youngest cousin of the prophet Muhammad. He was buried within the grounds of the mosque.

(The Abdullah bin Abbas Gate)

(Masjid Abdullah bin Abbas)

(Rows of pillars in the main prayer hall)

(A row of the Quran in the prayer hall)

(Sharing a cup of vanilla ice-cream on a hot weather)

Next visit was at the Rashed Hussein Al Qurashi Rose Factory, one of the oldest and largest flower factories in Taif. It is dedicated to preserving traditional methods used to manufacture the finest rose products. This is the same Rose Factory we visited during our Umrah trip in 2022.

(A visit to the Rose perfume distillers)

(Buying natural Rose oil products for souvenirs)

For this trip, the bus just passed Masjid Kuk, Masjid Al-Addas and Masjid Qantarah. We were lucky to have visited these historical mosques during our last two visits in Taif.

(Driving around historical sites of Taif)

(Passing by Masjid Qantarah along the route)

At noon we had lunch at one of the famous restaurants, Kabsat Al Hada restaurants specialize in traditional Saudi and Gulf food, including Kabsa, Mandy, Madhbi, Muqalal, Saliq and many other delicious dishes. Our lunch set was Nasi Mandy Chicken and lamb in a tray to be shared by four people. We had refreshing pomegranate and lemon ice blended juice and a plate of Taif's famous Khunafa to complete the meal.

(One of the many Nasi Arab Mandy restaurants in Taif)

(Our Nasi Mandy set lunch for today)

By 2.30 pm we stopped at Masjid Qarnul Manazil for miqat for our first umrah where we performed solat ihram and niat for the umrah. Qarnul Manazil serves as a Miqat for the people of Najd and for those from cities such as Ta’if and Riyadh. It is also a Miqat for individuals travelling from Gulf Countries. Masjid al-Sayl al-Kabeer was constructed in 1982 and is situated just north of the al-Sayl al-Kabeer settlement. The mosque can accommodate approximately 3,000 worshippers.

(Our miqat from Taif)

(The main prayer area)

(The men in their ihram)

(Qarnul Manazil history and background)

The journey from Taif to Makkah took about 2 hours. By 5.15 pm we reached Makkah and checked in Makkah Pullman Zamzam Hotel. We performed solat Maghrib/Isya' in the hotel room before we gathered at the lobby. Ustaz Iliyas led us to perform our tawaf and Saie for our fist umrah.

(First glimpse of the Clock Tower)

(The crowd at Mattaf area)

(Completed the tawaf for our first umrah in the wee hours)

We had a late-night early morning dinner of roti canai and a very spicy beef curry at the Safwah Tower food court after a tiring and hungry umrah rites. We were back at our hotel way after midnight for a good night sleep.

(Greeted by two friendly camels at the Pullman Zamzam Hotel)

👈Umrah Day 01: KL – Jeddah – Taif    

     Umrah Day 03: Makkah – Tannaim👉

03 Umrah: Makkah – Tannaim - Makkah

“Living in the present moment creates the experience of eternity...” - Deepak Chopra

(A new gate of Masjidil Haram under construction)

Day 03: 21/08/24 (Wednesday)
Route: Makkah – Tannaim - Makkah
Hotel: Makkah Pullman Zamzam Hotel

After breakfast, we gathered at the hotel lobby at P11 for group ziarah around Masjid al-Haram led by Ustaz Ilyas. 

(A briefing at the start of the walking tour)

(Visiting historical places around Masjidil Haram)

(Cloudy sky and cool weather for a leisure stroll in the morning)

Places visited were the site of Sumayyah's house where the vacant area will not be disturbed. Sumayyah was the first Muslim woman to die as a martyr. She was speared by Abu Jahal. Saidina Omar al Khattab's residence site is at the foot of Jabal Umar mountain. Jabal Umar has now turned into a hotel called Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency and Jabal Omar Hilton Suites. The house of Saidina Abu Bakar is situated near Makkah Towers on the fourth floor. A masjid stands now in the place of his former residence. He himself transformed the courtyard of his house into a mosque, where he openly prayed and recited the Quran.

(Jabal Omar Street viewed from the 16th floor of the Clock Tower)

(The site of the house of Saidina Abu Bakar)

Located in the southeast of Masjid Al-Haram, the house of Saiyadatina Khadijah is one of the most significant Islamic sites. It is the place where Prophet Muhammad spent 28 years of his life. Today, the residence of the Prophet's first wife serves as a school for those who wish to learn the Holy Quran. The site of Saiyadatina Khadijah's house is located near Bukit Marwah. The site where Prophet Muhammad was born is also located nearby. In 1953, the birth house of the prophet was demolished and a library was built on the site. The Saudi government had levelled the house and other significant historical sites out of fear that people would make them a source of exaggerated veneration.

 

(The yellow building is the site of Prophet Muhammad's house)

After a good rest, this afternoon we decided to perform the umrah on our own. Around 3.30 pm we went down to the lower basement of Zam Zam Tower to look for a transport to Masjid Aisyah in Tannaim for miqat but the taxi cost was SR150 return fare which was very expensive. We decided to walk along the road next to Safwah Tower and managed to get a taxi that cost us only SR50 return trip to Tannaim. It was time for Asar prayer when we reached Masjid Aisyah. We performed Asar prayers, solat sunat ihram and niat for our second umrah.

(Masjid Aisyah in Tannaim)

(The main prayer hall of Masjid Aisyah)

 

Back at Masjidil Haram, we performed our Tawaf at the Mataf area which was not that crowded. Later we took the golf buggy for SR50/person to perform our Sa’ie. After we completed our umrah, it was just in time for Maghrib prayers which we performed at the Massa area. 

(A ride on a golf buggy for Saie)

It was raining very heavily when we walked back to our hotel. Tonight hubby had Brahim daging masak hitam and basmathi rice for dinner. I skipped dinner as I was full and too exhausted to eat. Tonight I slept early and rested my tired muscles well.

(Walking back to the hotel in the heavy rain)

(A replica of Gua Hira')

👈Umrah Day 02: Taif – Makkah

Umrah Day 04: Makkah – Ja’aranah - Makkah👉