Headlines reveal that pilgrims are leaving this Mubarak City of Light and Peace in droves, but thousands are still filling the Masjid and flowing into the courtyards, with the Saff extending into the streets during Salat, SubhanAllah!

Large groups congregate offering their farewell Salam to our Blessed Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Tears accompany sobbing prayers as wave upon wave jostle to be near the Court of Love and Goodness, the honoured abode of the Mercy to the Worlds SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. None can have faith unless he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam is dearer than parents, children and all mankind. How dear this reality is as the faithful near departure. Ya Rabb, sow this realization deeply and deeper into the hearts of the entire Ummah, Ameen.

The shaded areas are most popular in the afternoon sun, where the most magnificent turbans are paraded.

Others seem oblivious of the crowds around them as they sleep, maybe dreaming of being this close to HabibuLlah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam in Jannah…

…where there will be no need of shade from umbrellas, Ya Rabb.

The installation is progressing rapidly, while at the same time providing a fascinating display of precision technology, attracting a constant gallery of onlookers. The carpets are now spread from Babus Salam almost all the way across to the opposite fence, with Zamzam containers and portable Qur’an cases also being made available.

There are now 16 umbrellas in this section. Still no signs of any in the sisters areas. Insha’Allah soon!

Alhumdulillah the past few days have seen carpets reaching almost to the perimeter of the courtyard for sisters, which previously was ignored.

This article details various statistics regarding the work being done around Masjid Nabawi along with projected figures of worshippers being accommodated with the new extensions. The heading is deceiving as all the work mentioned has been on going for some years now. Plus other features not mentioned include the planned construction of seven more pedestrian tunnels and the extension of the main traffic tunnel to alleviate the heavy congestion in the area around the date market. There has been runours that it is to be relocated away from the immediate Haram area, Allahu ‘Alum.

While information on developments in Makkah are included in the ‘Kingdom in 2008′ supplement in Arab News today.

And just as we thought the net was at the end of its cranky behaviour the news is that it will hobble along for a while longer, ALHUMDULILLAH! Posting has been excruciatingly slow! But a mere hiccup compared to what our brothers and sisters are confronted with in Gaza. Insha’Allah may we all be constant in our Du’a and others acts of Ibadah on their behalf.

I wonder why the Imams do not mention the catastrophe after each Salat in the Haramain. Calling the thousands that are still in Masjid al-Haram and beside Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam to offer Du’a and reciting for the situation would surely reach Allah Ta’ala. La hawla wa la quwata illa biLlah.

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.  May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.