Embark on a Meaningful Umrah and Charity in the Haram
Umrah Series - Part 1
I am delighted to the share personal narrative of my Umrah journey, with the hope that my experiences extend beyond my own reflections to offer valuable insights. Whether you are a first-timer venturing to Tanah Haram or a seasoned visitor, my Umrah series blog aims to share my heartfelt reflections. Join me as I recount the awe-inspiring moments and the deep spiritual growth that marked my journey.
Our Umrah Journey
I traveled to Umrah with my family on a direct flight from KUL to MED aboard MH158. The nine-hour journey felt unusually serene. With only 20% occupancy, each of us had an entire row to ourselves.
Arrival and First Impressions of Madinah
As we neared our destination, I gazed out of the airplane window, the sky revealed a clear half-moon, shining brilliantly. Below, the distinct housing patterns of Saudi Arabia came into view : square-shaped homes with cement fences and flat roofs, typically arranged in blocks of four to six. The landscape was dominated by desert, with paved roads primarily seen in the city center. It was a captivating introduction, the kind that makes you stop and realize this whole world comes from the same Creator.
We landed at Medina Airport around 10pm local time. At the immigration checkpoint, I saw a woman wearing a Burka (refer image below) that covered everything except a small part of her eyelids, allowing her just enough vision to see the path ahead. I was truly amazed. That sight quietly expanded my understanding that faith has many depths and there’s always a depth beyond what i have known.
The feeling of stepping out of an airport in a new country is indescribable, with that refreshing moment when foreign air fills my lungs. Our journey continued at 10:40pm with a short 25-minute bus ride from the airport to Province Al-Sham Hotel. During the ride, I caught my first glimpse of the magnificent minarets of Masjid Nabawi, beautifully illuminated by green lights. In Madinah, I found myself continuously reciting Selawat, offering blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.
Upon arrival, our mutawwif led us directly to Masjid Nabawi Gate 333 for the Fajr prayer. It was my first time stepping into the Prophet’s mosque. The calm was tangible. After this serene experience, we checked into our hotel and took some much-needed rest.
Experiences at Masjid Nabawi
Despite having only three hours of sleep, we rose early to prepare for our first obligatory prayer at Masjid Nabawi, the Subuh (Fajr) prayer at 5am. After the prayer, I witnessed a profound moment that left a deep impression on me. I saw a woman sitting quietly with her eyes closed, deeply immersed in the memorization of the Quran. It humbled me and reignited my determination to strengthen my efforts in memorizing the Quran. While on the other side, there was a group of people gathered in a halaqah, collectively dedicating themselves to the same noble endeavor. These two sights left me in contemplation; they not only humbled me but also rekindled my determination to strive harder in my own memorization and internalization of the Quran.
After breakfast, our mutawwif gathered us for an usrah session in the courtyard. He spoke about Telaga Ha and the story of Saidina Abu Talhah, one of the Prophet’s companions whose generosity set a timeless standard.
Who was Saidina Abu Talhah?
He was one of the strong companions who fought in the path of Allah SWT. His full name was Saidina Zaid bin Sahl al-Ansari, also known as Abu Talhah al-Ansari.
According to Sahih Bukhari, Abu Talhah r.a. donated this well as soon as he heard Allah's command in
Surah Al-Imran, verse 92 : “You will never attain righteousness until you give of what you love.”
However, Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. recommended that the well be returned to Abu Talhah’s family. The well no longer exists, but its site can be seen in the northern part of Masjid Nabawi (at the back), near Gate 21, as shown in the picture above.
Providing water by building a water well in vulnerable communities is your chance of Sadaqah Jaariyah that will continuously earn you rewards till the hereafter. As the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. said:
“The best charity is giving water to drink.”
Building a well in Islam, is one of the most valuable acts of Islamic charity.
The Miraculous Power of Charity (Sedekah) : A True Story
Our mutawwif shared an inspiring story about a woman in his past Umrah group who had a terminal illness. During her Umrah journey, she donated a large sum of her assets. Upon returning to Malaysia, she was miraculously fully recovered.
The Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. emphasized the importance and benefits of charity. He said,
"Treat your sick by giving charity" (Hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari)
Acts of Continuous Charity (Sadaqah Jariyah)
These hadiths reinforce the profound impact of charity, not only in aiding those in need but also in bringing about personal healing and blessings. Raise your ranks in the eyes of Allah by giving charity in His Way.
While donating money is a common and valuable form of sadaqah (charity), there are other profound forms of amal jariah (continuous charity) that can leave a lasting impact on the lives of others and earn ongoing rewards in the Hereafter. The mutawwif coordinated the process and ensured everything met local requirements.
Current donation rates (as of October 2023):
Small Mushaf: 35 SAR (≈ RM50)
Large Mushaf: 50 SAR (≈ RM60)
Wheelchair: 240 SAR (≈ RM280)
Folding Chair: 30 SAR (≈ RM40)
Each option, however small, carries the potential for endless reward.
Reflections
From the ease of our flight to the humbling moments inside Masjid Nabawi, every part of this journey carried its own lesson. Comfort reminded me of gratitude. Encounters reminded me of humility.
As I write this, I realize Umrah is a training ground for the soul. It teaches you to walk lightly, to let go and to serve quietly. Stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll explore more of Madinah’s profound lessons and how they continue to shape my spiritual outlook.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences — do share them in the comment section below :) Thanks