Makkah Al-Mukarammah - the city visited the most on earth since its freedom from the 'arab jahiliyah' about 1400 years ago. It is the city where muslim will always yearn to come again and again. Its peak time during the Haj will see somewhere around 3 millions people year in year out gather in this city. There are quite a number of other names that refer to this city besides Makkah such as Bakkah, Ummul Qura', Al-Balad and Haram Amin.
It's blessing that we live so near to this city that enable us to make frequent visits to this Islam holiest place. Many thanks and praise to ALLAH S.W.T..... Alhamdullillah.
The start of year 2010 has been great. We spent the first two weekends in a row in this city. Those who have been here would know that feeling of serenity, humbleness and the closeness to our Creator. There is no god except ALLAH and Muhammad is His Messenger.
Here are some latest shots of Masjidil Haram, Ka'bah and some of the historical places around Makkah Al-Mukarramah.
The above photos of Masjidil Haram's entrance of King Khalid as seen from the hotel.
Quite a number of families from Yanbu as well from other cities like Jubail and Riyadh were also visiting the Masjidil Haram, taking advantage of the least crowded period in the city. There is about 4 weeks or so where no umrah visa is being issued by the Saudi Government after the last batch of pilgrimage left the country. Normally the umrah visa will be issued starting from the month of Safar. In the picture above, Khairuddin from Jubail and Ahadin from Yanbu.
Lepak-lepak at the dataran Ka'bah.
The second weekend of the year, together with some friends, we organized a 'Ziarah Makkah'. The ziarah was managed and led by ProTeam UQ. Thanks to all the Ustazs from Umm Qura' University.
Jabal Tsur
The first stop in the ziarah itinerary was Jabal Tsur. It is located about 4km to the south of Masjidil Haram. Its height is 748m from sea level and will require about 1.5 hours to reach its top. The story of the prophet and his best companion, Saidina Abu Bakar hiding in its cave before the hijrah to Madinah was so inspirational. Ustaz Khairul as seen in the picture was telling the story at the foot of the Jabal Tsur.
Arafah-Muzdalifah-Mina
The next destination was the 'Manasik Haji' places started from Arafah and Jabal Rahmah. Being in Arafah is the Haj itself. During the haj, all pilgrimages will convert and gather at Arafah on what we call Hari Wukuf, which falls on the 9th of Zulhijjah every year. It was believed that Jabal Rahmah was where Adam and Eve met for the 1st time in this world after they were sent out of heaven. In Arafah, there is a masjid called Namirah. It was where Prophet Muhammad s.a.w gave his final khutbah. One thing special about this masjid which was built during the rulwer of Abasiyah is that its front is out of Arafah whereby its back is in Arafah.
After Arafah, we passed by Muzdalifah and Mina (where the 3 jamrah is located). Mina is located about 7km from Masjidil Haram. At those Jamrahs where Abraham a.s threw stones to syaitan laknatullah. It was also a place where Ansar people gave their 'bai'at' to the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w which is known as Bai'at al-aqabah al-ula and Tsaniyah.
Hudaibiyah
Next, we were brought to Hudaibiyah. It is situated on the old road connecting old Jeddah to Makkah. It's currently known as al-Syumaisi. This is the place where the famous 'Hudaibiyah Treaty' took place between the Muslim from Madinah led by Prophet Muhammad saw and the Quraisy from Makkah. There is new masjid built next to the ruins of the old masjid.
Before heading back to the city, we dropped by the camel farm nearby Masjid Hudaibiyah. Most of us at least bought a bottle of fresh milk. The kids were seen to enjoy the most with those camels. According to some stories, camel does have its special place in the history of our Prophet Muhammad. Camel is believed to be the most shy animal on earth. It is also an animal with the most charming smile, I guess.
We had our lunch of arabian cuisine at the famous mata'am (restaurant) which I forgot the name and its location. There we were served with 'laham' and 'dajaj mandi', literally means lamb and chicken with rice cooked as per local traditional way. Just right before Asar praying time, we were already back to Masjidil Haram.
Finally, at night our ziarah to Makkah was ended with a 'Forum Perdana' or religious talk given by Dr. Taib and Ustaz Hafiz on a topic of hijrah. And of course, not to mention the sumptuous meal specially cooked and prepared for the night.
Many thanks to UQ Proteam and those involved in making this ziarah a success.
Guess what? I realized that one needs at least two full day to explore Putrajaya. Besides its many unique and beautiful buildings, there are so many tamans that worth a visit. Among them are Taman Warisan Pertanian and Taman Botani Putrajaya.
On the way back to JB, we made a quick stop at Air Keroh. No new attraction and it seems to look the same 10, 15 years ago.
It has been months since I visited my own site. So many stories yet nothing has been updated. Year 2010 almost come to an end. Aidil Fitri was over and Aidil Adha is coming soon... 
Tuan Haji Abdul Aziz beserta dengan isteri Puan Hajah Karina
Sekitar Masjid Nabawi selepas solat Asar.
Views of the MasjidilHaram from the hotel.
Kelihatan para jemaah haji yang mula membanjiri kota suci ini menyambut panggilan Ilahi.
Kelihatan istana raja yang tersergam 'megah'.
Dataran luar MasjidilHaram di genangi air hujan.
