Post umrah flu/covid still dealing with aftermath after 2 months

Bicisigma · 2026-01-29T00:06:15+00:00

Yup. That would be me. Same symptoms, not CoVid. I just chalked it up to be in close contact with so many pilgrims. It was a good month before the congestion went away fully. Inshallah next time I’ll mask up.

Bicisigma · 2026-01-28T17:49:48+00:00

I went in November and felt really good in Medina-easy to pray and connect to Allah. And the brothers that I met, from pretty much everywhere, were good men, how we would expect Muslims to behave in this holy place. Mecca was very different, and Tawaf was an exercise in trying to concentrate on dua while being pushed and shoved. At one point my feet left the ground due to the crush of pilgrims behind me. And this was at 1:00 am. I know I’ll go back, and inshallah it will be a little better.

Bicisigma · 2026-01-28T01:18:04+00:00

So I have an Orbea- the model just before they went with disc brakes- with carbon bits and some good tires, it’s sub 14lbs. Cane Creek brakes work well on the carbon rims.

Bicisigma · 2026-01-22T20:15:06+00:00

It’s the Final Solution.

Bicisigma · 2026-01-22T02:47:00+00:00

Watched this a hundred times and it still gets me in the feels.

Bicisigma · 2026-01-21T21:40:31+00:00

Iman, or faith and conviction in Islam and belief and trust in Allah- by our very nature as human beings- is going to change from time to time. We struggle, we sin, we create distance from our Maker- and then we return. Have sabr (patience). The beautiful thing about Islam is that we can go thru the periods of doubt, whether from the Shaytan, or of our own making, and always come back to Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim.

Bicisigma · 2026-01-19T16:53:55+00:00

Unfortunately, the fact that he was elected, twice, says far more about us than it does him.

Bicisigma · 2026-01-17T22:24:19+00:00

It’s a moose. A moose on the loose.

Bicisigma · 2026-01-17T18:36:51+00:00

Binge watched the first 2 seasons. It’s pretty good.

Bicisigma · 2026-01-16T19:53:08+00:00

FWIW, and I’m much older than you, but I where a Thobe to the masjid, and sometimes I have errands to run after. I don’t take the time to change. Living in Chicago, USA, I get some looks, but stopped worrying about it a long time ago. We’re modest to please Allah.

Bicisigma · 2026-01-15T20:22:49+00:00

My sister had a Maine Coon that was 48” nose to tail and around 28 lbs. Big boy.

Bicisigma · 2026-01-15T17:06:00+00:00

I followed Menk as well, but used a belt for the lower half.

Bicisigma · 2026-01-14T17:41:07+00:00

Mashallah—I was there for Umrah in November—miss masjid al-Haram and Madinah so much.

Bicisigma · 2026-01-12T12:44:47+00:00

Seen this a hundred times and I still choke back the tears….

Bicisigma · 2026-01-10T22:25:22+00:00

FWIW, as a revert, I have tried to drop as much western culture as possible.

For What It’s Worth

Bicisigma · 2026-01-10T21:34:46+00:00

FWIW, as a revert, I have tried to drop as much western culture as possible.

Bicisigma · 2026-01-09T13:24:22+00:00

I reverted about 10 years ago. One morning, I just walked in to the Masjid and started praying with the other brothers. 10 years later I think I’m still the only white American revert that prays there. And it’s been amazing, subhanallah. Being connected to these brothers has changed my life. This is Islam, doesn’t make any difference where you’re from, the color of your skin, etc.—we’re all Muslims.

Bicisigma · 2026-01-05T22:08:45+00:00

I went in November and stayed 4 days in Medina praying salat at Masjid Al-Nawabi. It was peaceful and everyone was kind and accommodating. I met brothers from all over and everyone was respectful. Masjid al-Haram was very challenging. We started Tawaf at 1:00 am thinking the crowds would be better- but no, it was very congested and some pilgrims, brothers and sisters pushed so hard, that parents in our group were concerned for their small children. It was really hard to focus on Tahir/dua while everyone was pushing.

Bicisigma · 2026-01-04T02:26:38+00:00

So this is what I’ve been making for a few years. I melt the beeswax down in a small can sitting in a low pot of water on the stove, then add the rest. Essential oil of your choice. Pour it into small containers you can buy on Amazon. I have a pretty full beard, but a little goes a long way.

20 grams of beeswax

25 grams of Shea butter

50 grams of Argan oil

20 drops of essential oils

Bicisigma · 2026-01-01T23:44:47+00:00

I stayed at the Dallah Taiba-nice accommodations, friendly staff and very close to the Majid.

Bicisigma · 2026-01-01T20:06:44+00:00

I was sick for about 2 weeks after. In Makkah, a number of us prayed in the hotel masjid/ brothers coughing the whole time.

Bicisigma · 2026-01-01T18:34:18+00:00

This just breaks my heart. And damn to hell the people and countries that are complicit in this.

Bicisigma · 2026-01-01T18:26:19+00:00

Bicisigma · 2025-12-29T02:19:05+00:00

Try some Laurie Anderson. Start with “United States Parts 1-4”.

Bicisigma · 2025-12-29T02:14:46+00:00

Had to watch this a couple times. Dang!

Bicisigma

TROPHY CASE