R001 - Makkah Clock Tower Breakfast: Reflecting on Blessings and Giving

After finishing our Umrah, my wife and I headed to the Makkah Clock Tower for a quick breakfast.

We chose the famous Paratha Anda. I love how they make it.

I was really hungry, so I ordered two parathas and two vegetable omelets with a cup of tea.

I ate quickly because the parathas weren't too heavy or oily, and they tasted great.

After finishing, I thought, "Hey, let's order for our family too." So, we have ordered a few more to go.

While waiting, I noticed a worker from the Masjid ordering just one paratha and one omelet. Each cost only 2 Saudi Riyals, around $1.25 USD in total.

He shared the food with his friend. It hit me how some people struggle for a full stomach, and here I was ordering two meals without a second thought.

A verse from the Quran echoed in my mind:

Al-Furqan 25:67

وَٱلَّذِينَ إِذَآ أَنفَقُواْ لَمۡ يُسۡرِفُواْ وَلَمۡ يَقۡتُرُواْ وَكَانَ بَيۡنَ ذَٰلِكَ قَوَامًا

“And [they are] those who, when they spend, do so not excessively or sparingly but are ever, between that, [justly] moderate.”

The cashier shared a way to give back - contributing via WhatsApp (+966-50-472-6420) to provide free meals to those in need.

Living for yourself is easy, but living for others is truly worthwhile. 

Realizing the value of living for others, I pledged to spend moderately, donate more, consciously eat less, or stick to average portions. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my reflections, and I’ll talk to you next week.