Radio Islam ‘Backpackers’

ALHAMDULILLAH, WE HAVE REACHED!!!

(((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.

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.

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!!!