The heart of our Islamic world, the soul of the Islamic cosmos with the Ka’abah as the centre. It is the axis of the Islamic universe connecting the Eternity of Paradise with our temporal earthly existence. And regardless of the massive changes that have evolved since Ibrahim Alaihis Salam made this Du’a, and regardless of the current transformations that are unfolding, the sanctity of Makkah will remain till the End of Time.
Concrete and steel may continue to replace mountains, and all traces of footsteps belonging to previous Prophets Alaihumus Salam, of our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and his Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum and a respectable list of thousands of our pious luminaries, scholars, Rahmatullah alaihum, may have disappeared, but etched into the very air and recorded in every particle of dust hovers the spirit of all this former glory.
In this Honourable City all hearts come to reflect the absoluteness of Allah Ta’ala, no matter what the eye may see, or the nafs crave amongst all the glamour and glitter. Because to be there, one is at the centre. All terrestrial wayfaring ends here. Not one Muslim heart is free from the longing to stand within the Sacred Precinct, to circle the House of the One and retrace the frantic footsteps of Hajar Alaihas Salam.
So despite all the outer appearances, our resolve to be focused on the True and Only Reality is the challenge.
Backtracking to a few weeks ago…where some of the towers of the the Abraj al-Bait (yellow area on the map below) are almost near completion, while work on the central tallest one is concealed for the moment. It will be amazing to see that odd building in the front of the whole complex be demolished, as well as the Makkah Towers, or Hilton, the complex on the right (dark blue). This is the news conveyed to us by our current Makkan guest, along with the demise of the exclusive Intercontinental, to the right again of the Hilton (aqua). Orders deliverd by the King.
Pigeon flying towards the Hilton. Very symbolic after I heard the news of its eventual destruction.
Peering from one of the escalator areas within Masjid Al-Haram to the courtyard, the Hilton on the left with the corner of the Darul Tawheed, Intercontinental to the right.
A hazy morning, creating an eerie atmosphere.
A view across the courtyard of the same two hotels….
…all except one of the photos above taken from the hotel (orange dot) we were staying in, which has already been given demolition papers, to be vacated any day we were told, along with all the buildings in this area. This hotel has been our favoured place to stay over the years, which was so close to Haram, clean and reasonably priced, until the Jabal Umar (lime green) project saw hundreds of hotels go. The price hike since then has skyrocketed, as have all of the basic places.
The road immediately in front of this hotel is so congested. It is the main pick up point for taxis and private cars to collect passengers for Madinah and Jeddah, with these destinations being called out non-stop as they fill vehicles. Trying to cross this street is a treacherous endeavour!
Looking back up to the left of the same street. The buildings are all under demolition orders, being part of the Shamiah expansion (purple)
The dark green area is the Khandamah expansion, which is the one feared to interfere with the Library marking the birth place of Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. The purple is the current Ajyad Hospital which is to go. The light blue is the royal palace complex, while the red indicates another development called Darb Al-Khalel. I have posted artsists impressions of some of these projects before.
The pink is a rough indication of the size of the new Haram extension taking in the hotel that has been a homely Makkan abode when needed. (model of same at the bottom of this entry)
Allah guides whoever He will to His Light. (24:35)
May our hearts never veer from this Light regardless of what distractions are placed before us, Ameen.
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
Salaam Alaikum Sister Miskeenah! Wow what a flash back! Jazakallah for such nice pictures, which will be history soon.
Comment by Umm-e-Shiraaz (Afshan) — March 5, 2008 @ 11:27 pm
Salaam, Subhanallah, a wonderful blog. Thank you for the picture and your beautiful words.
They bring back so many memories for me. May Allah reward you for all your efforts. Please
keep posting my dear sister.
Comment by rafeen — March 6, 2008 @ 1:21 am
Subhan Allah! We just stayed at the doomed Hilton before Hajj last December! I don’t envy the Saudis task of keeping pace with the huge influx of pilgrims to the Haram, so I can’t really pass judgement on the furious rush to expand there. Please everyone make du’a that the blessed birthplace of the Prophet, sallallahu alahi wa salam, is honored properly.
Comment by Baba — March 6, 2008 @ 5:59 am
Assalamualaikum dearest sister,
I think the hotel from where you took the pics is the same one where a couple of the late arriving Rihla sister stayed when my sister and I accompanied them to preform Umrah on our return trip…
May Allah Ta’ala have Mercy on all our souls and keep us forever connected the spirituality of those Mubarik places, ameen and ameen thuma ameen to your duas.
Comment by ikramuddin — March 6, 2008 @ 8:03 am
that’s amazing
Comment by amina — March 6, 2008 @ 11:54 am
Assalamu alaikum Dear Umm-e-Shiraaz, looking at all the rapid changes in and arouns Haramain one realizes how fleeting this transient Dunya is, and only Allah Ta’ala knows how long the history chapters will be.
Memories are our rich residue of days gone by, always there to push the replay button, Alhumdulillah. Please make Du’a that I am able to continue sharing that which is of benefit.
I do not think the royal decree will be executed any time soon Dear Rafeen…as it is there are not enough hotels to accommodate pilgrims during the peak times.
Yes Dear Baba, the ‘authorities’are faced with a huge task, but until such times that the infrastructure can support the masses then maybe the quotas should be reduced, rather than be on the increase as they are now?? Meen Ameen Ameen to the noble birth place to be protected.
Dear Brother Ikramuddin, Ameen thumma Ameen to your generosity with Du’a. I think many will have so many treasured accounts of so many hotels, some already met their demise. One we used to stay in before the one pictured here disappeared a few years ago and now a huge ned fancy building has taken its place.
Went to your blog Dear Sister Amina, Alhumdulillah, may your sharing inspire us all, Ameen.
Wassalamu alaikum
almiskeenah
Comment by almiskeenah — March 6, 2008 @ 8:17 pm
salam all
i was in mekka last week.. its very relaxing this time as no outsideres are still given visas till april.
I follow up the developments and the plans for expansion around the haram-sherif.. i am keen to provide the info i have as well.. mashallah sister .. good job!
Comment by hussam — March 19, 2008 @ 3:09 pm
Assalamu alaikum Dear Brother Hassam, Umrah Mabruk, Alhumdulillah that you found peace and calm with your visit. The fluctuations of pilgrims always amazes me, last night it seems that all of Turkey and half of Malaysia had suddenly arrived in Madinah, Masha’Allah. Umrah season has been open for certain countries since early Safar, but other countries later, like the UK, US and Australia. I do not know why there is this discrimination. Insha’Allah do share any information you have…we all appreciate all aspects pertaining to the Haramain.
Wassalamu alaikum
almiskeenah
Comment by almiskeenah — March 20, 2008 @ 3:49 pm
Assalaamu alaikum dear sister,
I stumbled onto your blog by chance as I was looking up in google “hotel demolition” +Makkah. Is the Firdous Makkah hotel also being demolished? We stayed there in Ramadan last year and have such wonderful memories. We used to just cross the road and pray right there in front of the hotel, and it was so close for my parents who have arthritis.
May Allah reward you.
Jazaakallah khairan and salaams
Comment by MoonStar — April 10, 2008 @ 11:24 pm
Dear AlMiskeenah,
Thank you for sharing the latest news about Masjidil Haram and Makkah. The area seems to be under constant construction and for outsiders, it is great to receive news as such before we actually make our trip there. May Allah reward you accordingly and keep up you good work!
Comment by Wan Nor Aishah Wan Omar — May 5, 2008 @ 5:36 am
Assalamu alaikum Dear Wan Nor Aishah Wan Omar, JazakumuLlahu Khairan for your appreciation…the changes are happening so rapidly in and around the Haramain it is difficult for one to keep abreast of them. May it all be for the good and benefit the Ummah, Insha’Allah. May you be invited to witness the transformations yourselves, Ameen
Wassalamu alaikum
Comment by almiskeenah — May 5, 2008 @ 3:14 pm
Salam, I think they should keep some places in Makkah and Madinah as a resevation or untouch for historical sites, without demolishing its original landscape in the time of Rasul(PBUH)and places which are sacred with full of histories with lessons into something different. I am aware that the Hajj will attract more people from its previous years, therefore more development and services are needed for the pilgrims. But there should be some other alternatives, like for example how to make life easier for more and more pilgrims every year without changing the environment as much as possible to meet both the expansion of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah to accomodate worshippers and to keep its original envionment and landscape as it was at the time of the Prophet(PBUH), especially places which are seen or mentioned as significant.
Comment by abm — July 20, 2008 @ 7:44 am
Salam, Apart from expansion, I think some areas need the natural environment which I feel is important and leaving it exactly as it was in the time of Rasul(PBUH) gives the pilgrim the divine understanding how the prophet(PBUH) lived and makes the Heart clear from all obstacles
Comment by abm — July 20, 2008 @ 8:37 am
it should be noted that it will be alot easier for pilgrims to focus the rewards hereafter for performing the sacred rituals during Hajj, especially when the hearts are clear from obstacles.
Comment by abm — July 20, 2008 @ 10:13 am
it should be noted that it will be alot easier for pilgrims to focus the rewards of the life hereafter for performing the sacred rituals during Hajj, especially when the hearts are clear from obstacles.
Comment by abm — July 20, 2008 @ 10:17 am
im not against the expansion, but a balance is required for both
Comment by abm — July 20, 2008 @ 10:27 am
Again I’m Sorry, Assalamualaikum, I think they should keep some places in Makkah and Madinah as a resevation or untouch for historical sites, without demolishing its original landscape in the time of Rasul(PBUH)and places which are sacred with full of histories with lessons into something different. I am aware that the Hajj will attract more people from its previous years, therefore more development and services are needed for the pilgrims. But there should be some other alternatives, like for example how to make life easier for more and more pilgrims every year without changing the environment as much as possible to meet both the expansion of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah to accomodate worshippers and to keep its original heritage and landscape as it was at the time of the Prophet(PBUH), especially places which are seen or mentioned as significant. Apart from expansion, I think some areas need the natural environment which I feel is important and leaving it exactly as it was in the time of Rasul(PBUH) gives the pilgrim the divine understanding how the prophet(PBUH) lived and makes the Heart clear from all obstacles. It should be noted that it will be alot easier for pilgrims to focus the rewards of the life hereafter, rather just here for site-seeing when performing the sacred rituals during Hajj, especially when the hearts are clear from obstacles.
I’m not against the expansion, but a balance is required for both without harming the environmental heritage which are seen as Sacred or Holy by many Muslims, especially with the rules of ihram are implied.
Comment by abm — July 20, 2008 @ 4:48 pm
Subhanallaah..
Last time I visited masjidil haram was in 2004. What a big change then. Where to find the complete view of expansion of Masjidil Haram ?
Comment by finaldo moechtar — September 12, 2008 @ 6:38 pm
Assalamu alaikum Dear Finaldo,
the changes are happening so rapidly now…vast differences seen only weeks apart. This forum
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=566372&page=14
posts many updates. One needs to realize that many plans and models are proposals only, and not necessarily how the final designs will be.
If you go back through the thread on the forum above you will see many plans and progress of the new extension area.
Wassalamu alaikum
Comment by almiskeenah — September 13, 2008 @ 7:28 pm
Assalamualaikum, tks a lot for information. Those photo make me cry.. Hopefully Allah answer my du’a : have another opportunity to see Makkah again, to pray and shalah in front of Ka’bah.. Insya Allah !
Comment by Finaldo Moechtar — April 18, 2009 @ 3:59 pm
Wa ‘alaikumus Salam Dear Finaldo,
Insha’Allah you will once more be brought to the House. Masha’Allah, you are involved with a Madrassah in Indonesia! May Allah Ta’ala bless all there and give Tawfiq to all endeavours in upholding His Deen, Ameen.
Wassalamu alaikum
Comment by almiskeenah — April 18, 2009 @ 4:25 pm
Asalam o alaikum,
SubhanAllah, sister I have no words for your wonderful blog. MashAllah, you are blessed to be in the company of our beloved Rasool Allah (salallaho alahi wasallam) and live in the city of Noor. The noor is definitely reflected through your beautiful words for the best of creation(salallaho alahi wasallam). Please make du’a for me when you visit the Beloved.
Comment by Ghulam bint Ghulam — July 4, 2009 @ 7:31 am
Wa ‘alaikumus Salam Dear ‘Ghulam bint Ghulam’,
have added you to the ‘list’
JazakiLlahu khairan for your appreciative comments. yes, to be here is a huge Ni’amah from Allah Ta’ala, but also carrying huge responsibilities, so I too am a needy one for your Du’a.
Wassalamu alaikum
Comment by almiskeenah — July 4, 2009 @ 6:10 pm