LM as you may know has just returned from Umrah and over the coming weeks will be explaining my experience while in Mecca and Medina.
However, the first thing LM wanted to express was my gratitude at the amazing hospitality of ordinary Saudis. What an extraordinary level of courtesy, politeness and welcome which completely altered my perception of a country that I considered had and continues in part to exhibit aspects of arrogance.
LM realises that all those going on Umrah and Hajj will have their own experiences which may differ from mine however, while in Masjid Al Haram in Mecca I was astonished at the level of courtesy that was extended to we Hajis. Between Maghrib and Isha ordinary Saudis each day would come to the Masjid with food and Tea and before eating themselves offer it to us Hajis with a smile. Saudi have opened their country to millions of Muslims around the world and they do it with relatively little thanks but we are so quick to complain if our breakfast is late.
During my stay there was huge numbers of Turks for the first time as well as Iranians so it was interesting offering prayers with Shias who appear to have a different way of praying. So much more to write about but my first article had to be a huge thank you to Saudi Arabia and the ordinary people of Saudi from Security through to our fantastic Saudi cab driver in Medina who provided us with an amazing historical perspective particularly when we visited Mount Ohud.
However, the first thing LM wanted to express was my gratitude at the amazing hospitality of ordinary Saudis. What an extraordinary level of courtesy, politeness and welcome which completely altered my perception of a country that I considered had and continues in part to exhibit aspects of arrogance.
LM realises that all those going on Umrah and Hajj will have their own experiences which may differ from mine however, while in Masjid Al Haram in Mecca I was astonished at the level of courtesy that was extended to we Hajis. Between Maghrib and Isha ordinary Saudis each day would come to the Masjid with food and Tea and before eating themselves offer it to us Hajis with a smile. Saudi have opened their country to millions of Muslims around the world and they do it with relatively little thanks but we are so quick to complain if our breakfast is late.
During my stay there was huge numbers of Turks for the first time as well as Iranians so it was interesting offering prayers with Shias who appear to have a different way of praying. So much more to write about but my first article had to be a huge thank you to Saudi Arabia and the ordinary people of Saudi from Security through to our fantastic Saudi cab driver in Medina who provided us with an amazing historical perspective particularly when we visited Mount Ohud.
Perhaps you ought to advertise this programme LM
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01dxzzv
Travel opens the mind.
ReplyDeleteI wonder why you were so influenced by SUCH deeply held prejudices even though they appear to be not first hand incidents?
May Allah bless you with hidayat(guidance) & us too - Amin.
Nice article and this shows that you have have a wonderful experience during you hajj umrah travel. In fact my urge for performing umrah is increasing after reading this post. Insha Allah, a day will come when I will also visit holy lands of Makkah and Madinah.
ReplyDeleteIf you think that booking of hotels and transportation took time simply go and book cheap umrah packages which can save your time and money and also give you a time for performing umrah with concentration.
ReplyDelete