Ramadan Nights: The Trip To Mecca

I have just returned from an Umrah trip to the Holy City of Mecca.

During our initial arrival in Saudi Arabia, we had broken our fast in the car (around 6:10 pm). As soon as I entered the vicinity of Mecca, a serene peace of mind enveloped me. This is not an uncommon feeling for a Muslim. And it would last for days while we were in the city, fasting, praying and reading the Holy Koran.

After checking into our hotel, we swiftly ventured into al-Masjidu'l-Ḥarām and performed the Umrah. The crowds literally standing shoulder to shoulder but the sentiment of performing the Umraa and completing it was splendid. No matter how many times one performs the Umraa, the sensation of fulfillment upon completing it is immense.

I have enclosed the following pictures of the trip (they were taken with the Treo 650 camera so please excuse the quality)

Mecca Bound

A Street In Mecca

A Glimpse Of The Holy Mosque

The Past Meets The Future

Waiting For The Distribution Of Food And Drink

Thousands Of People Waiting For Free Dates And Drink From The Saudi Authorities

One Of The Entrances To al-Masjidu'l-Ḥarām

al-Masjidu'l-Ḥarām

My Favorite Snapshot. It Possesses An Ethereal, Spiritual Quality.

At Any Of These Restaurants One Can Order Literally Hundreds Of Meals To Be Distributed To The Needy (The Prices Are 3 Or 5 Riyals Per Person. You Can Feed 100 People For Between 24KD ($65) and 40KD ($135).

Squabbling Over Food Distribution

Distributing Food For The Needy

Breaking The Fast With Water And Dates On The Roof Of The al-Masjidu'l-Ḥarām

The Maghrib Prayer On The Roof

Breaking The Fast