Day Twenty-Three!

ALHAMDULILLAH, WE HAVE REACHED!!!
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(((listen))) Monday Morning:

(((listen))) Monday Evening:

MONDAY: We managed to embark on the ship on Sunday night at 21:30 and travelled all night long on the Red-Sea. This morning we docked in at the Port of Jeddah, all excited Alhamdulillah!

It was a big ship carrying about 3000 passengers. The atmosphere was amazing and the feeling was indescribable. The trip was quite enjoyable. We were booked on the upper deck without any cabins. So, we slept on benches on the upper dock. It reminded us of the verses of the Quran describing travel by sea.

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Since, this particular ship was delayed for so long and also an accident earlier in the week it has attracted a lot of media attention. A possible uproar from the Sudanese Hujjaj caused both, the governments of Sudan and Saudi Arabia to intervene and make sure that the ship leaves. In fact, as we were docking today in Jeddah, helicopters and police boats were hovering around the ship.

As we docked in today, the Hujjaj were in a state of ecstasy. Wearing their Ihraam and calling out the Labbaik. An even amazing thing we realized was that we are lucky as South Africans to be young and able to perform Haj. The Sudanese only have this opportunity once in their lifetime and yet when they are old. So, one can imagine the excitement and ecstasy look on their faces.

Before we were allowed to disembark from the ship, the health ministry came on board and provided the pilgrims with tablets (anti-biotics) and drops to take. This process took about an hour. Whilst we were waiting on the ship, an official came to us and took away our Tanazzul and passports from us.

By the time we got off from the ship we proceeded towards the immigration and to our amazement the brother had already processed all of our documents for us. So, there was no need for us to wait again in immigration. We have learnt that truly, Allah SWT does with means; without means; and with all means.

After disembarking from the ship we were taken to a place called ‘Madinatul Hujjaj’. This is the place where the pilgrims who come in, especially by ship have to go through immigration procedures. There are thousands of Hujjaaj here, all of them wearing the Ihraam and preparing to proceed to Makkah Mukarramah.

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We too will be going to Makkah Mukarramah from here. The buses are gathering to take us. The feeling is also amazing with the people calling out Labbayk and in the state of Ihraam.

ALHAMDULILLAH! WE HAVE REACHED OUR DESTINATION!!!

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10 Responses to “Day Twenty-Three!”

  1. Muslims in Malawi Says:

    From our readers:

    As-Salamu-Alaikum
    Respected Moulana

    Alhamdu-Lillah, I had the honour of meeting the group of Ulama and Huffaaz yesterday evening.

    They arrived at the port around noon and were taken to the Sea Port Hajj Terminal around 2.30PM.

    I met them after Maghrib and we spent a few hours together.

    Alhamdu-Lillah, they appeared very well and in good spirits.

    Due to the unforeseen delay in Sudan, the time permitted for travel of Hujjaaj to Madinah had expired and they were forced to go to Makkah.

    They left for Makkah around 10PM last night.

    May Allah Accept their sacrifice and Hajj and all the efforts and Ibadah of the Ummah.

    Please remember us in your Dua’s.

    Ismail
    Islamic Development Bank Group

  2. Riaz Says:

    As-Salamu-Alaikum
    Alhamdu lillah, insha Allah they will all return home safe to their loved ones soon and may Allah Grant them Haj e makbol/mabroor. Remember us all in your duas.Riaz JHB

  3. gadija Says:

    May ALLAH accept their dua’s and keep them in good health.
    Remember all your brothers and sisters in your dua’s Insha-Allah. Your family must be very proud Alhamdu-Lillah

  4. Amina Rasool Says:

    Alhamdolillah we are Thankful to the Almighty Allah that you brothers have arrived safely In Jeddah , and have now started your journey into Mecca .
    our thoughts and prayers are with you all sallams from Canada .
    your journey is inspirational to all ,remember the ummah in your duas .
    Allah willing we will embark on this journey to the holy land soon.
    Allah hafez
    Amina

  5. Ahmad Mahomed Says:

    Alhamdulillah, All praise is due to Allah for making your journey a success and for granting all of you the strength and sabr to “pull it off”.

    Your journey is an inspiration to us all. Some day I hope to do what you brothers have done today, Inshallah

    Please remember to make dua for all Muslims around the world.

    May Allah keep all of you healthy and safe. May He accept all your jyis duas, grant one and all an accepted Hajj, make it easy for you and bring all of you back safely to your families and loved ones. Aameen

    Looking forward to meeting our “Heroes” on your return to SA.

    MAY ALLAH’S RAHMAT BE WITH YOU ALL THE WAY

    Ahmad Mahomed
    Lenasia
    JHB

  6. yusraa Says:

    I heard the brothers say in the interview that as they reached the port there was a media presence, media helicopters etc. would like to know if they were interviewed & by which media houses.
    Did you find out who & why did you get “special” treatment at the port, was it because of your popularity or was it just luck .

  7. fathima bhorat Says:

    subhaanallah! what an achievement! may allah grant each one of you strength & success to carry on. may all the haji’s be granted an accepted haj, inshallah, aameen.

  8. Zeyn Says:

    Slmz, alhamdulilah we performd haj ‘04, flew to Egypt and then by boat to Jeddah, and returnd that way as well, so know about madinatul hujaaj. The haj seaport is way diferent 2 landing at Jeddah airport eg quicker clearance.May Allah accept their efforts. Duas and Haj mabroor, makbool.

  9. faeeza moolla Says:

    ASA
    Alhamdullilah we r so happy to hear that you have reached and can now concentrate on your ibadat and upcoming rituals of haj…you are closer to to what you ultimately set out to do..THE HAJ!
    We were not able to follow your journey for the past few days as my children and i travelled back home to South Africa to spend Eid with our family. Alhamdullilah ,we reached safely and eagerly checked your progress…
    If possible remember us in your duas..and more importantly make dua for our muslim brothers and sisters all over the world that seem to be in a constant state of struggle with others and as well as ourselves.
    Massalaam and Eid Mubarak to all
    Faeeza Moolla
    The Moolla Family from Regina Canada.

  10. Brownie14 Says:

    From the beginning your blog was trash. But now it is great. I hope you gonna keep writing that way.

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