Journey to Mecca

Chapter 5- reaching Makkah

Finally reaching the gates of Mecca, 18 months ago I bid farewell to my family for 3000 miles, now I am five steps away from what I have dreamt of, what I have prayed towards, all my life the holy Kaaba. The beautiful Kaaba came to my eyes as I wept and circulated it, the smell was as powerful as any other smell, kissing the Kaaba I felt my soul washed and my heart open up with joy. My dream now turned to reality. I then kissed the ancient black stone and smiled.

Astronomers see the movement in the stars as we saw the movements of heaven. Circling the Kaaba seven times, we move in harmony as if travelling back to the beginning of time I feel myself becoming one with those around me with those who have come before and all who will follow.

For many days Haajar ran on the desert with her infant son, she began to desperately search for water praying constantly while running between two small hills we ran the same path as Haajar to honour her faith and determination her prayers were answered with a miracle, when her son began to shake his blessed feet on the ground in which water came streaming out, today we drink the water which is called zamzam water, the same water that saved her child.

Pilgrims have come here in caravans from many faraway lands, no race divided, we are all the same, even the kings who come look like us and do the same performance as us side by side, no one higher nor anyone lower.

After sunset we walk to a place call mustalifa where we gather the stones to throw at the devil. A pillar where the devil confronted Abraham urging him to disobey Gods command, Abraham resisted the devil by stoning him, we cast stones to remind ourselves that we too can overcome temptation.

For his faith Abraham was rewarded with the gift of lambs which he sacrificed in gratitude, remembering my charity my friend gave me in the desert I buy lambs and offer them to the poor. To celebrate a new beginning I shaved off my curly hair soon I will circle the Kaaba and say farewell.

My hajj is complete, my heart is full, my tests of my journey have humbled me and opened my eyes. The caravans are leaving Makkah, those travelling west would take me home but these words have remained with me 'Go in search of knowledge even if it takes you to Chine'

Authors note: Ibn Batutta went to 40 different countries including China he did not return home to his family for almost 30 years.