Salaams from Secunda

Asalaamu alaikum,

It’s good to read that I have been the discussion point of many mails. So Naseem, we are still awaiting your explanation on the “Marie biscuit” issue. Alhumdulillah, Hajj was an amazing experience despite the initial delays. We were away for almost 5 weeks. Medina was beautiful. The prophet’s (SAW) mosque was a sight on it’s own, in terms of the size, architecture, the lighting on the inside and outside, the massive retractable umbrellas, sliding domes, etc. It was simply stunning. It was cold during the early mornings and the evenings. Shopping was also an experience. The locals immediately recognize you as a South African and address you as follow : Welcome, Welcome, Discount, Discount !

We did most of our shopping here. But you have to also be on guard for what they call Number 2’s. Perfumes were very cheap and I was interested in Cool Water by Davidoff. The guy shows you the item. Upon closer inspection you realize that the item is called Cold Water ! The packaging and writing is exactly the same as the original. Then he takes out another bottle. This one is Deep Water ! As if you have seen it all, he produces another one, Clear Water !!!

We spent 8 days in Medina.

Mecca was also good. Here we spent just almost 4 weeks. The first sight of the Holy Kabaah was breath taking. It was a very emotional experience. By the time we arrived in Mecca, the city was quite full. But alhumduliallah, we managed to achieve whatever we wanted to do. Both in Medina and Mecca, you get all the familiar eating places such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Burger King(American) and many other brands. The pricing is cheap.

The 5 days of Hajj was also something to take back. Especially the flood on the last day. We were about 100m from the bridge where you stone the Jamaraats. It just started to rain, rather pour ! Without any drizzle or anything, it just started bucketing! And it wasn’t normal rain – the rain was coming down with a vengeance. The nearby shelters were already filled with people and the only other option was running into the tunnels ( which is used by those performing the walking hajj ). But that seemed a bit dangerous as everyone was running into it and if someone had to trip and fall, that’s it. So we stood in blistering rain for almost 40mins. We were soaked – our clothes, back packs, kitaabs, money, everything. Whilst we stood there, we could not even look one another face to face because of the force the rain was coming down with. You just have to look down and make sure the person is still next to you. Peoples bags, packets, etc were just floating past you. Finally when the rain subsided, the bridge was empty and we managed to stone the jamaraats and move on the Mecca.

It was only whilst walking back to Mecca did we realize the damage caused. The tunnels, the were almost half full ! Water levels were above our knees in certain areas ! There are no drainage facilities. People were abandoning their cars and walking as the water was as high as the bonnets and the cars wouldn’t move. That 3km walk back to the hotel took forever to reach. But that was a once in a lifetime experience. Apparently, that was the worst flood in 20+ years.

We also visited Jeddah for the day. Got to see the mosque in the sea! In Jeddah, the locals are also familiar in Afrikaans. The one shop keeper called us by saying, “Kom Binne. Ek gee groot afslag.” That was just too much.

There are so many stories to tell but it will take too long. Insha-allah when we meet we can talk about the rest.

All in all, the experience was truly amazing and fulfilling ! Insha-allah we will all get a chance to visit these places at least once. We remembered all of your’ll in our duas and still continue to do so.

It’s good to be home but a part of you still longs for you to return one day.

Anyway, pass our salaams to all and we will speak soon.

Yunus & Zakeeya