UMRAH 2026 - MAKKAH - DAY 06

Assalamualaikum.

Day 6 in Makkah, and the reality of leaving for Madinah tomorrow has settled in. It was inevitably bittersweet—a heart full of gratitude for what was, yet heavy with the grief of leaving. This contradiction is just a reflection of the human experience: nothing lasts forever. Embracing this ache allows me to appreciate these fleeting moments even more deeply, recognizing them as essential threads in life’s complex tapestry.

Walking to the Grand Mosque, I fought the urge to feel sad, but my heart finally melted as I made dua. Pleading for Allah SWT to bless my wife and me with another Umrah in the future, I felt a level of sincerity I’ve rarely touched before. I caught myself wondering: He has already blessed us with seven Umrahs—is asking for more ungrateful? But I realized it isn't about greed; it’s about the awareness that life is fleeting. As I'll be reaching the big 60 in a few years, I am more conscious than ever of the barakah here, and my plea was simply a heart's cry to remain in His mercy while I still can.

I’ve realized that Makkah is the ultimate 'tuner' for the soul. In the hustle of everyday life, our hearts often fall out of harmony, drowned out by worries and the passing of time. But standing here the noise falls away. Faith recalibrates us. It takes the scattered notes of our lives—the joys, the griefs, and the fleeting moments—and aligns them back to their Creator. I shall leave Makkah not just with memories, but with a heart that has been gently tuned to a more beautiful frequency.

On the way to reaching sixty has made me realize how easily we can lose our rhythm. Makkah has been the 'tuner' I didn't know I needed. It has smoothed out my doubts and sharpened my gratitude. When I worried if asking for another Umrah was ungrateful, this place tuned my perspective: it wasn't about greed, but about a soul wanting to stay in harmony with its Source. Just as I hope to be a 'tuner' for others, I am grateful that Allah SWT brought me here to be tuned by Him.

If life is a song, then Makkah is the 'tuner.' It has a way of finding the strings of the heart that have gone slack or tight and bringing them back into perfect balance. My time here has been a spiritual realignment. When heading to Madinah, I shall feel less like a traveler leaving a place, and more like an instrument that has finally been set right.

Standing on the plush carpet of my favorite spot—Level 1, entered through Gate 84—I felt the familiar rush of emotion. It was 4:40 am, and the Masjidil Haram felt cool, airy, and beautifully still. In this quiet corner, the crowd felt miles away. 

Having a 'favorite' spot here feels like a profound blessing; it is my own small sanctuary within the Great Sanctuary. This little 'spot bubble' has welcomed me, hugged me, and witnessed my every act of worship. Together, we listened to the Adhan. I read, and it listened to the verses of the Quran. It was even a companion when I broke my fast with a single date. I will desperately miss this little friend.

While I have my private sanctuary, I was also part of a massive, beautiful whole. As the prayer hall began to fill, I watched the space transform into a vibrant tapestry of worship and brotherhood. All around me, brothers were reading the Quran, engaged in prayer, or quietly catching up with old friends. It was a profound sight: men of every race, ethnicity, and background, speaking a dozen different languages, yet all tuned to the same frequency. Whether young or old, all hearts beating in sync for the One. It is a beautiful contradiction—so many different lives, yet one single focus. In that moment, the barriers of the world vanished, replaced by a single, focused devotion. A true reflection of the Ummah.

The walk was my second-to-last walk after Fajr, and the weight of it stayed with me. While my previous walks were filled with the hopeful anticipation of many days to come, that hope has now trickled down to a single 'tomorrow.' The reality of post-Umrah withdrawal is setting in, becoming more tangible with every step.

I found myself making another desperate, sincere dua, asking Allah SWT for the strength to pull through this goodbye, pleading for His help to navigate these emotions and for the grace to handle the departure that looms so close.

From my second-to-last Fajr walk to my second-to-last breakfast in Makkah—the countdown continues. I feel a deep sense of gratitude for these hearty, nourishing meals that have fueled our journey, sustaining us through performing all our Umrah rituals, daily prayers, nafl tawafs, and fasting. To ease the ache of leaving, I remind myself to look forward to the barakah waiting for us in Madinah. I tell myself: there is barakah waiting in the meals and the moments of Madinah, too. Just as Makkah fed my soul and body, I know the holy city of the Prophet (PBUH) will offer its own unique nourishment. One chapter of blessings is closing, but another is about to begin.

After resting at the hotel, my wife and I headed to the MCDC Mall next door in search of snacks and a very specific mission: a 'Karak Hunt.' My love for this spiced chai tea, the Karak Tea, began during our trips to Doha and Muscat, but the spark was reignited right here in the Haram. While waiting for the Maghrib Adhan, a volunteer offered me a cup of spicy Arab tea that was so delicious it set me on this path. I figured if Karak is a staple in Qatar and Oman, surely I could find that same nostalgic warmth here in Makkah.

We went to the mall via the main hotel lobby.

There are wonderful displays of traditional rugs which appear to be displays of Central Asian and Middle Eastern tribal textiles, specifically showcasing various functional and decorative woven and embroidered items. These types of collections often feature a mix of Turkmen, Afghan, and Bedouin craftsmanship, highlighting a rich history of nomadic life and artisanal skill. These rugs and trappings represent centuries-old weaving traditions, often adorned with tribal symbols, and are highly valued by collectors and museums alike. Originally functional nomadic items, these pieces are now widely appreciated as decorative art in residential and public spaces.

Types of Textiles Shown

The items mounted on these backings include several distinct categories of tribal weavings:

🔹Torba and Chuval: Small to medium-sized bags used by nomadic tribes (like the Tekke or Yomut) for storing personal items inside tents.

🔹Khalyk: Unique "V-shaped" or multi-paneled hangings, traditionally used to decorate the entrance of a bridal camel during wedding processions in Turkmenistan. 

🔹Salt Bags (Namakdan): Characteristic woven bags with a narrow neck, used to store salt for nomadic livestock.

🔹Embroidered Fragments: Many pieces resemble Palestinian embroidery (tatreez) or Central Asian ikats and suzanis, which often feature geometric and floral motifs that vary by region and tribe.

🔹Al-Sadu Weaving: The traditional Bedouin craft of weaving camel hair and wool into patterns used for tent dividers and decorative hangings.

It felt like finding a secret little museum tucked away in a corner of the opulent lobby—a beautiful, quiet celebration of craftsmanship and history. We took a moment to appreciate these beautiful displays, a small artistic sanctuary right in the middle of our journey. They are ancient scrolls and visual history of a tribe's journey.

Snack search and "Karak Hunt" began. 

At the MCDC Mall, our 'Karak Hunt' turned into a slow, curious meander. Our walk to the mall became a beautiful distraction. The shops here are more than just places of business; they are stunning showcases, with displays so beautifully arranged and fabulously lit that they felt like a window shopper’s heaven. We found ourselves drawn in by the sheer artistry of the presentations—a vibrant, modern contrast to the ancient textiles we had just admired in the lobby.

One such shop while selling Hadramout Honey, also sells a variety cookies, mamuol (shortbread pastry) and stuffed dates.

At Najdiyah customers can find many different kinds of bakhoor which is traditional Arabic incense made from natural ingredients like wood chips (often Oud), resin, spices, and essential oils, used to create a luxurious, fragrant atmosphere in homes.

It felt as if every product was being showcased in its own little gallery.

It is so easy to get "lost" in those brightly lit displays, especially after the peaceful, focused energy of the Haram. The contrast between the spiritual world and the vibrant world of the mall is quite striking!

These decorative items are Bakhoor Burners (also known as Mabkhara), traditional Arabic incense holders used for burning oud or wood chips. Typically constructed from durable metal, featuring intricate patterns, classical artistic designs, and often available in gold or silver finishes. 

Even without the intention to buy, just wandering past these glowing, perfectly arranged windows was an experience in itself—a bright, bustling part of our Makkah morning.

This display features a variety of ornate glass vessels, including antique and vintage perfume bottles, decanters, and traditional Middle Eastern items. Many of the pieces are made from Bohemian cut crystal, known for its "cut-to-clear" technique where a colored glass overlay (such as cobalt blue or emerald green) is intricately carved to reveal the clear crystal beneath. They are popular souvenirs and collectible items in many regions. 

The storefront of "Al Amoudi" (العمودي), a retail clothing store. Al Amoudi is a well-known retail brand in Saudi Arabia specializing in high-end ladies' fabrics and evening wear. The store specializes in women's formal wear, specifically evening gowns and traditional Arabic attire like abayas.

The shop focuses on luxury fabrics, including French lace, embroidered tulle, and various high-quality textiles for custom evening gowns and formal wear.

They are recognized for their signature "Al-Amoudi Cotton" and a wide range of embroidered and beaded fabrics for weddings and special occasions.

A shop specializes in traditional Middle Eastern men's apparel and accessories. There are a wide variety of ghutras or shemaghs (square scarves worn as head coverings), several ankle-length robes, likely thobes or dishdashas and bishts (ornate outer cloak, often worn over a thobe for formal occasions).

The food court. 

A quick stop at Burger King counter for some snacks.

For travelers between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, the currency exchange experience is defined by a shift toward digital-first payments, though physical cash remains essential for traditional markets and smaller vendors in both countries.

Malaysians Visiting Saudi Arabia (MYR to SAR)

📘Digital & Card Payments:

🔹Contactless is standard: Saudi Arabia is rapidly moving toward a cashless economy. Most urban merchants, hypermarkets (e.g., Lulu), and even local food chains (e.g., Al Baik) widely accept international Visa and Mastercard.

🔹Prepaid Travel Cards: Many Malaysians prefer using BigPay or the Touch 'n Go eWallet Visa Travel Card to lock in real-time exchange rates and avoid high bank markups.

📘Cash Exchange:

🔹Better Rates in Malaysia: It is generally recommended to exchange some SAR in Malaysia before departure at reputable money changers in areas like MidValley Megamall or Bukit Bintang for better rates than at Saudi airports.

🔹Emergency Cash: For pilgrims (Umrah/Haj), carrying physical SAR is vital for tips, small transport (taxis), and traditional souks.

📘New Financial Services: Since early 2026, tourists in Saudi Arabia can now open limited digital wallet accounts using their "Visitor ID" and passport, allowing them to participate more fully in the local digital financial system.

Summary of Payment Methods

Feature	Visiting Saudi Arabia
Best Exchange Location	Before departure (in Malaysia)
Primary Digital Tool	Visa/Mastercard, Apple Pay
Cash Necessity	High for souks and taxis
ATM Access	Widely available (Mada network)

Our “Karak Hunt” had finally come to fruition! For me finding a good cup of Karak in the middle of the bustling MCDC Mall is like finding a hidden treasure. Our search for the perfect Karak tea in Makkah has come to a successful end.

We found exactly what we were looking for at Kyan Coffee, tucked away in the MCDC Mall.  

Kyan Coffee is a well-known local favourite in Saudi Arabia, often praised for its consistent quality and modern take on traditional drinks. In Saudi Arabia, Kyan is famous for its specialty drinks and its "drive-thru" culture, but their mall outlets are just as popular. Their Karak is often praised for being perfectly balanced—not too sweet, but with a strong hit of spices.

But how did I find out that Karak Tea is available here at Kyan Coffee. Total serendipity. With such an extensive menu at Kyan Coffee, finding the Karak Tea felt like a stroke of luck. As I was scanning the options, the barista was reeling off recommendations. My ears instantly perked up when he mentioned Karak Tea. My eyes lit up as I turned to him, double-checking in excitement: 'Wait, you actually have Karak Tea?'.

It was the perfect nostalgic throwback to our time in Doha. The balance of strong black tea, evaporated milk, and warming cardamom was exactly what I had been craving since our trip to Qatar.

There’s nothing quite like that first sip of creamy, spiced Karak after a long day of worship. The quality was exceptional—rich, aromatic, and served with that signature Saudi hospitality. It’s the perfect 'pick-me-up'. We’ve already made a plan to return for another cup before our trip ends!

This is a vending machine from the brand Khotwet Khair (خطوة خير), which specializes in selling specialized socks and footwear designed for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims to ensure comfort during walking and rituals. The brand's name, "Khotwet Khair," translates to "Righteous Step" or "Step of Goodness," reflecting its mission to support pilgrims during their spiritual journey. These machines are frequently located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, particularly near the Grand Mosque and in major commercial areas like the Makkah Clock Towers.  

📘Khotwet Khair Vending Machines

These machines are strategically placed at the ground level in Makkah to provide instant access to footwear for pilgrims who may have lost their shoes, are experiencing discomfort, or need Sharia-compliant options immediately. 

🔹Products Offered: The machines typically stock specialized Umrah and Hajj shoes and slippers that prioritize comfort and ease of movement.

🔹Key Features of the Footwear:

- Portability: Many options, such as those from brands like H WALK, are foldable and come with a compact pouch to fit easily into a backpack or travel bag.

- Ritual Ready: The designs often account for Ihram requirements (specifically for men), ensuring they are unstitched or leave the ankles/top of the foot exposed as required by Islamic law.

- Durability: They are built for long miles on marble floors and wet areas near wudu (ablution) stations, often featuring non-slip soles.  

- Design: The footwear is described as super lightweight, cushioned, and anti-slip.

🔹Usage: They are intended to provide comfort and protection for the long walks required during Tawaf and Sa'i.

🔹Hygiene & Etiquette: While many pilgrims perform Tawaf barefoot, these socks and soft shoes are a popular alternative for those needing extra support or protection.

📘Why They Are Important

🔹Preventing Injury: Walking barefoot on hot marble floors or through large crowds can lead to blisters or foot fatigue. These machines offer a quick remedy.

🔹Lost Footwear: It is common for pilgrims to lose their shoes in the large crowds at the Grand Mosque; these machines provide an immediate replacement without needing to find a traditional retail store.

🔹Convenience: The "ground level" placement ensures that pilgrims don't have to navigate far from the prayer areas to find what they need.

Fueling up with a spread of chicken nuggets and onion rings, topped off with a rich, hot cup of Karak Tea.

It was Friday, February 6th, 2026, and my wife and I felt truly blessed to perform Jummah Prayer at Masjidil Haram. We usually leave our hotel an hour early, but knowing how large the crowds get for Friday prayers, we headed out at 10:30 am—a full two hours before the 12:34 pm Dhuhr Adhan.

From our past experiences, heading to the Grand Mosque much earlier for the Jummah prayer is always a wise move. Leaving early allow us to navigate easily through the outer courtyards, still be able to find a spot on the carpet and also avoid being diverted to other sections because my usual praying section is already filled up to capacity. 

Beyond the logistics, arriving early offers a wonderful opportunity to focus on our acts of worship and reap the immense rewards of being in the Haram. It grants us the serenity to perform our worship to our hearts' content, making the most of every moment in this blessed place.

As it turned out, even arriving two hours early wasn't a moment too soon. The prayer section on Level 1 (near Gate 84) was already a sea of worshippers, appearing full at first glance. But a closer look revealed a few hidden openings in the crowd. I quickly claimed one, establishing my own little 'spot bubble'—a peaceful Friday sanctuary amidst the gathering.

While I did not tune in to the Khutbah's translation via the official digital platforms or dedicated audio channels, I later found out that the Friday Sermon was delivered by Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid emphasizing that true righteousness is rooted in a heart purified by faith and redefined asceticism (zuhd) as spiritual detachment from wealth.

Speaker Profile: Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid 

🔹Role: He is a senior Imam and Khatib at the Grand Mosque (Masjidil Haram) and has previously served as the Chairman of the Saudi Shura Council.

🔹Reputation: He is widely respected for his articulate style and his ability to link traditional religious texts to contemporary issues.

My wife’s experience was a bit different. It’s well known that the women’s prayer sections—whether on a regular day or a Friday—reach capacity almost instantly, and this Friday was no exception. Unable to secure her usual spot, she and the other female worshippers were redirected to a section deeper inside the mosque, though they remained on Level 1.

Sometimes, a change in plans is a hidden blessing. It felt as though Allah SWT had a better plan for my wife. While her group was walking through the Mataf (the Tawaf area) toward the Masjidil Haram extension, the authorities happened to open a new section for women right then. She ended up with the incredible blessing of praying on the first level of the Mataf, directly facing the Kaaba.

When we reunited at our usual KFC meeting point after Jummah, she shared the story of her afternoon. She was absolutely beaming, glowing with joy. Seeing her so radiant, I had a real 'husband moment' right there by the counter—a wave of infinite gratitude just for her happiness. It was one of those intangible rewards that touches the soul. It was a deep, quiet kind of reward—the simple, priceless gift of seeing your spouse's heart full. 

Rather than joining the massive post-Friday prayer rush, I headed to the nearest Zamzam station for a few cups of refreshing 'Not Cold' Zamzam water. It was the perfect way to wait out the rush. By the time I finished, the crowd had subsided, making for a much calmer and easier exit.

While waiting for my wife at our rendezvous point, I captured a few shots of the after Jummah Prayer crowd at the outer courtyard.  

The following are the photos my wife managed to capture on her was out from the Level 1 Mataf praying section. 

Our usual lunch spot, Al Fayhaa Restaurant, was at full capacity that afternoon—likely due to a new influx of pilgrim groups. We didn't mind, though; we were simply redirected to its neighbor, Al Noor Restaurant, which is just next door.

At 5:11 pm, we were already on our way to the Grand Mosque again for our next prayers. It was to be our last Maghrib and Isha prayers at Masjidil Haram, in Makkah. Before, I always got emotional about this, but that day I felt calm as I chose to focus on being grateful instead of being sad, drained and exhausted thinking about the inevitable. 

There was a bit of commotion at the men's praying section that evening. Many people were crowding towards the center of the excitement with smartphones held high taking photos and recording videos. Feeling curious, I asked a fellow worshipper and was told that the person of interest is a highly regarded speaker about to deliver religious lectures.

 

In Masjidil Haram, highly regarded speakers—typically the official Imams and Khateebs or members of the Council of Senior Scholars—conduct regular lessons (dars) and lectures for worshippers. These sessions are a long-standing tradition in both the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah. 

📘Common Speakers and Scholars

Lectures are usually delivered by the appointed religious leadership, many of whom hold doctorates in Islamic Shariah and serve as professors.  

🔹Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais: Chief Imam and President of the Religious Affairs, who frequently gives lessons on tafsir (exegesis) and jurisprudence books like Umdat Al-Ahkam.

🔹Sheikh Saleh bin Abdullah Al-Humaid: A prominent scholar and former Chairman of the Saudi Shura Council.

🔹Sheikh Bandar Baleelah: An Imam and member of the Council of Senior Scholars.

🔹Sheikh Saad Al-Shithri: Known for delivering high-level scholarly lessons in the mosque.

🔹Other Current Imams: Speakers also include Sheikh Maher Al-Muaiqly (renowned Imam and Khatib), Sheikh Abdullah Awad Al-Juhany (Imam and Khatib), Sheikh Faisal Ghazzawi, and Sheikh Yasir Al-Dawsary (Imam and Qari). 

📘Logistics for Worshippers

🔹Location: Lessons are typically held in fixed corners of the prayer halls, on upper levels, or along colonnades away from the main Tawaf area to avoid congestion.

🔹Timing: The most common windows for these talks are after Fajr (early morning) and between Maghrib and Isha (evening). During Ramadan, special lectures are held before and after Taraweeh prayers.

🔹How to Join: Look for floor signs, small barriers, or a microphone setup in a designated circle (halaqah). Attendance is free and open to all worshippers.

🔹Translations: To accommodate global visitors, many sermons and lectures are now translated into dozens of languages (including English and Malay) via official digital platforms or dedicated audio channels. 

📘Nature of the Talks

🔹Content: Lectures cover Tafsir (Quranic interpretation), Fiqh (jurisprudence), Hadith, and Seerah (life of the Prophet), often focusing on strengthening faith (Tazkiyah).

🔹Format: The speakers often sit in a specific, designated area (sometimes on a chair or in a specific corner) surrounded by attendees in the men's section, and they are transmitted via the mosque's extensive sound system (7,000+ speakers).

🔹Translation: Major sermons and lectures, particularly the Friday Khutbah, are often translated into multiple languages (up to 35 languages) for the international audience.

These sessions are highly revered, as the speakers are considered top authorities in Sunni Islam, often from the Salafi/Hanbali tradition.

Our last dinner at Al Fayhaa Restaurant.

At midnight, Ustaz Herman sent out the final checkout and departure instructions for our Saturday morning transition to Madinah:

🔹Luggage: Large bags must be placed outside room doors by 2:00 AM Saturday. The bellmen will collect them at 6:00 AM and move them to the central collection area.

🔹Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada): To be performed individually between 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM Saturday.

🔹Checkout: At 12:00 PM Saturday, please return room keys to the Makkah Tower lobby counter (Level B1) before heading to lunch on Level 6.

🔹Departure: After lunch, gather in the Tower 6 Lobby (B1). Wait for Ustaz Herman’s signal to proceed to the buses with your hand-carry bags.

🔹Train Travelers: Since we arranged to take the Haramain High Speed Railway, Ustaz Herman confirmed that an Andalusia staff member will escort us to the Makkah station. Upon arrival in Madinah, another representative will meet us to arrange transport and take us to our hotel.

To be continued.

 

Till the next coming entry, inshaAllah. Meanwhile do take care.

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