PILGRIMS VISIT HOLY SITES BEFORE HAJ
Among the places include Jabal Rahmah, 20km from Makkah
MALAYSIAN haj pilgrims are taking the opportunity to visit historical and religious sites here while waiting for wukuf, the pinnacle of haj, expected on Aug 20.
These sites, almost devoid of people just a week ago, are filling up with pilgrims from around the world.
Malaysians are conspicuous at these places, the main one being Mount Arafah or Jabal Rahmah, with their standard issue bright yellow satchels slung across their shoulders.
Fadhilah Zulkifli, 33, said when she was younger, she had come to Mount Arafah, climbed it and prayed atop the hill during her umrah or minor haj.
She feels blessed to have been given the opportunity to return with her husband, Akmal Nurhakim, 35, for the haj. Both made their way through the swarm of people and climbed to the hilltop to pray for their happiness and the wellbeing of their families.
“I got the call from Tabung Haji (TH) for my haj this year and my husband is here as my mahram (companion).
“Everything has been smooth for us since our arrival.
“TH has certainly organised everything well. For this tour, our guide is a Malaysian student in Riyadh.”
The couple, who reside in Putrajaya, arrived in Madinah on July 14.
She said things have changed a lot in the vicinity of Jabal Rahmah and Arafah since she last visited.
“It was just desert then, and there were camels. Now, there is not a single camel in sight. There were no trees around Arafah then too, but now there is greenery.”
The trip to Jabal Rahmah, situated in the Plain of Arafah, 20km southeast of Makkah, is organised for pilgrims as part of a ziarah programme, which also includes Muzdalifah and Mina.
The programme is to give pilgrims a firsthand look at where they will be during the Masyair period, which includes wukuf in Arafah, and other rituals in Muzdalifah and Mina.
During wukuf, close to three million pilgrims from around the world will gather in prayer and reflection in Arafah.
Wukuf is one of the essential components of haj. Many will climb Jabal Rahmah, where Prophet Muhammad held his last sermon, at that time.
Pilgrims are also taken to Jabal Nur or the Mountain of Light, about 3km from the Kaabah.
On top of the hill is a small cave called Hira where the prophet received the first revelations of the Quran.
Fatimah Untak said she was heartened to be able to visit Arafah, and to be given the opportunity to perform the haj in her advanced age.
She has never set foot on the Holy Land before.
She was on the tour with her roommates, Che Yah Othman and Fatimah Majid, all from various parts of Selangor.
“We registered for the tour and paid 30 Saudi riyal (RM32.50) each together.”
Che Yah said she prayed for the health and happiness of her family and friends.
“I am grateful that I managed to reach here. I never thought I would,” she said, wiping away tears.
Aside from the tours, pilgrims already in this holy city perform their umrah, attend religious lectures and pray at the Grand Mosque while waiting for wukuf.