Travel | Religion | Ramadan | Memoir | Photography

What it’s like Ramadan in the Muslim Holiest Cities

Medina, Saudi Arabia

Photo by Author

Ramadan isn’t just about fasting; it’s a time for Muslims to draw closer to Allah through prayer, contemplation, and devotion.

Some years ago, I had the opportunity to experience Ramadan in two of Islam’s holiest cities: Medina and Mecca.

After a 10-hour flight from Jakarta, Indonesia, I arrived at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport at dawn.

Since it was Ramadan, I had my Suhoor on the plane. I ate chicken biryani at that time.

The airport was brimming with pilgrims. Ramadan is the peak season for Umrah*.

*Umrah is the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.

After crossing immigration, I joined others on a bus to Medina. The journey took over six hours, and we arrived at the hotel at noon.