In 2023, I was blessed with an unforgettable opportunity to perform Umrah with my beloved wife. It was a spiritual journey that left a deep imprint on my heart and soul. For the very first time in my life, I boarded the majestic Airbus A380 operated by Saudia Airlines. Flying on such a massive jetliner was a unique experience in itself. The flight from Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah took more than 10 hours, and although it was long, the excitement and emotion of fulfilling this religious obligation made the time pass quickly.
Upon arriving in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we were greeted by the scorching desert heat. It was nearly 45 degrees Celsius, and every step outside the air-conditioned terminal reminded us of the physical test that awaited us. Yet, our hearts were strong with faith, and the burning sun could not deter our spiritual mission.
The first moment I laid eyes on the Kaabah in Masjidil Haram, Makkah, is a memory I will carry for the rest of my life. Words failed me. The sacred structure, majestic and serene, stood in front of me in real life after years of seeing it only in pictures and on television. Tears welled up in my eyes—not just because of the beauty of the Kaabah, but because it brought back memories of my family, my past, and the journey of my life. I cried each time I saw it, overwhelmed by gratitude and humility. Each tawaf felt like I was being embraced by Allah’s mercy.
Before our time in Makkah, we spent several days in the radiant city of Madinah. It was peaceful and filled with a special calmness. I visited Masjid Nabawi daily, and one of the most precious moments of my entire journey was being able to spend over 30 minutes inside Raudah, the most sacred area between the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) house and pulpit. Alhamdulillah, I was fortunate as many pilgrims don’t always get this chance. In that moment, surrounded by history and holiness, I prayed silently with tears streaming down my cheeks, feeling incredibly close to the Prophet and to Allah.
After our time in Madinah, we experienced another highlight: riding the high-speed Haramain train from Madinah to Makkah. The journey was smooth and efficient, with beautiful desert views along the way. It was amazing to see how modern technology and historical spirituality came together on this land.
Back in Makkah, apart from performing Umrah, I also had the chance to visit the library inside Masjidil Haram. It was a hidden gem for me, a place filled with rare Islamic texts, historical references, and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for reflection and study. Sitting there in silence, reading the words of scholars and imams from centuries past, I felt a deep connection to the rich history of Islam.
This Umrah trip in 2023 was not just a physical journey, but a spiritual awakening. It reminded me of who I am, where I come from, and where I am going. I returned home with a renewed heart, greater faith, and endless gratitude to Allah for allowing me this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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