A 19 Year Old’s First Umrah Experience

Going for Umrah is a spiritual journey that holds profound significance for Muslims worldwide. For Aisyah, a 19-year-old student, the opportunity to embark on her first-ever Umrah trip with her parents and wheelchair-bound grandmother was a transformative experience. Here's a glimpse of what her journey was like!

Preparing for Umrah

Personally, she tried not to dwell too much on the trip beforehand to avoid psyching herself out. She found comfort in her travel agency's pre-departure briefings and prep talks, which provided a better understanding of the Umrah proceedings. Mentally, she maintained a daily practice of prayer, praying for guidance for a smooth journey, which she was able to achieve.

The Impact of Umrah

Aisyah felt that her journey to Umrah was a turning point in her life. This spiritual pilgrimage allowed her to connect with her faith on a deeper level. The power of witnessing the Kaaba and being surrounded by fellow Muslims from around the world was awe-inspiring. She recalled that this experience served as a powerful reminder of her beliefs.

"Seeing your religion materialised into something makes you realise that this is what you believe in. Sometimes it's easy to lose track of your religion, but then when you go for Umrah, you are able to ‘see’ Islam in a way."

The journey had a profound impact on her family bonds as well. Despite the language barrier that had separated her and her grandmother since she was a child, they grew closer during their time in Umrah. An unexpected moment of joy occurred when her A-Level results were released during the trip. Despite her grandmother's limited knowledge of the education system, her happiness for Aisyah’s success brought them even closer.

"I cried when I got the results, and my grandma cried with me. Just seeing her happy for me made me cry even harder in Umrah."

Challenges and Obstacles

Aisyah encountered several challenges during her Umrah experience, but one significant hurdle stood out. The high demand to visit holy sites like Rawdah in Medina created crowded conditions, occasionally resulting in discomfort for the elderly and their caregivers.

"Everyone had a very strong desire to enter the very holy places, but that meant a lot of pushing. I had a lot of people pushing my grandma just to enter, which wasn't very nice. It felt like my grandma was in danger. They were pushing my grandma's wheelchair, and I was holding onto it. Everyone was pressing against my leg, which made it a big challenge."

Furthermore, the challenge of exploring Mecca while considering her grandmother's health limitations required a separate plan. They enlisted the help of a local guide to ensure her well-being. Although it was initially concerning, they found comfort in the trustworthiness and respectful conduct of fellow Muslims in Saudi Arabia.

Best Time to Go to Umrah and Advice for First-Timers:

Aisyah shared that you may never feel fully "ready" for Umrah, but when the opportunity arises, you should seize it.

“Even if you feel like you’re not spiritually and mentally ready, if God has already showed a path for you to go for umrah, you should take up the chance!”

She recommended going during cooler periods to make the physical demands more manageable. Her advice for first-timers was to start in Mecca rather than Medina to tackle the physically demanding aspects first, allowing you to take more of a slower journey in Medina. She also cautioned about the importance of choosing words carefully, as spoken words can become dua (prayers), and if negative intentions are unintentionally set, they can manifest in unexpected ways.

Aisyah’s Umrah journey demonstrated that with careful planning, support from a trusted travel agency, and sincere intentions, families can undertake this sacred journey even with elderly members who are less-abled. While challenges may arise, the experience can strengthen family bonds, forge a deeper connection to one's faith, and serve as a powerful reminder of the significance of Islam. Ultimately, her family's journey to Umrah, despite its challenges, was a transformative experience for all involved.

Aisyah also shared tips for travelling to Umrah with your wheelchair-bound loved one.Click here to read her story!