Hajj, A Journey of a Lifetime: An Insiders Look
#136
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 261
Sorry OP for hijacking your thread, but came across this article and thought of sharing:
http://edition.cnn.com/2014/10/08/wo...rticle_sidebar
http://edition.cnn.com/2014/10/08/wo...rticle_sidebar
#139
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: London
Posts: 18,343
I'm utterly heartbroken over the loss of (and injuries to) so many lives this year. I am extremely grateful for this trip report. You've shone a little light onto the Hajj experience which has been difficult for me to imagine. My thoughts are with the families and friends who have been affected, and what you have written has enabled those thoughts to feel closer to those involved.
#140
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 4
Isaifan, I'm new to Flyer Talk and did not see your post until today. Thank you for posting about your Hajj experience. I read The Autobiography of Malcom X around 45 years ago and remember being fascinated by his experience on a Hajj. Your pictures and descriptions were great.
Last edited by coumo; Sep 26, 2015 at 5:19 pm Reason: a minor change
#142
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: PDX
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Posts: 1,803
#144
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Thanks for bumping this thread. I greatly enjoyed rereading it.
#145
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: SEA
Posts: 3,945
This was one of, if not the most, fascinating trip reports I've ever read. As a western non-Muslim, I need to tell you that parts of it sound terrible () but I also think I understand the role of sacrifice and hardship involved in the journey. Medina looked beautiful, a place I wish I could visit, but I hear Saudi doesn't issue tourist visas.
Naturally, my mind gravitates toward the infrastructure. Again acknowledging the roles that sacrifice and hardship play into the experience, it seems to be a wealthy country could make a few things at least a little more safe/comfortable. Since pilgrims are generally traveling the same paths, rail to cover the longer distances instead of busses and drivers asleep at the wheel and such. It seems like you spent an inordinate amount of time waiting to get a bus or van to somewhere else, as well as the administrative immigration processes - things that don't seem to be related to the religious/spiritual experience - could definitely be smoothed out. I don't mention that to be critical, it's just what I was getting anxious about as I read through the report! I was glad to hear you made it through without some kind of injury.
This was awesome to read. Thank you for writing it up in this much detail with all of the pictures.
Naturally, my mind gravitates toward the infrastructure. Again acknowledging the roles that sacrifice and hardship play into the experience, it seems to be a wealthy country could make a few things at least a little more safe/comfortable. Since pilgrims are generally traveling the same paths, rail to cover the longer distances instead of busses and drivers asleep at the wheel and such. It seems like you spent an inordinate amount of time waiting to get a bus or van to somewhere else, as well as the administrative immigration processes - things that don't seem to be related to the religious/spiritual experience - could definitely be smoothed out. I don't mention that to be critical, it's just what I was getting anxious about as I read through the report! I was glad to hear you made it through without some kind of injury.
This was awesome to read. Thank you for writing it up in this much detail with all of the pictures.
#147
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 240
This is truly a genuine and fantastic trip report for which may ALLAH grant you all HIS blessings. As an Arab I do feel pained to see the facilities so poorly maintained. Yes indeed the reward for Haj is infinite mercy but there is no excuse for poor sanitation and dirt. A large cause is usually due to the "jahl" or ignorance of many people - totally opposite to what Islam teaches. Again I am thanking you sincerely for this utterly comprehensive and well written trip report.