Detour to Doha {Part 2}


Before leaving for Saudi Arabia I was asked to book a hotel in Doha, Qatar. I was reminded to pick something "not so lavish". Really? Did I actually need that reminder? So I went on booking.com, looked at my options and chose a good hotel but a simple looking ensuite for my family and I. Trust me, the photos that were posted on booking.com (at the time) weren't impressive. And that's why when we arrived at the hotel we were surprised with what we saw... 


This, ladies and gentlemen, is Kempinski Residences and Suite in Doha.



The lobby

Sweet smelling lilies in the lobby

As we entered the ensuite we saw the dining area

Massive flat screen television in the living area

The living area 

A spacious kitchen complete with a washing machine-slash-dryer, dishwasher, coffee maker...

and to my brother's delight, complimentary drinks! He loves Barbican. It's non-alcoholic btw. 

The alleged double bed was actually a very comfortable king size bed. The pillows were soft but firm. Ahhh... I felt like I was in heaven! 

I heard the beds in the extra room were just as cosy. Oh and all the rooms had large flat screen tv's. 

Feeling pretty happy at that moment!


Alhamdulillah, after 11 long days in Madinah and Mecca, working hard and focusing on ibadah (worship) Allah (subhana wa taala) blessed us with a comfortable place to stay in Doha. Although the beauty and bliss of Paradise is beyond human comprehension, this experience made me think about the homes in Paradise which Allah (subhana wa taala) has promised to those who practice patience and perseverance in this world. In the Qur'an, it says:

"Allah has promised the believing men and believing women gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally, and pleasant dwellings in gardens of perpetual residence; but approval from Allah is greater. It is that which is the great attainment." {Surah At-Tawbah, 9:72}

What's even more amazing is that before this verse there is a verse which tells us how to enter Paradise by describing some of the attributes of the believing men and women:

"The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger.
Those - Allah will have mercy upon them. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise." {Surah at-Tawbah, 9:71}


If you have doubts about Islam, compare its description of Paradise with that of any other religion. You will realise how Islam provides the most beautiful and elaborate descriptions of a place that is meant to be a reward for those who were steadfast in their deen. {About Jannah - Jannah.orgSubhanAllah, it's just another proof that the Qur'an is  the most complete book of guidance from Allah (subhana wa taala), "Lord of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them, the Exalted in Might, the Perpetual Forgiver."  {Qu'ran, 38:66}




Due to His Mercy, there are so many ways to build a home in Paradise but for today I will share this hadith with you to exemplify how leaving behind our bad habits can help us attain a beautiful home in the Hereafter.  

Abu Umamah Al-Bahili (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, "I guarantee a house in Jannah for one who gives up arguing, even if he is in the right; and I guarantee a home in the middle of Jannah for one who abandons lying even for the sake of fun (e.g. making jokes); and I guarantee a house in the highest part of Jannah for one who has good manners.'' {Abu Dawud}

Comments

susumanis said…
MasyaAllah..Alhamdulillah :))
blog-tips-kurus said…
very nice!
so cosy.. should be costly..? :-)
Saba said…
mashallah! the pictures a very nice! :)
Anonymous said…
masya-Allah...beautiful!!!btw you face looks like her..an indonesian blogger...both of you are beautiful..

http://www.lastminutegirl.blogspot.com
Shahirah Elaiza said…
Thank you for the comments. Hmmm not sure how much the bill came to, actually.

I've been told I look like Indonesian bloggers lately, lol. Thank you for the compliment ;)
The Black Jubah said…
MashaAllah...such a beautiful place on earth, what more will it be in heaven...love your photos...may I ask what camera you use?
Shahirah Elaiza said…
TBJ: http://shaelaiza.blogspot.com/2012/01/what-camera-do-you-use.html =)
SippingChai said…
Kempinski always has great hotels! Masha'Allah, I loved how you connected it all back to Islam and Jannah.
Daughter said…
mashaAllah, the place looked modernly majestic. And you, my sis, looked very regal, subhanallah :)
Pray for me that one day I get to experience Mecca & Medina? (n.n) Barakillah!
Mona Zenhom said…
It looks beautiful! MashaAllah.
Shahirah Elaiza said…
SippingChai: My first stay at a Kempinski Hotel and I was impressed! Alhamdulillah =)

Daughter: Thank you sis =) InshaAllah you'll be able to go to the Holy Land soon. If the intention is there Allah swt will make it happen inshaAllah! Ameen.

Mona: Alhamdulillah =) I'm glad my family and I were able to visit Doha.
hatim a.r said…
you can get cheap barbicans in cyberjaya.banyak arabs grocery stores near lim kok wing.tell your brother lol
Laila said…
I like the place, and you look so beautiful in the photo, MashaAllah.

And about The Jannah, InshaAllah all of us (the Ummah) will be able to watch it, InshaAllah.
I have watching the video but I never tire of watching it.