11. UMRAH PART 3 (MADINAH TO MAKKAH)

After an approximately 5 days in Madinah, it is time for us to go to Makkah to perform our Umrah. Since all of us are entering the Haram-land of Makkah (why it's been called Haram-land is because Muslims are not allowed to do unlawful acts in that particular area) and it is compulsory for everyone to be in the state of ihram symbolized as a sign of respect to the Haram-land of Makkah. 

All of us already wore Ihram clothing.

We left the hotel at approximately at 10 am and reached Bir Ali shortly after travelling for a distance of 7 kilometres.

Masjid Bir Ali

As we proceed from Bir Ali to Makkah, all of us are encouraged to read Talbiyah. It was such a touching moment when the Talbiyah was read by the mutawwif. As I was looking out through the windows, I started thinking in disbelief as I could not imagine how difficult it was for the Prophet to perform the Hajj, having to travel from Madinah to Makkah. The weather is extremely hot and dry, and there is nothing along the road except for the bare hills and dust. And just imagine the time required as the main transportation means was only Camel. I really thank the Prophet for all his determination in expanding the syiar in Islam. 

We stopped over for our Zuhr & Asr prayers at a place similar to those back home, called "R&R". It is obviously a desert area. We had our Nasi Arab provided by Andalusia and the place is packed with people from different walks of lives.

Nasi Arab

We arrived Mecca in the evening. After that, we went to Masjidil Haram after checking in at our hotel called "Hera' Palace".