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toothpaste-dragon · 4 years

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It’s been a while since I posted a longer piece like this, so I’m very excited to present Far From Home: Lullaby! Besides introducing Gerdie as a main character, this snippet also has a small surprise at the end...so keep your eyes peeled ;) As always, expect lots of fluff and feels. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy it!

(For those who are unfamiliar with the characters and would like visual references, you can find some here.)

Genre: Science Fiction Words: 4,245

The bedroom was small. Once an on-board storage unit, the space had been transformed into sleeping quarters for the ship’s newest passenger. After visiting countless consignment stores and asking for advice on multiple occasions, the room was adequately furnished.

Baz often used ‘cramped’ to describe the room. Gerdie thought ‘quaint’ was a more fitting adjective.

The floor was lined with a plush carpet, its repeating mauve and lilac-colored rings resembling a target. Stray toys and stuffed animals littered the carpet, though it was clear their owner took good care of them. The windowless metal walls were covered in drawings depicting various members of the crew; some hung over the rectangular dresser, others hung over the beanbag chair in the corner, but the majority were congregated just above the headboard of the tiny bed against the farthest wall.

Lying awake in that bed was Toko.

A particularly nasty dream had awoken her from peaceful slumber, leaving behind fresh tears and matted streaks in her fur. She held tightly to her blanket until the remaining fragments of the nightmare returned to the shadows.

Toko reached up and ran a hand over her stubby horns. She wasn’t nubless. She shouldn’t be afraid.

Her trembling suggested otherwise.

Amidst the darkness, she found solace in the familiar scent which clung to the bedcover. It was an indistinguishable smell she’d come to associate with ‘home’. It put her at ease.

But she still felt restless, tossing and turning in an attempt to distract her wandering mind.

The poor girl rolled over for the umpteenth time, unable to relax into a comfortable position. Now resting on her side, Toko’s gaze was drawn to the glowing rock on her nightstand, its pink hues barely illuminating her sleeping quarters. It had been a gift from Gerdie – the first gift she’d received during her time on the ship. “It’s a house-warming present,” he’d said with a small chuckle. Toko cherished the nightlight, its presence a reminder of her second family’s kindness.

Tired eyes scanned the room and its faint outline, the rock’s warm light providing less reassurance than usual. Sighing, Toko shifted under the covers again and attuned to the odd noises that filled the ship, hoping they might lull her back to sleep. The quiet yet constant whir of the engine and scattered tik, tak of space debris on the hull were always the most prominent. Strangely, she could’ve sworn she heard something else hidden beneath the ship’s droning song.

Music.

The melody was quiet and slow, each note drawn out as if cherish its fleeting existence. It was haunting, in a way.

How long had it been there? She didn’t hear it a few seconds ago. Though, to be fair, she hadn’t really been paying attention.

Then all at once the melody faded. Toko turned her head in confusion, curiosity piqued. She listened intently for anything that might defy the silence.

Nothing.

Chocking it up to her imagination, Toko groaned and glanced at her alarm clock. Gerdie always said midnight snacks would ruin her appetite, but he often disregarded his own warning and suggested she try a warm glass of milk when she couldn’t sleep. It worked for him, at least.

Making up her mind, Toko hopped down from her bed and strode toward the metal door at the opposite end of the room. That’s when she heard it.

A new melody, much different from the first. The song reminded her of a beautiful dance; it was light and bouncy, yet displayed a sort of dignified grace. The girl’s eyes lit up as the unfamiliar tune found its way to her ears.

So she wasn’t just hearing things!

Determined to locate the source of the melody, Toko’s night terror and inability to sleep were promptly put on hold. Tiny purple feet approached the door and an equally tiny hand reached for the handle. But it hesitated.

A confusing revelation caused Toko to pause.

Withdrawing her hand, she silently reasoned that Baz would be the only one awake at this hour. She just couldn’t wrap her head around the idea that Baz, of all people, liked to sing. Baz was big and tough and scary! She’d never expect such a soothing melody to come from someone like him. Besides, she hadn’t heard him sing before, so why now?

Yet…the more she thought about it, the less she could deny it. Gerdie certainly wouldn’t be up this late at night, and even then, the voice behind the melody was deep. So who was making such wonderful music?

There was only one way to find out.

Toko grasped the handle and slid the door into the wall – just enough that she could squeeze through. A sliver of pink light found its way into the dark hallway, but it was much too dim to improve visibility. Standing in the hallway did bring Toko closer to the melody, however. She quickly noticed it was coming from the common room.

Left hand tracing along the wall, Toko tiptoed down the corridor as quietly as possible. Artificial light from the common room helped guide her toward her goal, each step bringing her closer to the source of the music. She shuffled past the kitchen door. Almost there.

Slowing her pace, Toko approached the threshold. She couldn’t tell if she was shaking from anticipation or the ship’s chilly draft, or both. But the melody was clear as ever, and sounded even more beautiful up close! Nothing could quash her excitement now.

She exhaled and took a step forward. Venturing just beyond the shadow of the hallway, she was suddenly face to face with the mysterious musician.

Well, she would’ve been face to face had Baz chosen a different seat at the table.

The captain’s back was to the girl. He was filling out delivery confirmation forms, just as he did every night. Completely unaware of her presence, he kept singing to himself without a care in the world.

Toko couldn’t believe her eyes or ears.

She wanted to say something, walk up to him or get his attention, but soon found herself lost in his melody. Songs were not a foreign concept to her, though she had never heard a song without words. It was a bit perplexing; even without familiar syllables, she could tell there was purpose behind each pitch.

Yet it was not the song that mesmerized Toko, rather the singer. Baz had such a rich, heavy tone, its core gravely and its edges smooth. The sheer power of his voice sent gentle vibrations through the floor, the faint tremor tickling her ribcage.

Standing at the edge of the common room, focused on nothing but Baz’s voice, Toko felt…calm. No nightmare was bold enough to grasp for her in that moment.

All at once, Baz reached what Toko could only assume was the final chorus and the song was over. The girl resisted the urge to clap, instead funneling this enthusiasm into the confidence to speak.

“I didn’t know you could sing.”

* * * * * *

Baz was a little more than startled by the unexpected voice. He immediately swiveled in his chair, turning to face the stranger with a mix of surprise and embarrassment.

It was Toko, lingering at the entrance of the common room and looking up at him with sparkling eyes.

“Kid?! What are you doing here? You should be in bed.”

“Why don’t you ever sing around me or Gerdie?” she asked, innocence and fascination replacing any hint of bitterness Baz expected to find. It was just like her to avoid the question.

Considering how to avoid Toko’s question, Baz ran a hand over his horns in thought. “I wasn’t singing, I was humming.”

“Oh.” Toko broke eye contact, and Baz could tell she was mentally adding the new word to her vocabulary. She offered a shy smile as she looked back up at the captain. “Well, do you like to sing?”

Baz sighed. It seemed Toko would be giving more questions than answers tonight.

But her inquiry gave him pause. No one had asked him such a question since…well, since he could remember. And why should they? It’d been years since he sang for anyone but himself. There was no reason to share his voice anymore.

He briefly let his guard down though, allowing Toko’s question to wriggle past a tough outer shell and work its way into a special place full of warm memories. When life was good and things were less complicated.

A time he could never revisit.

“Yeah,” Baz confessed awkwardly. “I love to sing. Just…not around other people.”

Toko took a small step forward, undaunted by the captain’s definitive statement. “Would you sing for me? Please?”

Baz thought himself a fool if he was gullible enough to think he might walk away from this interaction unscathed.

Now that Toko was a bit closer, however, he could just make out the flattened fur under her eyes. Baz wondered if she’d come to the common room seeking refuge from a nightmare, only to take interest in his humming and get sidetracked.

Weighing his options, he silently pondered whether he felt comfortable singing in front of Toko. Besides, what song would he even sing? What if she asked to hear more songs in the future? Or worse…what if she didn’t like it?

Baz was unsure why he cared so much about a little girl’s opinion. But no matter how often he denied it, the answer was obvious.

He wanted to make her happy.

“Okay kid,” Baz exhaled in defeat. “Here’s the deal. I’ll sing one song if you promise to go to sleep right after. Got it?”

Toko’s face lit up like a firework, her wide grin showing off the gap in her teeth. “Yes!”

Baz raised a finger to his snout and shushed her. Toko covered her mouth, Baz’s warning a reminder that there was another passenger sleeping on the ship.

Rising from his chair, Baz approached Toko and used a large hand to nudge her toward the darkened hallway. “C’mon squirt,” he whispered. “Let’s get you back to bed.”

The girl was quick to comply and remained at Baz’s side as he sauntered down the corridor. Nagging thoughts plagued his mind, and he grimaced as the soft light from Toko’s rock lamp drew nearer. Did he really just agree to sing in front of Toko?

He racked his brain for a song she might like – or better yet, one that would put her to sleep. A couple songs came to mind as Toko slipped through the crack between the wall and her bedroom door. Baz grabbed the handle and opened the door fully, sliding it back into place once he was in the room.

Toko was climbing into bed when Baz turned around, and the captain watched with paternal fondness as she clumsily attempted to tuck herself in. He traveled the length of the room in a few long strides and knelt down next to her, reaching over to fix the blankets. Toko relaxed and allowed Baz to rearrange the covers. She knew the drill.

“So, you’ll sing for me now?” Toko asked as Baz withdrew his hands.

No, he wanted to say. Words seemed to catch in his throat as the reality of the situation finally set in. But he took a deep breath and sighed. “That was the deal.”

Toko’s grin widened. “What song are you gonna sing?”

Of the two songs Baz selected, he somewhat hesitantly decided on the second one. It was short and repetitive – perfect for the limited attention span of children. Besides, he was much more acquainted with the tune.

“It’s an old song from my planet,” said Baz. “One of my favorites, ever since I was a kid.”

They sat in silence for a moment. When Toko didn’t reply, Baz realized she was watching him, waiting expectantly to hear the song.

Baz psyched himself up to sing, only to crumble under the girl’s stare. The eye contact was too much.

“Sorry kid, I…” Feeling a bit humiliated, Baz glanced at the floor. “I can’t do it if you’re watching.”

Toko blinked, then sat up in her bed. “I can fix that!”

When Baz looked back at her, Toko’s eyes were shut tightly and she was wearing a goofy smile. The captain chuckled. She never ceased to amuse him with her antics, and he was touched by her attempt to make him feel more comfortable.

“You better keep ‘em closed,” Baz chided playfully.

Toko nodded blindly and giggled. “I will, I promise!”

Baz let out a few breathy laughs as Toko’s giggles subsided, then all at once the air was still. Finding a strange sense of peace in the silence, Baz located the intergalactic translation device attached to the back of his jaw and turned the dial until there was a small click.

If he was singing a song from his home planet, he wanted Toko to hear it in his native language.

Besides, the lyrics were much too embarrassing when translated.

Baz shifted into a more relaxed position and sat down on the plush carpet. He took a few deep breaths and quietly cleared his throat, preparing to test his vocal cords.

It’s just notes and words, he reassured himself. You can do this.

He kept his eyes away from Toko, his gaze landing on anything but the girl. Filling his lungs with air, Baz started by humming a soft melody; the prelude to the song.

Then, after so many years, Baz sang.

He cautiously leaned into the familiar feeling. It was strange, but…kind of nice. Despite abandoning the lyrics long ago, each word escaped his mouth effortlessly as if they’d been waiting impatiently to soar once again.

Quiet as it was, his voice easily filled the small space. The words of his language were rough and uninviting, but he delivered each one as if they were delicate heirlooms.

Baz closed his eyes as he reached the end of the first chorus. For a brief moment, part of him forgot about reality, the tune enveloping any distressing thoughts and replacing them with warmth. The moment didn’t last though, and he opened his eyes as the sobering reminder of Toko’s presence crossed his mind.

His gaze landed on the girl before he could stop himself, genuinely curious as to whether she had kept her promise. Baz was surprised to find that Toko’s eyes were still very much closed.

Not only that, but Toko looked as though she was completely at ease. She had abandoned her upright position and snuggled down under the covers, her breathing slow. Baz would’ve assumed she was asleep had it not been for her light fidgeting.

An unexpected wave of relief washed over him when met with Toko’s peaceful expression. Transitioning from the bridge to the final chorus, a grin tugged at the edges of Baz’s jagged muzzle. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t enjoying this.

Part of him hated that. But another small, tentative part of him brightened at the thought.

With one last breath, Baz sang the closing phrase and the song was over.

Overcome with feelings of nostalgia, he allowed the phrase to linger in his head. But he realized his mistake too late and was abruptly assaulted by the aching memory of another singing voice, its cadence all too familiar. His throat suddenly felt very tight.

Baz exhaled slowly, letting the air escape his lungs at its own pace while simultaneously reactivating his intergalactic translation device. He couldn’t let his emotions run free. Not now.

Thankfully, the sound of Toko shifting in her bed transported him back to the present.

The girl sleepily opened her eyes. “That was beautiful,” she said, followed by a large yawn. “But what did it mean?”

Regaining his composure, Baz rose to his knees and adjusted Toko’s blankets again, making sure she was snug. He could tell she was trying very hard to keep her eyes open.

“I only promised I’d sing, not translate. Now you hold your end of the bargain.” Baz lowered his snout and nuzzled Toko gently, eliciting a tired giggle. “Get some sleep, kiddo.”

“M’kay,” was the only reply.

Satisfied, the captain stood up and crossed the room without a sound, exhaustion finally catching up with him. Sliding the door into the wall, Baz entered the hallway and was about to leave when a small voice broke the silence.

“Could you sing for me again sometime?”

Baz pondered the request. Really pondered it.

He turned to look at Toko in the darkness, searching for big blue eyes and a pleading expression…only to find a sleeping child. She’d fallen asleep before she could receive an answer.

Baz smiled.

“We’ll see.”

The door slid into place, and all was quiet.

* * * * * *

The ship touched down early the next morning, landing on a planet known for its vast marketplaces and plethora of trading posts. It was a common pit stop for the crew when they were running low on supplies; the goods sold there were cheap, and the prices were an insult to their quality. But with such a tight budget, it was the crew’s best option by far.

Gerdie took a sip of his coffee, moisture sticking to the yellow feathers lining his upper lip. His single eye scanned what was essentially a grocery list, making sure he hadn’t forgotten to include anything important. Nodding to himself, he handed the list to Baz. The captain looked it over.

“You really think we need two lithium-ion batteries?” Baz inquired, uncertainty adorning his features. “Those things always do a number on my bank account.”

Gerdie sighed. “Unfortunately, yes. Our current battery is already looking worse for wear, and in the event the next one fries, a spare is absolutely necessary.”

Pocketing the list without protest, Baz shrugged. “You’re the engineer.”

“And you’re the captain. Technically, you don’t have to listen to me,” Gerdie joked, walking toward a red lever and rectangular keypad on the adjacent wall. Taking another sip of coffee, he used one of his three free hands to enter a five-digit code into the keypad, its monitor flashing green once control had been unlocked. Gerdie pulled the lever and a large, circular door began to open on the wall beside him. He turned to Baz.

“But if you want this ship to stay aloft, I’d highly suggest buying two batteries.”

Baz merely chuckled and shook his head as he approached the door. Passing Gerdie, he gave the engineer a light punch to the shoulder before making his way onto the ramp just outside the ship. “I’ll be back in a couple hours,” he announced, already descending toward the planet’s orange surface.

Gerdie pushed the lever back into place and the door closed with a quiet sigh. Walking toward the kitchen, his first thought was to get a jumpstart on chores, but the breathtaking view from the helm window suddenly caught his attention. He mentally scolded himself, reminded of his tendency to exchange life’s irreplaceable moments for mundane work.

So he allowed himself to stare out the window and appreciate the beautiful day, finishing his coffee with a final satisfying sip.

“Gerdie!”

The lanky alien whirled around at the mention of his name, and his gaze landed on a small, bright-eyed purple child. Immediately, his face lit up.

“Good morning, Miss Toko!”

Placing his empty mug on the control panel, Gerdie bent down and scooped the girl into all four of his arms. He tossed her above his head a couple times, her childish giggles adding years to his life. Then he held her steady on his hip and waited for the last of her breathy laughs to die down.

“Did you sleep well last night?” he asked, using a free hand to smooth the ruffled tuft of fur on her head.

“Yeah, because Baz sang for me!”

Gerdie’s eye went wide and his feathery crest rose out of astonishment – and maybe a bit of disbelief. “Wait…Baz sang for you?”

“Mhm,” Toko answered with a grin, nodding eagerly.

Gerdie knew Toko wasn’t one to lie, and even then her acting was subpar. But it’d been years since he used ‘Baz’ and ‘sang’ in the same sentence. It was no surprise the idea seemed so farfetched.

Then realization hit, and Gerdie was overcome by a certain smugness. He always poked fun at Baz, telling him Toko brought out his sweet side, but now he had concrete proof. The captain really had gone soft.

He’d be sure to tease Baz when he returned.

It was touching, though, knowing Baz cared about Toko. Gerdie was well aware that Baz felt uncomfortable singing in front of other people, and sharing his musical gift with Toko solidified the fact that she was very important to him.

“That’s quite the honor,” Gerdie explained, exaggerating his words for the sake of the kid in his arms. “He never sings for anybody!”

Something about what the engineer said caused Toko’s expression to change from one of excitement to intrigue. “Does that mean Baz sang for you before?”

Gerdie considered whether Baz would want him to share such information. But the secret was already out, so it probably wouldn’t do any harm.

“Quite a long time ago, youngling, but yes. Things were a bit…different back then.”

He could tell Toko was ready with more questions he didn’t want to answer, so Gerdie quickly shifted focus back to the girl.

“But that’s beside the point. Tell me, what did he sing for you?”

Like the flip of a switch, Toko seemed to toss the previous conversation aside. “That’s where I need your help! The words were in Baz’s language, so I was gonna ask if you could translate for me.”

“Well, do you remember any of the words? I can’t be of assistance unless I know which song you’re talking about, unfortunately.”

Toko responded with a quiet “Um…” before breaking eye contact. She fiddled with the feathers on Gerdie’s arms and furrowed her brow, deep in thought.

Gerdie wasn’t surprised by Toko’s inability to recite the words of Baz’s language. They were abrasive and hard to pronounce, and the fact that she’d heard them several hours ago didn’t help either. Realizing this was going nowhere, Gerdie suggested another option. “Or can you hum the melody?”

This seemed a bit more promising, as Toko brightened at the proposal. “Maybe? I think it went something like this-”

Not knowing how to hum, Toko repeated a rough version of the song through a series of la’s.

Gerdie instantly recognized the tune and was nothing short of dumbfounded. Of all the songs Baz could’ve chosen, Gerdie couldn’t believe he picked that song!

There wasn’t a single doubt in his mind now. Baz definitely cared about Toko.

“Ah,” Gerdie replied brightly, cutting short Toko’s attempt to reproduce the tune. “I know that song quite well, actually. It’s a good one for sure.”

“So you can translate for me?” Toko said, eyes sparkling and tail twitching excitedly.

Gerdie chuckled, amazed that so much enthusiasm could fit into such a tiny girl. “I’d be happy to translate for you, Miss Toko. But I’m not the best singer, so don’t expect a performance like Baz’s!”

This prompted a giggle from the alien in his arms, and Gerdie smiled. He began to sway in place, humming the prelude to the song – the same one that left Baz’s muzzle not too long ago. Then, looking down at Toko lovingly, he serenaded her in his own sing-songy voice.

“Though we are far apart I am with you, I am with you When trouble comes your way Think of me, think of me Remember that I love you I love you, I love you Someday in my arms You’ll be, you’ll be.”

Reaching the end of the first chorus, Gerdie took Toko’s right hand in his left as his swaying gradually evolved into a dance. He descended the steps leading to the helm and spun into the common room, taking advantage of the open space. Toko laughed, thoroughly enjoying the experience.

“Remember that I love you I love you, I love you When darkness falls and shadows fade You’re drowning in your tears Look forward to the sunrise And when you open your eyes The light will chase away your fears.”

Gerdie slowed his pace and returned to a gentle sway in the middle of the common room. Lowering his voice, he delivered the final chorus with deliberate softness.

Toko’s facial expression was one of awe. “Wow…Baz’s song really said all that?”

“Yes ma’am! And there’s no doubt he meant every single word.”

The girl stared at Gerdie, and he could tell the grin that followed came from a place of genuine happiness. It filled his heart with joy.

“You know,” Gerdie continued, “he used to sing this song for someone very special. But she…”

The engineer trailed off. Remembering the nature of his audience, he looked down at Toko and their eyes met. Confusion was written all over her features.

Gerdie suddenly perked up. “Well, it seems he sings it for a different special someone now.”

________________________________

Hey, Toothpaste Dragon here! Thanks so much for taking time to read my story. If you’d like to hear what Baz’s song actually sounds like, click here!

#my art #my writing #Far From Home #Baz #Toko #Baz and Toko #Gerdie

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shofwankarim · 3 years

Text

Laporan Perjalanan Umrah 2014

Menjaga Tauhid, Renovasi dan Perluasan Al-Haram

4 Februari 2014 pukul 10.35

Menjaga Tauhid, Renovasi dan Perluasan Al-Haram

http://hariansinggalang.co.id/menjaga-tauhid-renovasi-dan-perluasan-al-haram/

Setelah 12 Tahun ke Mekkah (9):

Shofwan Karim Bin Abdul Karim Husein

— Muhammad Ibnu Abd al-Wahhâb (1115 – 1206 H/1701 – 1793 M ) berkolaborasi dengan Ibnu Saud, melakukan reformasi total kehidupan beragama di Jazirah Arabia pada ujung abad ke-18. Mereka menamakan gerakannya salafiyun (gerakan awal) yaitu kembali menerapkan agama Islam yang murni seperti yang diajarkan Rasulullah saw dengan menegakkan akidah Tauhid yang murni.

Meng-Esakan Allah tanpa reserve dengan tidak tedeng aling-aling. Mereka menyebut gerakan al-Muwahhidun. Prinsip teologi yang semata-mata mengiukuti al-Quran dan Hadist-Sunnah al-Shahihah.

Sebagian ahli menyebut bahwa mereka dalam teologi menggunakan pemikiran Ibn Taymiyah dan pemikiran Fikih, bermazhab Hanbali.

Oleh pihak Barat, mengikuti cara pikir para ahli Orientalis (ahli ketimuran) , mereka menyebut gerakan Wahabi.

Persiapan Thawaf, Saa'i dan Tahallul

Oleh karena bersandarkan kepada seorang tokoh sentral yaitu Muhammad ibnu ‘Abd al-Wahab . Hal itu merupakan metoda Barat dalam setiap menamakan gerakan, pikiran, dan gagasan yang selalu bersandarkan kepada tokoh sentral setiap gagasan itu.

Maka dulu, oleh para Orientalis masa awal, agama Islam disebut mereka sebagai Mohammadanisme atau paham Muhammad. Agak aneh terasa, sebagian besar umat Islam sekarang menisbahkan pula pemurnian Islam di Saudi itu sebagai Wahabisme atau paham Wahabi.

Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahab, mengikat perjanjian dengan Muhammad Ibnu Saud, seorang pemimpin suku di wilayah Najd. Sesuai kesepakatan, Ibnu Saud ditunjuk sebagai pelaksana administrasi pemerintah atau bahasa populernya mengurus hal-hal yang bersifat politik.

Sementara Muhammad bin Abd al-Wahhâb menjadi pemimpin syariah, pengawal akidah dan kehidupan spiritualitas. Sampai saat ini, gelar Malik atau Raja dan “keluarga kerajaan” negara Arab Saudi dipegang oleh keluarga Saud. Namun Mufti Umum Kerajaan, tidak selalu dari keluarga Muhammad bin Abd al-Wahhâb misalnya Syaikh ‘Abdul ‘Aziz Ibn Abdullah Ali Ibn Baz (1909-1999).

Dalam kajian sejarah, kolaborasi Ibnu Saud dan Ibnu Abdul Wahab itu, telah mengalami pasang naik dan surut dari akhir abad ke-18 sampai awal abad ke-20.

Pada tanggal 23 September 1932, Abdul Aziz bin Abdurrahman Al-Sa’ud mem proklamasikan berdirinya Kerajaan Arab Saudi atau Saudi Arabia (Al-Mamlakah Al-’Arabiyah Al-Su’udiyah) dengan menyatukan wilayah Riyadh, Najd (Nejed), Ha-a, Asir, dan Hijaz. Abdul Aziz kemudian menjadi raja pertama pada kerajaan tersebut. Dengan demikian dapat dipahami, nama Saudi berasal dari kata nama keluarga Raja Abdul Aziz Al-Sa’ud. Pada waktu, Negara kerajaan ini beum makmur. Tetapi setelah minyak bumi ditemukan sebe lumnya serta dieksplorasi 1938, kerajaan ini menjadi kaya raya.

Pada 26 Agustus 2011, Raja Arab Saudi (ke-VI dinobatkan 2005) yang memerintah sebagai Raja, Kepala Negara sekaligus Kepala Pemerintahan, Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz (lahir 1924) meletakkan batu pertama dimulainya proyek akbar perluasan Masjidil Haram.

Abdullah dilantik sebagai Pangeran 1985 dan setelah Raja Fahd kurang sehat maka secara defacto sebelum dilantik sebagai Raja tadi, telah bertindak sebagai Raja sejak 1995. Kemudian setelah Raja Fahd, saudara seyahnya wafat tahun 2005, Abdullah menjadi Raja sampai sekarang.

Belajar agama, seoerang anak dengan gurunya, antara zuhu dan ashar di Masjdi Nabawi Madinatyul Munawwarah

Selain perluasan Masjidil Haram, Raja Abdullah telah meresmikan berfungsinya Makkah Royal Clock Tower, yang merupakan menara jam tertinggi di dunia.

Puncak menara jam paling akbar berlapis emas itu tingginya 661 meter. Tower tempat bertenggernya jam raksasa itu, sekaligus ikon atau landmark kota Makkah. Menara ini bukan berdiri sendiri.

Melainkan hanya satu puncak tertinggi saja dari satu komplek gedung super-luas-megah, yang di situ ada 8 hotel .

Di bawahnya ada super market, mall, toko dan sekalian pusat bisnis nasional dan multi nasional. Komplek gedung dan tower ini menghadap tepat pintu satu Masjidil Haram.

Bila Matahari belum sampai ke 90 derjat, maka menara raksasa itu, tampak memberi keteduhan dibalik bayang-bayangnya kepada Ka’bah di tengah Masjidil Haram. Baik pagi atau sore hari.

Tentang renovasi dan perluasan Masjidil Haram, menurut media on-line dan dari mulut ke mulut, diperkirakan akan selesai 2018. Oleh karena itu, siang –malam, non-stop pekerjaan dikebut.

Setelah menunaikan ibadah umrah 2 kali, setelah tahwaf dan ibadah wajib dan sunat lainnya, kami menyusuri bagian kanan luar tempat Saa’i, Safa-Marwa. Tampaknya wilayah itu menjadi perluasan yang dimaksud. Dan Bukit-bukit di sekitar itu mulai diruntuhkan dan digaruk.

Bahkan dari ujung luar Marwa, tidak bisa ditembus dengan jalan kaki sekarang, alias ditutup. Maka kalau kita akan mengelilingi Masjidil Haram, harus masuk lagi ke tempat Saa’i dan keluar merencah membelah Masjid untuk keluar lagi di depan Hotel Hilton.

Di tengah renovasi bagian dalam, tampak ditata rapi, “sementara”, dengan dinding fiber-glass pada bagian-bagian yang sedang dikerjakan.

Sekaligus pengaman. Sehingga tidak mengganggu ibadah yang setiap menit sepanjang hari dilakukan jamaah.

Sebuah jalan depan Multazam, di belakang Makam (jejak) Ibrahim, merupakan lorong lebar yang di sekat kiri-kanan arah ke Bukit Safa. Dulu pada tahun 1996 di sini tempat sumur Zamzam. Sekarang tempat itu sudah rata dengan pelatran thawaf semuanya.

Artinya semua air Zamzam sudah dilalirkan ke semua titik yang sudah diatur dan dimasukkan ke tank untuk diletakkan di berbagai tempat terutama jalur jalan masuk arah ke Ka’bah. Dan kalaupun masih ada yang ingin berwuduk dengan air Zanzam, ada tempatnya dipinggir dinding belakang bagian dalam Masjidil Haram.

Termasuk di lantai 2. Dan bila ingin ke toilet dan berwuduk, maka tempat di luar Masjid di pekarangan luar sudah ditata lebih bagus dan indah lagi.

Dulu kalau mau berwuduk sekaligus harus turun ke bawah permukaan tanah atau basement yang menyatu dengan parkiran. Sekarang, kalau hanya untuk wuduk saja dan sekalian minum air Zamzam, selain dari tanki, juga ada keran yang di tata rapi merata dengan jarak tertentu di pekarangan atau halaman sekeliling Masjid. Tetapi kalau ingin ke toilet sekalian, ya tetap harus masuk ke bawah pelataran basement tadi, seperti masa lalu. (*)

#muhammadiyahsumbar

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