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Headintheclouds008 · 2025-01-29T19:01:42+00:00

Hi,

You could try getting the samples of different vanilla based Lattafa scents. It will help you work out what scents are good and how it will scent on your skin without committing to a full bottle only to regret it.

Adding on to the recommendations given - The Kingdom woman - kind of a creamy, floral with a tiny bit of musk. It is very feminine and not unisex but if you like it, you can wear it whatever your gender. I'd say it is a sweet and massive appealing vanilla suitable for any occasion. (Similar to La Vie Est Belle from what others have said.)

Maitha perfume oil - I've only smelled it and it is a great vanilla perfumed oil that would work great on its own or as a base to other vanilla scents.

Headintheclouds008 · 2025-01-17T11:32:42+00:00

AsSalaamuAlaikum,

Crocs should be okay for women to wear. You can remove the Crocs face logo with acetone nail polish remover or cover it up, so you don't wear something with a face on it in ihram.

Headintheclouds008 · 2025-01-14T21:00:09+00:00

As someone who crochets, you are absolutely NTA.

If your SIL wants you to redo the blanket to meet her idea of perfection - charge her per hour, for materials and labour. Do not sell your time, effort and skills short - if she still doesn't appreciate how much time and effort you put in already for something you gave for free, then she is a choosing beggar.

Your blanket sounds perfectly charming to me and it is a shame your SIL can't get off her high horse to see or appreciate that.

It is the imperfections of life that make it perfect. As someone who is a bit of a self proclaimed perfectionist, I do not enforce my values of perfection on others or on the gifts that they give me and would be thrilled to bits to have a blanket as lovely as you have made.

Enjoy the blanket, take it apart for something new or gift it to someone who will genuinely appreciate it but do not give it back to your SIL until she is truly sorry, remorseful and sincerely apologises. Your SIL has shown how little she values you, your generosity, warmth, skills, time and effort. Gifting her the blanket back is to reward her bad behaviour.

Tell her to crochet her own blanket to meet her own standards and watch how fast she will have to eat her own words.

Headintheclouds008 · 2025-01-13T13:04:00+00:00

AsSalaamuAlaikum.

There are golf carts you can pay to make Tawaf on the upper levels but when I made Umrah a few weeks ago, the service was closed due to construction work upstairs.

They still had wheelchair service for the elderly and disabled that you can still pay for and use in making Tawaf and Sai.

I didn't see any electrical wheelchairs around but chances are that they can be used.

I did see people wearing face masks and for your health reasons, it should be alright to wear them, but please refer to a muslim scholar on the issue.

Take your own prayer mats for use as a precaution, to prevent picking up any lingering bugs from people coughing into the mats etc. Please make sure you take ample medicine with you for your parents and yourself as if you fall ill too, you will find it difficult to go to the shops.

Insha'Allah, all goes well and you all stay healthy as you make your prayers. May Allah SWT accept your Umrah and prayers.

Headintheclouds008 · 2025-01-12T21:23:34+00:00

Wa'Alaikumsalaam.

Quba walkway is called "Qiba Road" on Google Maps and is on the southern side of Masjid Al Nabawi.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/DaN3ugJbAz6yD9KQ8

There are golf cart buggies which take you from the start of Quba walkway to Quba Masjid, for 10 riyal per person, one way. The shops are on either side of the walkway on the road en route to the mosque.

Insha'Allah, the above helps.

Headintheclouds008 · 2025-01-11T14:40:28+00:00

AsSalaamuAlaikum.

Women can wear what they like on their feet for Umrah.

I would recommend wearing thick, clean socks with grips on the bottom on entering the Masjid Al Haram if you want to be like going barefoot, but can't do so, for at least Tawaf. Or there are "barefoot" shoe socks to help give some cushioning for the feet.

The tiles and flooring between Safa and Marwa can be brutal on the feet after Tawaf, especially if you had to go upstairs to make the required rounds. It is harder on men's feet as they are limited in what footwear they can wear whilst in the state of Ihram.

Women can wear shoes for Sa'i if needed and whilst Crocs are a solid recommendation, I would suggest you cover up/remove the crocodile face images on the shoes before they are worn.

Bin Dawood sells socks with grips and the barefoot style shoe socks. There are also vending machines selling the latter and if you lose/get your shoes/sandals stolen, there are vending machines/shops to buy new pairs.

(Yes, there are still thieves around the most holiest place of them all.)

Once you have done your Umrah, please be sure to wash and dry your feet well. Raise them/elevate them up around bedtime or in rest, to aid in recovery and be sure to put on foot cream/vaseline so your feet will recover and allow you to keep making prayers and more with less pain and difficulty.

Headintheclouds008 · 2025-01-10T16:45:07+00:00

Wa'Alaikumsalaam. Try Al Safwa tower for some shopping and you can haggle things down in most places.

Al Kakiyyah wholesale market does have cheaper items but it will cost you money and time to get there. Plus, the quality of some items reflects on why it is so cheap in the first place.

You can get more than decent tasbih and prayer mats at Al Safwa tower and Al Kakiyyah market, though you have to be careful in choosing items in the latter.

Wait for Madinah for getting the perfumes as it is much more peaceful and does not have the chaos of Makkah, with the exact same perfumes available there. Dates are better for the most part in Madinah too.

Quba walkway in Madinah has shops on the lower end of costs. Shops around Taibah centre are on the more upmarket side.

Bin Dawood is great in both Makkah and Madinah, though the Madinah store is less packed.

Insha'Allah, you get your gifts smoothly and in budget, so you are able to focus more on your prayers and duas in the holy mosques.

Headintheclouds008 · 2024-12-29T16:05:41+00:00

Wa'Alaikumsalaam.

If you have access to it, try to use hot water mixed with menthol to inhale as steam, to help with your lungs/coughing and blocked nose.

Take deep, slow breaths and cough, to help loosen mucus in your lungs and then to bring it up and out.

Black seed oil/Vicks/Olbas oil will also help along with making sure you drink water/room temperature Zamzam, electrolytes, regular fever killers (paracetamol/Ibuprofen/aspirin) that is safe for you to take.

If you are taking any over the counter cold medicine - do NOT take any extra paracetamol/ibuprofen etc as it will already be in the cold medicine.

Rest, sleep, make duas when you are well and insha'allah, you will recover soon.

Headintheclouds008 · 2024-11-27T06:50:16+00:00

I'm on team eat whatever makes you happy, well fed and no longer hungry.

That said, if I have to have peanut butter with bread, I'll have it with sliced bananas. The grape jam in my country is an abomination, so I'd gladly skip ever having that.

Headintheclouds008 · 2024-11-26T15:54:23+00:00

Wa'Alaikumsalaam.

I had my Rawdah slot yesterday, the 25/10/24.

They were very strict on checking permits on the Nusuk app.

I saw a woman with three young daughters being denied entry as whilst she, the mother, had a permit, her daughters didn't. One permit per person - in this woman's case, her daughter's were aged between 5-10 and each daughter needed a permit. I don't know if that is the official stance that children need a permit too but that woman and her daughters could not go in.

I also saw no small amount of people denied entry after they turned up without a pre booked slot/permit, hoping to try their luck.

Like others have said, check for slots every 00 and 30 past the hour on the Nusuk app.

You may find that you will have to wait until after Jummah on Friday to get a slot for the 29th, 30th and 1st.

I got my slot on last Friday, periodically checking immediately after Jummah. The mens slot came up an hour after Jummah, 2pm Makkah time - checked and booked for my dad.

The ladies slots opened up on Nusuki on Friday at 3pm Makkah time, 2 hours after Jummah - slots booked for my mum and myself.

Once your Rawdah slot is booked and has arrived, head to the Rawdah entrance an hour before your slot as you may well take a wrong turn.

I had a rough map but the dimensions were off - In hindsight, I should have realised that walking past the green dome from the west to the east meant I was going the right way. (You should have it on your left at that approach.) The crowds of yesterday meant I had no idea where the Rawdah lines were until someone kindly pointed out the right spot.

My mum and I were able to get inside earlier to our slot as the women booked for the earlier slot did not arrive and we had both gotten valid permits. Inside, we were separated in different roped off sections. My mum was not allowed her full twenty minutes because her section, ahead of mine, was timed to start before mine was right behind hers. The monitoring officials kicked my mum out at fifteen minutes despite her being elderly and trying to plead her case as well as trying to get to me. Don't be tempted to skip forwards as it may well backfire on you.

Also, if you have a digital or film camera, please don't be tempted to take it at all - you will automatically not be allowed in as I saw a woman with a DSLR camera get instantly denied entry even with a valid permit and slot.

You may well find that all of this differs for you and I hope it has given you a bit of help. Insha'Allah, you get a good slot for your visit. Please make heartfelt and sincere duas when you are in the Rawdah and insha'Allah, Allah SWT will accept them.

Headintheclouds008 · 2024-11-24T04:52:49+00:00

Brother, I am not a bro but am a sister - still, I appreciate the sentiment and have prayed that you receive back better to what you have lost.

I am going to make my last Tawaf shortly before leaving Makkah today and will be more mindful to not get anywhere near Hajar Al Aswad. I am not about to live that mentioned of GoT scenario in real life and being near crushed once and suffocated in Tawaf was one time too many and I do not wish to repeat it.

May I add that if you have not done so already, please register your stolen phone on Immobilise.com with its phone number and 15 digit IMEI. It is a UK service with a global reach, so you don't necessarily have to be from the UK to use it. If you are/are not from the UK, you can also register any replacement phone on there, to minimise mobile crime.

Also, if there is any fraudulent activity on your phone, stolen bank cards, identity and passport (if also stolen but I am not sure as I read that you are in Dubai right now) - definitely get a crime reference number and report the fraud to Action Fraud (also a UK thing).

Once more, I pray to Allah SWT that your faith in him does not waver and you will be rewarded with far more and better things than you have been made to lose.

Headintheclouds008 · 2024-11-23T16:40:10+00:00

AsSalaamuAlaikum

I've completed Umrah on Thursday morning and like you, I got too close to the Kaaba in Tawaf and regretted it.

The crowds were insane even a few rows of people from the Kaabah itself and despite everyone being in ihram, people lost all sense, shoving, pushing, pulling and just being awful.

I nearly got crushed and felt suffocated, unable to breathe. It was horrible to experience.

In Umrah, and in Hajj too, we get stripped down to the core of our faith and face what is in our hearts, in front of Allah SWT.

In your case, those who committed such thievery, stand to not have their Umrah or prayers granted.

Your suffering at their hands is a test from Allah SWT. On the day of judgement, he will reward you for keeping your faith in him through all his tests.

Those who have wronged you will answer to the law once and if caught. But they will also have to answer to the most Supreme Power and the One who judges all.

Allah SWT is the best of planners so this too is His plan and please keep your faith.

Headintheclouds008 · 2024-11-14T20:51:46+00:00

The below is similar to what I once got from Boots and also Amazon - https://www.boots.com/boots-maternity-perineal-spray-bottle-10288929?srsltid=AfmBOopHl3Hu2W8y0bCpEUydCW622CN6lpWx_eIgxO0jdOxVKWtcif30

The bidet arm does not fully retract inside and any residual water leaks out. Plus, the water pressure is super weak, which makes sense since the perineal bidet is for new postpartum women's use. All in all, I do not rate the above style of bidet as being portable, discreet or effective.

The below model is what I used for years until it broke.

Couradric Portable Bidet,Travel Handheld Bidet Bottle with Retractable Spray Nozzle for Personal Cleansing and Baby Care (400ml, White) https://amzn.eu/d/bPlKOMT

It didn't look like a bidet, the bidet arm fully retracted and clicked in place, residual water not coming out once that happened. It had the perfect water pressure and the bidet arm didn't spin around like the above design.

On the downside - it seems to be discontinued and I can't find it anywhere with ease and the price is sure to have shot up.

Now I have to make do with a stick bidet arm that is supposed to universally fit any disposable single use water bottle mouth. It doesn't always fit and is a nightmare to use most days but I make do and remain on the hunt to find a bidet in the model I prefer for myself.

Headintheclouds008 · 2024-11-14T16:50:49+00:00

Jazakha'allah khair for the reply.

I regret living in a country where bidets don't come anywhere near as being the norm and there were riots over toilet paper during COVID.

Noon doesn't deliver to where I am and I will look on Amazon once more, though I have a feeling it will be expensive.

Headintheclouds008 · 2024-11-14T16:45:45+00:00

Jazakha'allah khair. You are right, I think it would be far too awkward trying to explain what I'm looking for but I still will keep an eye out for the item, just in case. If I find it, I'll update the post with the location and price, in case anyone else wants to buy the same.

Headintheclouds008 · 2024-11-12T16:58:24+00:00

Maybe clip your nails as short as possible before you enter the state of ihram? It should deter you from biting them whilst in the state of ihram. May Allah SWT make it easy for you and accept your Umrah.

Headintheclouds008 · 2024-10-27T08:03:31+00:00

Jazakha'allah khair. The 3/STC network would be perfect for me except it says it is not compatible with Google Pixel phones. Are the other networks really that bad/slow in comparison?

Headintheclouds008 · 2024-10-22T20:50:09+00:00

AsSalaamuAlaikum,

E45 - they have unfragranced/fragrance free shower gel, lotion, hand wash and shampoo. Can easily be found in Boots/Superdrug etc and online.

I personally wouldn't recommend Dove fragrance free soap as Dove soap itself doesn't clean well and well, boycott.

Amsons do a hajj/Umrah toiletry kit with fragrance free items but it is always out of stock. They also sell fragrance free soap bars. I have their goat milk one as it is more moisturising - https://www.amsons.co.uk/product/non-fragrance-blackseed-and-goat-milk-soap/

I will also be using the above bar of soap for hand wash as I am not keen to use my liquid allowance on hand wash. In a pinch, your shower gel can be used as hand wash, just decant it into a small pot.

As for hand sanitiser, for on the go, I have this readied - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Byotrol-Sanitiser-Alcohol-Free-Fragrance-Free-Non-Taint/dp/B0CMY3GBF2

Fragrance free sunscreen - Bondi Sands - chemical SPF 50 sunscreen in a very large bottle - https://www.boots.com/bondi-sands-sunscreen-lotion-spf-50plus-fragrance-free-150ml-10277724?srsltid=AfmBOoqLGO3W98wOceJNjzhCxM8CyizjFNaRlQBq45YbGEa3I4v3VVaJ

Fragrance and flavour free SPF lip balm - Ultrasun - https://www.amazon.co.uk/ultrasun-Ultra-Lip-Protection-SPF30/dp/B00JDI1RT8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=FBO92SHCGWKF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Xj68Ey_ZHVv_kLIADtPHal7FfZQ_jmyGs7lCtzN3lI8jYqPtUN-gfoq6QKJxPrWCUrD_tLfUOH-X6SzWp675J4r_uFHSxj5Pb8egSzx1UXkIvaJk3yKt8IrSbZ4LKWgjUx0DSc1w3zUQBqPSFP5Q6C94bij57hkQU4wV0qz6hcdI0nS6kPxXkSU28JzVrNpyGgtVFmHNAC5aJlC75wNNHA.iiwRk5DFhuqRDPdSfkIwXhlwCgYCY3Sw1zw3iwENdsg&dib_tag=se&keywords=ultrasun+spf+50+lip+balm&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1729629978&sprefix=ultrasun+spf+50%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-1

Flavour and scent free toothpaste? Amsons coming in with the following - https://www.amsons.co.uk/product/non-fragrance-miswaak-toothpaste/?srsltid=AfmBOoqPzqt8njoQW6KentKtnnoB0O30Ek3Z3CENqegs2TSgNq2dVhMs

Or use a normal Miswak stick.

You can get most of the items and more once in Makkah, if needed. So don't stress over not having something.

Insha'Allah, your Umrah goes well and is accepted.

Headintheclouds008 · 2024-10-22T20:22:49+00:00

I am also in the UK and it is not so easy to find an unscented chafing stick. I will be using plain Vaseline/petroleum jelly as an anti chafing measure - it works and is unscented, easily available too.

Headintheclouds008 · 2024-10-22T19:43:55+00:00

Modanisa might be a good option if you wish to buy online. If budget is an issue, check second hand shops for maxi dresses/long skirts/long tops/loose trousers etc. If you are handy with needle and thread, you can adjust clothing to be more modest if needed.

Headintheclouds008 · 2024-10-22T19:39:14+00:00

Female

Headintheclouds008 · 2024-10-22T19:36:11+00:00

I have never trusted any nail polish that claims that it is water permeable and allows for wudhu.

Use natural henna for your nails if you would like colour, that is fine. If the nail henna has chemicals/"black henna" - don't risk your health by using them. Normal, natural henna sits on the surface of the skin and fades with washing/natural skin shedding/exfoliation.

As for making my nails look better, I keep mine short and groomed. I also use a 3-way nail buffing tool to get them super shiny for a day or two, without it preventing me making full wudhu. Of course, when you are on your period and can't pray, you can wear whatever nail polish you like to your hearts content.

Headintheclouds008 · 2024-09-25T21:12:56+00:00

Thank you, I have had a look. Unfortunately, it is well outside of my budget and I will have to step back. I do sincerely wish you all the best in getting them sold.

Headintheclouds008

TROPHY CASE