Ramadan/Syawal 1431 (2010)

I have meant to put this up during Ramadan this year to commemorate 1 year of my visit to the Holy Land. I was tasked to direct the documentary "Modern Pilgrims" for MediaCorp's ChannelnewsAsia. I look back at the series with fond memories. Three things come to mind.

1. The project was delayed for one year, ie the trip was supposed to take place in 2009, but delayed by paperwork. Alhamdulillah, on 3 September 2010 the crew and I left for Medina. I would also like to add that it was Ramadan 1431 through Syawal 1431 when I made that trip. I arrived Medina during the last 10 days of Ramadan and left Mecca at the end of the first week of Syawal.

2. I was raised in a conservative Islamic environment - my parents pursued their utmost responsibilities to be the best Muslim parents, I attended up to Primary 6 in Madrasah Islamic school - somehow, pop music seems to be more appealing. So it was high anticipation, excitement yet apprehension as to how I would "perform" in the house of GOD. I'm still perfecting my self.

3. It was in the middle of the northern-hemisphere summer when we arrived, in Ramadan. The temperature was up to 45 degrees celcius. I had to be sure I get ALL the items I had planned to film, liaise with the ground via the fixer on our daily programmes, which was a tough call. AND on top of that the ibadah itself. It was hard, Subhanallah. I had an awakening - an awakening of my self. And the extreme humility I felt in His presence. 2 things - visiting the Prophet Muhammad SAW at his tomb and THAT sunset experience at Mt Uhud. Masya'Allah! And of course that moment as I faced the Kaabah. It was magical to be at THE centre of gravity where all of solats/prayers are directed - wherever one can be in every part of the world.

As the filming team did not restrict ourselves to just the respective city centres, we often wandered off the beaten tracks, ie, making friends with the endearing locals and visiting quaint street corners where these locals hangout in both Medina and Mecca. I also got to know closer the rich Ottoman heritage that is eroding. The various stories of the human condition from people I spoke to in the streets - determined kindred spirits who made their way to the Holy Land despite poverty and other personal drives - were so inspiring and humbling! So much were going on that were not within the documentary's narrative. And I feel fortunate to be able to connect with the Holy Land this way.

In the midst of these challenges, I completed a total of 4 Umrahs in Mecca. The first Umrah was completed on 1st Syawal 1431. We returned to Singapore on 18 September 2010. Alhamdulillah

With God's grace, here is the documentary in 4 parts.
NOTE: ALL COPYRIGHTS ARE OWNED BY MEDIACORP CHANNELNEWSASIA. I posted this video purely in the spirit of Ukhwah (friendship, relationship, bond). May it benefit fellow Ummah and general understanding of Islam for others.