Umrah, Saudi Arabia – 2015; Part B

Part B

Madina, Saudi Arabia 

21st January, Wednesday 

En route to Madina from Makkah: A wide road amidst desiccate desert and mountains on the adjacent sides, neither any vegetation nor any habitation. I’m surprised why the government hasn’t kept train / metro service between the two Holy Cities. One can easily make out how much the torchbearers of Islam must have suffered, before the religion reached us. It would’ve been challenging to traverse through the arid deserts from one place to the other. Nowadays, there is a lot of infrastructure put in place, as opposed to erstwhile times. Indeed, Prophet Mohammad (SAW) revolutionised and transformed the whole world, and made it a structured and organised place to live. 

We checked in the Hotel – Al Shourfah New Hotel – it was very near to the Holy Masjid Al-Nabawi. 

22nd January, Thursday: Entered the premises of Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi with Greetings and Salutations to the Holy Prophet (SAW), glimpses of a breath-taking architecture is flabbergasting, it's designed to perfection. Everything and every piece of embellishment are so perfect in whatever way or place it’s been kept. Masjid is an architectural marvel, the forethought involved in adjusting the intricacies and a well thought out design, must've taken a great deal of time, effort and acumen. 

Technological advancements of all sorts leveraged viz. robotic cameras, high quality speakers, automatic sliding domes etc. – interior & exterior of Masjid. Moreover, if I talk about the exterior areas – sun protecting umbrellas (retractable) are no less than an architectural genius. 

Thanks to Almighty Allah, All praises to the Government for making it such a marvellous Masjid, an experience spiritually uplifting and soothing to the core. 

Salutations and Greetings to the Holy Prophet (SAW) continued throughout. We were fortunate enough to get multiple opportunities to offer prayers near to the Holy sanctum sanctorum and around Prophet’s (SAW) sermon pulpit – Riad ul Jannah. Indeed, a spiritually uplifting, and soothing to the core experience. One feels that the Holy Prophet (SAW) on the other side listens to what you are beseeching – truly pure and pious feeling. 

Riad ul Jannah is a part of Paradise; you don’t feel an iota less than paradise when you’re there. Subhan Allah 

23rd January, Friday: We woke up to the news of King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz’s demise. King had died in the Night. King Salman bin Abdul Aziz assumed charge of the kingdom; with heir apparent Muqrin bin Abdul Aziz, on the same day. 

We offered Friday prayers along with the schedule of Prayers in Masjid Al-Nabawi; the feeling was over-the-top. 

24th January, Saturday: Prayers and Shopping. Early mornings are very cold and nippy, but the enthusiasm to offer early morning prayers is always much more than the biting cold. Aura of Islam forms a halo over the followers head, it’s pleasurable and therapeutic. 

25th January, Sunday: En route to the sacred places of Madina. Prophet (SAW) has given a significant time in Madina, so most of the places are associated to Him.

We started with: 

Masjid Al-Quba: The first Masjid in Islam, foundation laid by the Prophet Mohammad (SAW). Prophet (SAW) Said, “Whoever makes ablutions at home and then goes and prays in Quba, he will have a reward like that of an Umrah.” After migrating from Makkah, Prophet (SAW) had spent the initial days, (from four to ten days) in this place, establishing the first Masjid, and then went to Madina city. 

Masjid Jumaah: It was a Friday Morning, when Prophet (SAW) started to move towards Madina city. On way to Madina, at the time of noon (Friday), He (SAW) stopped for Friday prayers. First Friday prayer and sermon was delivered from the same place, now Masjid Jumaah. 

Mount Uhud, Jabbal e Uhad: This Mountain has a huge religious, historic significance. Battle of Uhad was fought in the foothills of Uhad, Muslims lost around seventy warriors including Hazrat Hamza (RA), but the battle ended inconclusive, a kind of truce from both the sides. However, the opponents ran back to their own territories, and Muslims retained the area. The mountain has a special feature of changing the colour, I was myself surprised to see the change in colour, in a moment – you witness the change from red to black. Prophet Mohammad (SAW) said, “I love Uhad, and Uhad loves me.” Lot of references are seen in the Holy Quran and Hadith vis-à-vis the mountain of Uhad. 

Date Factory: Beautiful date orchids, with sales outlets. The Prophet (SAW) said, "If somebody takes some 'Ajwa dates every morning, he will not be affected by poison or magic on that day till night." 

Masjid Al-Qiblatain: In the early days of Islam, people used to face towards Al-Aqsa, Jerusalem, during prayers. Prophet (SAW) had a desire of making Makkah, the praying direction for Muslims; He used to pray to Almighty Allah for the same. Finally, Almighty Allah revealed a verse in the Holy Quran allowing the change of direction. Prophet (SAW) ordered the believers to change the direction towards Makkah. The communique reached Qiblatain Masjid (Present Name) – People were in the middle of prayer, imagine the quality and steadfastness in their faith/ belief, they changed the direction towards Makkah in the middle of prayer, they didn’t even wait for the prayer to end. On the said account, the Masjid was named as Qiblatain. All praise to Almighty Allah, may we become Muslims of such pertinacity, these days as well, Ameen. 

Khandaq: Battle of Trench (Khandaq) – Khandaq is a deep trench. Muslims were in a pitiable condition, they didn't want any war, and they didn't had enough strength to fight. One of the strategists in Prophet’s (SAW) brigade, Salman al Farsi suggested digging up the deep trenches. Deep trenches to thwart the attempts of adversaries, who were hell-bent on striking Muslims – this suggestion was approved and actualised. Excavation work was initiated, the entry to Madina was dug up, enemy forces came, and they couldn't cross the deep trench, but they were able to stop the supplies of all sorts to Madina. Prophet (SAW) prayed to Almighty Allah, seeking his intervention, subsequently there was a huge windstorm, forcing the opponents to retreat. Subhan Allah. 

Maqbaratul Baqi (The Baqi Cemetery): At last, went to the garden of heaven. The place of introspection, didn’t find any epitaph on any of the grave neither any plant/greenary, as opposed to Kashmir. 

26th January, Monday to 28th, Wednesday: While shopping I found the sales persons more jovial and amiable than other parts of Saudi. They welcome, greet and talk in a very genteel way. I liked to shop in Madina, Indeed. 

29th January, Thursday: Leaving from Saudi Arabia. At last, I went to the place where Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) had taken the oath of Caliphate. 

Alhamdulillah. May the divine aura perpetuate, every fraction of past two weeks is going to remain cemented to my soul, heart & mind. This soul refreshing religious expedition, more so (captivating) because of the company of family will remain with us throughout our life. Aura and ambience of the place is enchanting. The more you visit, the more you love; indeed, mesmerising. 

Flying from Madina, Saudi Arabia: As I am in the flight, I’m thinking – the enthusiasm, with which I used to follow the real purpose of life in Saudi, may get diluted once I land in India. Why don’t we take our religion on priority? Everything that happens in life is a priority, but the real reason of existence has become an ancillary matter. While I’m flying away from the headquarters of my religion, I wouldn’t want to walk away from the practices of it. 

I pray to Almighty Allah to keep me firm on my religion. 

At the end, the major takeaway from the religious expedition is fixated at the circumspection about the future course of action. How to lead what we ought to lead? And reach where Allah has prescribed us to reach – to attain salvation and live a righteous life. 

Thanks to the Family – Father, Mother and Brother. Without the collective effort, this expedition wouldn’t have been so prolific and unforgettable. 

Thanks to Almighty Allah for providing us an opportunity and means, to get together for this Holy Journey. We would always want to get this privilege again and again; it was a life changing experience. 

Thank you all for sparing your time to read this travelogue – May Almighty Allah consider all your genuine wishes and aspirations. 

Yasir Reshi

Umrah, Saudi Arabia – 2015

On 14th January, 2015, we embarked on a religious expedition – Umrah, it was a long held desire of my parents to take us along on an Umrah. I believe, heading towards the journey to perform Umrah, is more a call from Almighty Allah, than a personal discretion. Nonetheless, one ought / can only be assertive to such a call. 

I prayed to Almighty Allah for a spiritually uplifting, physically soothing and intellectually ameliorating Umrah. Prayers / virtuous deeds get multiplied in the Holy places of Makkah and Madina. So, the priority should be to do, as good as possible. When I got my booking confirmed for Umrah, I thought, am I not too young for this religious responsibility? But what I witnessed was: the plane had a significant presence of kids, adolescents, nascent adults, and even sticks’ relying golden-agers. 

I had my diary along, on which I jotted down all the happenings, things, which interested or intrigued me, in anyway. Below is the essence/excerpt of what I wrote during my brief stay – in order to make it look abridged, I’m going to publish it in two parts: Part A will cover the Makkah pilgrimage, and part B will pertain to Madina.

Part A

Makkah, Saudi Arabia 

15th January, Thursday: Started the day with Fajr Prayers in the outer area of Masjid Al-Haram, Makkah. We prayed to Almighty Allah to make Umrah easy for us, and accept our prayers and Umrah. After Fajr Prayers, we all started to perform Umrah, the Masjid was huge, and the people were attending en masse. It was a challenge to find a place for prayers inside the precincts of Holy Masjid. 

We performed all the prescribed duties, required to accomplish Umrah, under the patronage of an expert person, who was accompanying us, to ensure its perfection. 

The experience of Umrah is beyond any human description or definition; can I elucidate its beauty – I cannot, maybe I’ll understate with my limited access to words, even attempting seems hair-raising. Subhan Allah 

We thanked Almighty Allah for making the procedures easy and smooth for us, may Almighty Allah accept our Umrah, Prayers. 

Empyrean aura of Makkah is unequivocally out-of-this-world. Almighty's house in front of our eyes is an ultimate source of absolute contentment. Circumambulation and embracing the Holy Kaa'ba provides one with a great deal of self-actualisation, exhilaration and completeness. Allah’s divine power enveloping everyone and everything: ensuing in contentment, happiness, and satisfaction of highest order. 

The way in which the one who leads the congregational prayers recites the Holy Quran with tears rolling down his cheeks and a shattered voice, creates the equal if not more, ripples in the listeners heart. Indeed, spiritually uplifting and divine. 

16th January, Friday: Early dawn, Fajr Prayers – Windy morning in Makkah, cool breeze piercing my body. Normally, it’s enough to make my torso numb, but at this revered place it was rejuvenating my soul. 

We went to the premises of Holy Masjid Al-Haram to offer the congregational Friday prayers. Time of the prayer is 12:45 PM, we entered the campus at 10.30 AM, because we wanted to ensconce within the internal contours of Masjid, near to Ka’aba. We had never thought or imagined, that we’ll witness such a crowd of people at that time; it was still two hours away from the prayer time. Nevertheless, we made it to the internal precincts. Thanks to Almighty. Subsequently, all the doors to the internal premise were closed down, to avoid over crowdedness inside the Masjid. I extol the persistent enthusiasm and sanguinity of devotees. 

On the same day, we performed circumambulation – seven rounds make one Tawaf. We embraced and kissed the Holy House of Allah, doorsill and Rukn Al Yamani. Self-actualisation, contentment, inward satisfaction, and peace of mind – was deeply felt. The moment translated an emotion of completeness to the erstwhile incomplete spirit. 

17th January, Saturday: We were supposed to travel to various religious sites. The places of religious prominence in Makkah, but that got deferred to the next day. 

18th January, Sunday: It was 2.00 AM in the night / morning; I was sitting in front of the Holy Ka’aba. I thought it would be easy for me to kiss the Hujra Aswad in the night. Contrarily, I found a negligible difference in the number of people visiting in the day/ night. It’s amazing to witness such a number of people, irrespective of day or night. The stern belief, fondness and enthusiasm with which people approach the house of Allah, Ka’aba – irrespective of day, night, time, is over and above the palpable contours of wisdom. 

People were in large numbers, ergo, translation of my intention into action became an arduous task. Nonetheless, I was successful in accomplishing my intention. I forced myself into the congested bunch of people, who were also trying to do the same, and after a great deal of pushing, pulling, holding – I & brother did it. 

Thanks to Almighty Allah. 

As per the pre-described agenda, we were to visit the Holy Places of Makkah on the same day; following are the places, where we went, and the description: 

Jabal Thawr (Mount Bull): Prophet (SAW) at the time of migration to Madina spent some three days in Ghar al-Thawr (Cave of the Bull), situated on the top of Mount Thawr; They (SAW) took refuge in the cave, as persecutors were chasing him. 

Mina: Massive congregation at the time of Hajj takes place in Mina. Prophet Ibrahim was enjoined by Almighty Allah to sacrifice his son in mina. But, then a lamb was provided as a substitute from Allah – the practice that we still follow, on the eve of Eid ul-Adha. Kudos to Prophet Ibrahim, he had the courage and an utmost sense of obedience to Almighty Allah. More than 100,000 air-conditioned tents provide temporary accommodation to visiting pilgrims during the Hajj time. 

Arafat: Last verse of the Holy Quran was ordained in Arafat to Prophet (SAW). Masjid Nimra is situated in the middle of the vast expanse of Arafat. Prophet Mohammad (SAW) gave the farewell sermon to the mankind from the same place, more specifically around the Mount of Mercy (Jabal ar-Rahmah). Prayers in Masjid Nimra take place only during the time of Hajj, led by Imam Kaa’ba. 

Wall - Aqueduct: After the death of Caliph Haroun Al-Rasheed, Queen Zubaydah travelled to Makkah to perform Haj. Makkah was facing water shortage; she returned to Baghdad and called on expert architects and engineers of the time to address this problem. After surveying the area, the initial report suggested that the construction of a Qanat (tunnel) would be a difficult task. When Queen was asked, she said, "Construct a Qanat at any cost, even if I have to give a dinar in exchange for every single stroke of spade." It is a masterpiece of engineering and an enduring symbol of the golden era of Arab culture. 

Jabal al-Nour (The Mountain of Light): Prophet (SAW) used to pray in the Cave of Hira, housed on the top of the hill. First verse of Holy Quran: Iqra – Read, was ordained to the Prophet Mohammad (SAW) in the Cave of Hira via Archangel Gabriel. Mohammad (SAW) was conferred Prophet-hood in the same Cave. It used to be the place of worship and meditation for Prophet (SAW); he has stayed in the cave for weeks together. 

Nowadays, train connectivity has been set up for the devotees making the travel more convenient and easy, on the pilgrimage route, during the busy Hajj days. All praises to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

At last, we went to the place, where at the time of conquering Makkah, Prophet (SAW) hoisted the Islamic flag. There used to be a tree which on Prophet’s (SAW) arrival moved from its place to greet Mohammad (SAW) – Subhan Allah. 

19th January, Monday: A schedule of prayers duly complied. Local markets and malls are an attraction but it’s a bit costlier than expected. I don’t even bargain because it’s futile to do so, apparently most of the commodities have a fixed price – you buy: good, you don’t: walk away. 

20th January, Tuesday: The positive energy of people drives you; the fervour and enthusiasm with which the followers of religion pursue the faith is phenomenal. Definitely, it provides the impetus to everyone; it also reasserts ones faith in the unfeigned truthfulness of a religion. 

21st January, Wednesday: Farewell Tawaf – As we are leaving to Madina, we did / performed a farewell circumambulation, as prescribed. Holy house of Allah is mesmerising, it’s difficult to separate yourself, but did it with prayers and emotions. 

May Almighty Allah accept our prayers, and give us the privilege of coming to this Holy Sanctuary, time and time again. Ameen

Thank You

Yasir Reshi

PK – A Succinct View

I couldn't find any better way of recommending a movie than simply saying: Indeed, It’s a Must Watch. 

Rarely, we come across such an adept story, crafted with perfection, and meticulously executed by all the actors. The way with which the story evolves/unfolds and the link between various scenes' is immaculately remarkable. Impeccable blend of humor and emotion is conspicuously visible, from the very beginning of the celluloid.

PK is unveiling a reality behind the misuse of apparent means of various religions. It is in no way questioning the sanctity of any religion. However, PK is factual to question on the exercise of various corrupt means practiced by the so called priests, to reach to the God. It's enlightening people of what they are doing vis-à-vis in quest of God's approval / sanction, and is in no way detrimental to any faith. It neither disputes the existence of God, nor does it despises praying, it only divulges the malpractices committed by the so called managers of religions, who think they are managing the company (religion) by setting the rules, regulations and code of conduct - based out of an offshore location; all because of their self-centric profit making business – the institution of religion shouldn't be debased. I believe no one can claim to represent, or is authorized (by God) to hold people accountable for the decree of God. 

Every bit and shot of PK has a meaning attached to it. Indeed, it should act as an eye opener to all those who blindly believe in all the claimed religious geeks. 

If a person belonging to any religion or faith does wrong or promotes self-interest over and above the people's interest, that shouldn't become the cause of maligning the religion but the person who indulge in such a practice. Ways shouldn't bring disrespect to the ends, actions of selected claimants’ jeopardize the image of ends. 

Undoubted Kudos to the film maker, for bringing in the naked alien to make people cognize the reality of what’s happening. Ironically, we are always surrounded by all this, and still aren't able to crystallize our well-dressed vision. It’s paradoxical and poignant too, on our part. 

At last, I would like to state, those who protest PK haven't really understood what it says, and they might be feeling threatened because of all the revelations made in the movie about their (protesters) allegedly dubious role in the respective religion. 

Thank You

Yasir Reshi

Welcome 2015 – Happy New Year

While thinking through the past year, we should easily be able to inscribe the portions of happiness, melancholia, inspirational stints, and desolation witnessed during the bygone year. 

The 'Learning' ought to be the only constant with all the above situations. Whatever happens to us or whichever state we go through, irrespective of how positive or negative that may be – learning has to be the major take away. Past year was an experience, and the learning derived out of that experience is tangibly / intangibly fructuous for us, for posterity. 

New Year is not only the time of celebration to welcome the upcoming year but it's a festivity to treasure / cherish the past year, to thank the bygone for all the moments. Moreover, to charge ourselves towards an unrelenting pursuit of our aspirations, to take a vow of staying motivated and enthusiastic for the year ahead. 

Wishing you all a very happy 2015. May we all stay motivated, inspired, and workaholic enough to support our vision. At this juncture, the minimum we can do is – Hope; let’s all hope for the good health, happiness and success, and keep in mind the fact that hopelessness is a sin. 

Happy New Year 2015

Thank You

Yasir Reshi