Madinah's Warm Welcome: A Journalist's Tale of Hospitality and a Free Perfume

As a journalist for Republika, I found my recent trip to Madinah to be a deeply enriching experience, not just spiritually but also in terms of the genuine human connection I encountered. The city, often referred to as the City of the Prophet, truly lives up to its reputation for warmth and hospitality. From the moment I arrived, the greetings from hotel receptionists, shopkeepers, taxi drivers, and even cleaning staff at the mosque were incredibly welcoming.

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Welcome to Madinah!

It's not just the standard pleasantries; there's a palpable sense of kindness that permeates the interactions. Seeing fellow Indonesians, I was often met with broad smiles, nods, and friendly 'Assalamualaikum' or 'Mabrur, Hajj!' It’s these small gestures that make a traveler feel not just like a visitor, but like someone being welcomed into a community. This is a stark contrast to the often impersonal or transactional interactions one might experience in other major cities around the world.

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Apa kabar induuniisiy?

One particular incident stands out, illustrating this local generosity. After performing the Subuh prayer at the Nabawi Mosque, a friend suggested we visit a souvenir shop near Gate 338, known as Bos Hamed's store. While my friends browsed and purchased items, I, not being a regular perfume user, was merely looking around. To my surprise, a shop assistant called me over and presented me with a free bottle of Gissaty perfume, asking only that I follow their Instagram account. The sheer unexpectedness of this gift, especially in front of my friend who had just spent money there, was both amusing and heartwarming. It speaks volumes about the local culture of giving and fostering goodwill.

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Mabrur, Hajj!

This experience in Madinah is something that resonates deeply with us in Indonesia. We understand the importance of hospitality and community spirit. While international media often focuses on the grand scale of the Hajj or the historical significance of the holy sites, the everyday kindness of the people of Madinah is a story that truly captures the heart of the place. It’s these personal encounters, these acts of spontaneous generosity, that make a place like Madinah so special and memorable, offering a different kind of spiritual fulfillment.

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Gratis buat kamu, cukup follow saja akun Instagram @bos_hamed