We cleaned ourselves and put on Ihram in the hotel of Mekkah on the 7th of Dhul Hijjah evening. Now, this is the time to get to Mina. A coach was arranged for us which took us directly to Mina where there were thousands of tents. These tents are built to accommodate 100s of people. Mina tents are crowded and congested. Only few temporary toilets are built for many people to use during hajj season and you have to wait in queue sometimes to use these commodities. You will have to pray , eat , change where you sleep. If you turn on the opposite side while you are sleeping, you might end up on the other person's body. We were given clean pillows, bed sheets and a foldable bed. It was cold at night so we used another bed sheet to cover ourselves. Men are not allowed to cover their head during ihram just to be aware.
It was challenging (Hajj is meant to be challenging) there is not doubt. But it also depends on how much you pay and which country you go from. Tents were divided into sections/categories. If you went from the UK, USA etc and paid fee for a VIP service then you would expect a bit better facility, of course.
The day time was more challenging than night and everyone faced intense heat specially during midday in the tents. Though there were air conditioning service , sometimes this might not be enough. Ihram clothes were drenched in sweats and even the water in the shower was hot due to extreme hot weather. You are not allowed to be angry , shout, quarrel, use foul language during Hajj days, specially whilst in Ihram. You have to respect your fellow travellers , hajji no matter how silly things appear. Devil will always play tricks with you mind and put their utmost effort to make you break your ihram. This is the ultimate sacrifice you have to make and fight against you own mind.
If you ask me if I would do it all over again, I would jump on my feet and say 'let's do it' . Honestly I do not remember the actual feeling of any of the difficulties I faced. The details appear very minuscule at this point and only the sweetness prevails in the memory.
It is very easy to get lost in Mina as all the tents looks the same. I used google map to pin my location , so it was very useful indeed. There were few shops set up just outside the tents where we could buy addition foods, drinks
There were thousands of volunteers in the streets who were aiding the Hajjis like us and they could realised the efforts we are putting to complete the blessed journey, They were involved in spray cold water, giving foods, cold drinks, water etc.
May Allah accept our Hajj, ameen.
Comments