Preparation for Haj 2009

Syukur alhamdullillah my wish to perform Haj for the second time was granted by the grace of Allah. Since 2006, Sharipah and I attempted to request to perform our Haj from Tabung Haji but was not successful. In 2007, we were so eager to go with Dr.Napsiah and Prof Yusof and had collected our hand-carry bag, telekong and other gifts from Tabung Haji. They were so positive that we would get the extra quota for Malaysians that year. Mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually we were prepared but later Tabung Haji apologized and informed us we failed to get a place because there was no extra quota given. Of course we were greatly disappointed. The next year we applied again. This time early in the year we were already informed that our names were not in the list but we said it's OK, we'll keep on trying. Then, at the last minute we were offered Muassasah place by Tabung Haji but we declined. We reason that being seniors with a number of aches and pains, we need a more comfortable place to stay, sharing a room with attached bathroom, even though we have to pay more. In 2009, again we applied and faithfully attended the Haj course, Sharipah in Kuantan and I, in PD, but again our name were not in the list. By this time, we were immuned to disapointment until an old contact person persuaded us to apply through private package - TM Tours and Travel with whom we have been to Umrah several times.

At first, chances were slim as our names were still not in the list but at the last minute, they called and said we were successful. So the frantic preparation began but there was still no date of departure. Poor Ika and Justin, at the beginning I told them I might leave for Haj on 17 November and they bought return flight from Phuket after meeting Justin's friends from Ireland to be back by 14 November. So again they have to make changes to return on 13 November. I want my children to be around when I leave for Haj. It's quite unsettling when everything is so tentative but that's what Haj trip is. With 26,000 jemaah and a 10,000 last minute quota given by Saudi government, managing it must be a huge headache but TH is quite efficient in this respect.

After attending the TM briefing on Sunday 1 November, there are certain issues that need to be cleared with them which I am not happy particularly the downgrading of package with no adjustment of price. When a jemaah requested to upgrade the package, he/she has to top up the price but when he/she is being downgraded for certain reasons, no refund of difference in price is discussed, why??? In my case, the difference is quite substantial. Email stating my feeling has been sent but no satisfactory response is received. But my aim is to do my Haj in peace and will settle the issue when I return. There is no 'tak apa' or 'halal saja' here. This is a big issue to be resolved as this is not the first time a case like this happened to both of us and I don't want it to be TM management practice. I hope with the grace of Allah, the issue is resolved in good faith.

I am ready and packed but several times I have to minimize my clothes as the bag provided by TM is compact enough for 20kg allowed by the airline. This time, I am like many problematic ladies with different ailments. I have to bring a small chair with back support to the mosque to pray. I cannot sit on the floor too long due to backaches. I am asking God's help to minimize my need to go to the toilet when I am in the mosque. Imagine, with more than 3 millions people concentrating in one place, toilets will be a big problem.

Faithfully with advice, I have written my Will for execution by Amanah Raya. I've wanted to do this for quite a while and I am happy I got the chance to do it now.

To ex-students, friends and relatives, mohon ampun dan maaf segala kesilapan dan halalkan makan minum. As far as I remember I don't owe anybody money except IBS, my publisher, which I am going to clear it before I leave. If I owe money, let me know or halalkan saja sehingga I come back from Haj.

Pray for me for safe return and gain Haji Mabrur, insyaallah.