THISTLEFLEUR+: fasting experience in Saudi + trip to Madinah

Ramadhan is the months where muslims are obliged to fast starting from the dawn till sunset. Alhamdulillah this year, i've given the chance to experience my Ramadhan in a completely new environment. As some of you may have know, i am staying in saudi with my parents. Saudi is like the most comfortable country to fast in the world, at least for me.

In Saudi, the sign of the month of Ramadhan is approaching can be seen two weeks before. Red decorations and 'Ramadhan Kareem' signs are everywhere especially in restaurants and malls.

The most interesting part here is, the shopping malls are flooded with crazy sales to celebrate ramadhan. Most of it are for groceries. I have to agree that the vibe is different from Malaysia.

There are not even a single of Eid songs can be heard here. The community here are really really looking forward to this holy month which kinda gave me a reflection.

Ramadhan is such a special gift from Allah to us, its the months of overflowing mercy and grace. It is a month that provide us a peaceful mind to heal our sick heart and make it healthy again. So, instead of getting extra excited for raya with all the fancy discount and fashions, we should be sad leaving Ramadhan behind...

We take it for granted. We overspent, over-eating and sleeping all day being unproductive :(

FYI, IT IS ALSO A MONTH LONG NATIONAL HOLIDAY FOR THEM!

Schools and some business company are given holiday for a whole months during Ramadhan. Amazing right? Most of us become nocturnal throughout the month, even though its not really a good practice. Since our tarawikh prayer ends at approximately 10. Subuh calls at 3.

As for non-muslims obviously they are not obligated to fast and eat in private is completely fine. but they have to plan their meal time ahead since every single restaurant are closed during the day. Eating and smoking in public throughout that month are punishable (yes, even the non-muslims) ><

But, im not really sure if the rules implies on everyone or maybe there are some discrimination LOL IDK. because when i went to Madinah last week on my way back home, there are a few men dengan penuh selamba drinking coffee at the waiting gate (?)

We were like whuuttt. i know its permissible in Islam to break the fast if we are on our journey but come on, i dont think its a proper ethic to do it in public.

One thing i would like to share the beautiful-ness of fasting here in Saudi is their tarawikh prayer. VERY VERY HEARTWARMING.

The recitation of the imam is so idk how to say this but it is so beautiful. Since they understand what they are reciting, there are some parts where they cried especially when the ayat says about the Hellfire and things like that.

Compared to Malaysia, we recite the Doa Qunut starting from the first day of Ramadhan and its is veryyyy super duper long. How i wish i understand all of the duas :(

Another amazing common practise here in Saudi during this holy month is their GENEROSITY. Free feast of food are everywhere in the mosque and even some of them cooked for the whole neighbourhood. We are constantly provided with moya aka mineral water every day during tarawikh prayers. cool!

It is more obvious to see this charitable deeds in Makkah and Madinah.

This year, i had the chance to come to Madinah again :) It feels good to be back.

Started our journey after asar to the airport, our flight was at 8pm. So we need to rush and had our iftar. The airline distributed mineral water and dates before boarding. Initially, my dad packed for us a banana and a few dates because we planned to have our proper meal as soon as we arrived Madinah.

But fortunately we bumped into my mum's friend at the airport and she prepared rice with all the malaysian lauk so we were very very grateful to her.

Above picture are the in-flight food provided by Saudia Airlines. The bread was really nice.

Since we were on the domestic departure side, its not really that hectic but there are a lot of people heading to Makkah judging from what they are wearing, ihram. Although the journey was quite uncomfortable and unpleasant but we arrived safely at Prince Mohammed Abdul Aziz International Airport aka Madinah Airport an hour fifteen minutes later :)

Whilst we were getting to our hotel, we saw Masjid Nabawi on our way. They were already praying tarawikh when we arrived.

As you can see there are a double decker bus, that was a new attraction there in Madinah. The upper level of the bus are without roof or whatever it is called haha. So tourist can take a look around madinah. I suggest to do it at night because u know how hot it will be if u take a tour during the day, which is quite unwise.

Checked in into Rove Al-Madinah. I think the hotel have a collaboration with Malaysia because the name of the floor are all named after local flowers&fruits plus they provide malaysian cuisine for dinner. (OMG PARDON MY ENGLISH)

The room for 4 are all fully booked so we have to take 2 rooms separately for me, my younger sis and my parents.

Sad story -> no matter how low you set your water temperature, IT IS STILL VERY WARM T_T My skin started to dry and peel off again :( So i had to make full use the lotion provided which is legit my first time to use that ever since i stayed in any hotel.

This is the hotel view during the day. Unfortunately our rooms did not face the mosque but other side of the hotel instead, still you cant deny how beautiful the view is even though its just a plain building painted with gradient blue sky.

The next day, we went to the souq (market) to buy some jubah and abayas. The price is wayyyy moreee cheaper than the one we've bought it riyadh. And i finally realised that those online store selling abayas for RM250+ is ridiculously expensive. To tell you the truth, u can get it here as low as RM50.

Surprisingly the temperature that day after asar was below 40, so it wasnt that tiring to walk around the city.

After settling there for 3 days, we had the chance to visit and send salam to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). The whole design of the mosque and its interior is aesthetically pleasing. Just look at how the soft blue sky complimented the colour of the mosque. BEAUTIFUL MASYAALLAH.