From Jeddah to Makkah, Saudi Arabia
January 5, 2018
If you haven't read the previous part:
Approaching Jeddah, the pilot announced when the plane was flying over Miqat* in which it was Qarnul Manazil for us. It is encouraged to attend any Umrah courses to have better understanding about these 13 forbidden stuffs and the rest (like procedures, experiences, FAQs etc) so that we have better ideas and don't do any of forbidden stuffs unintentionally. :)
 |
| Me, Ayah and Mak |
We arrived Jeddah airport at about 9.40am (local time) and with the rest of groupmates, we took a bus to Makkah. Passport control was okay, the very first time I had to scan fingerprints other than the thumbs - compulsory for all I guess?
The airport is small I think, but the outside area is hugeeeee. Well, it is nice to have massive area like this to accommodate millions of people coming for hajj. :)
 |
| The parking area for buses - buses are the main transport for hajj & umrah. |
 |
| Sands everywhere. Literally everywhere. |
 |
| Off to Makkah - al-Haram |
Do you guys know that non-Muslims are not allowed to be in Makkah?
Sorry for my another ignorance and lack of knowledge about this fact. There are few signboards along the way to Makkah that mentioned 'Muslims' and 'Non-Muslims' like this:
 |
| Credit - http://lifeinsaudiarabia.net/blog/2014/10/01/punishment-for-non-muslims-for-entering/ |
I came across this verse of Quran saying about this.
O you who have believed, indeed the polytheists are unclean, so let them not approach al-Masjid al-Haram after this, their [final] year. And if you fear privation, Allah will enrich you from His bounty if He wills. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Wise. - Quran (At-Tawbah 9:28)
After having few thoughts about this, I realized that Makkah is really the holy city :) The main reason people come to this city is for spiritual and religious reason, not for fun. Another point to be taken is the crowds. I have been told that Makkah is full of people basically every single day and the main purpose will be distracted if people just came for tourism. Cleanliness is another thing to be considered.
But I guess the verse is more than enough for this rule.
 |
| This is how the highway looks like. |
 |
| We stopped by R&R there and the building in this photo is the musolla. It is very big to accommodate big number of people :) |
After Zuhur prayer, my parents and I went to grab lunch. For the travel agents, food are provided at the hotel but since we are not able to reach the hotel within lunch hours, we need to pack ourselves food to eat.
Most of us went to Al-Baik (like KFC I guess). And this was my first experience when queues for male and female were separated. And even entry for women was from different door than the main door. But still, the cashiers were all male. Well, it is not easy to meet any female workers (outside the mosques).
 |
| This area is designated for ladies. |
 |
| Burger! |
 |
| Orange juice. |
After receiving the food, we went straight to the bus and continued the journey.
 |
| Common view along the journey. I was very surprised actually. I knew Saudi Arabia is full with deserts but I imagined date palm trees everywhere -_-' |
 |
| The checkpoint before entering Makkah - if I am not mistaken :) I was interested with the divider instead. Look at that! Hohooo. Awatnya macam ular kena palu gitu? |
 |
| Shariah Arch - to mark Haram boundary. |
Once we enter Makkah - Haram boundary, it is highly recommended to pray and if you refer guidebook provided, you will find this du'a. :)
Ya Allah, kurniakan daku di sini tempat tinggal yang tetap dan rezeki yang halal. Ya Allah, Tanah Haram ini tanah haram Engkau, negeri ini negeri Engkau, ketenteraman ini ketenteraman Engkau, dan hamba ini hamba Engkau. Hamba ini telah datang menyahut panggilanMu, dari negeri yang jauh, membawa dosa yang banyak dan amalan-amalan yang buruk. Aku bermohon kepadaMu sebagai permohonan orang yang sangat berhajat kepadaMu, dan takut daripada azabMu supaya Engkau terimalah daku dengan kelimpahan kemaafanMu dan masukkan daku ke dalam syurgaMu, syurga Jannatun Naim. Ya Allah, tanah haram ini tanah haram Engkau makan haramkanlah dagingku, darahku dan tulang sendiku daripada api neraka.
Ameen!
Arrived at Al Safwah Royale Orchid (about 50 meters from King Abdulaziz Gate), checked in after Asar and some of us were already getting prepared to perform the tawaf and sai'e. In which unfortunately for me, I only managed to perform mine after Subuh the next day. To survive a day with 13 forbidden things, for me it is not that easy, especially the intentional hair fall. T___T
 |
| The lobby of Al Safwah Royale Orchid |
 |
| Room for me and Mak, plus 3 other jemaah wanita. There were two other single beds on the other side. However, only 3 of us stayed there. :) |
Nevertheless, alhamdulillah!
* It was totally okay to set our niat from home but keep in mind that we would be bounded earlier to follow the rules of 13 forbidden things in ihram - which are:
p/s - I would highly recommended this hotel to consider before you sign up to any Umrah travel agent :) Another famous hotel booked by agents is Makkah Millennium Hotel and Towers.
Till next post.
- Covering the head / part of it (for men).
- Covering the face (for women).
- Wearing sewn garments (for men).
- Wearing gloves.
- Removing any body hairs.
- Trimming / cutting the nails.
- Using perfumes.
- Applying oil to the body.
- Damaging trees / plants in Makkah.
- Hunting.
- Touching someone with desires.
- Intercourse.
- Marriage.
p/s - I would highly recommended this hotel to consider before you sign up to any Umrah travel agent :) Another famous hotel booked by agents is Makkah Millennium Hotel and Towers.
Till next post.
SS, Perak, Malaysia
180105
4 Things I Love About Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
January 4, 2018
Seems like I don't have much movie reviews in my blog although I love reading them from other bloggers' posts.
Since I can count how many times I went to the cinema for the last 5 years, I am not that used to book tickets online. Yesterday was the day I finally signed up to be a member of TGV Cinemas. Haha. Siqah, I made it!
The offers are not that bad. With RM 30 per year if I am not mistaken, I can get these:
- Movie Freebies - I can redeem 2 free movie tickets plus 1 regular popcorn set when I sign up (in which I already redeemed them hehe)
- Birthday Freebies - The same offer as Movie Freebies (but only within my birthday month)
- MovieMoney - Siqah mentioned that we can get points for our purchases and use the points to redeem tickets etc.
- Etc.
 |
| The official poster. |
So, I requested to watch Jumanji and managed to tag along my youngest aunt and youngest cousin (from my father's side) to TGV Aeon Klebang. It was the first day of school, I knew but I were more than excited to pick him up from school (in which Ayah did) and off we go.
You know the feeling when you really want to make use of all free times you have with your beloved people. :)
What Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is all about?
It is the continuation of the first Jumanji (previously released in 1995). The concept is actually similar but it is really fascinating on how they made it to be modern, I mean to suit the current lifestyle (like video games instead of board games)
The plot is about four teenagers, Spencer, Fridge, Bethany and Martha in detentions due to different reasons. They get teleported into Jumanji's world. In the video game, they are not themselves but in the bodies of avatars instead, with different strengths and weaknesses compared to their real life. With the game's jungle setting, they need to pass all dangerous levels of Jumanji to exit the game. Along the way, they met another guy named Alex who was stuck there for 20 years!
The goal of the game is to return the jewel (Jaguar's eye) to the huge Jaguar statue and call out Jumanji. I am really looking forward to the adventures they will face along the journey!
 |
| Dr. Smolder Bravestone (Spencer Gilpin) |
 |
| Professor Sheldon "Shelly" Oberon (Bethany Walker) |
 | ||
Franklin "Mouse" Finbar (Anthony "Fridge" Johnson)
|
1. Expect the unexpected!
I love when they figured out their strengths and weaknesses. And through out the movies, I am amazed on how they try their best to suit the traits they have in the game even though they have totally opposite characters in the real world.
You can look forward to what happen when the geekiest boy at school becomes the strongest person, when the nerd girl becomes a commando who knows fighting, another girl becomes a guy in the game and the last one, how an athlete becomes the weakest one.
2. The teamwork!
Since they have different skills, they need each other to survive every single level! In reality, even though sometimes we need to sacrifice ourselves, be glad that we are actually contributing to results. The results, wallaaaa. Awesome!
But, be careful if people take you for granted. :)
 |
| Alex, Bethany, Martha, Spencer, Fridge |
3. We have only one life.
Oh yea, in the game, each player is given 3 lives in which they need to make sure they get out of the game before losing all lives or else they may end up stuck in the game forever.
Gigih cari kalau ada script dia. And I found this!
Dr. Smolder Bravestone: I can't do this!
Moose Finbar: I saw you fix a helicopter in mid-air!Dr. Smolder Bravestone: It's easy to be a hero when you have lives to spare... it's a lot harder when you have just one.
Moose Finbar: We have only one life. That's how it is.
Exactly, one life and we need to cherish every moment we have in this world. And as Muslim, to prepare for another world.
I love how things look like after they return to the real world. Especially for Alex. Watch it and you will understand what I mean.
 |
| The main characters. |
All in all, it is a great movie to watch with the family. Despite there are few sexual jokes here and there but I think it is not too much.
p/s - All photos are taken from Google Images.
SS, Perak, Malaysia
180104
Off to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
January 3, 2018
Alhamdulillah, I finally got the chance - financial, time, mahram etc.
 |
| All white |
Few years ago, I planned to go there from Prague, Czech - I mean, I would meet my parents (who would fly from Kuala Lumpur) at Jeddah airport / King Abdulaziz International Airport. However, it was beyond my limit to apply for the visa and seemed like it was impossible to fly separately (due to mahram was not travelling with me etc).
18th-29th December 2017
 |
| My first departure from KLIA2. |
 |
| Mak Ayah with their besan who flew all the way from Kuala Terengganu to send us off. Thank youuuuu :D |
The preparation for umrah was obviously different than my previous travels - from packing clothes, flights, preparing my mental, health and the lists will go on.
1. Clothes.
I used to take with me jeans and blouses and it felt literally different (a bit weird) to pack mostly jubah penuh, jubah seluar and few telekung. The scarfs were different where this time, I packed mostly black tudung sarung. My mum said tudung sarung would be easier to wear there. I took with me black shawl as well (no need to iron and thicker as I don't want to wear inner tudung there)
 |
| The schedule. |
2. Flights and the journey.
- AirAsiaX
I have never tried long haul flights with AirAsiaX before and I did not have any expectations with it.
For this umrah, my parents and I registered with Tiram Travel Sdn. Bhd, after considering the price, schedule and location of hotel.
The plane was full with approximately 90% Malaysians and the rest is Indonesian. Well, everyone was in there to perform Umrah, as well from different agents like Rayhar, Andalusia etc. It was a 9-hours flight. And I can say the aura was totally different - no in-flight entertainment (people around you keep on reading Quran and other books or some simple sleep through out the journey). Good vibes though :)
Another point, since it was with AirAsiaX, I need to pay at least RM4 for an extra mineral bottle to keep hydrated (in which all drinks were mostly free during my previous trips T_T)
Another point, since it was with AirAsiaX, I need to pay at least RM4 for an extra mineral bottle to keep hydrated (in which all drinks were mostly free during my previous trips T_T)
Meals were included, no need to worry about starving up there. :)
 |
| Boarding pass. |
 |
| Meals. |
- KLIA2
That evening of 17th, my family members sent us to Terminal Amanjaya. At 6pm to be exact, my parents and I took a direct bus from Terminal Amanjaya to KLIA2. It was with our favourite bus carrier - YOYO (my family regularly use YOYO to travel between Ipoh and KLIA/KLIA2). The road was full with vehicles and the journey delayed to 5 hours instead of 3 hours plus.
Upon arrival to KLIA2, I was a bit nervous as I have to guide my parents and I have no idea about the airport. T_T I didn't know where was the departure from the bus station and we relied to the signboards most of the times until we met few other group-mates travelling to Jeddah as well. For my own reference, YOYO bus will drop and take passengers from A02 (in front of Capsule).
Our flight was scheduled to depart at 5am of 18th December 2017.
 |
| Not that used to sit in the middle of the plane. Haha. |
3. Makkah or Madinah first?
To be honest, I have no idea why this question becomes the most favourite that people would ask every time someone is going to perform Umrah. Blame my ignorance but I am slowly learning why some people decide to enter Makkah first instead of Madinah or vice versa.
From my understanding, the main purpose of Umrah is to perform tawaf, saie (all those rukun & syarat wajib umrah) in which all these can only be done in Makkah. Some people said it is better for them to finish the compulsory first before heading to Madinah to visit Rasulullah and his city.
Meanwhile, some others who prefer Madinah first, mentioned it is better for them to prepare and get themselves adapted with the weather and atmosphere in Madinah first before giving all out in Makkah.
So, it depends on you. If you have the chance to try both, it would be great to personally know and understand the differences :)
-------------------------------------
As for me, I just followed my parents who prefer Makkah first. To be honest, even though I attended few Umrah courses and read the guidelines, it was hard for me to imagine the real situation. All in all, our own experience is one of the best teachers :)
Till next post :)
FROM JEDDAH TO MAKKAH, SAUDI ARABIA
FROM JEDDAH TO MAKKAH, SAUDI ARABIA
Umrah 18th-29th December 2017
SS, Perak, Malaysia
171230
2017 Best Nine
January 1, 2018
I am excited to write a new post today. It is 2018, guys! Wohoooo.
A brand new year insyAllah! Really looking forward to more uncertainties it will offer. And hopefully, I have prepared my heart and mind perfectly better for 2018. :)
After checking the best nine pictures on Instagram, I realized I already described most of the events behind them in my blog. :D Wahaaa, senang kerja nak recall.
My first snowboarding experience ever. Too bad that I tried it only during my final year there. But, never mind, still one of my best memories!
2.
I love to collect postcards when I was in Czech. Just for now, all postcards are safely stored in my wardrobe. I am not allowed to stick anything on my bedroom wall. Haha.
3.
The day I guided a hike for a family of 5. :) There are not much of any other travelers / backpackers I met who requested personally to hike somewhere in Czech. :D But I used to take few Malaysian students from Sweden, Egypt and China to go hiking in Adrspach.
4.
My favourite route to run / jog / cycle in Hradec Kralove. :) It is beautiful in any weathers, any seasons as well.
5.
One of the best 2017 moments is this! Finally graduated from Charles University! :D
6.
I totally have no idea that I will have the chance to hike somewhere in Tanah Haram. :)
Ya Allah, the feeling was really great to be able to imagine how Rasulullah hike this hill to calm himself from the surrounding people and this was the place Rasulullah s.a.w. received the first revelation (wahyu). I felt so overwhelmed to have a chance to pray on top of the hill and inside Gua Hira'. SubhanAllah <3 <3
7.
I still remember the date. 12/1/2017. The day I passed my first STEX exam in 2017 and it was Ayah's birthday too :) I always have the thought of walking on a frozen river, and I got the chance that day :)
To trust myself.Wow, another thing to be grateful, Alhamdulillah <3
And to trust Allah.
On how He leads my heart.
8.
My countless time at Letenske sady, my all the time favourite place to hang out in Prague. Not really hang out I must say, but I love to be there, so much! :)
9.
Another beautiful town in Czech. :) It was when I took my parents to Cesky Krumlov.
------------------------------------
I am glad that I am doing this post. A good feeling to have on the first day of 2018. I received lots of love in 2017, I should not forget and ignore this fact. Alhamdulillah thumma Alhamdulillah!
May 2018 be great in its own way!
O Allah, for any challenges You plan to test me, may You provide strength and courage as well. Ameen! :)
SS, Perak, Malaysia
180101
2017 In Retrospect: Review of My Year
December 31, 2017
While scrolling the news feed of my Instagram, I came across an instastory of an ex-schoolmate of mine. She shared these 12 questions which are quite interesting for me to reflect and to make a review of my 2017.
I don't really have a personal diary to keep this, so I am taking the risk to share it here. Nothing much for you guys to read, it is more to my own memory. Just hoping that things you've read will be kept exclusively here, especially those who knows me personally.
:)
:)
1. What were your top 10 greatest achievements in 2017?
Seems like I can't recall them. But, let me try.
- Being in 3 countries for new year 2017. (Travel)
- Finally graduated from a medical school. (Education)
- Survived 6 years of living in a foreign country which now I miss it so much. (Life)
- Europe trip 2.0 with my parents. (Travel)
- Solo winter hike to Morskie Oko - 1,395 meters. (Travel)
- Successfully help my family to organise my brother's wedding. Hello, my sister in law. :) (Life)
- Managed to save money for future. (Financial)
- Maintaining my body weight. (Fitness)
- Ran my fastest 5km in less than 30 minutes. (Fitness)
- Performed my first umrah with my parents. (Life)
Wow, not that bad :)
2. What were your top 10 greatest lessons in 2017?
Since I usually share life lessons I learned on the go on my Twitter, let me copy and paste them here. Some of them are my own thoughts, while the rest are either retweeted or quoted :)
- "Procrastination is your enemy. It doesn't kill you. It destroys your future."
- "It is okay to make mistakes, but not repetitive mistakes without any attempts to change them."
- "The real test of your character is when circumstances don't go the way you want. Will you then remain a kind, caring & good-hearted person?"
- "The hardest decision you'll ever face in life is choosing whether to walk away or try harder."
- "Always make time for your parents and treat them well. Because one day, when you look up from your phone, they won’t be there anymore"
- "It's about trust. They gave freedom and please take care of it. Jangan rosakkan nama family. They will always trust you."
- "Do you still remember those days you prayed to have something you have now?"
- "Don't just be good to others, be good to yourself too."
- "Never have I dealt with anything more difficult than my own soul, which sometimes help me and sometimes opposes me. - Imam Al-Ghazali"
- "Remember Allah in your time of ease and He will remember you in your time of difficulty."
 |
| Love! |
3. What was the biggest risk you took in 2017?
I took a huge step to involve myself in a relationship with the goal of marriage. Wow, such a confession. T_T But, it did not end well. It was complicated and confusing enough but I guess it ended for our own good?
Just please pray for me that I will totally let it go (still on my way to, I can do this!) and refresh my mind that I will met someone better for me.
4. What was the smartest decision you made?
Backing off from anything that will hurt me more, before I continue sacrificing my self-worth.
5. What three important relationships that have improved the most?
With my parents. Well, I've stayed away from home for quite a long time. It was a bit hard to adapt with the fact that they are growing older. But, this is something that I have improved and still need to improve myself - taking good care of them.
With my brother. Haha we never go a day without sibling arguments. Biasalah, setiap masa ada je benda nak annoy each other. :D :D But, I think this improved so much than before.
With my long-lost friends. I tried to reconnect with friends whom I've not contacted since ages. Alhamdulillah, it feels great to be able to reach each other and talk about random stuffs and life.
6. Who are the three people who have had a huge impact on your life in 2017?
- That someone. I can't say I regret knowing each other. One of the impressive people I've met, but luck was not on our side.
- Ayah. The moment when he can keep calm and be diplomatic much when handling issues involving emotions, I mean if it is me, I might turn into a hulk.
- My cousin. She is strong enough to face A LOT OF CHALLENGES before her wedding ceremony! Serious sprained ankle. Chickenpox. Job problems.
7. What are the three compliments you would have liked to have been given to you in 2017?
- "You have done a good job, in mostly everything. It is the effort that counts. Nevertheless, you did great! :)"
- "It is okay not to achieve that something right now, your time will come and you will shine!"
- "You are a strong girl, I know. But, please know that it is okay to cry. Let it out, let it go."
 |
| Credit - http://notsalmon.com/2015/06/24/positive-quotes/ |
8. What are the three things you are most grateful for?
- A brand new day, every time I wake up in the morning. Another day to explore.
- Never ending support from my family.
- Feeling of contentment somehow despite the struggles.
9. What one word sums up your entire 2017?
Vigorous.
Vigorous.
Quoted from my cousin -
"2017? A year with the most challenges, with the most rizq (rezeki), with the saddest events and with the happiest moments."
Agree with that :)
 |
| Credit - http://notsalmon.com/2015/06/24/positive-quotes/ |
10. What are the three biggest necessary endings for you before 2017?
- Procrastination.
- Disagree in childish manner with parents.
- Overthinking.
11. What are the three habits that you would like to develop entering into 2018?
- Consistent with amalan sunat.
- 5km run at least 3x a week.
- Berlapang dada, be more grateful.
 |
| Credit - http://www.gravetics.com/40-beautiful-smile-quotes-that-brighten-your-day/ |
12. What is the one word/sentence that describes your theme for 2018?
Embracing uncertainty.
------------------------------
I am looking forward for another amazing year.
Hello 2018! :)
Credit: Jeevan Sahadevan
SS, Perak, Malaysia
171231
A Beautiful Way to End 2017
December 30, 2017
2017 has been good to me so far, despite some challenges here and there where I literally lost myself and approaching the end of year, I think I am slowly recovering and getting back to the real me. Not 100% as things changed, incidents happened - life will never be the same again. But, I guess it is time to re-brand myself and be better in another way.
Maybe to conclude a year needs a special blog post and I will try my best to write one.
But, this one is to reserve memorable experiences I gained with my parents in Makkah and Madinah. Alhamdulillah, finally I had the chance to go there after years of planning.
It was beautiful, in its own way.
People.
Buildings.
Scenery.
Food.
 |
| Pre-Maghrib |
The most beautiful is obviously,
the A T M O S P H E R E.
That can never be found anywhere else.
May I have the chances to be there again, and again. Ameen :)
Umrah 18th-29th December 2017
SS, Perak, Malaysia
171230
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
