A Journey of Religious Growth and Reflection

Venturing on my first Umrah as a revert was a profoundly humbling and beautiful experience. Traveling to the holy cities of Madinah and Makkah, I discovered not only the spiritual essence of Islam but also the deep sense of peace that comes with being in these sacred places.

Here, I’ll share my journey and tips for first-time visitors, particularly women, in hopes of inspiring others to embark on this meaningful pilgrimage.

Arrival in Madinah: A City of Tranquility

Our journey started in Madinah, where my husband and I arrived late at night. Here I just felt an indescribable sense of calm and peace that is beyond words. Early the next morning, we got ready for Fajr prayer and went to Masjid an-Nabawi. Seeing the mosque glowing in the soft morning light was truly breathtaking. Praying there brought an overwhelming sense of peace and gratitude.

Tips for Women: Masjid an-Nabawi has designated prayer areas for women. It’s helpful to find out where these are beforehand and bring a light prayer mat for added comfort.

Visiting the Rawdah: A Blessed Opportunity

On our second day in Madinah, we were fortunate enough to visit the Rawdah, a space described as a garden from Paradise. It is the sacred area around the Prophet Muhammad’s tomb (peace and blesssings upon him) in Madinah. To access it, we had to book in advance through the Nusuk app. Entering the Rawdah felt like stepping into a sacred sanctuary, and the experience of praying there was deeply moving. Afterward, we took some time exploring the city and spent the afternoon in the masjid, immersing in the calmness of the surroundings.

Tips for First-Time Visitors: Be sure to book your Rawdah visit (Nusuk APP) as soon as possible and plan accordingly. The area can get crowded, so it’s best to arrive early and be patient.

Exploring Madinah

We spent the day exploring the city, beginning with Fajr prayer at the holy mosque. Afterward, we had the pleasure of dining at a beautiful restaurant called Kaylah, where we enjoyed a delicious breakfast in a stunning setting.

Kaylah, Madinah

We also visited Quba Mosque, located nearby. This mosque was built in the 7th century C.E and is thought to be the first mosque in the world, established on the first day of Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) emigration to Medina. It gets crowded but still you can pray inside, and enjoy watching the pigeons nearby and feed them if possible. 🙂 These moments enriched our experience in Madinah, allowing us to connect with the city’s deep history and culture.

Masjid Quba, Madinah

Tip for First-Time Visitors: When exploring Madinah, wearing comfortable shoes and carrying water and sunscreen are essentials.

The Journey to Makkah: A New Chapter

We ended our stay in Madinah by praying one last time at Masjid an-Nabawi before setting off for Makkah. At the train station, we set our ihram intention, and prepared for the journey ahead. Upon arriving in Makkah, we settled into our hotel before heading to Masjid al-Haram to perform Umrah.

Al Kaaba, Makkah, KSA

Walking into the Grand Mosque and seeing the Kaaba for the first time was overwhelming in the most beautiful way. Performing tawaf (circling the Kaaba) and sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwa) were acts of devotion that connected me to centuries of Islamic tradition. Completing our Umrah with the shaving / cutting of hair was a moment of renewal and humility.

Tips for Women: Ensure your ihram clothing is comfortable and meets modesty requirements. Plan for a spacious bag to keep essentials like water, snacks, and extra pins or scarves during Umrah. Read more about the do’s and dont’s for Umrah here

Exploring Makkah: A Deeper Connection

The day after completing our Umrah, we allowed ourselves some time to rest before heading back to Masjid al-Haram. We spent the day exploring the mosque, performing prayers, and soaking in the spiritual ambiance. Staying until after Isha prayer, we then went for some light shopping before returning to the hotel for much-needed rest.

The following day, we embarked on a hike to Jabal al-Nour, a site deeply connected to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the early days of Islam. Located near Makkah, it is known for housing the Cave of Hira (Ghar-i-Hira). This cave is where the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his first Quranic revelation from the angel Jebreel. The mountain stands at 642 meters (2,106 feet) and is a popular tourist destination in Makkah.

The hike was physically demanding but incredibly rewarding. Reaching the cave, we took a moment to reflect on our journey and the significance of this sacred place, enjoying the serene view.

Tips: Wear Comfortable Shoes –Bring Water – Stay hydrated throughout the hike. Start Early – To avoid the heat and crowds, begin your hike in the early morning. Take Breaks – Rest as needed, especially on the steeper sections. Carry Light – Keep your belongings to a minimum to make the climb easier. Be Prepared for a Challenge – The hike can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours or more, depending on the fitness of the person. so pace yourself.

After the hike, we returned to our hotel for some rest before heading back to Masjid al-Haram for Maghrib and Isha prayers. Seeing the Kaaba for the last time during this trip was bittersweet but filled with gratitude. We ended our night with dinner and some light shopping before heading back to the hotel to pack our bags and prepare for our journey home.

Reflection and Gratitude

This journey was more than just a physical pilgrimage; it was a spiritual awakening and a time of deep reflection. Seeing people from all walks of life, wearing the same clothes and engaging in the same act of worship, all praying to one God, is incredibly moving and inspiring. From the peaceful moments in Madinah to the humbling experience of seeing the Kaaba, every part of this trip strengthened my faith and brought me closer to Allah. I feel so blessed and grateful. Alhamdulillah

ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّٰهِ

Final Thoughts: For anyone considering their first Umrah, take time to prepare spiritually and practically. Research the process, stay patient, and embrace the journey with an open heart. As a revert, this experience brought me closer to Allah and reminded me of the beauty of surrendering to His will. I hope my story inspires you to take that first step toward this life-changing journey.

with gratitude,

Angelaa