Touched by the divine: My transformative Umrah journey

By Ali Mivule

Many times, while scrolling through my TikTok feed, I would come across videos of believers chanting the familiar words: Labayka Allahumma Labayk, Labayka la sharika laka labayk, Innal hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak. I had memorized them long ago, hoping that one day, I too would say them as a pilgrim on my journey to either Hajj or Umrah.

Alhamdulillah, in July, that dream became a reality. On the 12th of July, I became one of Allah’s invited guests for Umrah. Under Makkah-Madina Travel Group, I was part of over 200 pilgrims destined for the blessed cities of Makkah and Madinah.

While I’m not a first-time traveller, this journey felt entirely different. The weight of its spiritual significance made my anxiety more real as I boarded Ethiopian Airlines.

Though I had hoped to reach Makkah first, our itinerary took us to Madinah. The impatience in me to see the Kaaba was intense, but I had to follow the administration’s guidance.

Upon arrival, I was greeted by the searing heat of the Madinah sun, but the thrill of stepping foot in the Prophet’s City made it bearable.

One of the most moving experiences in Madinah was visiting Rawdah, the garden from Paradise.

By 1:00 AM, I was already in the queue. I stood for nearly two hours waiting for my turn. When I finally entered, my legs trembled. I wasn’t even sure what to do. The moment was surreal! Just as I began to grasp the blessing, the guards were already ushering us out. Still, the chance to be in that sacred space, even briefly, was priceless. Saying salam at the Prophet’s tomb stood out as one of my greatest highlights in Madinah.

Then came the moment I had been yearning for, the journey to Makkah.

My mind overflowed with imaginary images of the Kaaba. Though it wouldn’t be my first time seeing it, this time felt entirely different.

As we entered the Holy City, my eyes were struck by the grandeur of Masjid al-Haram, with the iconic clock tower standing tall above the skyline.

Finally, I saw it, Allah’s Sacred House. It took several moments for the reality to sink in.

The Kaaba, right in front of me? The black, silky Kiswah adorned with intricate Arabic calligraphy reflected in the sunlight.

I had always imagined Tawaf to be a test of physical strength, but I quickly learned it was more about spiritual focus and humility. A calm voice beside me reminded me gently, “Mivule, tositula mikono,” — “Don’t raise your hands during Tawaf.” That advice guided me through each circuit I performed around the Kaaba.

Beyond the rituals, the historical tours to significant Islamic sites deepened my connection to the Seerah I had long studied.

Visiting Mount Uhud, the site of the Battle of Badr, and other key locations brought to life the stories I had only known in theory. Each step through these places made a lasting memory in my heart.

This journey, my Umrah, was more than travel. It was transformation.

From the heat of the desert to the spiritual intensity of worship, every moment reaffirmed my connection with my faith.

Alhamdulillah for this opportunity. May Allah invite all believers to His house.