By Ishmael Bayoh
Umrah is a sacred journey that holds profound significance in the hearts of Muslims worldwide. As a cherished Sunnah, it offers a unique opportunity to renew one’s faith and cleanse the soul. Pilgrims embark on this spiritual endeavor to seek forgiveness, offer sincere du’a, and strengthen their connection with Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of performing Umrah at least once in a lifetime. He himself performed this pilgrimage four times. Beyond being an act of worship, it serves as a pathway to spiritual purification, bringing Muslims closer to Allah Almighty. Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Messenger (PBUH) said: “The pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah are a delegation to Allah. If they call upon Him, He will answer them; and if they ask for His forgiveness, He will forgive them.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
The last ten days of Ramadan present a particularly auspicious time to perform Umrah, offering pilgrims the chance to reflect deeply on life’s purpose, renew faith, and momentarily disconnect from worldly distractions. It was during this sacred period that I embarked on this journey alongside my wife.
The Journey Begins
Our journey began early in the morning, marked by our intentions and fulfilling the necessary obligations. Traveling with Kenya Airways, we traversed through Accra and Nairobi before arriving at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The reality of our pilgrimage began to sink in as we beheld thousands of pilgrims, already donning their Ihram—a sacred state of purity required for Hajj and Umrah. Excitement and anticipation grew as we approached the miqat (designated boundary for Ihram) and stopped at Masjid Isha to officially enter this state.
After completing the Ihram rituals, we checked into the Nawarzi Hotel Tower near Masjid al-Haram, where my elder sister and her group were staying. With guidance from my wife’s brother, who was studying in Madinah, we entered the Grand Mosque through King Fahd Gate. Witnessing the majestic Ka’aba for the first time was a surreal experience. Overcome with emotion, we raised our hands in dua, appreciating the reality of standing before this holy site.
Rituals of Umrah
The pilgrimage rituals began with tawaf—circumambulating the Ka’aba seven times, each round accompanied by heartfelt supplications. This was followed by performing two raka’ats behind Maqaam Ibrahim and drinking the blessed Zamzam water. The significance of Maqaam Ibrahim, a stone tied to the Prophet Ibrahim’s construction of the Ka’aba, added layers of historical and spiritual depth to the experience.
Next, we walked between Safa and Marwah, retracing the steps of Hajar, the mother of Prophet Isma’il. Her perseverance and unwavering trust in Allah, as she sought water in the desert for her child, are commemorated through this ritual. It is a poignant reminder of faith in the face of trials and the miraculous provision of the Zamzam spring.
Meeting Sheikh Mufty Yassin Jalloh
Our Umrah experience reached another level of spiritual depth under the guidance of Sheikh Mufty Yassin Jalloh, an esteemed Islamic scholar based in the U.S.A. Known for his online Quranic sessions, Sheikh Mufty led his group of pilgrims with a distinct focus on sincerity and devotion. We were fortunate to join this group, enriching our pilgrimage through his meticulous attention to rituals and emphasis on supplication.
Sheikh Mufty frequently reminded us of the unparalleled blessings of praying in the Haram. His leadership during the tawaf ensured not only that we performed the rituals correctly but also that we fully immersed ourselves in their spiritual significance. With his guidance, the group visited over 50 sacred sites across Makkah, Jeddah, Taif, Muzdalifah, and Madinah.
Memorable Highlights
A particular highlight was experiencing the completion of the Quran recitation by Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais on the 27th night of Ramadan. His heartfelt dua left an indelible mark on all present. Praying behind Sheikh Sudais during Eid was another moment of profound spiritual fulfillment.
Makkah, a city that never sleeps, left a lasting impression with its warm hospitality and spiritual ambiance. From the soothing voices of the imams to the constant calls of “Haji, Haja, nazhib” from the security officers, every moment was imbued with purpose and reverence.
A Journey to Remember
Performing Umrah is a transformative experience, offering a blend of spiritual fulfillment and physical devotion. Makkah and Madinah are not just cities; they are sanctuaries of faith and hope, welcoming millions of hearts yearning for closeness to Allah. May Allah accept our supplications and grant us the opportunity to return. Ameen.