HJ ZULHEIMY - DOWN MEMORY LANE: HAJJ JOURNEY 2017 - TAWAF IFADHAH & SAIE / MEKAH TO MADINAH

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

13 April 2024

After performing the throwing of pebbles at Jammarat, the Hajj Pilgrims will return to Mecca to perform Tawaf Ifadhah and Sa'ie.

Tawaf Al-Ifadhah is performed by Hajj pilgrims after returning from Mina, including Rami and Jamarat al Aqabah, the sacrifies of any lifestock animals, and the taqsir or halq.

Pilgrims performed Tawaf Ifadhah as soon as they return to Mecca. While doing so, pilgrims circumambulate (tawaf) the Kaaba for seven times, then offer 2 rakaats prayer behind Maqam Ibrahim, perform Sa'ie (running between the hills of Safa and Marwah), and drink water from the well of Zamzam. Tawaf Ifadhah marks the completion of Hajj.

Therefore, all restrictions are lifted, and the pilgrims is now free to do as they desire. Tawaf Al-Ifadhah is also known as Tawaf Al-Ziyarah.

"Then, let them complete the rites prescribed for them, perform their vows, and (again) circumambulate (tawaf) the Ancient house."

(Al Quran Surah Al-Hajj:22:29).

My wife and I performed Tawaf Ifadhah and Saie Hajj at 2 am (September 5, 2017) before dawn because the weather was quite cold and there were not many people compared to daytime.

TAWAF IFADHAH

The Sai between Safa and Marwah involves walking (and jogging for men) between the two hills for a distance of 420 meters, seven times, starting at Safa Hill and ending at Marwah Hill.

Sai means search because it reminds us of Siti Hajar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim, who ran between Safa Hill and Marwah Hill to find water for her son, Nabi Ismail.

After completing the Hajj, we will stay in Mecca until we are told the date to leave for Medina.

Alhamdulillah, Haji Zulheimy Maamor and Hajjah Norziah Ahmad have completed the Hajj.

Marwar Barber Shop, where I got my hair shaved.

While in Mecca, we do a lot of righteous deeds, as much as we can, like performing the sunnah prayers, reading the Quran etc.. so that you can benefit more from this virtous place, because reward for good deeds is multiplied in places and times of special virtue such as Mecca, Madinah, Baytal-Maqdis (Jerusalem) and in the mosques, and at a time of special virtue such as Friday and the sacred month of Ramadan.

During our free time, we explored Mecca and bought souvenirs to take back home.

Zam Zam Restaurant is a Turkish restaurant located on Al Masjid Al Haram Road in Mecca City, not far from our hotel. My wife and I often dine here because of the good food.

We have had breakfast and lunch here several times. One of the interesting dishes on the menu is mutton curry with rice or Arabic bread.

Refer:

HAJJ JOURNEY 2017 : MEKAH AL MUKARRAMAH

There are many more historical sites around the city of Makkah near Masjidilharam, but most of them have been demolished by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for specific reasons.

The pictures below I copied and pasted from Maria Firdaus' website, which allows anyone to share knowledge from her. Thank you, Maria Firdaus. The link to her website is:

http://www.mariafirdaus.com.my/2012/01/travelog-haji-part-45-sejarah-dan.html

Jabal Abu Qubais - The place where Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) called on mankind to perform Hajj after building the Kaaba. And it was on this hill that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) split the moon. Now used as the Palace of the Saudi King. It is located outside the mosque next to the Saie area.

This is the approximate location of where the house of Abu Bakar As Siddiq in Mekkah and from Hijrah to Madinah commenced. Abu Bakar was a companion and Father in law of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the first Caliph of Islam.

The approximate location of the house of Abu Jahal (Amr bin Hisham), a close relative of the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w and one of the worst enemy is Islam. His house functioned as a house of parliament for the Quraysh and it was from here that they plotted to kill the prophet.

The house of the Mother of the Believers, Khadijah bt Khuwailid (may God be pleased with her) in in the alley known as al-Hajar Alley. Khadijah, the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w and the first follower of Islam. She was once the richest woman in Mecca, gave all her wealth for Allah and His Prophet.

The approximate location of the house of Umar Al Khattab, the prophet companian and the second Caliph of Islam.

The gateway to Kaabah known as Babul Fatah (Door of Victory). It was from here that the Prophet (PBUH) entered during the conquered of Mekkah on Friday, 20 Ramadan 8 Hijriah.

Further reading:

Saudi Arabia: 24 Historical Sites in Makkah you must know.

Out last Night at Mecca

Finally, we were informed by the Tabung Haji that we were scheduled to leave for Madinah on 21 September 2017.

Before leaving the city of Mecca, we are required to perform the Tawaf Wida, which is the Farewell Tawaf.

TAWAF AL-WADA

The Farewell Tawaf is to be performed after the completion of Hajj right before a pilgrim is leaving Mekkah. In order to perform Tawaf Al-Wada, Muslims are directed to circumambulate the Holy Kaaba seven times and pray two Rakaats (not mandatory). This tawaf do not include Saie.

My wife and I have decided to use a shooter when performing tawaf Wida'... an experience we have never felt before. The fee for one person to use this shooter is SR 50.00, so for 2 people, I have to pay SR 100.00.

It's sad because we have to leave the city of Mecca, and we don't know when we will be able to set foot here again.... we couldn't hold back the tears when we left the Grand Mosque and the Kaaba....

Ya Allah, grant us sustenance so that we can return to visit Baitullah again and again with repentance, worship, thanksgiving, and praise..... Amen Ya Rabb....

After doing Tawaf Wida' we returned to Hotel Abraj Al Janadiriyyah to prepare to leave for Madinah. Feeling sad because I will leave the city of Mecca after 29 days of being here. Many memories with roommates when in Mecca, because in Medina later we may not be together in the same room.

The memories of being together in Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina will always be remembered for the rest of our lives.

Had a chance to take a picture with Ahmad from Syria, a very diligent hotel worker. Every day he comes to our room to tidy up and clean the rubbish, and occasionally change the mattress cover and pillow in our room. Thank you, Ahmad. We will always remember you.

MEKKAH TO MADINAH

After completing Tawaf Wida' or Farewell Tawaf, the pilgrims get on the bus to start the journey from Mecca al Mukarramah to Madinah al Munawarrah. The travel distance from Mecca to Medina is approximately 424 kilometers. Unlike our trip in Malaysia that goes through the PLUS Highway where there are many beautiful and interesting scenery, here all you can see are rocky mountains and desert.