Millions of Muslims worldwide dream of visiting the holy land of Mecca at least once in their lifetimes, but that’s as far as most can imagine.
Singapore President Mdm Halimah Yacob, however, received the highest honour any Muslim can think of on her recent state visit to Saudi Arabia.
With her husband and a security team, Mdm Halimah entered the Kaabah, an achievement not many can boast of.
Mdm Halimah and her husband Mr Mohammed Abdullah Alhabshee were on a State visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 6 to 8 November.
While strengthening bilateral ties with the host country, the couple also made time to visit several holy sites for Muslims.
In a post on Saturday (9 Nov), Mdm Halimah mentioned how her delegation was granted special access to the Raudhah at Masjid Nabawi and the Holy Kaabah at Mecca, two of the most sacred sites in Islam.
The President also shared a picture of herself with the Black Stone, which Muslims believe descended from Paradise white, but turned black from Man’s sins.
Muslims also believe that the stone will testify for those who have kissed it when the Day of Judgement comes.
Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Mr Masagos Zulkifli, who went on the visit too, told BERITAmediacorp that the special access was a huge honour for Singapore.
As the first female president and a Muslim leader, Mdm Halimah is a role model to many, especially in the Middle East.
Saudi authorities apparently only gives such exclusive access to state leaders and certain eminent figures.
Mdm Halimah arrived safely in Singapore yesterday (9 Nov), and wasted no time in attending to her appointments.
She was at the National Library in the morning for the kidsREAD programme.
She later attended a concert put together by mainstream school students and special needs students in the evening.
Whatever our beliefs may be, let’s continue to support our president who tirelessly does her best for the country.
Featured image adapted from Facebook.
There is no known relationship between the man and the kidnapped girl.
The men allegedly posed as yacht operators providing ferry services for fishing trips.
The supplier has replaced the signboard to avoid a similar incident.
The doctor diagnosed the student with a brain haemorrhage caused by a ruptured blood vessel.
Say hi the next time you visit the park.
The authorities mobilised about 50 firefighters to help control the fire.