Wednesday With Me on TV - The Hajj Revealed

I watched this documentary over Discovery Channel around 9 pm and i couldn't wait to share it with you out there.

No, it is not my intention to glorify Islam as THE religion but i wish to share about one of the greatest spiritual journeys we called Hajj. It is well documented here and I had tears running down my cheeks (ok, i'm a cry baby).

DISCOVERY CHANNEL : THE HAJJ - REVEALED

"The Hajj to Mecca is undoubtedly one of the greatest religious gatherings on earth. It is the fifth requirement in the Five Pillars of Sunni Islam which orders every able-bodied Muslim to complete this pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.

With over 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide, the sheer number of people that pass through the gates of Mecca each year is overwhelming. Through special access granted to Discovery Channel, viewers will go behind the scenes and follow engineers, security officers, and medical doctors as they prepare for the influx of pilgrims.

See the proceedings from a pilgrim's point of view through the eyes of Australian Matthew Nelson, a recent convert to Islam, as he embarks on his first Hajj.

With millions inundating the city, crowd control is top priority for the Ministry of Hajj. Hundreds of deaths have occurred in past decades. In 2006, Saudi officials learnt a painful lesson when a failure in crowd control left more than 350 pilgrims dead at the Jamarat Bridge during the symbolic ritual of stoning huge pillars.

Revealed: The Hajj provides the first look at the very latest technologies such as advance logistics software, satellite imaging and computer modelling used by the Command and Control Centre personnel to ensure efficiency and safety.

Revealed: The Hajj chronicles how an age old tradition is made possible in the 21st century. Join Discovery Channel on this amazing journey and experience the Hajj like never before".

You may want to view Youtube version of this documentary: -

Part 1 , Part 2

Part 3 , Part 4

Part 5 , Part 6

Part 7 , Part 8

Part 9 , Part 10

Part 11

p.s. I was there in the Holy City 11 years ago for a 2-week umrah accompanying my parents and my Atok - the best trip - i ever had though it was not short of challenges in any imaginable terms.

I learnt about people and how to deal with them, from the best right to the worst human beings. Tolerance was essential. Your whole self was at total peace - just you and the God Almighty.

The journey made you think how far you have reached in this world - more of what good have you done to deserve this chance, this invitation to be in the Holy City.

Tears were abundantly shed as getting in touch with your dear heart was truly an emotional experience.

While some spent great times shopping, i felt ashamed to do so. Besides, most of the goods sold there are "Made in China". Experiences - that's 100% Made in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Foods were many and tasty. Fruit juices - the richest - were part of our daily consumption. I must say everyone that came back would look much younger and healthier. Thanks to the food, the peace of mind and continuous supply of Zam Zam water - to which i swear that it is one of the cures to Dengue fever.

No wonder, to some, they save for annual trips to this Holy City.