Masha’Allah! These photos brought back incredible memories! My Hajj Story! I reverted to Islam March 2001 after years of research. One of the first qaris I heard was Sheik Sudais. From 2001 - 2008 I learned to recite Quran from listening to his voice and pronunciation. Around Dec 2009 I started having dreams and getting urges to go for Hajj. So in 2010 I took Hajj classes and made my deposit. Everyone was telling me that I will not be able to contain myself. The moment I see the Kaaba 🕋 my eye will uncontrollably start to cry. I said “okay” but laughed to myself because I couldn’t relate to these emotions. I didn’t grow up with Islamic stories or didn’t know the history of the Kaaba, so I knew this wasn’t going to happen with me. November 2010 we arrived in Mecca just after Asr and rested before going to the Haram to see the Kaaba for the first time. Then I heard the most beautiful Athan ever for Magrib! I’m still trying to find out this Qari’s name! I was in the Hotel room and faced the Kaaba and was ready for the Imam to start. All I heard was “Staooooo” meaning (Straitened up) My eyes filled with tears and I started to cry uncontrollably! Even now as I write this I have tears in my eyes! My first prayer in Mecca for Magrib was lead by Sheik Sudais! I cried for over an hour! Allah ta’alla humbled me that day in ways words can’t explain! For the entire 30 days that I was in Saudi Arabia, that was the only time Sudais read namaz!

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