My unforgettable Umrah experience

By Maryam Qassim

Orienting oneself towards the Kaabah at least five times every day, kindles a unique bond in the life every of Muslim thus nurturing a lifelong aspiration to experience the spiritual majesty of Islam’s holiest site. As a family, we were excited when my mother undertook this spiritual journey, but deep within me, a quiet longing stirred – to follow in her footsteps and find my own path of devotion.
This dream came to pass as Allah chose me this year to experience the sacred journey myself. Alhamudulillah. Sitting in the pre-journey Darasa at the offices of Makkah-Madinah Services, the agency that organized our sacred journey, I felt anticipation building within. The insightful lecturers from the various Sheikhs that facilitated at the Darasas heightened my eagerness to get to the two holy sanctuaries in Saudi Arabia.
We arrived in time for the Fajr prayer, and as I walked into Masjid al-Nabawi, I felt awestruck. Not only was I about to pray in the Prophet’s (PBUH) but every prayer performed here would be rewarded the equivalent of 1,000 prayers performed elsewhere.

As I performed my prayers, I couldn’t help but think of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions who once walked these same paths. Their sacrifices, resilience, and unwavering faith inspired me to strengthen my own relationship with Allah.
In the revered Raudha, described as “paradise on earth,” I found tranquility, I felt calm, and peaceful, and imagined myself in one of the gardens of heaven. The mosque’s stunning architecture and immaculate surroundings only added to my awe.

Majestic Kaabah
In Makkah, joining people of different races and nationalities in their thousands, chanting the Talbiyah -Labbayka Allahuma Labbayka (Here I am, Oh Lord, here I am…) as they made their way to the Kaabah left me in awe.
Seeing the Kaabah in person, after watching videos, was surrealThe Kaabah’s majestic beauty, surrounded by pilgrims from diverse backgrounds, united in worship, was a sight to behold.
Performing Tawaf and Sa’i rituals, I felt energized, not exhausted. Each glance at the Kaaba felt like the first; my eyes couldn’t get enough. I credit my youthful spirit for the boundless energy. The rituals, though physically demanding, became a spiritual rejuvenation.

During Tawaf, I reflected on my life’s journey, seeking forgiveness and guidance. With each circuit around the Kaaba, I felt my heart lighten, freeing myself from worldly burdens. Sa’i, the ritual representing Hajara’s search for water for her
son, Prophet Ismail, reminded me of the need for patience, perseverance, and trust in Allah.
Making this sacred journey is enduring, and I would encourage anyone to plan and undertake it while young, with a clear understanding of its significance. Prepare spiritually, physically, and mentally. Don’t go just because others have; go with an open heart and mind.

This journey taught me surrender, gratitude, and unity. It renewed my commitment to my faith and inspired me to become a better version of myself. Umrah was more than a pilgrimage; it was a transformative experience that continues to shape my life.