A Day in Mecca..

by Rasha (Saudi Arabia)

I went to Mecca just last weekend to do my “Omra” since it is the holy month of Ramadan. It was an interesting experience so I thought I would share it with the rest of you..

To start this little trip of ours, since I live in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. My brother and I had to take an early plane from Riyadh to Jeddah then a car from Jeddah to Mecca. As we got closer to the holy mosque in Mecca we became more silent and there was a stillness in the air we both identified as a feeling of tranquility and serinity.
It is an overwhelming experience watching thousands and thousands of people, men and women who have travelled from distant and different parts of the world to kneel upon God ”Allah” in prayer. All united for one cause, it is not political nor social but it is a symbol of peace, meditation and soul searching..

People from different backgrounds, cultures, social levels and even languages gathered in one place in remembrance of God, they took time out of this fast paced life to ask for forgiveness, pray for a loved one, a sick person or just pray, reflect and meditate.. all were gathered on one ground because of their faith and belief in one God.. one Allah..

I watched many break down in tears upon praying.. It is extremely powerful to see such serinity and hope in God. Times like this makes one reflect about life and death, how helpless we actually are, what we have accomplished and what we would like to achieve before taking our last breaths in this amazing adventure of a world. This experience might be a reminder for some to be better, do the best one can.. It might have no effect what so ever on many..

The setbacks of this little adventure was that it was a bit hard to reflect and meditate with thousands of people around.. it was very hard to find a spot to just sit and pray. I overheard some ladies bickering over who takes a spot as I prayed.. Many were sleeping on the grounds maybe after a long day’s trip or just so as not to loose that space.. There was some shoving and pulling due to the enormous number of people around. We finished our Omra, prayed and left so that others can take our place. I just wish that some can be as considerate.. Give chance for others to pray..