Kaaba, The epicenter of our tiny planet where mill...

Kaaba, The epicenter of our tiny planet where millions of our kind and the unknown pray to the Almighty Allah ST the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth.

The Divine Blessing are almost inevitable the moment you see this Dark edifice which dates back to thousands of years, as soon as you approach the inner doors of Haram.

My experience of entering the Holiest of all place was in the last leg of Ramadan 2017. And the memory is still fresh in my mind, when I had my first sight at the Kaaba. I was overwhelmed with emotions, it's an experience that is beyond explanation.

I have been on the best beaches in the world, been on cruises and seen the highest peeks in the world. There is no experience as this one. It is human s closest direct contact with Creator, on this planet.

We stayed at the Raffles, Clock Tower, due to close proximity and being inside haram, all being a convenient for my elderly mother. People would pay crazy money for top suite overlooking the beach or the ocean or the mountains but would refrain from doing the same when they visit the Holy site.

My mother was suffering from Osteoarthritis pain in both knees at that time, but Alhamdulillah she did most of the Umrah on her own feet and still would have the energy and zest to pray as much more as possible. There are plenty of wheelchairs, foldable chairs inside Haram, you will always find one.

Later that year, she had some non-invasive treatment done for the same problem and Alhamdulillah she is almost cured.

I had the opportunity to stand first or second row behind Imam Kaaba for an afternoon prayer. To my surprise, shock and utter disappointment, I was amazed the kind of protocol he gets. 2-3 cleaners first wipe the floor, lay down special carpet, connect in a portable Honeywell Air-Con, put chilled water bottles by the side and then comes the Imam like an emperor of the Kingdom. I understand he requires security guards in this date and time but all other lavish protocol does not commensurate with our religion. Our Prophet Muhammad (SAW) believed and enjoyed in simple lifestyle. If Allah ST most favorite Prophet can bear the heat of Mecca, why not incumbent Imams (there is not one but many, I have been told one for each prayer.)?

I was brought up in an ostentatious lifestyle and studying in western universities and being flamboyant, I was never too close to religion and/or Allah ST. But Alhamdulillah He choose me to be closer to Him and have faith in Him. And I see myself as a better human being, more content person, closest to family and above all having an eternal faith in Him.

It is an experience that you will not forget. It is mind-body-soul's Divine spa; it shall rejuvenate and replenish you and if you are lucky enough you may even experience super-natural.

Highly-Highly recommended for the lost souls who just turned onto the right trajectory but still skeptical about their prospects. One single prayer is multiplied one-hundred-thousand-times for the sawab you get, so greed is at your advantage. Make the most of your stay! Have a Blessed Umrah!