Before endeavouring on this blog, a small caption SCREAMED at the back of my mind - NO ONE READS BLOG THESE DAYS, FAS, macam old school like that! There is a sense of comfort, to be able to express oneself through the means of arranging words into a statement, and statements into a story to remind myself what happens on that particular time and on that particular day. Often, it is about what's the first thing that comes into mind whenever you feel like writing.

I am currently reading a book entitled, "A Season in Mecca" by Abdellah Hammoudi, a story about his journey performing the pilgrimage. I've only started on it, just a book that I wish to know more about. The first few pages are rather interesting, talking about his preparation to enlist as part of the pilgrimage group to go for the Haj. He and me were in the same boat, we did it not being devoutly religious Muslims, himself out of curiousity, for me to fulfill an obligation to my parents who willed for their kids to go and do Umra' when they did their Haj in the previous year.

I didn't know the meaning of that, neither did I took the Umra' seriously. Then, it was just like any another overseas trips that I went through, only during that time, it was more of filial piety in nature, to fulfill my parents' wishes and to care for my late-grandmother who was wheel chair bound. To a certain extent, the idea of doing things in the name of Allah was an alien thing, it was more for personal gratification and how it affects the people very close to me.

My beloved asked me whether it will be compulsory for him to go for Haj and visit the "Black Cube" thing. First thing that came into mind, COULD IT BE THAT GOD IS GIVING ME A SIGN? I answered him and said it would be entirely up to him if he wants to go for it, if God is willing and we have more money, why not? And he went silent and talked about other things. Silently, I thanked Allah and said a little prayer to bless that moment. Insya Allah.

"Say: "O my people! Do whatever ye can: I will do (my part); but soon will ye know-" (39:39)