UMRAH

My Spiritual Journey (22nd Sep 06 -16th Oct 06):

Pilgrims are the visitors of Allah. If they ask Him, He gives what they ask. If they seek His forgiveness, He forgives them.

22nd September 2006

A blessed pilgrimage is better than this world and all it contains. The reward is Paradise. Speaking well and feeding the poor make the pilgrimage blessed.

Start from Bangalore 8:30 P.M to Mumbai mode Kingfisher Airline

Flying for the first time is a memorable experience especially for some one like me who had been to airport n’ number of times to pickup or see-off family members or friends, and all the small talk about peoples flying experiences, it used to be sounding strange to me when people say its jittering experience, some felt nausea, headache and some ones “I didn’t feel any thing”. And my Bhijan had called up some time back and said “If you feel uncomfortable in flight, don’t hesitate, take flight attendees help”.

Kingfisher, which calls its stewardesses "hostesses", provides a personal valet service and goes the extra air-mile to treat its passengers like guests.
One hour flight was comfortable; I discovered I was among “I didn’t feel any thing” category of people.

23rd September 2006

I was instructed by my travel agent to visit Saudi Arabian airlines office, Nariman Point, to reconfirm my travel plane (as we don’t have Saudi Arabian airlines office in Bangalore) and it was mandatory because it was a huge season time, and one doesn’t get disappointed after reaching airport.

Mumbai's business district, Nariman Point, was named after former corporator Khursheed Framji Nariman. Nariman Point is located on land reclaimed from the sea.It houses some of the premier business establishments such as Air India, Central Bank of India, Indian Express, Mittal Towers, State Bank of India, The Oberoi Hotel and so on.Once reaching there the whole office was a big kios, peoples and families ware waiting at enquiry desk arguing and counter-arguing I discovered the next days flight to Jeddah was canceled due to some technical reasons. On my turn I was told to come the next day and get by boarding pass.

I was free for the day, I had plan to my meet my old friends and my ex-colleagues

24th September 2006

My stay in Mumbai would have been incomplete without a visit to Shivaji Park where I used to spend most of my evenings earlier. For people who don’t know, Shivaji Park has a history of its own it is a main akhada for Shivsana in Mumbai
Shivaji Park has seen it all - the fight for independence, the quest for Sanyukta Maharashtra; to the big rallies of the day, meetings and demonstrations; the huge park or rather ground is almost like a historical monument by itself.
Today, the ground/park boasts of a modern Gymkhana, a Ganpati Mandir, a mini children park Chhatrapati Shivaji's idol.
The park is situated on the North-East part of Mumbai and since it is located in such a key position in the city, making it a hot spot for conducting huge rallies, public meetings, conferences, so on and so forth.
I had some nice time on the sea side of the Shivaji Park tasting the hot spicy chat on the sea shore listening to the waves of Arabian Sea in the company of my local friends, this are the moments one cherishes for a long time.

25th September 2006

Starting from Mumbai 7:00 A.M to Jeddah mode Saudi Arabian Airlines

My flight was scheduled for 10:30 morning, and I was instructed to check in three hours in advance (thanks to Al-Quida) and after reaching there I found out my flight was delayed for another 2-2:30 hours. In airport I changed into iaram

Saudi Arabian Airlines
Civil aviation has grown in parallel with the Kingdom's ambitious development plans. Its advantage over road and rail in terms of speed for users has made it the transportation mode of choice and its contribution to the Kingdom's successful progress cannot be over-estimated. Of its history, Saudi Arabian Airlines makes the following proud claims: The airline has played a vital role in the development of the country. Well before the Kingdom's road network was built, Saudi Arabian Airlines made possible access to the most remote areas of the country, providing a network of transport and communication that was essential for the development of commerce and industry, education, health care and other urban amenities. Internationally, Saudi Arabian Airlines has also played an important role in the Kingdom's development. Within two years of its founding, Saudi Arabian Airlines began operations outside the Kingdom. Within the space of a little more than a decade, it became the region's largest airline. Today, with over 12 million passengers carried each year and an international network linking 50 cities on four continents, Saudi Arabian Airlines is one of the world's major airlines and ranks 15th among the 165 member airlines of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).


After my three and half hours comfortable journey on the window seat and a quick stop at Dammam’s King Fahad International airport, I was ready to set foot in holy land.

Setting foot on the Holy land is an overwhelming experience especially for a person who has gone through the historical facts innumerable times about the place of origin of Islam which I and my forefathers practice.

I was expecting my brother to be waiting at airport to pick me up, but instead there was one young Arab to receive all visitors for Umrah and take them to Mecca. I tried to explain him that I am expecting my brother to pick me up, he told me in broken English “I ministry of Haj and tourism, I take you to Mecca”. I escaped him and went to foreign exchange counter and exchanged Indian rupees to some 300 Saudi Riyals and bought a Prepaid Jawal Card and called brother who was on other part of airport with uncle searching me, we had a small drive outside the airport to a nearby mosque to break our fast and perform our Magrib prayers. Then visited uncle’s place had our dinner, my brother changed into ihram and uncle gave us a drop to a place called Bab-Macca (Gate of Mecca) from there we took a taxi for a one hour drive to Mecca.

The Holy City of Makkah

The Holy City of Makkah, which lies inland 73 kilometers east of Jeddah, is the place where the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was born - the place where God's message was first revealed to him and the city to which he returned after the migration to Madinah in 622 AD. Makkah is the holiest city on earth to Muslims. Five times each day, the world's one billion Muslims, wherever they may be, turn to the Holy City of Makkah to pray. And at least once in their lives, all Muslims who are not prevented by personal circumstance perform the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Makkah. Thus each year the Holy City of Makkah is host to some two million hajjis (pilgrims) from all over the world. The Holy Mosque in Makkah houses the Kaaba, in the corner of which is set the Black Stone which marks the starting point for the seven circumambulations of the Holy Mosque.


After washing our hands and feet (Wadu) we entered Haram. There is a saying that on your first sight on Kaaba what ever you ask for from Allah will be granted to you, so I was asking for the good in this world and the next world and escape from the fire of hell. From the very first step in the mosque one can see the black gilaf of Kaaba (literary meaning: The cube), as you keep walking towards it you can see the whole cubical structure Kaaba which is the most adored piece of structure all Muslim men and women intend to see. We performed our Isan prayers and Taravay prayers and headed for arkans of Umrah.

“Here I am at Your service, O Allah, here I am. You have no partner, here I am. You alone deserve all praise and gratitude. To You belongs all favors, blessings and sovereignty and You have no partner.”

Arkans of Umrah.
Performed four rakath of nafil Salah in the order of 2X2 (first two rakath salah for entry of mosque and two rakath salah at Moqamay-Ibrahim (Place of Ibrahim)
Start Tawaf from the left-hand side corner of the door of Kaaba at the place of Hajray-Aswat (Stone of Heaven), there is a green light to give you the mark, the first three rounds has to be completed with a slightly faster phase (Rumy) and the rest four rounds on a normal phase
After Tawaf, one has to go to Safa Marwa to complete his Sahi (seven rounds between mountain Safa and mountain Marwa) imitating he act of Mother Hajera who was running between this two mountains in search of water for her infant son Ismail.
Lastly one has to shave his head or trim the hair and the arkans of Umrah are complete.

26th September 2006

Hunting for accommodation is an interesting opportunity to know and interact with local people and expatriate. I was looking for accommodation for my stay in Mecca

My brother recommended me about a place called “Hydrabad Guest House” in Mecca who entertain guest on a nominal charge or no charges (do you believe that). This is how the explanation goes:

Story1: During the Hydrabad Nawab’s time he used to finically help Saudi King with a monthly sum of money (before oil was discovered in Saudi Arabia) in return Saudi’s King used to entertain Nawab’s guests thus “Hydrabad Guest House”. So the Saudis Royal family still maintains this place for all the guests sent by Nawab’s family

Story2: Hydrabad Nawab’s son or grandson who is settled in Australia financially supports for the maintenance of this place in memory of Nawab of Hydrabad

Whatever the fact is I was not Nawab’s guest (without a letter from the Nawab’s family) and the “Hydrabad Guest House” was house full as they said it usually is. But the whole thing was fascinating for me to know

You can find a Hotel from anywhere between 5000 SR to 50SR per day depending upon your taste and your disposable income. You can find all the major five star plus hotels like Le Meridian, Hayat etc, with their windows viewing Haram. After seeing a few Hotels I settled down with decent ten floors Hotel without a name half a kilometer down the Haram. It is a wall to wall carpeted four bed AC room without a TV or Refrigerator and twin sharing bathroom, that’s the best I found for 70SR per day without having a big hole in my purse.

There are few more things to be told about this Hotel and the staff here which I will be telling later. After settling down at my new place we spent rest of the day in Haram for Prayers and braking fast.

27th September 2006

Early in the morning my brother left to Jeddah for his driving license test. Normally one will feel left alone in foreign land, but that is not how I felt, I felt like coming home, coming to my place my own place do you believe that I felt like I have been in this place all the time the Haram, the streets, the people, the mountains and the climate it was not logical but its true.

I was on my own doing things I had come to do standing face to face with Allah (it may sound dramatic to read) not physically but one can feel it you know it. One can sit and watch Kaaba all day and still not feel enough. You can see people from all races all countries all walks of life humbly doing Tawaf or Praying or reading Quran or just watching Kaaba as me. So many people, lacks and lacks of people have gathered without any worldly reasons, just one reason belief in “There is no God but Allah and Mohammed (Peace be upon him) is his Messenger”. This belief is with which people have come and assembled here, there is no profile or designation or worldly achievements tagged to a human being all are same brothers and sisters in Islam, as one family. And this is a get to gather of a family, that is how I see it. Here there is no sects of Islam no Shia no Sunni no Sayed no Bhori no Khoja or any thing here. No one says you to pray in one way or the other or you do your rituals one way or the other. Because the head of the family “Allah” is watching you, each one of you, watching your body your mind your heart and everyone is thinking about himself and humbly asking for His grace on himself and his loved ones and whole humanity.

In the late night(I have to mention here, it is only in the night, shops, restaurants and businesses are open in Ramadan in the daylight the whole city looks deserted as everyone is fasting, I later learnt eating in public during daytime is punishable offence) I started out looking for food which suites my taste. One can find different cuisines here Lebanese grilled, baked or sautéed in olive oil to Turkish Sis kebab, Doner kebab, Tandir to Americas KFC to Saudis dishes contain meat, rice, wheat, vegetables and spices that give these recipes a special flavor, Saudi Arabia's most famous dishes is Al-Kabsa, Al-Mandi, Al-Mathbi, Aysh abu laham to china’s chicken soup and Hakka Noodles to Indian and Pakistani biryanis, kormas, koftas, kababs.

Its mouth watering right but take it from me not everything testes good.

28th September 2006

There are 365 days in a year and there is one date 28th September which I can’t forget for simple reason it’s my “Happy Birthday”. Phone calls and wishes started poring down from early morning, from family, friends, loved ones and colleagues.

I don’t know weather it’s a coincidence or I subconsciously plan it that way, I had been traveling on or around my birthday for at least ten years. Any how I would like to do something new, something I have never done before for at list once in a year, as the Emirates Airlines slogan says “When was the last time, you did something for the first time”. This year I did some thing for the first time, left my home land and exploring the Holy land, place of origin of Islam, place where my beloved prophet leaved. I am happy and I am thankful to “Allah” to give me this privilege and experience.

My Brother-in-law (Bhijan) came down from Yenbu to give me company on my birthday and he was in ihram for his Umrah, I also accompanied him for Tawaf. After his Umrah and Iftar (Braking fast) we had lavish dinner for my birthday in a Pakistani restaurant Tayaba near by to Haram. We had spicy lamb curry with tadoori rotis and biriyani with Pepsi the food was good it tasted similar to our Indian taste (ghar ka khana).

29th September 2006

In the morning we had plans to go to Zeearah (vist historic places in and around Mecca) but our hotel guy Nasir bhi asked us to postpone our plans as Friday prayers at Haram is more important and we were supposed to be at Haram few hours in advance for 12:15 p.m prayer as it would be to difficult to find place in Haram for the prayers as the local people will also come down form Mecca city and nearby cities as Friday is the holiday of the week and no one would like to miss Friday prayers in Haram during Ramadan.

Hearing about all this we started for Friday prayers at 10 a.m that is more than two hours in advance, I was in traditional attire jhuba paijama (presented by my aunty for the travel) it was looking like Eid, people were walking form all direction towards Haram one can see people from different countries Syrians, Egyptians, Africans, Asians, Japanese, Chinese, European, American most of them in loosely fitted Arabian attire a long sleeved one piece dress that covers the whole body, called a "Dishdashah" or "Thoub" and women, Some women dress in clothes that do not cover their faces or hair, while others cover them. For example, a very conservative woman might wear a long black garment called "Abayah" that covers her body from the shoulders down to her feet. And old and infants helped in the wheelchair and infants pushing chariots, it’s a fascinating scene to see, thousands and lacks of people moving towards Haram without any worldly reason, in the hot sunlight without food or water without extravagant clothing or pomp and show. All the businesses closed for the day, locals the expairaits who have huge showrooms, big exclusive outlets and super malls shutting down their business centers and looking for a place in Haram for the Friday prayers. Even with such a big crowd one can rarely see police or law enforcing authority, everyone is on their own self evaluation as they go to stand in front of “Allah”.

The Friday prayer started at twelve fifteen with a small fifteen minute speech in Arabic by the Imam (one who leads the prayer) who stands on the three step diace (mimbar) which is pulled at the right hand side of the door of Kaaba, after the speech everyone stand united for salah and dua.


30th September 2006

In late afternoon I visited Jeddah and Red sea

The name Jeddah meaning the "Ancestor of Women" is attributable to the tomb in the city which is believed to belong to Eve. Today, it is not however possible to see that interesting place since the Saudi Arabian government had the tomb destroyed for the reason that it would instigate perversions (bidat) in the religion. Jeddah is second largest city after Riyadh, it is the main port of the Kingdom on the Red Sea and main gate through which most of the pilgrims arrive by air and sea to perform Umrah, Haj or to visit the two holy mosques. Area inhabited is more than 1,500 km, and population is more than one and half million. Jeddah is an industrial and active commercial center, with modern features, squares and courtyards. It is an important tourism center, with an eighty kilometer long beautiful sea shore on the Red Sea coast. Jeddah also comprises the King Abdul Aziz University, King Abdul Aziz International Airport and Jeddah Islamic Port. King Fahd Fountain is located inside the Red Sea, near the coast, is an outstanding feature of the port of Jeddah particularly during the night when it sends beautiful colored water up to two hundred and sixty meters (and listed in Guinness World Records as the highest in the world which can reach 312 meters (1,023.62 feet), and can be seen from very far distances).
Jeddah as the most liberal and cosmopolitan of Saudi cities in spite of its historic role as port and gateway to the holy city of Mecca. For over years, Jeddah has received millions of pilgrims of different ethnicities and backgrounds, from Africa, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe and Middle East, many of whom remained and became citizens of the city. As a result, Jeddah is much more ethnically diverse than most Saudi cities and its culture more eclectic in nature. Different nationalities of Muslims often prescribe to different sects of Islam, and the presence of these sects has helped make the city relatively more tolerant traditionally. Added to the traditional diversity, the oil-boom of the past 50 years has brought hundreds of thousands of new economic immigrants and foreign workers from non-Muslim countries such as the US, Europeans, Thailand, and the Philippines.
There’s a great combination between tradition/religion and open mindedness. Women are being allowed to do more things, Women have top job positions and are seen as a productive part of the community. at the same time, religion plays a huge role in the city, shops close during prayer, women and men are mostly seen wearing traditional clothing and as much as u complain about it at the time, you learn to love it! Shopping here is great as well, we also got amazing beaches and lots of cafes.

Places to see:
Tahliya, the main shopping Street.
Corniche, the Red Sea shore.
Balad, the old town. (Ancient buildings and traditional souks).
Gold Souk.
Durrat Al-Arouse, Jeddah's main resort.
Jeddah's fountain. The highest in the world.

Historians who are not quite so enthusiastic about this particular tradition, however, trace Jeddah's existence to 2,500 years ago, when it was only a little village, home of the Quda'a tribe which survived on the great variety of fish they could find in the Red Sea. The village happened to be located in such a strategic and convenient place that it soon grew into a center of commerce which facilitated trade between the Mediterranean and the Eastern countries. Eventually, Jeddah acquired an even greater importance when Caliph Othman bin Affan declared it the official port of the Holy Cities. This, in fact, marked a turning point in Jeddah's future not only because of new possibilities for commerce but also because of the arrival of pilgrims coming from all over the world, many of whom took residence in the city.
The construction of the wall took place in order to protect Jeddah against the aggressors of that time, such as the Portuguese who, in 1516 AD, laid siege to the city for three months. But, in spite of all, Jeddah continued growing in importance and by 1825 --now under the control of the Ottomans-- began receiving its first diplomatic representatives from Europe (France and Britain). For that reason, it used to be called Bilad al Kanasil (The City of Consulates). It was also known as al-Balad or just Balad, a name which it still keeps today along with "Old Jeddah."

1st October 2006

Nafil tawaf: can be performed any time and as many times as possible. Next to the congregational prayer, this is the best worship to perform in The Holy Mosque. It is superior to nafil salah in The Holy Mosque. During your stay in Mecca, I tried to perform as many nafil tawaf as possible. There is no sahe after nafil tawaf. I was told to beware of pickpockets. Despite the tough laws, the crowded environment of The Hajj provides easy opportunities for these criminals.

Janazah prayer is conducted after almost every congregational prayer. One has to learn this prayer before you leave for The Holy Land so that there will be greater depth to your participation in this prayer.
I heard about Kissing Hajr-al-Aswad for a fee of SR 450!!! I do not know whether this is a con job or a service provided by a syndicate. Some pilgrims have been approached discreetly by individuals offering this service. DO NOT accept this offer. Just make a niyah to kiss Hajr-al-Aswad. If it is in the will of Allah for you, it will happen.

Nasir Bhi loadge

The Saudis are a proud people with a closed society, but circumstances have caused them to play an important role in current world affairs. The author has lived and worked in Saudi Arabia and has extensively used his contacts there to provide up-to-date material. Saudi culture developed through age-old interactions between the Arabian peoples and their harsh desert environment. Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam, and the basic Islamic values of Saudi culture have remained to this day. The themes of an ancient desert society infused with Islam values on a collision course with modernity are interplayed throughout chapters on the land, people, and history, traditional Islamic culture and modernization, the extended family and gender roles, cuisine and dress, social customs, rites of passage, and holidays, communication and mass media, and artistic expression. Color photos and a map, chronology, and glossary round out the narrative.


2nd October 2006

It is common for those wearing glasses to remove it and place it in front before starting their prayer. Never do this in both mosques. The likelihood of your glasses being stepped on by others is 99% mine was out of shape, and some how I managed to get it right that saved me a trip optical shop. After finishing your prayer, extend your hand of greetings to those sitting near you. Mention your name and country to them. This creates an atmosphere of friendship with Muslims from other lands. Extending such greetings is common practice in some countries only. Whenever I did this, there was usually hesitation and surprise followed by a smile and and a very warm handshake.My Brother-in-law made a second visit with his friend, for yet another Umrah. But I some how didn’t buy the idea to do out of city (Mikat area) to change into ihram for multiple Umrah, which was recommended to me.


3rd October 2006

Zeyarath- visiting places in Mecca of religious importance
Arafat- Arafat plain, 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Mecca, One has to be there from noon of the 9th of Dhul-Hijja (during Haj time) to sunset. Pilgrims pray at Jabal Al Rahma, the mountain of mercy, in the plain of Arafat outside Mecca. The pilgrims go to Mount Arafat, symbolising the final judgment at the scene of Muhammad's last sermon 14 centuries ago.
Mudzalifah -After Arafat, the next Hajj rite is at Mudzalifah. on the evening of 9 Dhul-Hijja after the Maghrib prayers, he said the pilgrims would leave for Muzdalifah for an overnight stay where they would collect pebbles for the stoning rites at Jamrat in Mina where they would put up for the next three nights before returning to Mecca.
Mina- The city of tents. Symbolic for "Stoning of Satan". Here pilgrims will also slaughter a sheep in memory of Abraham's readiness to sacrifice his son Ismail for God before the boy's life was spared, starting Eid al-Adha, the feast of sacrifice celebrated by Muslims the world over.
Jabal-al-Noor -Jabal-al-Noor or the Mountain of Light is where Prophet received the first revelation from God through Gabriel. When driving to Mecca it is easy to see, it stands like an eagle watching over the holy city. It is possible to make the trek up to the cave where Prophet actually received the revelation, and stand outside it which is a pretty amazing moment.
Jabal-al-Thawr -The Mountain is notable for housing a cave known as Qar al-Thawr (cave of the Bull), in where the Prophet and Abu Bakr hid from their persecutors, the Banu Quraish during the migration to Medina. This is the cave that the Hadith of Abu Bakr and Prophet in the cave refer to.
Jannat al-Mualla-This is a burial ground where the Prophet's ancestors, his wife Sayyida Khadija, Abu Talib and many other pious personalities are buried here.
Masjid-E-Jinn - Masjid-E-Jinn is the site where the jinn gathered to listen to the recitation of the Holy Quran (Islamic culture believes in the existence of Jinns).
Palm Tree Mosque -It was in the Palm Tree Mosque that he launched an attack against the deculturisation of Muslim women when he stated that they should cover their head and wear hijab.
Visiting all this places was like going back fourteen centuries an overwhelming feeling.

4th October 2006

Starting from Mecca to Madinah mode SAPTCO

I packed my hand bag with all the things I needed for my week long stay in Madinah and headed for bus terminal. I had to appreciate the kind of arrangement done for transport of pilgrimages. One can buy a return ticket for Makkah to Madinah for 76 SR and every non Arabian has to produce his passport to conform his travel. SAPTCO are a fleet of air-condition buses with a set of seating arrangements women and families in first half of the bus and individual men in the rare seats. The over night journey was comfortable with a single stop at road side restaurant (dhaba) for mid-night meal.

Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO)

With the building of the road network, it became possible to expand the public
transport services. In 1399 AH (1979), the Saudi Public Transport Company
(SAPTCO) was established. From small beginnings, SAPTCO has grown into a
national bus service, providing cheap public transport within and between major
population centers. SAPTCO's services continue to expand as it increases the
size of its fleet and upgrades the quality of its vehicles. Each year, SAPTCO
faces and meets a particular challenge when pilgrims arrive from all over the
Kingdom and from all over the world to perform the annual pilgrimage to the Holy
Cities of Makkah and Madinah. It assigns about 2,000 buses every season for
services in the Holy Cities. It also operates regular international passenger
services between the Kingdom and Egypt, Jordan, Syria, the United Arab Emirates,
Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Turkey.

A prayer in my mosque is a thousand times more excellent than a prayer in any other mosque, except Masjid-al-Haram.[Prophet Muhammd, s.a.w.]

5th October 2006

Exploring Madinah

The Holy City of Madinah
Madinah, which lies 447 kilometers north of the Holy City of Makkah, is the
second holiest city in Islam. It was to Madinah that the Prophet Muhammad, peace
be upon him, and his followers, faced by the hostility and persecution of the
Makkhan merchants, departed in 622 AD - and, when the citizens of Madinah asked
the Prophet to live amongst them and to arbitrate in their affairs (an
invitation taken to mean their rejection of polytheism and submission to the
will of the one God, Allah), it was in Madinah that the Islamic era began.
Madinah is then the city of the Prophet. As the place in which the Holy Quran
was compiled and from which the Prophet's companions administered the affairs of
the Muslim community, it was the seat of the first Islamic state. From Madinah,
armies, spreading the word of the Prophet, were dispatched to Egypt, Persia and
Syria.

My Brother-in-law (Bhijan) made his third visit to show me around Madinah.

Masgid-ul-Nabavi (Mosque of Prophet) is the biggest mosque I have seen. The internal of mosque as the same as any mosque except that this had been Prophets house as well. And later from this place all the Muslim where administrated during Prophets and Caliph’s time. Masgid-ul-Nabavi is also the place in which the Prophet, peace be upon him, was buried.

In front of the Holy Tomb. One goes to the grave of the Prophet (peace be upon him),
and standing in front of it and facing it, say in a respectful and hushed voice say: "Assalamu alaika, ayyuhan-nabiyya wa rahmatul-lahi wa barakatuhu" (Peace be on you, O Prophet, and the mercy and blessings of Allah.) After this say: "Assalatu was-salamu alaika ya Rasul-Allah. Assalatu was-salamu alaika ya Nabi-yallah." "Assalatu was-salamu alaika ya Habib-Allah." Then supplicate to Allah for good things in this life and the life after death. You may use the same supplication recited earlier during the Tawaf : "Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina azabin nar."
Do not make my grave a place of festivity and merry-making (but) invoke blessings upon me for your blessings will reach me, wherever you may be. [Prophet Muhammad, s.a.w.]
Then say Salam on Abu Bakr Siddique, the first Caliph who is buried next (right and stand) to Prophet. Greet him and supplicate to bestow His mercy and forgiveness on him.
Then say Salam on Umar Al Farooq, the second Caliph. Again move a little to the right before the grave of Umar ( may Allah be pleased with him), and greet him and make supplication for him.
Jannat al-Baqee. The graveyard of Madinah, where a large number of Al Sahabah Al Kiram (companions of the Prophet) including Usman, Abbas, Hassan (the grandson of the Prophet), and wives and daughters of the Holy Prophet are buried. This graveyard is close to the tomb of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), right after the courtyard of Masjid-e-Nabawi.


6th October 2006

Friday prayer in Madeena

It is recommended to offer forty prayers (Salat) in the Prophet’s Mosque, but it is not a requirement of any kind. It is only Mustahab, i.e., rewarding if done, but if not done there is no sin.
I love Medina. I have yet to meet a person who has not been captivated by this city.
Between my house and my mimbar is a garden from the gardens of Paradise.[Prophet Muhammad, s.a.w.]
Unlike in Mekkah here one has to go much in advance for the Friday prayers as the big mosque is not enough to accommodate the crowd. We had to go on the terrace where they had arranged for a sliding temporary roof to give enough protection from the blazing sun and heat.


7th October 2006

The Hotel I was staying in was managed by one expect form India, who was running this hotel form few years now, there is some information I want to share here in Saudi Arabia foreigners are not allowed to buy property so most of the business and Hotels which are operating are illegal, every business a foreigner is into has to be in the name of a Saudi nationality (Kafil) and he is paid a good amount of money to run the show, but it is again very risky for a foreigner because irrespective of the huge investment he has done and the business he has established there is no legal document in his name, so if he doesn’t keep a good business relationship with the Kafil, a Kafil may through him out and take over all of his assets as legally he is the owner if it.

This noon I sat in the reception area of the Hotel (skipping the hot dry sun) to have the feel of the place, one tends to know more about the place meeting the locals and the one who had been staying long. Amjad a native of Uttar Pradesh, India, had been working in Saudi since eight years, he said earlier he used to do odd jobs his first job was a cook in the pickup restaurant in the residential area in Madinah. He was not a cook in India he had just passed out of graduation and his elder two brothers who were working in Saudi since fifteen years facilitated him to join them. Gradually he learnt the secrets of trade and climbed up the ladder to become the chief cook in just two years, then later managed the same restaurant for next three years before joining the Hotel business, as it demanded less physical stress and good money, and like always there was a good demand for accommodation for pilgrims from throughout the world. He spoke Arabic well as well he learnt languages of neighboring countries like Lebanese and Turkish. I inquired him about Arabic Language, this was his saying
Arabic is one of the oldest groups of languages in the world. The precise origins of the Arabic language are unknown but it is certain that the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula were the first to use it in pre-Islamic times. With the expansion of Islam and Islamic culture in the 7th century AD, the Arabic language spread north, east and west..
The Arabic language is today one of the world's most widely spoken languages.
There are some 200 million Arabic speakers in more than 20 countries. Arabic is
the official language of many Arab nations in the Middle East and northern Africa, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria and Tunisia. There are two types of Arabic, written and spoken.
Written (Classical) Arabic serves as the standard written language of all Arab nations. It is the language of the Holy Quran, the sacred book of the Islam. Arabs use a spoken form of written Arabic for formal speech, radio and TV news broadcasts and in films, plays and poetry. This form also serves as a common spoken language for Arabs from all parts of the Arabic-speaking world who have their own dialects for every day speech. In addition, the languages of many other nations have been enriched by Arabic. Many Arabic words will be found in the vocabularies of countries as far apart as Spain and Iran, Turkey and India. It was, after all, the Arabs who not only gave the world the word algebra but the branch of mathematics which it denotes.


Later in the day I watched a movie in the comforts of my room -We Were Soldiers in my hotel room in between my spiritual phase in the holy land was like coming back to realty that is world is not that simple, where you can do what you like to do, there are lots of other external factors like wars, natural calamities tsunamis, earthquakes, too heavy rain or too little rain, job or joblessness, too many laws or inadequate laws or unlawful law makers. Any how watching a movie in between my spiritual journey had its own set of questions for me, this is how the story for this movie goes
In a place soon to be known as The Valley of Death, in a small clearing called landing zone X-Ray, Lt. Colonel Hal Moore (Mel Gibson) and 400 young fathers, husbands, brothers, and sons, all troopers from an elite American combat division, were surrounded by 4,000 North Vietnamese soldiers. The ensuing battle was one of the most savage in U.S. history. We Were Soldiers Once...And Young is a tribute to the nobility of those men under fire, their common acts of uncommon valor, and their loyalty to and love for one another.

8th October 2006

Early morning after my morning prayers I was caught in a debate on Geo News (a Pakistani channel one of the six channels which were available to me on my television). The debate was on “September 11 and its Aftermath on the Muslim World”. Interesting enough subject to keep me glued to the screen here the Host: Khursheed Nadeem with Islamic scholars like Dr. Israr Ahmed, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman and Javaid Ahmed Ghamdi, where giving there views in this topics.This debate is a tv program called Alif it is a battlefield of ideas where Ulema-e-deen sit face to face with academics, politicians, intellectuals and experts from various fields to discuss religious, political and social issues.
Traditionally, religious programs on television in Pakistan were nothing but radio shows with a face. They featured a lone-expert addressing the audience in a long monologue. Devoid of any counter argument, such programming was directed towards converting the already converted. Alif was perceived as a multi-perspective Islamic program where different “and often conflicting” ideas could be expressed on one table.
Later evening I went out for shopping. Most shops in the areas near the two Mosques do not accept credit cards. Do not arrive in The Holy Land in the hope that you can survive with your credit cards. About the only places where credit cards can be used are five-star hotels and some jewellery shops. Visa and MasterCard stickers can be seen in these places. Diners and Amex are not popular here. Price haggling is the norm. Coins are never used, although Saudi currency coins exist. If you pay SR 3 for SR 2.50 product, you'll be given one or two tiny packets of chewing gum as "change". Of course, it works one way only - the shops won't accept SR 2 and chewing gum from you for a SR 2.50 purchase. Pirated products, particularly pirated watches, are widely sold by street vendors and others. The Saudi authorities should encourage the setting up of hypermarkets (similar to Carrefour) in Mecca and Medina so that shoppers can buy a good part of their needs under one roof and with price haggling. You have to know Arabic, Urdu, Hindi or Malay to do your shopping in The Holy Land. Use of English is very rare.

9th October 2006

Zearath- visiting places in and around Madinah of religious importance

Quba Mosque-Quba Mosque is the first mosque to be built in the history of Islam. It is located in the southwestern area of Al-Madinah. When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated to Al-Madianah, Muslims received him and they all moved till they reached the house of one of the Muslims at Quba area. Later on, a mosque was built on this place, with the participation of the Prophet (PBUH) himself in works of construction.
"One who does wudhu at home, then offers prayers in Quba mosque is entitled to the reward of an Umrah."
[Prophet Muhammd, s.a.w.]
Masjid Qiblatain-In this mosque, Allah directed Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w), who was in the middle of a sal’at along with sahaba karam, to turn his face from Islam’s first qibla (Bait-ul-Muqqadis) to Ka’bah in Masjid al-Haram. That is why this mosque is known as a mosque with two qiblas.One feels blessed and honored to pray in the masjids where the Prophet, peace and blessings of God be upon him, prayed.

Jabal Uhad-About seven kilometers to the north of Madinah, the famous battle of Uhad was fought at in A.H. Hazrat Hamza, the Holy Prophet’s uncle and other companions are buried here.

10th October 2006

After hearing about Masgid-a-Qhuba I made an attempt to visit this mosque everyday for the rest of my stay in Madinah.

In my discussions with Amjad on different aspects of Saudi’s lifestyle, culture their belief and their spirituality. I came to know more about it, most of the Saudi’s are in the same era of fourteen centuries back. Their lifestyle is same they are not much receptive to the outer world most of them are dependent on agriculture for their livelihood they are not much aware of the new technologies and anything that happened outside Saudi Arabia for fourteen centuries, I learned most of Saudi young and old men are inclined to the sexual fantasies as it is too restricted. They are queries about sexuality as women are not aloud to come out without their hijab. And men are qualified to get married only when they earn and save enough for a house, a care and a handsome amount of money which he has to gift the bride during wedding which is mandatory. So most of the men work hard and save enough money to get married as they don’t get any financial help from their parents.

I also learnt about Saudi Railways. Railways remain the least developed means of transportation in the Kingdom. There are vast distances to cover, in often adverse environmental conditions, and it was inevitable that airline services seem to be a more practical mode of transportation to a country undertaking a major development program in the second half of the twentieth century.The Kingdom's railways currently consists primarily of a single track, standard-gauge line, running for 570 kilometers from Riyadh to Dammam in the eastern region. This line which was opened in 1951 (1370/71 AH), passes through Dhahran, Abqaiq, Hofuf, Harad and al-Kharj and has benefited from substantial renovation in recent years. An additional line joining Hofuf with Riyadh was
opened in 1985 (1405/06 AH). The Kingdom's railways are managed by the Saudi Arabian Railway Corporation (now the Saudi Railways Organization), established in 1976 (1396 AH) as an independent public utility, governed by a board of directors.

11th October 2006

Whoever asks Allah to bless me once, Allah will bless him for that ten times.
[Prophet Muhammad, s.a.w.]

Every person who comes to Masgid-ul-Nabavi goes to the Prophets tomb to give Salam or Darud to him. There are different areas in mosque that need to be mentioned behind the Prophets tomb (which was his home) is a elevated area marking the place where Sabaha used to sit to take guidance from the Prophet, adjoining this area is a door or entrance called Al-Jibrail (the door from which the angel Jibrail used to enter the mosque to pass the message of Allah), few feet away from the elevated area where the Sahaba used to sit there is another elevated area where the wifes of the Prophet and other women used to sit adjoining this area is a door or entrance called Al-Zanana (the door from which the women used to enter the mosque to hear to Prophet). And in Masgid-ul-Nabavi there are three meharabs (place the Imam stands for prayer) which is again unique to this mosque there is one meharab where Prophet used to lead the prayer after his period the first Caliph Abu Bakar Siddiq constructed another meharab few feet away from the first one (as he felt he couldn’t stand in Prophets place then after his period the second Caliph Ummar had to extend the mosque few feet in all directions to accommodate the growing number of followers so the third meharab is few feet in front of the other two meharabs and this is the meharab a Imam used even today. The area between the Prophets tomb and the mimbar is called Jannat-ul-Reyaz (garden from the gardens of Paradise) and every one is recommended to pray two rakats of Salah here. In this area itself there is a marble built podium in remembrance of the place where hazarat Bilal used to give azan (a call for prayer).

Later in the day I some more time with Amjad and realized Saudi culture and tradition are much different from your own. One sees that almost all Saudis are deeply religious, and that the spirit of Islam is not an incidental, but is an integral part of life. As in any intercultural exchange, patience and understanding are virtues that will serve people well. Living in Saudi Arabia may represent a challenge to some but a fascinating experience to many others.

At noon I started from Madinah to Mecca mode SAPTCO. My trip from Mecca to Madinah was at night so I thought of going at day light so that I may see, know and understand more about the place. I was in ihram for my second Umrah. Most of the journey was through sand desert and dry black mountains it’s a rare sight to see a tree or green patch, with the good highways and air-condition bus was very comfortable. I can’t imagine the same travel fourteen centuries back, I later learnt until recently people used to travel on camel backs for fifteen days to reach from Mecca to Madinah.

I reached Mecca at 8 P.M after a small stop on a road side restaurant to breakfast and for evening prayer. It was again coming home feeling. After my dinner I completed my taravay salah and my Umrah rituals. I went to my hotel room to pack my things for my journey back to India. During my packing I had a desire and a hard feeling to come back again may be with my whole family as I was attached to this place………..things that cant be explained.

I met Uncle and Aunty in Mecca who had come for their Umrah, and give me a raid to Jeddah, we had mid-night lunch together at a Saudi restaurant.

12th October 2006

After our Fazar prayer I did my Tawaf-ul-wida-Farewell tawaf: last act that has to be performed before leaving Mecca. About the only acts allowed performed after this tawaf are buying some snacks for your onward journey and easing yourselves. Other types of shopping or taking a nap are not done. Therefore this tawaf has to be performed one to two hours before departure.
At around 8 A.M we starting from Mecca to Jeddah, Nasir Bhi had come to give a helping hand for which he earned a small tip. Throughout the journey Uncle was too sleepy and tiered from his previous days work and the long journey from Jeddah, but some how he was able to keep the car on the road (and I didn’t want to test my driving skills). Once reaching Jeddah and leaving Aunty at his residence, Uncle had to pickup and drop a Australian delegate (his companies client) from his hotel to Pepsi plant in Jeddah’s industrial area, once this was done un disturbed sleep the whole day.

In the late evening we all went to the sea shore. The city's charm, its recreational offerings, and its excellent airline was very welcoming, according to many, Jeddah was the best place to live in Saudi Arabia. Known locally as "The Bride of the Red Sea," Jeddah’s advantage was that it already was an established port with a history of facilitating the pre-Islamic pilgrimage and spice trades in the Hejaz, the western region of what is now Saudi Arabia.
Following the discovery of oil in commercial quantities in 1938, rapid economic development and a rising prominence in world affairs are highlights of the most recent chapters of Saudi Arabia’s history. Saudi Arabia’s residents are predominantly Arab plus some non-Arab Muslims. Many Arabs from nearby countries are employed in the Kingdom. In addition, living in the Kingdom are significant numbers of expatriate workers from North America, Europe, South Asia and the Far East. About a third of the population of Saudi Arabia are resident foreigners.
Sea shore in Jeddah is the most relaxing public place there, cool soothing breeze that comes from Red sea is distressing and comforting, we had our dinner on the concrete pavements beside the sea which we had packed from a Turkish restaurant on our way and at around 2 A.M all of us visited my friend Aamir Mehadi’s place. Who was my roommate in Mumbai earlier who was now working for Castrol as Customer Care Manager.

13th October 2006

Early in the morning after my Fazar prayer I left for airport my bhabi helped with my final packaging, and Uncle was ready to give me a drop to airport, my flight was scheduled for 9 a.m, once reaching one more scene of drama waiting me, Saudi Airline couldn’t allocate my confirmed seat after running to the supervisors cabin a couple of times I got my boarding pass (and I thought mismanagement was only our Indian way of lifestyle).

My back home journey was hassle free except the absent minded airhostess who used to repeatedly come to me, every fifteen minutes to take an order for juice or tea or coffee, irrespective of my repeated saying that ‘I am fasting’. I can understand now why some people get headache in flights.

14th October 2006

Visit to cousin’s place

Late night I went to Mohammed Ali Road to catch up Ramadan in Mumbai

The Minara Masjid twinkles a glorious light green under a cloud of tiny fairy lights as chaos enthralls the streets below. I decided to haunt the Khao Galli at Mohammed Ali and yes of course savor every last bit of food I could find.

The red hot charcoal solder as the smoke rises through the tenderized chicken and kebabs into the air, wafting into my nostrils, air such divine. It's a frenzied scene as full pitched bazaar flows by with smiles and sighs under the green glow of the well adjourned mosque and the orange glow from the alleviating traffic behind me. I glance at my wrist watch and it blinks backs 00:00 am at me. I frown in disbelief think out aloud, "It can't be tomorrow already, the city is alive and awake" My words at any other time would have been audible but today they seem to have been drowned by the life around me.
"Aao Aao Sahb, Mensahb .. Humare Badiya Khana Khao", "{Come one and all try out our delecious fare} shouted the man next to me in his crisp white kurta and colourful skull cap. Seeing that I was paying him some eye contact he diverted his sales touts to my directions.People think Indian Bazaars are haphazard, I disagree each market has a finely planned out anatomy. Just like when you're in a department store and you find the Womens section on the first floor, childrens on the second, and mens wear on the third or sometimes on the fourth depending on where they want to put the lifestyles stuff. In the same way the midnight bazaar has womens shoes, everything from skilettos to juttis on the outer rim. There is also other stuff hair-bands, clothes, costume jewellery etc etc but since I'm not the target consumer I ignore. I by pass the shoes with out second look and move on directly to the good stuff, the food. Back to the anatomy we have the dazzling variety of methais [sweets] and food of all shapes and sizes on the left. Food Court Style yet outdoor very cool.
I was there for the sweets and Suleman Usman Bakery was the place to enjoy them. Phirnis, Maalpuas yum. I lapped down a rich and creamy kesar Phirni till my plastic spoon scrapped the bottom of the terrecota cup it was served in. The Maalpaus pure heaven served hot with their crispy brown honey dipped sweet exterior and their custard creamy interior melting in you mouth as your palate just wanted more. Sensory overload.

My this showing at Mohammed Ali Road was pretty much like last it was just the quantity of food intake was doubled. The list included Maalpaus and Phirni at Suleman Usman (obviously), Pathar Ghosh (hyderabadi dish where pieces of meat at cooked on a preheated slab of granite absolutely delicious), Tongue Soup at Bademian, a generous intake of sugary faloodas, some sheikh kebabs and finished off with some excellent dudhi ka halwa. It was good I can tell you that.]
Excuse me I have a lot of digesting to do and before I forget Welcome to India and Indian food.


15th October 2006

I thought of skipping, writing about this day. But there was some thing that happened which I had to mention, first I had to pay an extra amount of thousand two hundred rupees for my excess baggage!! Yes excess baggage. Saudi Airline didn’t mentioned anything about it and I had same baggage may be less but definitely not more but still I had to pay extra thousand two hundred and next after reaching Bangalore airport at the luggage collection area when I turned around to collect my baggage the Kingfishers gift pouch and an International magazine was missing from my trolley. This made me realize my spiritual journey is over.

16th October 2006

Back to normal life

Great Personalities: King Abdul Aziz

King Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud (Ibn Saud)

King Abdul Aziz, founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
King Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud (known as Ibn Saud) was a tall,
imposing figure, a natural leader of men. He knew instinctively how to judge men
and, as his rule progressed, how best to exploit the natural resources of his
country for the benefit of his people. His achievement, the unification of many
warring tribes all proud of their own lineage and traditions, laid the
foundations for the modern state of Saudi Arabia. His success derived from his
faith in Islam and his determination to maintain and build on the traditions of
the region. It is the unique combination of faith and respect for tradition,
while adapting to the technological developments of modern world, which
characterizes the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today.

Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud: The Early Years

Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud (Ibn Saud) was born in Riyadh in 1880. He
was born into the Al Saud family which, in the previous century, had
consolidated its authority across much of the Arabian peninsula but, at the time
of Ibn Saud’s birth, had seen its power greatly diminished. Indeed, in 1890,
under threat from the Al Rashid (a powerful family in the Arabian peninsula and
implacable enemy of the Al Saud), Ibn Saud went with his family into exile to
Kuwait where he spent his early years.
In Kuwait, as Ibn Saud grew to manhood, his thoughts were focused on reclaiming
his family’s domains, now occupied by the Al Rashid. He had spent long enough in
exile. He judged that if, with God's help, he could take Riyadh, the people of
Nejd would support the Al Saud and help him to oust the Rashid.

Abdul Aziz (Ibn Saud) retakes Riyadh
When he was twenty-one, Abdul Aziz (Ibn Saud) decided to move on Riyadh.
The difficulties of taking Riyadh with so small a force were obvious and
intimidating. Abdul Aziz asked for volunteers to accompany him in the execution
of a plan which seemed to have only its boldness to recommend it.
With forty of his devoted friends, he left Kuwait in December 1901 (1318/19 AH)
and reached Riyadh in January. The account of Abdul Aziz (Ibn Saud)'s assault on
the Masmak fort and his retaking of Riyadh from the Rashid is perhaps the most
dramatic of all the stories of modern Arabia. In its daring and determination,
it was a sure indication of the true character of the man who was to found the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Under cover of night, together with his cousin (Abdullah bin Jelawi) and several
other volunteers, Abdul Aziz stealthily made his way to a part of the city wall
which he knew they could easily scale, with the help of grappling irons,
unobserved. The wall he chose was adjacent to the house of a man who had served
Abdul Rahman, Abdul Aziz' father, some years before when the Al Saud had still
ruled in Riyadh. When the wife of this man realized that the son of Abdul Rahman
had come to reclaim his birthright, she vouchsafed some useful information about
Ajlan, the Amir of Riyadh, the man Abdul Aziz would have to oust.

Once within the walls of Riyadh, and with the benefit of this woman's
information, the small group quietly made its way to an empty house close to
Ajlan's residence. They entered the empty house, climbed to the roof and, by
leaping from one roof to the next, they reached Amir's residence. There they
waited.
At dawn, after prayers, Ajlan emerged from the Mosque into the street. With his
quarry in the open, Abdul Aziz (Ibn Saud) gave vent to a loud battle cry and
sallied forth from Ajlan's residence to attack. Ajlan fled, with Abdul Aziz and
his companions in hot pursuit. Quickly cornered, the Amir defended himself
briefly until the sword of Abdullah bin Jelawi cut him down.
The garrison of Riyadh was utterly demoralized by the unexpected attack and the
death of their leader. Assuming that such an assault could have been mounted
only by a large and well-equipped force, and perceiving that the population of
the city welcomed the return of the Al Saud, they surrendered without further
resistance.

Poem celebrating Ibn Saud's retaking of Riyadh

Banished was I from the heart of Arabia,
Riyadh, my home, had been stolen by others;
banished was I, and my father and mother,
brothers and sisters, deprived of our birthright.
Sadness we felt for the years that denied us
the feel of the sand of the Nejd in our hands.
Kindness we found in Kuwait beyond measure
but kindness alone could not cure the pain
of living in exile, a life without pleasure,
for pleasure, not nurtured in honor, will wither.
I knew from the earliest years of my living
that I must return to the place of my birth.
They told me that only my death would await me,
(but fear is a far harsher master than death);
they warned of the dangers of crossing the desert
but it was the desert had given me breath.
They asked how a lad could recapture a city,
when put to the sword what my pride would be worth;
I asked how the seed, lying dry in the sand, at
the first taste of rain can emerge from the earth.
"Who will ride at my side on this perilous venture?
Who will risk life and limb to expel Al Rashid?"
Sixty answered my call, young and brave, one and all.
"With all of our strength, we will give what you need;
we will stand by your side when the battle is joined
until each of us falls - or Riyadh is freed."
It was not for the glory we rode from Kuwait;
we held faith as our shield and justice our sword.
I sought to regain the land of my fathers
but in all I deferred to the will of the Lord.
We rode towards Riyadh with banners unfurled,
putting trust in the God who created the world.
Through a cold Ramadan we encamped in the desert;
we fasted one month in the village of Haradh,
far away from the eyes of those who might think
that folly could lead us to try to take Riyadh.
When the fasting was over, I summoned my kinsmen;
without hesitation they answered my call.
Like shadows that slip over sand dunes at sunset
we gathered in silence beneath Riyadh’s wall.
On that night long ago, when the time came to act,
I knew in my heart what it was to be free;
the greatest good fortune in life for a man is
to know he has reached for the best he can be.
Whatever might follow that cold, moonless night
we would know we had fought for a cause that was right.
I chose from my band a mere handful of men;
each one read the risks from the look in my eyes.
We scaled the walls under cover of darkness;
we watched for the sun to put light in the skies.
Outnumbered, we knew that our hope of success
must depend in the end on our use of surprise.
In a fight it is true if you strike off the head of
a man or an army, the battle is won.
We few faced a garrison ready to crush us;
such odds left no question what had to be done.
The fate of the Amir of Riyadh was sealed.
He must die for the wounds of Al Saud to be healed.
When Ajlan, the Amir, appeared in the open,
we struck as the lion descends on its prey.
Bin Jelawi forced open the gate of the fortress;
the rest of our brothers then joined in the fray.
The garrison knew that resistance was futile;
Al Saud had returned to its home on that day.
Looking back through the decades, the taking of Riyadh
was merely one step on a path, hard and long.
After many a battle, I put all my heart into
building a nation, devout, proud and strong,
with justice its sword and faith as its shield,
in the land where the message of God was revealed.

Abdul Aziz (Ibn Saud) consolidates his sovereignty in Nejd and
al-Hasa
Abdul Aziz (Ibn Saud)'s drive for consolidation was successful to the extent
that by the end of 1904 (1322 AH), he had managed to break the stranglehold of
the Rashid and push them into the area at Jabal Shammar in northern Nejd. The
Rashid, desperately, appealed to the Turks who sent them reinforcements.
Nevertheless, Ibn Saud's desert fighters kept control of the situation in Nejd.
Through diplomatic negotiations at one time, and guerrilla warfare at another,
Abdul Aziz forced the Ottoman Empire to recall its troops from Nejd. Thus on the
death of Al Rashid in 1906 (1324 AH), Ibn Saud enjoyed complete control over
Nejd. Having accomplished this objective, he turned his attention to Al-Hasa and
the area of the Arabian Gulf which was still under Turkish rule. Calculating on
the Ottoman Empire's preoccupation with uprisings in Europe, and on his belief
that Britain, considering the situation a domestic affair, would remain neutral,
Ibn Saud launched a successful assault, and by 1913 (1331/32 AH), he had
consolidated his authority in both Nejd and Al-Hasa.

Abdul Aziz (Ibn Saud) consolidates his authority in Asir
In 1916 (1334/35 AH), Abdul Aziz (Ibn Saud) concluded another treaty with
Britain which recognized him as the sole ruler of Nejd and Al-Hasa. This
agreement gave Abdul Aziz the tacit right to oust the remaining members of the
Rashid family. He did so, and by 1918 (1336/37 AH) his authority was extended to
reach the outskirts of Hail, the capital of the Rashid. During the next year
clashes occurred between the forces of Sharif Hussein of Makkah and a force of
the Ikhwan. Nevertheless, Abdul Aziz withheld his troops from attacking the
Hijaz. In 1920 (1338/39 AH), he moved further south and consolidated his
authority in Asir. The following year, he completed his campaign against the
Rashid in Hail which fell under his control. Restraining himself time and time
again from proceeding to Hijaz, Abdul Aziz adopted a policy of sitting and
waiting.

Abdul Aziz (Ibn Saud) consolidates his authority in the Hijaz
This final consolidation of the Arabian Kingdom was accomplished by the end of
1925 (1345/46 AH). In the previous three years, the Sharif of Makkah had failed
to maintain good relations with the British and, through his incompetence in
administering the Holy Cities, had alienated much of the Arab world. Abdul Aziz
( Ibn Saud), responding to a popular demand from the people of Makkah, became
the King of Hijaz and the Sultan of Nejd and its Dependencies. Ibn Saud was now
ruler of most of the Arabian peninsula and Guardian of the Holy Cities of Makkah
and Madinah.

Formal Foundation of the Kingdom
The formal foundation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia took place on 23rd
September, 1932, when a majority of the world powers recognized the sovereignty
of the new nation.