Our adventure from Mina to Arafah. Part 3.

9 Zulhijah [ Mina to Arafa ]

We were approaching Masjid Aminah, which stands on the boarder between Mina and Arafah. The crowd was forming. Not knowing the direction, I tried calling Brother Jamal again, my travel agent, alas, all were directed to voicemail.

Many pilgrims had filled up the mosque and the areas outside it, difficult to walk. Throughout the horizon, were pilgrims already seated in rows waiting for the prayer. Arabic sermon was delivered in loud volume. We walked until the walking path was filled up then we realised we had walked on top of people's sitting/prayer mat. Astaghfirullah.

Alarmed, but unable to stop, holding our trolley bag tight to our stomach, we had to continue. Behind had formed a line following us. Angry seated pilgrims shouting at us for dirtying their mat, so we had to remove our sandles.

Mist were spraying in the air, to cool the pilgrims. I didn't take note if the weather was hot, my mind was all about asking Allah to guide us to our camp; forgives us for stepping on others sajadah and not be the cause of any stampede; doa that my arthrist knees not to give up walking;.

We kept walking, finally Adzan was heard. Alhamdulillah, we happened to stop at an empty space to be able to pray in congregation (miracle!!).

After prayers, the pilgrims dispersed, and we followed. Finally spotted a few lamp post banners stating "Arafah starts here". Found a local police, happily shown our id asking for direction. He shook his head, never heard of Singapore, and did not know where our camp was, even thou our haj id was in Arabic.

Our adventure from Mina to Arafah. Part 2.

9 Zulhijah [ Mina to Arafa ]

Around 3 am, some ladies already woke up and performed prayers and reciting the Quran... Couldn't really sleep but enjoy lying in the sleeping bag to keep warm. Although I set my alarm at 4 am, I woke up at 3.40 am to go washroom and took ablution. Performed some sunnah prayers and started packing my baggage while waiting for Suboh prayer.

After Suboh, we took out the rationed cup-noodle for breakfast. Felt sorry that hubby and brother Helmi had to endure the coldness only with the ihram clothing. Secretly doa that they would not fall sick.

••Our breakfast - cup noodle. Eating outside you know where. :P

After breakfast, we sat outside the tent getting ready to go if the bus arrived. The bus supposed to reach by 7.30 am. The bus had broke down so the waiting time extended.

Waited and waited in the cold, we went to sit inside the empty Hahnemann's tent (Hahnemann tent was shared with Hamidah Travel). Over there we talked to brother Yasin and his wife, sis Aishah and ustadz Abu Bakar, whom had travelled with Hamidah Travel.

When finally a bus came, the 4 of us were left behind.

We were prepared to follow the order if we are unble to leave by 12 noon, we had to walk to Arafah to meet our travel agengy's congregation. Maybe that 'preparation' had become a supplication, the 4 of us had to walk.

The problem is... which direction?

When we started to walk, it was already coming to 12 noon. All the pilgrims that stay the night at Mina had already left after suboh. We were walking along the empty road. I kept asking Allah for direction and looked for signages for ARAFAH.

Along the road, I spotted a sign "Perdestrain to Arafah Walk Here" with an arrow. I thought I spotted a pot of gold, I was so excited... but that was the beginning of a big adventure.

To be continue...

Mother is recovering.

Alhamdulillah, mummy is recovering well.

The bruise on her cheek has faded and the open injury has dried and turned pinkish. Her knee will take a longer time to heal as the injury is at the joint. Overall, she is alright.

The only thing needs to do is keep reminding her to wear glasses whether at home or outdoor. Last Friday, when we were going to SGH for her podiatry appointment, I forgot to check and she left her glasses at home.

Sigh... how to leave her alone when she don't even care.