I became muslim before I went to medina for the first time in 2006. One does not need to set foot in medina or Mecca to learn about Islam. Masjid an nabawi is a place of worship. Why anyone goes there other than for worship baffles me. Whenever I’m in the haram I just want to pray, not to be filmed.

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Of course one does not NEED to set foot anywhere to learn. We could all just stay home and learn exclusively from books and the internet. But I think that would be a pretty sad state of affairs. Christian churches, Buddhist, Hindu or Sikh temples, are also places of worship; you never visit any of these places to appreciate the architecture or religious artwork? To smell the incense, or to witness people at prayer, to seek a better understanding of the world and the things that unite us all? If so that is a great pity. I believe segregating ourselves from one another is a dangerous practice. Fortunately I’ve met many Muslim friends across Iran and the Arab world who took me to visit some spectacular mosques and teach me about their practice of Islam, and these kind people I’ve met IRL continue to outnumber the few anonymous hateful people I regrettably encounter online.

@Janie229

10 ай бұрын

I understand your point about travelling and that’s what I did. Human kindness and resilience is unbelievable. Aceh after the Asian tsunami was one I’ll never forget. I was a new Muslim at that time so it was eye opening to see how patient and contented people were in the midst of destruction. Never once I heard a survivor complained. I kept hearing Alhamdulilah ( praise be to God) I was dressed like the local Indonesians (they have their own style) and I was always welcomed everywhere. I think people are usually more welcoming when you make an effort not to stand out. So yes you did put on the hijab when you are in the masjid but within the city of medina it’s still better to wear an abaya. Muslims are very sensitive about boundaries. There’s a place and time for everything. It’s not “everything goes” kind of thing. That said people are extremely kind. If your car breaks down on the highway somebody will stop very quickly and help and they don’t even think about personal safety. Medina is a very special place for people who want to live there and for people who already do. So naturally they’re very protective of their city. For people looking to buy or rent there they would do anything just to be inside the boundaries. The city of medina is considered like a sanctuary for Muslims where they can get away from the waywardness of the big cities. Then there’s the historical context of how the people of Medina took in Prophet Muhammad and the early converts despite the danger they put themselves in. So going to medina reminds the Muslims how this city was built on love, patience, courage and faith and absolutely compassion and generosity. However there are boundaries and parameters that people hold to. Hence I sincerely ask of visitors to be sensitive to the local people. Through social media people are already getting very weary of what’s going outside in the west so when they see something strange they might react or choose to ignore but still it’s not a good feeling. I’m not a troll and I have no intention to be hateful. Insha Allah I pray that you understand. All the best with your future travels.

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

thank you for taking the time to give such a detailed and thoughtful reply. very much appreciated and taken on board ✌🏼

Dear Sister, Muslims don't hate you just because you're a non-Muslim. The Prophet pbuh taught us to love every being because everything is created by Allah and belongs to Allah. How can we hate Allah's creation? But the province of Madinah (the whole province, not just the city or the mosque compound) is considered holy. Although your attire complied with the official Saudi guideline, it did not comply with the Islamic rules, which upsets the Muslims as it can be seen as a sign of rudely disagreeing with the Prophet's teaching in the holy city. When they perceive that you are acting rudely to the Prophet pbuh and disrespecting Islamic teaching (not Saudi guideline), they then treated you rudely. I am not saying that they should, instead treating you rudely is against the Islamic teaching too. Read the story of how the Prophet pbuh treated a non-Muslim who urinated in the mosque. Clearly you had low awareness regarding the holy province and the Islamic rules and they should have explained it to you nicely rather than being rude but they're human and may act like that in response to the perceived rudeness. Next time you go to any holy site, try covering your whole body with loose clothing except your face and hands (including covering your neck, arms and forearms, which you did not do while cycling) and you will not be treated rudely. We love you for the sake of Allah.

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Hello. Thank you. I don’t for a minute think Muslims hate me. I understand enough about Islam to know that would be very unislamic. I thank you for your kind explanation. As I have written elsewhere in hindsight it was a mistake returning to the city to find a hotel with uncovered arms and given the chance again I would cover them before I returned. I gratefully take on board you kind advice, best regards ✌🏼

@farahnaz-cb2es

3 ай бұрын

Beautifully explained. May Allah reward you.

@helsonwheels

3 ай бұрын

Shukran & salam allekum

She went there with ill intent. You can tell by her attitude. "They probably think I'm a sex worker" - 🙄 not funny at all . Respect the dress code. It's a holy place. You're a provocateur trying to capture a bad reaction. Not at all surprised they didn't want to give you a room. Other non Muslims have visited with no issues because they were respectful.

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

I absolutely did not go there with ill-intent. Quite the contrary, I went to learn and appreciate the culture so was a tad disappointed with the uncharacteristically negative response. My cycling clothes conform to Saudi tourism directive of ‘decent, loose fitting clothing, covering shoulders and knees’ As I said PERHAPS they think I’m a sex worker. But I don’t know for sure the reason of course. What explanation can you suggest that so many hotels declined to rent me a room when they clearly all had lots of space available…?

@abuaisha6014

10 ай бұрын

@@helsonwheels so many hotels rejected you probably because they didn't trust you. Just like I don't trust you.

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Ok, 😆 we agree! they didn’t trust me, but why? And why specifically and only in Medina? 🤔 because I’m kefir? Because I’m a woman? Because I’m a kefir woman?

@abuaisha6014

10 ай бұрын

@@helsonwheels because you come across as a provocateur as I mentioned earlier. Secondly most hotels are reserved for pilgrims. Non Muslims usually book hotels away from the vicinity of the holy site. You can't see that because you are insensitive and arrogant.

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

luckily for me I did find a gentlemanly hotelier; a kind Pakistani man with whom I’m still in contact. I enjoyed my time in Medina filled with maaaaany friendly Muslims.. unlike this comment section sadly

There is so much to see in Madinah - it would be great to chat about your experience. Do you have a website where I can message you?

@helsonwheels

Жыл бұрын

Hi! Instagram is @hels.on.wheels ☺️

You came all the way to medina and didnt even wear an abaya or hijab, dont you think that was a bit disrespectful

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

What are you talking about?! 😆 Did you watch the vid?!

@HA-jq1mu

10 ай бұрын

@@helsonwheelsI see you riding a bike in trousers and a top, I clearly dont see an abaya. Medina isnt somewhere for bike riding its a religious pilgrimage, I’m usually okay with non muslims looking around to learn and are respectful but not those riding a bike not fully covered

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Are you aware of the dress code laid out by Saudi Tourism? I suggest you familiarise yourself with it. Inside of Medina once I was off the bike I wore a long loose dress and hijab. This was neither required by the state nor the city. I wore them voluntarily out of courtesy and respect.

@HA-jq1mu

10 ай бұрын

@@helsonwheels I’m not talking about the requirements but being respectful enough to wear in the area of our holy cities wouldve been a courtesy but if you can’t do that much then stay away from medina

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Dude. I just told you I did do that. I wore a long loose fitting dress and hijab when I visited the city.

Makkah and Madinah are not tourist destinations. They are sacred places, and we go there to worship, therefore non muslims are not allowed to go there.

@helsonwheels

9 ай бұрын

You are incorrect my friend, non Muslims *are* allowed in Medina these days ✌🏼

Madinah Sharief is sacred to all muslims. PLEASE SAUDI ARABIAN GOVERNMENT; DO NOT MAKE IT A TOURIST DESTINATION. PLEASE STOP NON MUSLIMS FROM ENTERING THIS HOLY CITY.PLEASE.

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

I am sorry my visit has caused you such upset. It has been my dream to visit Mecca since learning about the place back in school maaaany years ago. Naturally I respected the restriction on non-Muslims there so I feel very fortunate to have been able to legally visit Medina, and I attempted to do so with utmost respect. Governments will sometimes make decisions we are not happy with but ultimately that is the business of the citizens of that country, not ours.

@tauhiduliqbal9968

10 ай бұрын

Yes, yes.

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Salaam allekum ✌🏼

The term kāfir is the opposite of the term "Muslim". The term is often translated as "infidel", "pagan", "rejector", "denier", "disbeliever", "unbeliever", "nonbeliever", and "non-Muslim".

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Yeah there’s several ways to interpret it I guess. A lot will depend on context, thanks 🙂

this is why they should keep the city sacred, no offence you wear no abaya importing degeneracy in madina. you can do it else where in Saudi, not sure why you have gone there to see or proove, respect the place or move to Riyadh.

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

You’re correct I did not wear an abaya but if you watch the video you’ll see I wore a long loose dress and hijab, so am unsure what the problem is here?

3:00 That mosque is one of the starting point to do Umrah or Hajj pilgrimate.

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Yes thank you, I learned this by visiting it

5:42 Kafir literally means nonbeliever, not Infidel, the latter is a Catholic term used heavily during the Crusades. You went to a heavy South Asian populated area; they are very protective of the Islamic holy sites, and certainly not used to non-Muslim foreigners staying at their hotels, let alone a single white European female "Kafir."😂 But legally speaking, being single, female, or non-Muslim, is not a valid reason to refuse your service. Actually, they could get into a lot of trouble with the tourism department for the way they treated you, should you report them.

@helsonwheels

Жыл бұрын

Oh I was certain the derivation of the word was Arabic! Certainly that’s what a google search told me. As for reporting anybody; if I’m not welcome I’ll take my cash elsewhere! No further action necessary. And I’m very happy with the place I found 🙂

@abdurahman49

Жыл бұрын

@@helsonwheels There's maybe a misunderstanding here. Kafir is certainly Arabic. The original pre-Islamic meaning is to cover/conceal. Infidel on the other hand is an English word from Latin through French, and means "adherent of a religion opposed to Christianity"

@helsonwheels

Жыл бұрын

Good lexicography! Thanks! I love this stuff! 🤓

@marioromeo3480

10 ай бұрын

@@helsonwheels There are some Muslims who are ignorant of the spirit of Islam. The Messenger of Islam, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, said: I have only come to perfect morals. It is unfortunate that a person claims to be a Muslim and behaves in this manner.

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Quite right. If only more people were so humble and self-reflective 👍🏼

I agree with you. I am a Muslim. I agree what you have said. Not giving you a room was not a good choice but it is not part of their system to rent a room to a single woman. Secondly, please do not forget that Saudi Arabia has recently opened its doors for non-Muslim tourists in the holy place like Medina, Locals are still not used to of seeing so many non-Muslims for decades. I hope you understand too this sensitivity. If I go to any pub or Casino in the Europe who strictly follow a dress-code, guess what will happen: They will not let me in or chuck me out if I insist. We all have to be careful when we are get out of our own country. I am sure you had been very respectful to the local culture too, in this video. Good luck and have a good viewing over the KZread.

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

@AHumanVoice123 Hi, thank you for your kind and considered response. It was shocking to me at the time to be refused a room - as you might imagine I walk through life with a good deal of privilege - so to be denied something based on appearance/gender/religion or whatever was a rare lesson for me. But you are absolutely correct; though it is now legal for women to travel (and rent hotel rooms) in Saudi Arabia without a male chaperone or guardian, some extra pious hoteliers in the vicinity evidently remain unwilling to do so. Change is often uncomfortable and can take time, so I can appreciate this. I thank you again for you kind comment, salaam allekum 🙂

@AlmightyMercy-ww1mf

2 ай бұрын

@helsonwheels Please do not say salam to us Because you're not Muslim And we know you guys don't like us Just be honest, ok? You Europeans are so hypocrite, honestly! To be honest your God( even Jesus is not son of God) Speak the truth You guys don't like us Don't forget history, culture, pains Always there Be honest to your heart Rather than a hypocrite!

Did you visit mount uhud in medina that’s a holy landscape where the prophet and the Muslims fought a battle i am sure they would allow to visit it

@helsonwheels

Жыл бұрын

No, I missed that sadly 😔

@helsonwheels

Жыл бұрын

No, I missed that sadly 😔

First rule of travel to foreign location : " blend in with the locals " I guess you missed that part . Maybe you should have used Islamic clothing to travel there in that way they wouldn't feel insecure about you. But regardless of this nobody has a right to call someone a " kafir". BTW people often translate kafir to infidel especially west people which is so wrong , kafir means someone who hides the truth after discovering/ understanding the truth . So you know what I mean , its not a bad word (abusive or derogatory) , and the man who told you that word must have been dick . Really sorry on behalf of him . Love from India 🇮🇳 .

@helsonwheels

Жыл бұрын

I don’t think he meant to cause offence, but was just surprised and pointing out the curious foreigner to his colleague. It is literally impossible to blend in anywhere on a touring bike with panniers! EVERYONE sees you! and I challenge anyone to ride a bicycle even 1km let alone 100kms/day in full female Islamic attire! 😆 But I try to learn from my mistakes, and in hindsight it seems I’d have been better off covering my arms on arrival in Medina. (Not that anyone In Medina express as such, just folk online after the event.)

@br4186

10 ай бұрын

Please don't spread this misinformation. "Kafir" literally means "disbeliever." So, I, for example, as a Muslim, am a "kafir" or disbeliever in Christianity, Buddhism, Sikhism, liberalism, and any-ism, and so on. Likewise, a non-Muslim is literally and categorically a "kafir" or disbeliever in Islam. And so on.

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Thank you, this is the most clear explanation/translation I’ve had to date, many thanks

@br4186

10 ай бұрын

@@helsonwheels By the way, the other commenter, Shahid, was not wrong in saying that kafir means "someone who covers or hides the truth," but that is a linguistic, impractical translation for the average modern citizen, and it's only useful to Muslims scholars and academics. When I asked him to not spread misinformation, I was specifically referring to his claims that "no one has the right to call someone a 'kafir'", and I demonstrated that I can be called a kafir in the correct context, which is the context of disbelief in religions or belief systems other than Islam. And that last part also conforms with something else he said, which is that kafir is not a derogatory term by itself. So, yes, that part is correct too, but it is only part of the picture, so it should've been added that kafir [can] be used in a critical or derogatory way in specific contexts, like when it is used against an Islamophobe spreading lies about Islam or Muslims. So, yes, it depends on the context. However, also yes, this doesn't mean that anyone, whether a Muslim or not, can just walk around calling random people kafirs in derogatory contexts when they're done nothing wrong to deserve that context (not that term because the term in and of itself is not derogatory). I hope this clarifies further. I should've added those details in my previous comment but I was writing on my phone at the time, and that's very challenging for me. I can type much smoother now on the PC.

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Yes there is often not a perfect translation of word to word between languages and we must make do with what words our language offers us, the requirement to appreciate context and nuance for each transliteration

❤️❤️❤️❤️

@helsonwheels

Жыл бұрын

😁🇸🇦

Dont walk in their land and their culture in Tshirt. You must respect cultures. May Allah guides you and your family. Read more.

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Before visiting Saudia Arabia I wrote to Saudi Tourism to check proper cycling attire. Their response was “shoulders and knees covered in decent, loose-fitting clothing” which I therefore conformed to as a minimum while cycling. Once off the bike I wore an abaya-type dress and often hijab too. Travel more.

Why are you visiting our holy places like they were tourist spots. That in itself is disrespectful

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

You find my interest in Islam disrespectful?

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

You are mistaken. I passed no signs forbidding the entry of non-Muslims, or else I simply would not have passed. But rather I was met with signs which welcomed ‘Pilgrims and Esteemed Visitors’ or possibly ‘Esteemed Guests’, I forget the exact wording) My guess is that your visits were before MBS changed the rules to allow visitors into Medina, the compound, but not into the interior of the mosque which I therefor didn’t enter *even though I was invited to. I have no trouble admitting where I make a mistake; elsewhere I have written that I regret not covering my arms whilst cycling near the mosque. Otherwise, my conscience is clear. I remain very grateful to have a experienced one of the world’s most wondrous places, despite the unfounded negative reactions I am receiving from a handful of Muslims online 6 months after the event.

Masha Allah. I Love Islam..❤❤❤❤..

@helsonwheels

4 ай бұрын

Mashallah, me too! ☪️

good luck if you need anything just tell me what i wil tell where

@helsonwheels

Жыл бұрын

Thank you 😊

As saudi don’t mind this comments they mostly non-saudis Muslims you didn’t actually break any rules

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Thank you, I appreciate your comment. While some Muslims outside of Saudi are displeased with Mohammed Bin Salman’s decision to open (most of) the country to tourism, I was generally welcomed very warmly by Saudis across the country and feel very privileged to have been amongst the first female cyclists to make the crossing of the Arabian peninsular 🇸🇦 ✌🏼

We love ALLAH subhan wa Talla Love Muhammad pbuh love Quran love Muslim love Islam from Pakistan

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Mashallah! And allekum salaam to you 🇵🇰✌🏼✌🏼 it was a Pakistani brother who rented me a room, and remains my good friend on Facebook 🥰

You should not have gone there. Its off limits to non muslims

@helsonwheels

Жыл бұрын

Hi! 👋🏼 No it isn’t. It’s one of the things Mohammed Bin Salman has changed in recent years.

@manurocks4ever

Жыл бұрын

@@helsonwheels that dude is a known psychopath who orders the killing of journalists, and pretty much hated by all muslims around the world, so every single one of his 'progressive' measures are frowned upon and looked with suspicion bu muslims. You seem like a good person but just saying that just because he's allowing it doesnt mean that non muslims should now flock there. Its simply not a touristy place. There are hardly any places left ,where muslims can gather free from judgement and hateful stares from non muslims, only for that to slowly erode away. Please dont be offended by that, im not saying this about you particularly but making a general comment about a change that makes muslims by and large deeply uncomfortable

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Hello, thank you for expressing to me your views in a kind way. I do understand your point. MBS has some grand plans for tourism in Saudi but outside of pilgrimage I really don’t see which tourists he hopes to attract in mass; Europeans and North Americans like a drink on holiday, Chinese tourists often look for destinations with casinos.. so unless MBS legalises drinking and gambling.. (gosh imagine! 😬) I think Saudi, and especially Medina, will remain a tourist destination for only the most intrepid of travellers.. 🤞🏼

انا من السعودية والاسلام يعني لنا كل شيء لذلك قد تجدين بعض الاشخاص يقومون برده فعل تجاه غير المسلمين وحتى المسلمين اذا كانوا لايتقيدون بالتقاليد الاسلامية ان كانت طريقه اللباس الاسلامية او غير هذا خاصة في اماكن المسلمين المقدسة من الممكن ان تفكرين بشكل سلبي عن الاسلام او المسلم بسبب التعليقات على هذا المقطع لانك كنتي في بيئة مختلفة من الممكن انك لن تفهمين سبب ردة الفعل الحادة هذه لكن هي ليست من دافع كره!!او من دافع غضب بدون سبب ليس هذا ولكن من دافع الاسلام الذي يقول على المسلمين حماية اي مكان مقدس لهم قد يقع فيه خطأ وانكار هذا الخطأ نحن ننتقدك فقط ولسنا نكرهك حتى ان كان لباسك او تصرفاتك في حدود قانون بلدنا هذا غير كافي لان الكثير من القوانين هنا هي مجرد قوانين لحفظ الحقوق لكن الناس لايتعاملون فيها بسبب انهم يرون انها ليست كافية لمنح الاسلام حقه

@helsonwheels

9 ай бұрын

Thank you for your reply. I do not not think badly of Muslims at all. In fact every time I research a Hadith or passage from the Quran to revoke a hateful accusation I read in this comment section I learn another beautiful thing about Islam and the prophet Mohammed pbuh. Thank you for your kind comment, It’s a time of great change in the country and often that is very difficult for people to adapt to, but my experience of Saudi people was overwhelming positive and I feel very grateful to have visited

@i77li

9 ай бұрын

@@helsonwheels نتمنى زيارتك للسعودية مرة اخرى نحن نرحب بالجميع وهذا ليس لاننا نريد سياح لكن الاسلام امرنا ان نرحب بالناس الذين يأتوننا ضيوف وتذكري اننا لا نكرهك ننتقدك فقط ليس لدينا شيء شخصي ضدك واذا رايتي اي تعليق ألم قلبك لا عليك انا اسف ولاتنظرين لهذه التعليقات البغيضة التي تسيء لك الرسول محمد عليه الصلاه والسلام يقول لنا في حديث(الابتسام في وجه اخيك صدقة)الاسلام يعلمنا ان بمجرد ابتسامك بوجه الشخص هذه تعتبر صدقه وتأخذ اجرك عليها يوم القيامة هذا مايعلمنا الاسلام لم يعلمنا ان نسيء لأحد جائنا ضيف في بلدنا لذلك الذين يكتبون لك كلام قد يؤلم قلبك دعيهم لان عقولهم محدوده ولم يطبقون الاسلام بالكامل وادعوا الله ان يهديك ويكتب لك السعادة انتي وعائلتك وكل من تحبين

@helsonwheels

9 ай бұрын

Thank you very much, I do indeed hope to return to Saudi Arabia one day if only to meet and downs more time with the superb people there. Inshallah I will be there again. Salaam allekum

With all due respect, filming inside female only prayer rooms is an invasion of privacy, you need to delete these scenes immediately. In Islam, women are commanded to cover their faces, whilst among foreign men, but to expose their faces while praying if there is no foreign men. It is quite clear some of the women in your clip are practicing muslims and are only exposing their faces to pray. please take down the video.

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Hi. I think you are referring to the scene in the Ihram because that is the only female only space I visited. You may notice that I carefully filmed from behind for this very reason so to ensure I was not including anybody’s face.

@pookpook-kb1yh

10 ай бұрын

@@helsonwheels please. it clearly does show their faces. Safe travels.

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

I disagree, but I appreciate the well wishes and extend the same to you ✌🏼

@pookpook-kb1yh

10 ай бұрын

@@helsonwheels shows your character. Anyhow safe travels.

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Thank you! politely disagreeing whilst wishing you well does indeed reflect my character 🙂

Please be respectful to all faiths and their traditions. Burning sacred books is totally forbidden in Islam.

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

I totally agree, it is very disrespectful to burn holy books. I hope you don’t think that I did this? And if someone told you that I did, please know that is categorically incorrect.

Respect them they will respect you

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

I visited with the utmost respect and while I didn’t get everything perfectly right my intentions were always of the highest order. However if you care to flick through this comment section you’ll notice that respect does not always illicit respect

I was under the impression none believers weren't allowed there?

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Until recently this was correct, but as part of Mohammed Bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan many changes are being made in Saudi Arabia including the opening of Medina (but not the prophet’s mosque) to non-Muslims.

What is the purpose of visiting a Holy place in which you don't have any religious affinity with this? This place is not for tourists and youtubers to get viewers and like. Your intention is just bizzare and weird

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Are you serious? I’ve visited cathedrals, churches, and monasteries across Europe and South America, Buddhist, Hindu, and Sikh temples and shrines across Asia, in Israel I’ve visited synagogues, Druze and Baha’i religious sites also. I visit to appreciate the art and architecture, to come to understand religions, their histories, and how different people practice their faith. Genuinely I’m astonished you would need to ask this question.

@HaavuiHuuuai

10 ай бұрын

@@helsonwheels Does you see? Anyother women or other tourist wear t- shirt in this holy place? Why so disrespectful? They all are being covered, Atleast you want to be wear fullhand loose t-shirt , it’s okey.. Mostly, this why in Mecca or Medina they don’t allowed to visit non Muslims in holy place , Especially Christians - may be they will go bikini in public ..😅

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

*Like it or not, non-Muslims are allowed in medina. *I only wore a t-shirt while cycling (which conforms with Saudi dress code) in holy places I fully covered up. *Go find someone wearing a bikini in a holy site and comment on their video 🙄

@tokasab8684

10 ай бұрын

@@helsonwheels kzread.info/dash/bejne/nYCV1Jmzh9m4ksY.html To know more about Islam We are neither Catholics nor Hindus. We really believe and seriously care about our religion, and as much as our intentions are good and clear, and we love good for all, as much as we place our religion and our faith in our LORD before everything and above everything. سلام

@AlmightyMercy-ww1mf

2 ай бұрын

@helsonwheels Dear Come to Afghanistan and say this Show that you're not bully Ok?

The Noble Quran Azahb „Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allāh often and the women who do so - for them Allāh has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.“

@helsonwheels

Жыл бұрын

😊✌🏼 ☪️

I'm from Pakistan 🇵🇰 love you

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Hello! 👋🏼 It was a Pakistani gentleman who rented me the room in Medina, and remains my friend. I also travelled with a Pakistani motorcycle group who were incredibly good guys. I really hope to visit beautiful Pakistan some day inshallah 🇵🇰

You are riding a bike and not covering properly what did you expect! Also what is your purpose of visiting that place???

@helsonwheels

Жыл бұрын

Hello! Cycling is permitted in Saudi Arabia, as for clothing Saudi tourism says to ‘cover shoulders and knees in decent, loose fitting clothing’ which as you can see I did. Sadly because some men declined to rent me a room the cheap centre I had to go in my bike clothes to look for a room in the religious area. In hindsight yes, I probably should’ve covered my arms but I’m afraid I was pre-occupied with avoiding being homeless that night. My purpose of visiting Medina was - as always - to learn and to experience. Thank you for taking the time to ask me 😊

Should have gone to the women's side and they would have let you enter

@helsonwheels

7 ай бұрын

I did; I hovered at the women’s entrance waiting to be invited, but the attendant that invited me first checked if I was Muslim, when I replied in the negative I wasn’t invited in, nor was I sent away.

kzread.info/dash/bejne/mX6tltCzj8SrgMY.html كافر - kafir means infidel.

@helsonwheels

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, I knew it’s general meaning, what I didn’t know is how offensive or benign it is supposed to be 🙂

@lifeofegyptianpeople6052

4 ай бұрын

No it's means non believer we aren't crusaders

@helsonwheels

4 ай бұрын

@lifeofegyptianpeople6052 😆👌🏼👌🏼

Tinggal seduh indomie tuh, enak

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

I’m sorry, this comment has lost meaning through google translate so I don’t know if it is kind or hateful.. in any case salaam allekum ✌🏼

@rahmantofauzi5514

10 ай бұрын

@@helsonwheels this is very kind indeed. that was bahasa indonesia. when you order tea or coffee in that booth, there's some cup of indomie, instant noodle from indonesia favorite, that you can order too. only couple of minutes, you can have both indomie and tea or coffee. enjoy the food

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Ohhhh cool thank you! I had such a lovely time in Indonesia 20 years ago.. I visited many islands including Java, Sulawesi, Borneo.. Kopi susu tampa gula.. that was my drink ☕️🇮🇩🥰

@rahmantofauzi5514

10 ай бұрын

@@helsonwheels 20 years ago😅. ayo ke Indonesia lagi. beautiful sunrise in bromo. now you will have Kopi susu gula aren

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Yeah I fell instantly in love with Indonesia; it was the first country I ever visited in Asia so it will always have a very special place in my heart, I hope to return again inshallah

CAN ANY NON MUSLIM STAY IN MADINAH FOR 3 MONTHS BY RENTING A SINGLE SEPARATE ROOM AT 600 / 700 RIYALS PER MONTH ? ? ? REPLY PLEASE MAM.

@helsonwheels

6 ай бұрын

So far as I know, legally it is possible. The tourist visa allows for 90 days stay within a year and non Muslims can certainly legally visit Marina. As for long term rental prices I’m sorry I don’t know about this subject..

What you observe About other cultures As kind of judgments actually might mirrors Preconception ideas. You cannot put all the people on one basket, although this happened everywhere but face expression features might explain otherwise. Imagine the same guy dress differently in your territory. I mean ur home Peace.

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

@dicboxdicbox6969 Hi! 👋🏼 I by no means put people in one basket as you say. Quite the opposite in fact. What we learn in books is often simplified to ‘Sunni Muslims believe this..’ or ‘Shia Muslims pray like this..’ but by meeting and spending time with individuals we discover the nuance and the differences. No-one is the exactly same (thank goodness!) and the world is a wonderful place for it

I would have thought non Muslims shouldn't enter medina and macca

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Until the last few years non-Muslims were not permitted to enter either; but recently Mohammed Bin Salman has opened Medina (but not the prophet’s mosque) to non-Muslims

First of all muslims going overhere have devoted respects to the Prophet peace be upon him, following his guidance and principles of praying one and only God, and this way our love for the Prophet bring we muslims overhere, and i guess this may be strange for you, above all we have ghusl when we enter place like this. this is our respect which I presume you can't understand yet

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

If you watched the video you will have seen my first stop was at a place for this ritual ghusl cleansing - thank you for teaching me this word. So yes, that is one of the many things I learned about Islam thanks to my visit to Medina. As you astutely observe I have much more to learn, but don’t you think it’s far more valuable to visit and experience than simply reading in books? That’s why children (at least where I’m from) go on school trips to visit religious and historic and natural places of wonder.

@sidjg2100

10 ай бұрын

@@helsonwheels Ok fine, don't take it bad, we stay on good terms. Allah guides you bye salaam. Have a nice day

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Wa-Alaikum-Salaam

If you don’t respect me, I will never have respect on you. Every holly site has special dress code, including the city of Medina. Your dress did respectf to our holly city.

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Ok. Such is your right, but that is contrary to what Islam advocates; ☪️ Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) taught that all human beings are equal in the eyes of God and should be treated with kindness, compassion, and respect, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or social status. ☪️ Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) promoted the fair and respectful treatment of women, emphasizing their rights and dignity in society. He taught that men should treat women with kindness, protect their rights, and avoid any form of abuse or oppression. ☪️ Islamic teachings promote respectful interactions with people of other faiths. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) advocated for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect between Muslims and non-Muslims. ✌🏼

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

In answer to your edited comment; Did you in fact watch the video and see what I wore when visiting the city? 🧕🏼

أدعو لهة بي الهدية أخوتي شكرا

@helsonwheels

Жыл бұрын

Sorryyyyy can’t copy paste to translate from here 😖

@aldeweesh

Жыл бұрын

He is praying to god to guide you to the right path

@helsonwheels

Жыл бұрын

Ohhh! Thank you both of you 😃

I think it’s a common sense if you go to the highest religious place you should have a proper dress attire according to that place so not to attract unwanted attention and to show respect, this has been lacking in your video I invite you to read Quran with English translation May Allah guide you to the truth

@helsonwheels

4 ай бұрын

As you will have seen from watching the video I was suitably attired for cycling as per Saudi tourism’s dress code. Regrettably some hoteliers didn’t want to rent me a room meaning I had to ride around longer and further in search of a place to stay. As I’ve said in comments elsewhere on this video in hindsight I wish I’d put on an extra top during this search for accommodation in Medina. However, had the men been willing to rent me a room the problem wouldn’t have occurred. As you can see I dressed extra conservatively when I visited the city the following day, being careful to wear TWO head coverings because it is always my intention to be respectful of the customs of the places I am privileged to visit ☪️

@dhrhounslow8700

4 ай бұрын

@@helsonwheels thanks and I appreciate sister May Allah have mercy on you and on all of us, regards from your brother in humanity

@helsonwheels

4 ай бұрын

Kindest regards and the best of wishes to you too السلام عليكم أخي

I feel so sad and angry at MBS for allowing our holly city to become a tourist attraction!! Shame on you MBS and the Saudi government! Some muslims all over the world have to save all their life to be able to perform one of the 5 pillars of Islam and it is a privilege and a good fortune to us to be able to do that. I blame the Saudi government (NOT the KZreadr) who seems to have forgotten our islamic values and have become very greedy. They get enough money from the pilgrims but that’s not enough. Now they are selling OUR holly cities to tourists who will never understand how much the 2 holly cities mean to us. 🥲

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

@goabaridreamer6659 This is a good point. You are correct; I cannot fully understand the depth of feeling Muslims have for Medina. But I can do my best to, and don’t you think the world would be a better place if we try to understand each other more? I too feel very privileged to have visited this exceedingly holy place, and am truly sorry that my visit has caused you this heartache

@goabaridreamer6659

10 ай бұрын

@@helsonwheels I know your heart is in the right place. Please understand my complaint is against the Saudi government.

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

I do, and I appreciate your valuable insight, salaam allekum

Without camel can be american desert

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Yeah so I hear! I’ve never been there myself 😔

RESPECT WHERE ABAYA AND HIJAB. DON'T USE THE HOLY CITY FOR YOUR OWN CONTENT.

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

As I’m sure you’re aware it is impossible to cycle safely in an abaya, so before my visit I wrote to Saudi Tourism the confirm the dress code. They replied “decent loose-fitting clothing which covers the shoulders and knees”. Off the bicycle I switch into an abaya-type dress and often hijab too, out of courtesy and respect

The dress you are wearing isn't good for this Holy City. I hope will understand.

@helsonwheels

5 ай бұрын

Hello! Thank you for your comment. My yellow dress wasn’t suitable? In what way please? It was very loose and covered from my ankles to my wrists.

@helsonwheels

5 ай бұрын

Is it the neckline that you believe is in appropriate?

@letsHikeTheHeights

5 ай бұрын

It's not to insult or anything bad. We being a Muslim welcome you hare. More love from all of US. At the time of 6:00 dress you wearing isn't good for here. You will feel more comfortable in fully covered and loose dress. Thanks. May Allah bless you.

@letsHikeTheHeights

5 ай бұрын

@@helsonwheels but the dress you are wearing inside Holy Mosque is beautiful. Enjoy your Trip.

@helsonwheels

5 ай бұрын

@letsHikeTheHeights thank you for your kind feedback. Yes, I have come to understand that though my clothing met Saudi tourism dress code (loose fitting covering shoulders and knees) that I should have been more covered in the tea of medina. As you will have seen I was only in that area unsuitably attired because of my difficulties finding someone willing to rent me a room. Once I had found one I changed out of cycling clothes into more suitable Islamic attire. But we live and learn and I recognise my mistake. Salam allekum 🧕🏼

You should first confirm to the dress code. What you are wearing is not good enough and the rules apply to all of the Medina city not just around the Masjid Cover your hair and yes you should be with your male relative bec people will suspect you and rightly so DON'T Cycle around. It's not in our culture especially in these cities Medina is not a place for tourism. It's serious business. People spend their life savings to come here. Blend in properly or don't come

@helsonwheels

3 ай бұрын

Salam allekum my friend! In fact I wrote to Saudi Tourism before visiting the country to enquire about the dress code; they replied “No need to wear an abaya, so long as your shoulders and knees are covered in decent loose fitting clothing you are good to go”. Why tell me to cover my hair? As you can see from Saudi Tourism’s reply, it is not required in Saudi, and yet all day and throughout the video my hair is voluntarily covered out of courtesy and respect. Solo women need no longer travel with a male relative; the laws have changed, your information is out of date. I am perfectly allowed and entitled to cycle around. Saudi Arabia granted me a visa, and I was allowed to enter the country by bicycle. Cycling is actually growing in popularity in Saudi. Bet you didn’t know there’s a women’s cycling team did you? As part of his campaign to diversify the economy and encourage tourism MBS changed the law allowing non-Muslims to now visit medina, so yes it is perfectly acceptable to visit as a respectful tourist. Visiting around (but not inside) the mosque area I blended in as much as a white non-Muslim can in an abaya and TWO - count them - head coverings, and was met warmly by all the friendly Muslims there. One of the things I admire most about Islam is that the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) promote compassion, justice, and good behavior towards all people, regardless of their religious background. May I respectfully remind you Muslims are encouraged to embody these principles in their interactions with the broader community ☪️✌🏼

@TitanEast54

3 ай бұрын

Walikum salam I read your reply and just to confirm I again watched your Vlog Respected miss whatever the Saudi Tourism told you. You didn't follow it properly. Cover yourself completely from head to toe hair included. Cap is not good enough. Do proper hijab Doesn't matter wt the Authority told u bec this is ingrained in our mind and tradition There is a vlog by an American couple on YT who visited. Watch it That is the dress code. If you had a hard time figuring it out, just look at the woman around you. What they are wearing is the actual dress For years non Muslims have not been permitted to visit due to such sensitivities in mind and when you come across as such its disrespectful. People will be passive aggressive We have no problem with you visiting but wear a abaya. And blend in Additionally I'm well aware what the Saudi Gov has allowed but that doesn't mean it changes the culture and the sanctity of the place I'm aware that you are allowed to travel solo but you are attracting attention and thus the hotel owners get suspicious. Bec if something happens they will be cooked lol If you had blended well they wouldn't have suspected you even if you are alone. Understand what I'm trying to say And sorry if I sounded a bit rude but this is Medina we are talking about You can cycle in the rest of the country and no one would bat an eye but here it's different. Additionally why would you want to cycle in such hot conditions just get an uber lol In short I don't think you are a disrespectful person you just need some more information on how to carry yourself there. I believe you are sincere and you are welcome to read and understand Islam. Yes we are commanded to be compassionate but copy us in the Hejaz, it is very important to us God bless you

@helsonwheels

3 ай бұрын

@titaneast5280 my friend it is impossible or at least incredibly dangerous to cycle in an abaya. Non-Muslims are not required to cover their hair in Saudi. Only in Iran and Taliban Afghanistan is it compulsory. And yet I did voluntarily cover my hair while in Saudi Arabia. I wanted to cycle across Saudi because the advent of the new tourist visa meant it was a great privilege to be amongst the first foreigners to do so. As a result, I can report to anyone who cares to listen that Saudis are amongst the most hospitable, kindest and most generous people on earth. Do you know many days I finished cycling with more food and water than I began the day with because so many Saudi motorists stopped to gift me food?! Remarkable. This is my fond memory of the people of Saudi 🇸🇦

@TitanEast54

3 ай бұрын

@@helsonwheels You are extremely tone deaf is what I have understood from your replies. You aren't doing a favour by doing hijab in one of the most holiest places on Earth. Leave the Gov out of the conversation for a moment and read what I have written slowly "Do in Rome as the Romans do" You cycling around in half sleeves in MEDINA is extremely problematic and outright disrespectful. This is not a place for sight seeing or tourism. And you must also know that this decision to allow Non Muslims inside Medina is already controversial bec of such unfortunate events. The other day there was a video where a group of tourists were wearing shorts. Get of your high horse If you are so strict with your principles of "freedom" and choice don't come to Medina. Good day

@TitanEast54

3 ай бұрын

@@helsonwheels You are prime example of what tone deaf is. I feel like I'm talking to a wall. You are prime example why non Muslim should never be allowed to step foot in Medina or Makkah. Do in Rome as the Romans do. You are cycling in half sleeves and you are talking as if that's a favour on to the rest of the world The entitlement you have is ridiculous. That's all I have to say

You’re going there with a purpose to “expose” and millions people go their with the purpose to worship… What is your purpose besides getting likes

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Hi! 😆 Expose what? Medina? Myself? Of all the nonsense I’ve read in this comment section this is possibly the most unhinged yet 🤣 congratulations! 🏆 My purpose in visiting ( a question I have answered many times here already) is to learn and experience. The same reason I go anywhere.

As far as i know, non Muslims are allowed to into the Medina holy mosque. Mekka is the only place isn’t allowed for non Muslims to enter. So many non Muslims i know friends visited Medina holy mosque

@helsonwheels

Жыл бұрын

Freddieee!! Thank you!!!! 🌟🌟🌟 Ohhhh my understanding was that I should not go in. I loitered at the door, a caretaker lady invited me, I shook my head, she asked if I was Muslim, I said no, the conversation ended so I figured I shouldn’t go in. I think it might have upset some people had I gone in. In any case I was very happy to witness the spectacle from outside. A great privilege 🙂

@helsonwheels

Жыл бұрын

Freddieee!! Thank you!!!! 🌟🌟🌟 Ohhhh my understanding was that I should not go in. I loitered at the door, a caretaker lady invited me, I shook my head, she asked if I was Muslim, I said no, the conversation ended so I figured I shouldn’t go in. I think it might have upset some people had I gone in. In any case I was very happy to witness the spectacle from outside. A great privilege 🙂

@Freddie330

Жыл бұрын

@@helsonwheels it’s the least i can do 😊

@Freddie330

Жыл бұрын

@@helsonwheels if Tabuk on your map, try to find a contact there (lots of Brits and “Vegemities” working there with BAE) 😃 they may offer you a place to stay ( i recall some of them brought their Land Rover Defenders with them) so it’ll be good opportunity to discover Wadi Aldessah.

@helsonwheels

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Good tip! I’ll keep a look out 👀

If steel dont muslim ??????

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Hi, I don’t understand, sorry

omg i cant belive it thats soo inapropriet you should notify the police about them not accebting you in the hotel im sorry for you

@helsonwheels

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, It’s ok, I don’t know the laws here about discriminating on the basis of gender/religion, but it worked out just fine in the end, I found a very friendly Pakistani hotelier, and got an amaaaaazing view over Medina 😍

@Freddie330

Жыл бұрын

Yeah i think Hels was hanging around an Indian or Bengals immigrants area. Because haven’t spot any Saudi in the very few seconds showcasing the accommodations dilemma. And you’re right, i heard that in Saudi there’s a penalties if a hotel denies accommodating guests with no valid reasons.

@helsonwheels

Жыл бұрын

Yeah you’re right, I think it was a mostly south Asian area (just north of the central hotel area) I don’t remember seeing many folk in traditional Arab attire in the area.

@helsonwheels

Жыл бұрын

Firstly before you tell people to learn how to spell, maybe check you’re using the correct ‘your’ in your admonishment 😆 Secondly, the police would not have backed up the hotels, in fact Saudi friends tell me it is now illegal to refuse service to solo women and that the hotels in question should be reported as such. Saudi is changing rapidly; your information is out of date صديقي

Bagaimana bisa ada orang kafir masuk tanah haram??? Apakah ini pertanda dajjal akan segera muncul??? Apakah perempuan ini salah satu pengikutnya??? Ya Rabbi lindungi kami semua umat islam Dari fitnah Dajjal. Aamiin 🤲🏼

@helsonwheels

10 ай бұрын

Hi 👋🏼 no, for what it’s worth, I am neither the devil, nor one of his followers 😈 I am here to learn, and sadly what I’m learning is that some Muslims do not practice the prophet’s teachings when they comment online.

@i77li

9 ай бұрын

@@helsonwheelsدعيك من هذا الاحمق انه محدود التفكير حتى وان كان مسلم مثلي لكن سنجد مثله الكثير من الذين يعتنقون المسيحية او اليهودية لذلك لانحكم على دين احد بسبب تصرفات الناس الذين يؤمنون به

@Brightlight-bd9jc

6 ай бұрын

@@helsonwheelswhat is your religion

@helsonwheels

6 ай бұрын

@Brightlight-bd9jc I have no religion, though I was raised Christian

@Brightlight-bd9jc

6 ай бұрын

@@helsonwheels weren’t you kicked out from by your Christian parents for betraying their beliefs