Unveiling the Miracles of Makkah : Stories of Faith and Transformation
Umrah Series - Part 6
The Concluding Moments in Madinah
The final morning in Madinah was bittersweet, blending tranquility and the anticipation of departure.
I felt a heavy weight in my chest as our final day in Madinah dawned. The cool morning breeze, signaling a shift in the weather, intertwined with the soft glow of dawn as we made our way to Masjid Nabawi for Subuh prayer. I paused for a moment, letting the serene ambiance wash over me, wishing I could hold this moment in my heart forever.
After Subuh prayer, we returned to the hotel, had breakfast and packed our things, getting ready to check out. Our final obligatory prayer in Madinah marked a bittersweet farewell. This sacred city, with its tranquility and spiritual warmth, had imprinted itself deeply on my heart.
The Journey to Makkah
Boarding the Haramain train, I gazed out the window and saw a vast desert landscape like in movie 'The Martian'. This stark, rugged scenery made me deeply reflect on the immense struggles Prophet Muhammad s.a.w endured during the Hijrah. Traversing such tough terrain without the modern comforts we have today underscores the extraordinary resilience and determination he must have possessed. This realization left a profound impact on me, highlighting the monumental challenges faced and the unwavering faith that guided him through such a perilous journey.
Setting Foot in Makkah
We arrived at Haramain Station in Makkah, welcomed by the cool evening desert air. From there, we took a van to our accommodation and checked in around 6:30 PM. An hour later, we headed out for dinner. Despite my sore throat, the meal was comforting and a welcome relief after the long journey. After dinner, we rested briefly to recharge before embarking on our Umrah.
Executing Umrah
At 1 AM, we were off, ready to perform the tawaf and sa’i. And let me tell you, seeing the Ka'bah for the first time? Absolutely surreal. Like, an experience beyond imagination. It felt heavenly, almost like time slowed down for a second. I was completely fascinated by everything—the intricate design of the Kiswah and the Multazam.
The tawaf and sa’i were physically demanding, yet spiritually uplifting. This was the moment I had longed for - standing face to face with the Ka'bah felt like the culmination of prayers and dreams. I feel a longing to go back to Tanah Haram. Each step carried a deep sense of purpose, a surrender to Allah’s infinite mercy. Deeply connected, deeply blessed.
The Transformative Power of Sujud (prostration)
Prostration at the Mataf area felt like a fleeting glimpse of paradise.
We were blessed with the opportunity to pray in the first row for women in the Mataf area. It was a truly miraculous moment for me, one that felt incredibly special and unforgettable. During sujud (prostration) in front of the Ka'bah was a profoundly unique experience. As I bowed down in sujud, it felt as though the noise of the world had suddenly vanished, leaving me enveloped in a profound sense of peace. The cool, refreshing marble floor around the Ka'bah added to the serenity of the moment, grounding me in a way that felt both unreal and magical.
As I prostrated, a thought crossed my mind: "Am I okay? Is this a dream?" The experience was so surreal that it almost felt like I was in another realm. When I went into my second prostration, the same extraordinary feeling washed over me. It was as if time had stopped, and I was alone with my Creator in a state of undisturbed tranquility. The moment was so magical that it felt like a divine gift, a fleeting glimpse of paradise on earth.
The physical toll of travel began to weigh on me as I started feeling a high fever, sore throat and a headache coming on. During my prayer, I kept asking, 'Ya Allah, grant me health so that I can continue performing as much worship as possible.’
Reflections Amidst Seasonal Changes
One of the day, Makkah was drenched in heavy rain, an unusual phenomenon in this typically arid land. Watching the once dry streets transform into rushing torrents felt surreal. It was eerie, almost otherworldly, as the rain fell like a curtain, shrouding the sacred city in a veil of water.
People dashed about, their faces a mix of urgency and bewilderment, reminding me of the descriptions of the Day of Judgment—when the earth will shake, and humanity will scramble for safety. This moment felt like a glimpse into that reality, a powerful reminder of our vulnerability. Amidst the storm, I couldn't help but reflect on the fragility of life and the importance of seeking solace in faith, even in the midst of chaos.
Excursion (Manasik Haji)
We set out to explore the sites associated with Manasik Haji, immersing myself in the rituals that define this sacred pilgrimage. Visiting these locations helped me mentally prepare for my journey of Hajj, allowing me to visualize the path I would soon tread.
During our time in Arafah, as I walked towards Jabal Rahmah, I witnessed a sea of humanity, an overwhelming crowd unlike any I had ever seen. The sheer number of people was astonishing, and it made me realize the immense scale of the Day of Judgment.
Awakening moment in Arafah
In that moment, surrounded by countless fellow believers, I had a profound epiphany. If we do not have good deeds and acts of worship to our name, how will we stand out from the crowd on the Day of Judgment? How will we be chosen to receive the intercession of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w?
The sight of the multitude was a powerful reminder of the importance of our actions and faith in this life. It made me reflect deeply on the need to live a life filled with sincere worship, good deeds, and a strong connection to Allah. To be among those who stand out on that final day, we must strive to embody the teachings of Islam in every aspect of our lives.
Witnessing the vast crowd in Arafah was a humbling experience. It reminded me of the fleeting nature of life and the eternal significance of our actions. It inspired me to renew my commitment to my faith, to seek forgiveness, and to increase my acts of worship, so that I may be among those blessed with the intercession of our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.
A Timeless Message
As I stood among the sea of believers, our mutawif began reciting the final khutbah of Rasulullah s.a.w. The moment felt transformative. Standing on the sacred plain where Rasulullah s.a.w. delivered his farewell sermon, I couldn’t help but feel a profound connection to a message that transcends time.
The khutbah’s message felt as relevant today as it was more than 1400 years ago. Its timeless emphasis on justice, equality and mutual respect resonated deeply. As I stood there, I thought about how this sermon speaks directly to modern struggles like inequality and a fractured sense of community.
What made the experience even more poignant was the sensory immersion of Arafah itself. Later, as I reflected on the day, I realized how transformative that moment was for me. The words of Rasulullah s.a.w., delivered on this very plain, became more than historical text it became a call to action.
A journey of Heart and Soul
This exploration was not just about the physical locations; it was a spiritual preparation. Each step I took was a reminder of the immense blessings that await, and I felt a growing sense of anticipation and commitment to embrace the challenges and rewards of Hajj. Truly it was a journey of the heart and soul, preparing me mentally and spiritually for my own pilgrimage.
Wow to experience Makkah raining. MasyaAllah sister