The week before my departure for Umrah was filled with a mix of nervousness and excitement. This journey held immense significance for me, as it was the biggest pilgrimage of my life. As I made my way to Makkah, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude and blessed to have this opportunity.
Upon arriving in Makkah, the sight of the Kaba took my breath away. My heart raced with anticipation as I followed the steps of my group, keeping my head down as instructed by Molana saab (The Teacher). He reminded us to be fully present in this moment, to switch off our phones, and to connect with Allah SWT on a deeper level. This was our chance to meet our Creator, and I was determined to make the most of it.
When I laid my eyes on the Kaba for the first time, a wave of emotions washed over me. It was a moment of sheer awe and wonder. I felt as though the ground beneath me disappeared, and I was floating in a state of bliss. I thanked Allah SWT for granting me the opportunity to be in His presence and to witness the magnificence of His House.
The Kaba, contrary to what I had seen in pictures and on television, was even more breathtaking in person. The black cloth covering it shimmered and shone like no other black I had ever seen. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from it. Hours felt like minutes as I stood there, pouring my heart out to Allah SWT, making dua and connecting with Him in a way I had never experienced before.
As I stepped into the sacred precincts of the Masjid al-Haram, my heart swelled with anticipation. The sound of the talbiyah filled the air, harmonizing with the beating of my own heart. The time had come for me to perform tawaaf, the circumambulation of the Kaba. With each step I took, my emotions intensified, and tears welled up in my eyes. The weight of my sins and struggles seemed to lift as I immersed myself in the rhythmic movement around the House of Allah. The crowd around me, diverse in language and nationality, merged into a sea of devotion, all united in purpose. As I gazed at the Kaba, the centre of my universe in that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of humility and gratitude. Every step I took was a step closer to Allah, a step closer to His mercy and forgiveness. In that sacred space, surrounded by the prayers and supplications of countless believers, I felt a profound connection to my Creator. With each turn of the tawaaf, I whispered my deepest desires and sought solace in His presence. The tears that streamed down my face were a testament to the love and awe that filled my heart. In that moment, I knew that I was exactly where I was meant to be, and I vowed to carry the spiritual transformation I experienced during tawaaf with me for the rest of my life.
One particular moment that stands out in my memory is when my son asked me if he could touch the Kaba. My heart skipped a beat, and without hesitation, I took his little hand and ran towards the Kaba, praying that we would make it there. Subhan Allah, the path cleared miraculously, as if the people were moved aside to make way for us. It was a surreal experience, and I couldn’t help but thank Allah SWT for this blessing and ask Him to protect my precious child a precious gift that Allah SWt had blessed me with.
During my prayers and dua, the names and thoughts of people flooded my mind, and I felt a deep sense of responsibility to include everyone in my supplications. I wanted to please Allah SWT and make Him happy. I made a promise to myself and to Allah SWT that I would make the most of my time, serving His creation and bringing others closer to His work.
As my time in Makkah came to an end, I knew that I had been forever changed by this journey. The last day was filled with a sense of urgency and a desire to make the most of every moment. I hardly slept, fuelled by the energy and buzz that Mecca exuded. My feet rushed to complete the final tawaf, and my heart yearned to stay in the presence of the Kaba for as long as possible.
After returning to my room, I went back to do another tawaf. I wanted to make the most of my last day in Makkah and soak in every moment. As I circled the Kaba, I felt a mix of emotions. Gratitude, sadness, and a deep sense of longing filled my heart. I knew that soon I would have to leave this sacred place and return to my normal life.
During my last tawaf, I reflected on the journey I had undertaken. It had been a rollercoaster of emotions, but it had also been a transformative experience. I had felt a deep connection with Allah SWT and had witnessed the power of faith and devotion.
As I completed my final tawaf, I made dua for myself, my loved ones, and for all the Muslims around the world. I prayed for guidance, forgiveness, and strength to continue on the path of righteousness. I asked Allah SWT to accept my Umrah and to grant me the opportunity to return to His House in the future.
With a heavy heart, I bid farewell to the Kaba and left Makkah. The journey back home was bittersweet. On one hand, I was filled with a sense of peace and fulfilment, knowing that I had fulfilled one of the pillars of Islam. On the other hand, I longed to stay in the sacred city and continue my spiritual journey.
Leaving Makkah was an emotional moment. I packed my bags, knowing that I was leaving behind a piece of my heart. The tears flowed freely as I bid farewell to the Kaba, unsure if I would ever have the privilege of seeing it again. But I knew deep in my soul that Allah SWT had heard my prayers and that He would invite me back when the time was right.
As I boarded the plane, I carried the memories and lessons from my Umrah journey with me. I knew that my life had been forever changed, and I was determined to maintain the connection with Allah SWT that I had established during this trip. I made a promise to myself to continue striving for excellence in my faith and to be a better Muslim.
My Umrah journey was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I am grateful to Allah SWT for granting me this opportunity. It was a journey of self-discovery, reflection, and deepening my relationship with my Creator. I pray that every Muslim who desires to perform Umrah or Hajj is able to do so and experience the profound blessings and spiritual growth that come with it.
May Allah SWT accept our prayers, forgive our sins, and grant us the opportunity to visit His House again. Ameen.
Reflecting on my Umrah journey, I am filled with gratitude for the companions who shared this experience with me. Their love, support, and kindness will forever hold a special place in my heart. The tears we shed and the moments we shared were purely for the sake of Allah SWT, and it was a truly beautiful trip.
InshaAllah, I have already made the intention to return to Mecca soon, accompanied by the same group. My heart remains in that sacred city, and I yearn for the day when I can once again stand before the Kaba and feel the overwhelming presence of Allah SWT.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey. May Allah SWT bless you and grant us all the opportunity to visit His House Ameen.