So there i was in Saudi soaking up the good vibes (and the sunshine ) at one of the holiest cities in all of the Muslim world. And im wondering: "What the hell is that SMELL?"

For an enlightened people (supposedly), muslims certainly make one HECK of a mess. The streets walking to the mosque in Makkah literally STINK of garbage. Muslims of a certain national (not mentioning who) would buy food from takeouts (all the streets are lined with them) eat it outside on the street and throw the stuff on the street. Then they'd do their wudu there, even sleep there. And i wouldnt be surprised if they took a leak there too. Infact theres soo much garbage that the government has to hire a 24/7 cleaning crew... and its still not clean.

Hajj... the pilgrimage of a lifetime. The one trip we must all eventually take to the House of God. So why was i freaking out? hmmmm, well mostly coz i was convinced id burst into flames before i even stepped foot in the sacred citys. Being a big time sinner and all, i was almost sure that i was beyond redemption.
Funny how things turn out.

I still can't believe I'm going to Hajj; I've been on cloud nine ever since Dad confirmed the visa. Time doesn't seem to move - I can't eat, sleep or concentrate on anything. I've started a diary in which I'm noting down everyone's dua's and Salaams. It truly is an invaluable gift; the best thing a father can give his daughter.

I feel incredibly fortunate; words cannot even begin to describe the immense amount of gratitude I feel in my heart for my Creator. Finally after months of privately praying and begging Allah (swt), my prayer is finally answered. Alhumdulillah by the grace of Almighty Allah in a matter of weeks I will be performing the journey of a lifetime!!