Umrah Ramadan/Syawal 1436

Alhamdulillah, after missing my trip last year I managed to visit the blessed Holy Land for my bi-annual Umrah trip - the third. Below are selected posts from my Instagram - visit @sanifoo for more pictures.

Assalamualaikum #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 7, 2015 at 4:05am PDT

My prayer mat for the final 10 days of #Ramadan, In Syaa Allah. #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #masjid #mosque

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 7, 2015 at 4:08am PDT

Jemaah entering the Prophet Muhammad SAW tomb, after Zohor (See next pic for jemaah behind us) #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #olloclip #islam #muslim #masjid #mosque

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 8, 2015 at 5:30am PDT

The jemaah behind us awaiting to enter the Prophet Muhammad SAW tomb. (See previous pic for Jemaah at tomb entrance) #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #olloclip

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 8, 2015 at 7:45am PDT

In the Grand Mosque awaiting for break fast, or #Iftar in Arabic. #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 8, 2015 at 6:50pm PDT

It's quite disheartening to discover that many of the historical and heritage venues in Madinah are turning into tourists traps. Opposite where I stand downslope are a cacophony of makeshift stalls selling tourist paraphernalia (too much an eyesore that I would rather leave it to your imagination). But I'd rather think of my visit to Uhud to pay homage to the great Islamic warriors who fell fighting for Islam about 1500 years ago alongside the Prophet Muhammad SAW. #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #uhud

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 9, 2015 at 4:14am PDT

To be honest I didn't know how the composition will be because the sun was SO glaring. But I like how it has dramatically turned out haha #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #uhud

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 9, 2015 at 7:12am PDT

Outside, at the mosque compound awaiting #iftar #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #olloclip

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 9, 2015 at 10:07am PDT

This is Hassan, from Pakistan. He has been working in Madinah as a mechanic for 3 years. We sat together for #iftar today. #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #olloclip

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 9, 2015 at 10:10am PDT

A shopkeeper shutting down his shop in time for Jumaat solat. Some items are in fact left outside too. The streets are almost deserted. #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #igtravel

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 10, 2015 at 4:40am PDT

Post-Jumaat solat, an hour later. #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #olloclip

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 10, 2015 at 4:38am PDT

Mid-day downtown. It's almost 50 degrees Celcius, mid-summer. No wonder the streets are empty. The heat emancipates from the ground. #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #olloclip #igtravel

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 10, 2015 at 4:20am PDT

The stream of people entering and leaving the grand mosque is endless. One can never feel bored people-watching (while taking breather from the spiritual observations). It's interesting just observing their ethnic costumes and trying to guess their nationalities. #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #olloclip

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 10, 2015 at 4:58am PDT

Awaiting to commence Fajr (this morning). #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 10, 2015 at 5:02am PDT

Many times great patience and divine intervention work together in ways you least expected, In Syaa Allah. Those familiar will tell you of the passive push and shove involved at Ar-Raudhah. By His grace I got not one but two spots (and several rakaats) - the second after being offered by a kind brother to his when I was further inside. Alhamdulillah. At the Ar-Raudhah exit I realized it's almost Tahajjud. The guards were clearing the place of streamers. I immediately took my spot. It was then I realized I was directly behind the imam. The snail-paced 10 rakaats session, lasted about 2 hours. On "normal" evenings, only one's determination and concentration to overcome the only-human, past-bedtime weariness will get through the session. But last night - it was a breeze. It didn't even feel like 2 hours. And I felt so close to the Prophet Muhammad SAW, who's tomb was only a few meters to my left and the Ar-Raudhah behind me. MasyaAllah, MasyaAllah, MasyaAllah. Alhamdulillah #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #islam #muslim #masjid #mosque

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 10, 2015 at 5:20am PDT

I found a rather good spot for the Iqtikaf (Arabic for basically chilling out) today. Stayed at this spot from Zohor till Maghreb. The breeze was blowing from the courtyard while the airconditioning blew from the bottom of the pillars behind me. Ahhhhh. Spent the time reading Quran, people watching or just simply pondering over life and its blessings. #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 11, 2015 at 10:19am PDT

During Iqtikaf I had the opportunity to make friends with Muhammad Iftikhar (white shirt) and Shabier. Both are from Pakistan. Iftikhar's from Lahore and he has been a Hafiz for the last 4 years, teaching folks in USA and New Zealand to read Quran via Skype, while Shabier's from Karachi but now works in Riyadh as an electrician. Iftikhar was more chatty as he spoke English reasonably well. He asked if I read the Quran well, I said errr... that I'm still learning. He offered to help via Skype, ikhlas if I want to. In Syaa Allah. I told him I'm a (ahem) scriptwriter. He wants to learnt from me too haha. He plays the cricket if he's not teaching folks reciting Quran. We had Iftar together. We exchanged numbers and hope to keep in touch In Syaa Allah. #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 11, 2015 at 10:35am PDT

The tall roofs and absence of closed quarters make these airconditioning vents at the base of the pillars practical. In mid-day heat, the pillars are popular spots. Folks huddled to sit, read the Quran or simply have a siesta. I've discovered that although the covered courtyards provide excellent sunlight, space or simply room to gaze, the best spot is when you are in-between two pillars about 10meters apart from one another somewhere between the courtyard and interiors (see my post yesterday). The temperature is... just... right... to do your thing hehe #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 12, 2015 at 3:49am PDT

Afternoon siesta. Folks are only allowed to "live-in" the mosque especially during the last 10 days of Ramadan for Iqtikaf. You will not see this on other days of the month or other months. So yeah, it's like camping out but without the tents and hanging laundry. #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #umrah #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 12, 2015 at 10:13am PDT

It's heartwarming that Malay/Bahasa Indonesia is being widely spoken here - even by the non-Nusantara locals, other than Arabic, Turkish, Egyptian and smattering of other North African and Indian subcontinent languages. This sign is spotted at a tourist shop outside the blessed Masjid Quba. Captions, please? #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #umrah #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 12, 2015 at 11:30pm PDT

Last night/early this morning. Tahajjud. Am feeling blessed to have the opportunity to perform Tahajjud very close to the mimbar (pulpit) within the Ar-Raudhah. And very close to the Prophet Muhammad SAW. Alhamdulillah Alhamdulillah Allahu Akbar (Pic taken just before solat, see my previous post) #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #umrah #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #islam #muslim #masjid #mosque

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 13, 2015 at 7:23am PDT

An interesting sight around downtown Madinah especially on the streets outside the Al-Nabawi grand mosque, are preparations for Iftar that begins around 5.30pm. Double-layered mats (to absorb the heat from the ground) are laid out all across town. Anyone, anybody can just sit and join in the Iftar - Ramadan after all, is a good month for charity. #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #umrah #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 13, 2015 at 1:20pm PDT

Meanwhile on the compounds of the Al-Nabawi, mats and sheets are also being laid out from about 5 pm onwards. It reaches fever pitch just half hour before Iftar where all spots will be taken up. You'll be lucky to find a seat if you arrive half hour before Iftar. #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #umrah #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 13, 2015 at 1:25pm PDT

A gentle note. #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #umrah #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 16, 2015 at 4:42am PDT

The last evening for Ramadan marks the last day for Iqtikaf. Folks who have spent the time "camping" are packing their items to leave the mosque. #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #umrah #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #syawal2015 #syawal1436 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #olloclip

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 16, 2015 at 12:20pm PDT

...go on, say what you like, but I'm just enjoying a cuppa frappucino on this first day of Syawal hehe (It's 20meters from gate 26 outside the grand mosque, next to H&M. You're welcome) #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #umrah #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #syawal2015 #syawal1438 #syawal #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #olloclip #starbucks

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 16, 2015 at 11:24pm PDT

Long queues at food stalls such as this kebab stall are abuzz during the daytime in first day of #Syawal after an absence during #Ramadan. #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #umrah #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #syawal2015 #syawal1438 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 16, 2015 at 11:27pm PDT

After about a month of Iqtikaf at the mosque during #Ramadan, where anybody and anyone can basically go "camping" in the mosque with the intention to observe prayers, the end of the road is here. After the morning #Eid prayers on first day of #Syawal, these guys has to clear the mosque. Meanwhile they stay at the compounds awaiting transport to take them back home. #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #umrah #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #syawal2015 #syawal1438 #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 17, 2015 at 12:48am PDT

Post-Jumaat solat, rooftop. The glare was too strong I couldn't see what I was shooting, to be honest. But He always surprises me with His gifts. Alhamdulillah #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #umrah #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #syawal2015 #syawal1438 #syawal #exploreMadina #exploremedina #madinah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #olloclip

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 17, 2015 at 4:16am PDT

Assalamualaikum. We last met 3 years ago. We met again hour past midnight. Your periphery is undergoing So Much cosmetic and structural changes. Regardless, you kept my center. #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #umrah #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #syawal2015 #syawal1438 #syawal #exploremakkah #makkah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #olloclip #kaabah #masjid #mosque #islam #muslim

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 17, 2015 at 7:59pm PDT

Center of the universe. Fajr. #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #umrah #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #syawal2015 #syawal1438 #syawal #exploremakkah #makkah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #olloclip #kaabah #islam #muslim #masjid #mosque

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 17, 2015 at 9:24pm PDT

Some pilgrims choose to be *really* close to the kaabah, although for some school of Islamic thought, prayers, clear intention and devotion would suffice. Wallahualam. #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #umrah #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #syawal2015 #syawal1438 #syawal #exploremakkah #makkah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #kaabah #olloclip #islam #muslim #masjid #mosque

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 18, 2015 at 5:24am PDT

Subhanallah. Overwhelming. #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #umrah #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #syawal2015 #syawal1438 #syawal #exploremakkah #makkah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #kaabah #olloclip #islam #muslim #masjid #mosque

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 18, 2015 at 5:25am PDT

The precision to keep the grand mosque clean, both inside and outside, is really incredible. You really gotta be there to witness the process at work. I caught them with this shot just as I was leaving after Zohor prayers. #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #umrah #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #syawal2015 #syawal1438 #syawal #exploremakkah #makkah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #kaabah #olloclip #masjid #mosque

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 18, 2015 at 5:29am PDT

Night falls. Post-Isya. #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #umrah #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #syawal2015 #syawal1438 #syawal #exploremakkah #makkah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #kaabah #olloclip #masjid #mosque #islam #muslim

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 18, 2015 at 1:05pm PDT

The Hijr Ibrahim. Subhanallah #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #umrah #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #syawal2015 #syawal1438 #syawal #exploremakkah #makkah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #kaabah #olloclip #masjid #mosque #islam #muslim

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 19, 2015 at 2:11am PDT

وَاقْصِدْ فِي مَشْيِكَ وَاغْضُضْ مِنْ صَوْتِكَ ۚ إِنَّ أَنْكَرَ الْأَصْوَاتِ لَصَوْتُ الْحَمِيرِ "And be moderate in thy pace, and lower thy voice; for the harshest of sounds without doubt is the braying of the ass." [31:19] #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #umrah #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #syawal2015 #syawal1438 #syawal #exploremakkah #makkah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #kaabah #olloclip #masjid #mosque #islam #muslim #Saee #ihram

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 20, 2015 at 5:39am PDT

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ أُولَٰئِكَ هُمْ خَيْرُ الْبَرِيَّةِ Those who have faith and do righteous deeds,- they are the best of creatures. [98:7] #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #umrah #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #syawal2015 #syawal1438 #syawal #exploremakkah #makkah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #kaabah #olloclip #masjid #mosque #islam #muslim

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 20, 2015 at 6:10am PDT

Dear #caitlynjenner, #courage is having the balls as a #woman in #hijab to actually push through the throng of alpha men and males, edging oneself into the push and shove to kiss this piece of heaven, the Hajr Aswad, at a corner of the #Kaabah. Subhanallah. (I only managed to touch it after 2 attempts by the way) #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #umrah #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #syawal2015 #syawal1438 #syawal #exploremakkah #makkah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #kaabah #olloclip #masjid #mosque #islam #muslim

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 23, 2015 at 2:01am PDT

Post #Tawaf & #Saee. Alhamdulillah #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #umrah #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #syawal2015 #syawal1438 #syawal #exploremakkah #makkah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #kaabah #olloclip #masjid #mosque #islam #muslim #ihram

A photo posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 19, 2015 at 8:19am PDT

Perpetually #umrah2015 #umrah1436 #umrah #ramadan2015 #ramadan1436 #syawal2015 #syawal1438 #syawal #exploremakkah #makkah #saudiarabia #alhamdulillah #kaabah #olloclip #masjid #mosque #islam #muslim #tawaf

A video posted by Sanif Olek (@sanifee) on Jul 20, 2015 at 7:42pm PDT