Road to Makkah

I have always been a dream to perform the Hajj at an earlier age.  I have never been to this two sacred place, neither Makkah nor Madinah. So, I am still ambitious to step into this two holly city since 3 years ago.

Last year, I try to apply to go for the Hajj via Armed Force's quota. I heard from my friend that last Minister of Defence have a good relationship with the Saudi Government and he manage to apply additional quota for Armed Forces.  But when suddenly Government change in Mei 2018, the quota shrink only less 100.  I'm not really disappointed because during that time also, I need to manage for my PhD's registration also moving into new places.

This year, I take a few steps ahead.  I manage to keep money (close to being enough..Insha-Allah) and registered for Hajj Course close to my house.  I manage with my wife to go for the course separately in different venue and time for the sake of Children care.  I also manage to submit for Hajj application letter last December 2018.  I hope Insha-Allah this year will be our(me and wife) year.

There are a few points that we need to manage before we go to the pilgrimage:

1. Money and Registration
I manage to register for my Hajj in 2010 and my wife in around 2015.  We keep our money every month but unfortunately, I also use this money as an emergency escape.  The way I keep money into Tabung Haji to make me the discipline of keeping the money, and I still trust this body till now.

2. Knowledge
My advice, go for the course before your thinking to go for Hajj.  Because of this 'ibadah' is not the same as others.  You need to have better knowledge to avoid any confusion or worst-case scenario suffer for worse quality of Hajj.  You need also to pay 'Dam' if you use to have any false for with regard to Hajj pillar.  After attending the course, you can have supply yourself with a better understanding by review recorded course online via YouTube.  It will give you the amount of confident toward this Hajj knowledge.

3. Family Management

For those who have a family and children, please plan for your children management during your Hajj journey.  Don't be so perfectionist when you leave your children with someone else.  Pray for Allah make ease along your Hajj journey and give enough money for them to survive.

4. Spiritual Preparation

This is the most important among the others.  For me, all others preparation above is technicals but spiritual preparation is the essence of this Ibadah.  Prepare of more ibadah and do repentance frequently.  Always remember Allah will accept for those who have a pure heart to be his guests.

May Allah make ease for me and my wife for this spiritual journey, Insha-Allah.