Zalim Yara, I totally agree with your POV, I was also trying to say the same thing, but it came out a little different. You are absolutely right that it is not the physical or matter peculiarities of these places that one should seek, but the metaphysical. To me, going there is a reminder to oneself the great things upon which this great religion was formed. I do agree with all you have said.
Tawaaf and Sa’ai are the only requirements of Umra. Rest are all optional. And one important factor, right after you get to Mecca with the intention of Umra, the first thing that you have to do is an umra, after setting ur luggage in a hotel. U cannot eat or sleep, or shake off ur fatigue before u do so.
About aab-e-zamzam, lots of different stories have emerged about it over the years. Notably, one that came out in the late 70s, early 80s, when a European think tank came up with the conclusion that since Mecca is at a very low altitude, all the sewerage of the city is pulled towards the center, and hence, aab-e-zamzam is tainted with city sewerage.
In response to that, the then King Faisal told the same commission to organize a team that would come and extract water samples from the well, and eventually test them at their own labs. As expected, the tests proved that there was no sign of sewerage in the water. However, they did find several chemicals in it, that were found to be in much higer quantities than in regular water. And none of those chemicals were found to be detrimental to human health, only helpful.
Very informative thread! But it is missing a key ingredient - cost!
What kind of cost in US$ we're talking about, let's say for air travel from US, accomodation, food, local travel, etc for a couple for 1 week period?
Thanks in advance!
AbdulMalick - we are flying by Saudi Airlines from London to Karachi (via Jeddah or Riyadh) and on the way back via Jeddah - staying 4 days for UMRAH. The total air fare for both of us is just over $1400 US Dollars (incl taxes).
I understand that a taxi from Jeddah to Makkah can cost about 50 dollars both ways (but much cheaper if you share). Don’t know how much form Mecca to Medina (its about 400 km).
We are provisionally booked into the Makkah Hilton - at around $85 Dollars a night (corporate rate) - but we are going to stay in the normal hotels that pilgrims stay in which are basic but suitable for our purpose (Ibadah) - they are very cheap I think some 20 US Dollars a night?
I guess food is quite cheap as well - so overall costs are not likely to be more than 2000 dollars? - could be more if you are coming from the states I guess?
Others maybe able to help further
Do not consume regular tap water. Diahhorea (sp) is pretty common there and so are allergies, soar throat, stomach cramps etc, better make a trip to the local Walgreens and / or Eckerds and stalk-up on OTC(over the counter) medicines.
salam bros and sis’s
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well malik bro im really glad to find out that u r going MECCA for UMRA. GOD BLESS U AND UR WIFE
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well there is no limit on doing umra its a house of our ALLAH and as he said worship him as much as it is possible for u . one thing 4got to tell u i was born in SaudiArabia and have lived 14 years of life over there now its been 6years didnt got a chance to visit over there. one suggestion i would like to give that go to SaudiArabia by JEDDAH airport cuz it is much better then RIYADH’S . and if u get a chance do go every where in jeddah cuz its a fun place to b . i will tell u some places to go if u wana meet paki ppl over there. There is an area in jeddah called AL-AZIZIYAH , which is a paki ppl place and ull find it just like pakistan and will like to suggest u some food , which are ** TAMIYAH, MUTTABAKH, AL-BAIKH, AND SHAWWARMA** thse are the delicious food which u will only find in MECCA na djeddah , o yeah 4got to tell u about ** AL FAKI TAZEEJ** its a food but will not going to tell u of what cuz u have to figure it out by ur self.
well have my best wishes for ur umrah , may god bless u
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jeette_raho bache
Babaji Bahut Bahut Shukriya
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- seeing the sights of Jeddah was not in my plan, but I am going to give it some serious thought now…thanks.
How about Medina - whats the best way of getting there? Can one see the sights of Medina in one day (with one night stay)?
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P.S. Thanks for the advice Zman bhai…
well the important things in MADINA are MASJID-E-QUBBA , MASJID-E-QIBLATAIN and JANATULBAQEEH and of course MASJID-E-NABWI.
and yes there are many other mosques but in one night stay these are the most important mosques. have fun their
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jeette_raho bache
Thanks BabaSaeen - you’re a phir!
no im an ordinary person
jeette_raho bache