As Muslims, we all dream of visiting Makkah, the city that holds the Kaaba, the House of Allah. Performing Umrah, for many, is not merely a religious duty but a life-changing experience. My first Umrah in 2018 awakened my soul, transforming me into a more devoted servant of Allah. It changed not only how I practiced my faith but also how I approached life’s challenges.
Despite being born into a religious family, I had struggled with maintaining consistency in my prayers and found myself easily overwhelmed by daily life. However, after performing Umrah, everything shifted. I went from neglecting my prayers to someone who couldn’t imagine skipping a single salah. This is the story of how Umrah reshaped my relationship with Allah and my outlook on life.
Preparing for Umrah: a Leap of Faith
When I moved to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the opportunity to perform Umrah became real. My husband had recently secured a job there, and we reunited after living apart for a year. Though I was excited to visit Makkah, I felt a sense of apprehension. As a mother of two young children, one of whom has ADHD, I was unsure how we would manage the journey. My eldest son was five years old, non-verbal, and very hyperactive. Managing him during our daily routine was challenging enough, so taking him to one of the busiest places in the world seemed daunting. Despite my worries, I placed my trust in Allah.
I recalled His promise in the Quran:
“And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out, and will provide for him from where he does not expect.”
(Surah At-Talaq, 65:2-3)
With these words in my heart, I trusted that Allah would ease our path. We embarked on this spiritual journey with hope and determination.
The First Glimpse of the Kaaba: a Moment of Awakening
Stepping into the Haram for the first time and laying eyes on the Kaaba was a life-altering moment. I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and connection to Allah. In that instant, all my anxieties—particularly about raising a child with special needs—melted away. I realized that my struggles were insignificant compared to the grandeur and mercy of Allah.
Standing before the Kaaba, I felt as though my soul had awakened. It was as though the weight I had been carrying for years had been lifted. I understood that I was in Makkah for a reason, and that this trip was not just a physical journey, but a spiritual one that would change me forever.
From Neglecting Salah to Embracing it as My Lifeline
Before performing Umrah, I had often struggled with consistency in my prayers, especially Fajr. Life’s busyness often distracted me, and I would sometimes miss prayers. However, after that life-changing moment in the Haram, I made a promise to Allah and myself that I would never miss another salah. Prayers became the anchor of my daily routine and provided peace and solace that I had never felt before.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The first matter that the slave will be brought to account for on the Day of Judgment is the prayer. If it is sound, then the rest of his deeds will be sound.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi 413)
This hadith became deeply personal to me. Since that day, no matter what life threw my way, I haven’t missed a single salah whether I was in plane or in hospital. The discipline and connection to Allah through prayer became my lifeline.
Performing Umrah with Kids: a Journey of Patience and Blessings
Undoubtedly, one of the biggest challenges I faced during Umrah was managing young children in such a busy environment, especially with my son’s ADHD. I worried about how he would cope with the crowds and long rituals.
To prepare, I took some practical measures:
1. Writing Information on Clothing: I wrote our names and contact information on my children’s clothing in case they got lost in the crowd.
2. Safety Belts: I used a safety belt for my hyperactive son to ensure he stayed close.
3. Snacks for Long Waits: Carrying snacks proved invaluable, especially when the children became restless during longer rituals.
To my surprise, the experience turned out far smoother than I anticipated. It felt as though Allah had granted my children extra patience and calmness throughout the trip. Even my hyperactive son was much more serene than usual, which felt like a divine blessing.
Tips for Mothers: Preparing for Umrah with Kids
For mothers planning to perform Umrah with young children, here are some helpful tips based on my own experience:
1. Hotel Bookings: Book a hotel close to the Haram. Even though it might be more expensive, the proximity will save you time and energy, especially when managing children.
2. Baby Carrier for Infants: If you have a newborn, a baby carrier is essential. It allows you to navigate the crowds with ease while keeping your baby close.
3. Wheelchair for Young Children: Strollers are not allowed inside the Haram, but wheelchairs can be used for small children who may tire easily during the long tawaf and sa’i.
4. Understanding the Umrah Process: Familiarize yourself with the Umrah rituals beforehand to avoid confusion and mistakes during the process.
5. Scent-Free Products: Make sure to bring scent-free toiletries to comply with the rules of Ihram.
6. Adahi Services: Be aware of Adahi (sacrificial) services in case you make a mistake during the rituals that requires compensation. Understanding which actions need expiation can help you avoid unnecessary stress.
7. Diapers for Young Children: Even if your child is toilet-trained, it might be helpful to use diapers during long rituals to prevent any accidents.
8. Water Bottles in Ramadan: During Ramadan, water access can be limited, especially for children. I learned this the hard way when we were unable to find water for my kids due to the taps for Zamzam being turned off and the shops closed during Jummah prayers. Always carry water bottles to avoid this challenge.
9. Monitor Children’s Diets: Stick to familiar foods to avoid any health issues. My two-year-old unexpectedly vomited on our way to Umrah, which reminded me that dietary changes can easily affect children during travel.
Acts of Sadaqah: Giving Back to the Ummah
Throughout the Umrah journey, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and wanted to give back to the Ummah. I donated Qurans and wheelchairs as Sadaqah Jariyah, knowing that these contributions would benefit others for years to come.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“When a person dies, all his deeds come to an end except three: Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity); beneficial knowledge; or a righteous child who prays for him.” (Sahih Muslim 1631)
By giving back, I felt a sense of fulfillment, knowing that these small acts of charity would continue to earn rewards even after I returned home.
Performing Umrah in Ramadan: a Spiritual High
Just two months after my first Umrah, I was blessed to return to Makkah once again, this time during the sacred month of Ramadan.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Performing Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj with me.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1863)
The journey was both challenging and rewarding. We traveled by bus from Riyadh to Makkah, a 12-hour trip with my children. Though physically exhausting, especially while fasting in the intense heat, Allah made everything flow smoothly. Despite the long hours, my children managed well, and it felt as though divine grace was guiding us through every step.
Breaking my fast with Zamzam water in the Haram was a moment of immense blessing—an experience I will never forget. After returning to Riyadh that very night, I felt renewed, never missing a single fast afterward. I was even able to make up for the fasts I had missed before Ramadan.
This journey was a profound reminder of the spiritual abundance of Umrah. No one returns from Makkah empty-handed; everyone leaves having gained something valuable—either what they sought or something even better. Truly, the blessings of Umrah are beyond measure.
Embracing the Life-Changing Power of Umrah
To my sisters, if you have the opportunity to perform Umrah, don’t hesitate. This journey is more than a religious obligation—it is an experience that will transform your heart, strengthen your bond with Allah, and bring lasting peace and contentment.
For me, Umrah changed everything. It made me more patient, strengthened my connection to salah, and helped me embrace the blessings and challenges of motherhood with renewed faith. May Allah grant every Muslim woman the opportunity to experience this spiritual journey and find peace in the presence of Allah.
“And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:196)
May Allah ease your journey, reward your efforts, and transform your life, as He did mine.
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