Chapter 11-The Final Evening

Leaving Ourselves Behind

— • —

The Final Prayers and a Memorable Evening

Back at the hotel, they freshened up once more before heading to the masjid again. They knew they needed to arrive early to secure a spot inside the masjid. But despite their best efforts, they were already running late. For Maghrib, they would have to settle for praying outside the masjid. However, they decided to walk inside as soon as the Maghrib prayers concluded.

They made their duas, picked up their sling bags, and walked towards the masjid. Some people were leaving the masjid while a few others, like them, were walking in. Once inside, they saw that the crowd was still quite dense. They decided to make their way to the front, hoping to find space there. They walked all the way forward, searching for three empty spots where they could fit in. They saw no gaps in between the women who had sat down and were well settled.

Finally, they found a section and decided to take a space which was more like a spot between the 2 rows. They decided once the prayer began, the crowd would settle and naturally make space for everyone. One of the ladies nearby didn't seem too pleased that they had sat down in what appeared to be an awkward spot. They chose to ignore the discomfort, sat down, and waited for the adhaan.

During this time, they noticed something remarkable—the ceiling of the masjid was moving. The entire section shifted, revealing the sky above. The girls talked amongst themselves about how impressive the technology was, marveling at how such heavy concrete could be moved from one end to another so seamlessly. It felt wonderful to witness something so extraordinary.

Soon, the adhaan for Isha echoed through the masjid, and the ladies joined the congregation in prayer. To their surprise, the older lady who they thought had been displeased with them earlier now offered them more space with a warm gesture. It was another moment of realization—do not judge anyone too quickly. The gesture felt heartwarming and genuine.

After the prayers, they walked out of the masjid. The sky was dark now, and the lights from the entire structure spread brightness all over the surrounding area. Walking out of the masjid felt truly heart-wrenching. The realization that they would be leaving soon made them feel choked with emotion. They paused to take more pictures before finally leaving the Harram, trying to capture and hold onto every precious moment.

— • —

Ziyarah and the Final Dinner

It was now time for their ziyarah and dinner. They weren't particularly hungry yet due to their late lunch, but the evening's plans awaited them. Kutty was waiting at the usual pickup spot. The drive took them around the mountain of Uhud, and Kutty gave them a brief but informative account of the historic Battle of Uhud. The kids who had joined them in the car listened intently, discussing the story amongst themselves from the back seats.

Their next stop was the cemetery where the beloved Prophet's (peace be upon him) companions were buried. They had a brief stop there to pay their respects. It was here that Shehnaz noticed several cats roaming around the area. She had purchased some cat food the previous day, hoping to find cats to feed in Madinah. She fed a few of them, but her heart grew heavy as she observed how the cats no longer seemed at ease. They all appeared scared and wary, reluctant to approach people.

From the cemetery, they headed to Biriyani Spot for dinner. Shehnaz was looking forward to irachchi puttu, while the others were eager to try other items, including a better falooda than what they had had before. When they arrived at the restaurant, they looked for Shoukath, the friendly waiter they had met earlier. He was present and busy attending to customers, but he made sure to come over to them personally to take their orders.

This time, Saji suggested that they order extra food to take back home. Nazia and Soni were really keen on the idea as well—they were accustomed to bringing food back from their travels. Shehnaz decided to join them. They placed additional orders for takeaway food. Sadly, the irachchi puttu was sold out for the day, so they ordered biriyani along with a few other items. Falooda and chai were also ordered to complete the meal.

After dinner, Shoukath brought the bill and took the time to chat with all of them. They exchanged numbers, promising him they would return on their next visit and would recommend the restaurant to their friends who would appreciate such authentic food.

Soon Saji's kids walked in with a box. It was chocolate kunafa that Kutty had bought for them. The ladies took bites of it and it melted in their mouths.They carried this box along with the rest of the items they had picked from the restaurant.

— • —

A Missing Wallet and Last-Minute Shopping

Dinner was finally done. It was time to head back to the hotel and wrap up their stay. Their time in Madinah was complete, and they still had packing to finish. On the way back to the hotel, they inquired with Kutty about giving sadaqah. He readily offered to take care of it on their behalf, which they gratefully accepted.

The drive back to the hotel was short. Once they arrived, they got out of the car. Nazia, however, stayed back for a moment to speak with Kutty about the sadaqah arrangements. Shehnaz, Saji, and Soni went directly to their rooms.

When Nazia joined them in the room, she suddenly realized that her wallet was missing. Panic set in immediately. If she had lost it somewhere on the road, there was hardly any chance she would recover it. But if she had dropped it in Kutty's car, there was still hope. Saji immediately called Kutty, and to everyone's immense relief, he confirmed that the wallet was indeed in his car and still safe.

Now that they had acquired extra items and takeaway food to pack, they realized they needed an additional bag. They decided to walk to the nearby stores to see if they could purchase one. They entered a supermarket and immediately found a duffle bag on sale at a good price—perfect for their needs.

While in the store, Shehnaz decided to look for attar (perfume oil) for her children. She walked over to a table where it was being sold by a pair of Afghan brothers. She tried to bargain for a better price, but it seemed difficult at first. Nazia, Soni, and Saji soon joined her and spoke with the gentlemen as well. After a lot of back-and-forth negotiation, the brothers finally agreed on a reasonable price. Shehnaz also purchased a prayer mat while she was there. Saji had already bought a few mats from a mall the previous day.

They soon finished their shopping and started walking back to the hotel. That's when Shehnaz and Nazia suddenly remembered they hadn't yet checked out the silver rings that Shehnaz had been eyeing earlier. They found the shop and located the rings she wanted. Nazia also found two delicate chains for the little girls back home. After some more bargaining for a good price, they left the store feeling happy and satisfied.

— • —

The Bittersweet Departure

Back at the hotel, they began the process of packing everything and preparing to leave. Saji's nephew Aamir was still with them at the hotel but would be checking out later that day.

Time was slipping away quickly. They needed to leave the hotel by 3:00 AM at the latest in order to catch their 6:00 AM flight. It was already getting late, and they also had the intention of praying another two rakahs at the masjid before they left for good.

They ordered an Uber just in time to be picked up. After packing all their bags and checking and rechecking everything multiple times, they finally closed the hotel room door behind them for the last time. They took the elevator down one final time. At the reception, they knew the Uber was waiting outside. They quickly loaded all their suitcases into the car and asked the driver if he could wait just a few more minutes while they prayed their two rakahs of sunnah prayer. The driver kindly agreed to wait.

Shehnaz, Nazia, Soni, and Saji rushed to the Harram one last time, their hearts heavy with emotion. They soaked in everything—the sights, the sounds, the blessed atmosphere—one final time. They prayed with full hearts, tears welling in their eyes, knowing this might be their last moment in this sacred place for a long time. Then, slowly and reluctantly, they walked back to the hotel where the car was waiting.

This beautiful, transformative experience was coming to an end. They were leaving this blessed city soon, a city that had touched their souls deeply. They walked back to the car in a hurry but with a heavy heart, each lost in their own thoughts and prayers. They boarded the vehicle soon, leaving the city of the Prophet behind them—and also leaving a piece of their hearts.

As the car pulled away and the illuminated minarets of Masjid an-Nabawi faded into the distance, they knew that while they were physically departing, the memories, the blessings, and the spiritual renewal they had experienced in Madinah would remain with them forever. They sat in silence, making quiet duas that Allah would grant them the opportunity to return to this sacred city again someday.

The journey back to their everyday lives had begun, but Madinah would forever remain alive in their hearts.

End of the Mecca Madinah Chapter

Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Alamin.

— • —