Family members are getting ready to visit Mecca this week to spend the last 10 nights of Ramadan - part of the Nights of Power (Layali al Qadr) - at Allah's house, known as Al Kaaba. I couldn't help but ask my mother why, even if she is just visiting Saudi Arabia to meet some family members, she will always visit Mecca to conduct an Umrah. This is her third trip to Mecca this year. Here is what she said: "If you have a very dear friend of yours coming to Abu Dhabi for a visit, during your busy working hours, would you leave your work and invite them for lunch at your house?"
I said: "Well, I'm sure, due to my busy schedule, I would rather invite them after I finish my work and then hang out!" Mum replied: "Although Allah's house is busy 24/7 with worshippers from around the world, he is never too busy to welcome us. In fact, every time we visit our family members in Saudi Arabia we feel like paying a visit to Allah's house as it feels different when you appreciate someone for their hospitality at their own house. Therefore, our visit gives us an extra satisfaction and unlimited blessings. Our visit to Allah's house comes by default whenever we visit Saudi Arabia. It's like visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi to pay your respects and share prayers at our father of the nation's mausoleum."