Introduction:
This report details the successful Umrah pilgrimage organised by NIMAB Welfare Trust, completed between 01 October 2024 to 11 October 2024. The group, composed of 12 members, embarked on a spiritual journey to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The pilgrimage was filled with devotion, religious reflection, and a deeper understanding of the Islamic faith. Throughout the journey, there was an atmosphere of anticipation and spiritual excitement as we prepared to undertake this sacred duty.
Experience in Medina:
Upon arrival in Medina, the group was comfortably accommodated in a hotel within a short walking distance from the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi), ensuring convenient access for prayers. Our time in Medina was deeply enriching, with regular visits to the mosque for Fajr, Dhur, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers. One of the most profound moments during my visit to Masjid an-Nabawi was the opportunity to pray in the Rawda. This area, often referred to as “a garden from the gardens of Paradise” (based on a hadith of the Prophet), holds an immense spiritual significance and is a place that pilgrims yearn to experience.
The group participated in a guided Ziarat to key Islamic historical sites which brought the rich history of Islam to life. At Jabal Uhud, the site of the Battle of Uhud, we visited the burial site of the martyrs, reflecting on their sacrifices for the Muslim community. Masjid Al-Quba, the first mosque built by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), offered a deep spiritual connection as we prayed there. At Masjid Al-Qiblatayn, where the Qibla changed from Jerusalem to Mecca, symbolising the independence of the Muslim Ummah. These visits strengthened our connection to the early Muslim struggles and perseverance.
Experience in Mecca:
We entered the state of Ihram at Miqat Dhu’l-Hulayfah. This is where we made our intention to preform Umrah. Upon reaching Mecca, we immediately proceeded to the sacred site, Masjid Al-Haram where we completed tawaf and walking back and forth 7 times between Safa and Marwa with the help of the Ustaz telling us what prayers to say at each point. This was then completed by the cutting/trimming of hair.
We also participated in a guided Ziarat in Mecca which began at Jabal Thawr, where the Prophet (PBUH) and his companion Abu Bakr took refuge during migration. To protect the two men, Allah (SWT) had a spider spin a web at the cave's entrance, preventing their enemies from seeing within and finding them. This visit highlighted the importance of trust in Allah’s protection during times of difficulty. At Mount Arafat, we reflected on the significance of this sacred place, where millions of pilgrims gather during Hajj for the Day of Arafah, seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. This site is where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his farewell sermon, emphasising equality, justice, and core Islamic principles. At Jabal al-Feel, we stood at the site where Allah sent birds to protect the Kaaba from Abraha’s elephant army’s attempt to destroy the Kaaba, a reminder of the divine protection over Mecca. We then visited Muzdalifah, where Hajj pilgrims stay overnight during Hajj. The simplicity of the open-air stay, sleeping under the stars and collecting pebbles for Mina. Our journey continued to Mina, the tent city where Hajj pilgrims perform the symbolic stoning of the devil at the Jamarat. This act commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) rejection of the devil’s temptations. In Mina, we also visited the Dome where Allah instructed Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS). This event, remembered every year during Eid al-Adha, symbolises absolute faith and submission to Allah. The story of Ibrahim’s willingness to follow Allah’s command and Ismail’s acceptance inspired us to reflect on the importance of faith and sacrifice in our own lives. At Jabal-Nour, we visited the Cave of Hira, where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received the first revelation of the Quran from the Angel Jibreel. It reminded us of the humble beginnings of the message of Islam and the Prophet’s patience and dedication in delivering Allah’s word. Finally, we visited Jannat al-Mu’alla, the historic cemetery in Mecca where many of the Prophet’s family members, including his first wife, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, are buried. Seeing this sacred ground we felt connected to the early Muslims who laid the foundation for the Islamic community. Their sacrifices and devotion served as a reminder of the trials faced by the Prophet and his companions.
This guided Ziarat was more than an educational experience—it was a journey through the heart of Islamic history. Each site we visited brought us closer to the struggles, victories, and spiritual resilience of the early Muslim Ummah. It reinforced our connection to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his family, and companions, inspiring us to emulate their unwavering faith in our own lives.