Makkah

We went to the Haram around 2:30 am. There were thousands of worshippers there already - none seemed interested in sleeping. We were making tawaf around Al-Ka'ba - I was trying to concentrate on my supplications when out of nowhere, the most soulful, serene, almost mournful voice began emanating from the Masjid's powerful sound system...

Allahu Akbar...Allahu Akbar
Ashadu an laa illaaha illalaah...
...
The Azan!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMJh4nElSLQ

The mournful voice sank deep into me - it seemed to touch my bones - I became oblivious to my surroundings and the thousands around me - only concentrating on the voice and what it said -

God is the Greatest...God is the Greatest
I bear witness that there is no god but God...
I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of God...
....

tears well up in my eyes...how ungrateful is the human. I became affixes on the voice until it faded and then became aware of the thousands around me...many of whom were crying themselves. We prayed salaatul fajr and went back to the hotel.

Tomorrow we have a tour of some of the historic sights in Makkah - 7 am sharp!