I am in the Haram…………. the fast opens with dates and zam zam and there seems to be no need for any more nourishment. The iqamah resounds in the Haram and by an invisible hand millions of worshippers line up in perfect lines and the Maghrib prayer begins…….
I am separated from my friends as I have been doing tawaf when the Maghrib adhan is called.
By the time Maghrib salah is completed I continue my tawaf and it is time for Taraweh and we fall into lines again and the haunting voice of Shaikh Jouhany resounds in the corridors of the Haram, imprinting the words on my heart.
After taraweh there is rush for the outside. The exit doors are jam-packed. I have never felt safer in my life, as if I am in my own home as I make my way through the milling crowd to the restaurant where Iftar dinner awaits.
I look out of the window of the restaurant as I end dinner with a sip of mint tea. The green light is on but the courtyard is packed with worshippers moving towards the entrance of the Haram. I quickly pack a sandwich for Suhoor and hurry towards the Haram. It is almost midnight, and just like Cinderella I barely make it in as the green light changes to red denoting the fact that the Haram is full……………..!
It is the night of the twenty first of Ramadan, I am in Itikaaf in the Haram, it is an odd night and perhaps the angels are descending in droves as we speak. I cannot contain my excitement as I take the stairs two at a time to reach my place in the women’s section.
I reach the second floor as the women line up for Qiyaam al Layl……….
Will I ever be invited there again?
Shuraim’s voice is just so powerful MAsha Allah! Jazak Allah for the post. Loved it.
Alhamdollillah!
Reblogged this on Siraat-e-Mustaqeem and commented:
Nostalgia……….while our mosque makes a sorry attemot at this.
JazakaAllah for sharing your wonderful expericne sister , I’m getting ready to leave for Haram as I type this message here.I moved to Jeddah from US.
Alhamdulilah I like Saudi Arabia.Please remember me in your supplication.
Fi Aman Allah
-Baseer
ASA, Brother Baseer, Please keep me in your dues along with my family. Allah has blessed you with the proximity of His house!
Alhamdu lillah and thanks for your efforts. Mah Allah reward you abundantly.
How can I download this on my system?
assalaam alaikom sister; this brought tears to my eyes. may Allah reward you for everything, Insha Allah
Walaikum Asalaam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatahu,
Please keep me in your prayers!