Hj. Zulheimy Ma'amor: JOURNEY OF FAITH : ABRAJ AL JANADRIYYAH (2017)

Monday, 29 December 2025

JOURNEY OF FAITH : ABRAJ AL JANADRIYYAH (2017)

I would like to shared some wonderful memories from my 2017 Hajj journey! Staying at Abraj Al Janadriyyah is a very special experience for many, as it serves as a central hub for the Malaysian Hajj delegation.

Based on the photos uploaded and the details of that year, here is a bit of context and some interesting facts about my stay:

1. The "Ibu Pejabat Tabung Haji"

The photo shows the signage for the Tabung Haji Headquarters in Makkah. Abraj Al Janadriyyah is famous among Malaysian pilgrims because it doesn't just house pilgrims; it also serves as the main administrative office for Lembaga Tabung Haji in Makkah during the Hajj season. It’s the "nerve center" for medical, welfare, and logistical support.

2. Location and "Zon A"

Abraj Al Janadriyyah is located in the Shuaib Amir area. In the Tabung Haji system, it is categorized under Zone A, which is traditionally one of the most sought-after locations due to its proximity to the Masjid al-Haram.

Distance: It is roughly 600 to 700 meters from the Masjidil Haram.
The Walk: Most pilgrims remember the walk through the tunnels or past the local shops—a journey that usually takes about 8–12 minutes, depending on the crowd.

The sites alloted for Malaysian pilgrims are divided into three zones namely Zone A, B and C.

Zone A : Abraj Al Janadriyyah, Qasr Al Janadriyyah and Masaat Al Badae
Zone B : Rehab Janadriyyah and Al Bisyarah Mawaddah
Zone C : Land Premium, Al Wafideen, Manar Al Shorouq and Roudhat Al Shorouq

In 2017 (1438 AH), Tabung Haji (TH) utilized a specific numbering system for their Maktabs (lodging offices/sectors). These numbers are essential for pilgrims to identify their specific service group, food tent in Arafah/Mina, and administrative team.

For the 2017 season, the Maktab numbers for Malaysian Muassasah pilgrims generally fell within the 70s, 80s, and 90s range.

The Muassasah Adilla (the Saudi body responsible for Southeast Asian pilgrims) manages pilgrims from Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand and other countries in the region. The Muassasah assigns a block of Maktab numbers to this entire region.

Maktab 83 and Maktab 87 were simply not part of the Malaysian Muassasah allocation for that specific season.

3. Iconic Views

My photos perfectly capture the contrasting views of the stay:

The Clock Tower: The shot from the rooftop shows the massive Makkah Royal Clock Tower (Abraj Al Bait) looming over the skyline. It’s a constant landmark used by pilgrims to find their way back home.
Rooftop Laundry: The image of the laundry lines is a classic "Hajj life" scene! It captures the communal and humble reality of the pilgrimage—finding space wherever possible to dry clothes in the intense Makkah heat.

4. Hajj 2017 Context

2017 (1438H) was a significant year as it saw the restoration of Hajj quotas for many countries, including Malaysia, after years of reductions due to the expansion works at the Haram. You were there during a time of great energy and growth in the holy city.

Among the facilities at Abraj:

During the 2017 Hajj season, Abraj Al Janadriyyah served as the headquarters for Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) in Makkah and was a primary accommodation for Malaysian pilgrims.

The building was equipped with a comprehensive range of facilities to support the welfare, health, and spiritual needs of the pilgrims.

Key Facilities at Abraj Al Janadriyyah

Health & Medical Services

Klinik (Clinic): A dedicated medical center staffed by Malaysian doctors and nurses to provide outpatient care and emergency stabilization.
Farmasi (Pharmacy): Located on the ground floor of the building to provide necessary medications and health supplies.

The Maktab Cinic located on the 3rd and 8th floors of Abrah Al Janadriyyah has 34 beds.

This pharmacy is located on the ground floor of Abraj Al Janadiriyyah. For pilgrims who are unwell, the TH clinic is on Floor 3 and Floor 8. After receiving treatment, pilgrims will go to the ground floor to collect medicine supplies.

Financial & Administrative Services

Kaunter Kewangan (Financial Counter): A Tabung Haji service point where pilgrims could withdraw money for their daily expenses without needing to find a local bank.
Kaunter Khidmat Pelanggan: A central hub for inquiries, room issues, and general assistance. It is open 24 hours and have staff duty on shifts.

PAYMENT OF DAM

Dam is the sacrificial animal from the category of an'am (quadrupedal animals) that is slaughtered or which equivalent is paid in terms of food or fasting for certain reasons by those performing hajj and umrah. Hajj pilgrims who perform hajj through the methods of Tamattu' or Qiran are required to pay Dam Tertib and Taqdir.

The costs for Dam Tamattuk the 1438H/2017M = 1 Sheep /Qibas : SR440.00. These payment could be made at the Kaunter Kewangan (Financial Counter) located in the Abraj Al Janadriyyah building.

TH Customer Services, Ground Floor.

Dining & Food

Kafetaria (Cafeteria): Serving Malaysian-style meals to ensure pilgrims felt at home and maintained a healthy diet. In 2017, Al Basitiyah Cafeteria on the ground floor operated by TH Global Services Sdn Bhd. It is open 24 hours, so if you are hungry in the morning, there is no problem.
Kedai Runcit (Convenience Store): Selling snacks, beverages, and basic toiletries.

Communication & Logistics & Others

1. TM Net

A facility providing internet access (crucial in 2017 for staying in touch with family via emails or social media). The counter provides a I-talk service and offers SIM Card that can be used to surf internet in Mecca. Pilgrims do not have to worry about losing contact with their relatives in Malaysia.

2. Pos Malaysia

A dedicated booth for pilgrims to send postcards or mail small parcels back to Malaysia. The Pos Laju counter located at the Ground Floor, to make easier for Malaysian Pilgrims to send goods to Malaysia.

3. Dobi (Laundry Services)

On-site facilities or managed services to handle the cleaning of ihram and daily clothing. Available also at the Ground Floor.

4. External Pilgrimage Services

Pilgrimage services to the city of Mecca are also available for Hajj pilgrims. Pilgrims who want to visit historic places in Mecca can register at the hotel lobby on the ground floor and be charged a certain fee.

5. LIPAN BARA - MEKKAH PATROL TEAM

In 2017, TH established the Mekkah Patrol Team known as "Lipan Bara" team, to address the issue of Malaysian Hajj pilgrims getting lost while worshipping at the Grand Mosque.

6. SAHABAT MAKTAB

Sahabat Maktab was introduced in 2006, continues to see encouraging response from Malaysian Hajj pilgrims who volunteer to help manage the welfare of their fellow pilgrims.

The 320 men and women who make up this year's (2017) Sahabat Maktab squad volunteered their services with no expectation of payment or rewards,other than Allah's blessing. This Sahabat Maktab assist the pilgrims especially during the Masyair operatin (Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina) from 30 August to 4 September 2017.

Religious Support

Bimbingan Ibadah (Religious Guidance): Offices for Pembimbing Ibadat Haji Tanah Suci (PIHTAS) who provided talks, answered questions on Hajj rituals, and guided the Dam (sacrificial) process.
Surau/Prayer Area: Dedicated spaces for congregational prayers and religious lectures (ceramah).

Important Context for 2017

In 2017, Abraj Al Janadriyyah was one of the most sought-after locations for Malaysian pilgrims due to its proximity to the Masjidil Haram (roughly 800m to 1km away) and its status as the "nerve center" for Tabung Haji operations in Makkah.

DAILY LIFE AROUND ABRAJ AL JANADRIYYAH (2017)

These photos capture the vibrant daily life around Abraj Al Janadriyyah in Makkah during the 2017 Hajj season. This building is particularly significant for Malaysian pilgrims as it serves as the headquarters for Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) in Makkah.

While waiting for the Wukuf at Arafah on August 31, 2017, our daily activities at Abraj Al Janadriyyah include congregational prayers, hajj briefings, and so on.

The 14th floor of Abraj Al Janadriyyah is where we gather for prayer when we are unable to pray in Masjidilharam due to adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, sandstorms or extreme heat.

The bustling and vibrant atmosphere in front of Abraj Al Janadiriyyah after the morning prayer turned out to be quite busy with street vendors who started to fill the streets in front of the hotel. The situation was also quite lively.