When I was seven years old, my mother told me she and my father were leaving for Haj and I would have to stay with my brother at my aunt’s house. I was surprised that she looked so happy and excited while I felt sad that they were leaving.

When my parents returned after performing Haj, mum looked slightly forlorn. I asked her why she seemed sad, with a sigh, she responded, “Because my heart is in Makkah.”

That was my first ever introduction to Makkah and Madina. Over the years, my curiosity grew as I listened to stories of people who had performed Haj and Umrah. After every namaz, I prayed to Allah for calling me to visit Kabah, the House of Allah, and the Holy Prophet’s mosque in Madina. Finally, in January 2023, it happened — I got the chance to perform Umrah and visit the blessed cities of Makkah and Madina.

At first, when we started planning, I couldn’t believe it. What if the visa doesn’t come on time? What if new Covid-19 restrictions are placed? So many what-ifs crowded my mind. But whom Allah chooses, He calls.

On our arrival, while driving to our hotel in Madina, I kept imagining how long ago, Prophet Muhammad SAW and his companions must have walked on these very roads. After a quick shower at the hotel, we rushed to Masjid-e-Nabwi.

From the entrance, the majestic green dome of the Prophet’s final resting place was visible. I offered thanks to Allah for being able to visit His beloved prophet’s mosque.

Madina is a very peaceful city. Everyone is incredibly welcoming. People would smile and offer dates. Children ran around the veranda outside the mosque, playing with each other. The mosque’s interior is simply beautiful. Huge pillars with arches in perfect symmetry line the mosque as far as the eye could see. At Fajr time, the only sound you could hear was that of the Azaan, and the only light you could see was the mosque’s.

Madina was a calming experience for the soul. After five days there, we were ready to embark upon the next leg of our journey — Makkah.

We booked a car to take us from Madina to Makkah. I saw the terrain outside change from the greener pastures of Madina to the rugged mountains of Makkah. It took us around seven hours to reach Makkah. I thought about the historic migration. It must have been difficult for Prophet Muhammad SAW and Hazrat Abu Bakar to travel such a great distance, with the non-believers in their pursuit.

As Makkah drew near, I felt my mother’s attitude change. She looked restless, like she couldn’t wait any longer. I felt surprised. What was so special about Makkah that was making my mum fidgety? I found the answer to my question soon enough.

When we stepped out of the car, I knew there was something significantly magnificent about this city. You could feel its power. Unlike Madina, Makkah seemed more fast-paced. People walked with a definite purpose. While Madina welcomed, Makkah seemed to demand — submit yourself wholly to Almighty Allah.

We deposited our luggage in the hotel. By now, mum was out of patience and was telling us to hurry so that we could get to the al-Haram as quickly as possible.

Despite the excitement of this first visit, I was unprepared for what was about to come.

When I stepped on the escalator going down towards the Ma’taf (open area around Kaaba where Muslims perform tawaf), I laid eyes on the Holy Kaaba for the first time. The shock to my system almost made me lose my balance.

Oh, the onslaught of emotions — poignancy, extreme happiness and uncontrollable tears. It was truly soul-stirring. I wept uncontrollably, praying to Allah for forgiveness and blessings.

Tawaf (circling the Kaaba) was a surreal experience. I couldn’t believe I was standing so close to the focal point of our five prayers, the landmark towards which Muslims around the world turn their faces to when saying their daily prayers. At one point during our seven rounds, we got the chance to embrace the wall* of the Kaaba. I touched the perfumed cloth, stunned by Allah’s Might.

After finishing our rounds, we offered two nafil prayers near Muqam-e-Ibrahim. Then we had lots of Zamzam water. Zamzam is such a refreshing drink. It’s like an energy-booster, charging you with its spiritual healing powers.

We then proceeded to do Sa’i (walking back and forth seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa). This is done in remembrance of Hazrat Hajra’s love, who ran between both hills looking for water for her parched baby, Hazrat Ismail. In the scorching heat of the desert, not caring about the sun beating down or the sand whipping in her face, she ran around anxiously. To date, Muslims trace back the steps that Hazrat Hajra took in her search which yielded the miracle of Zamzam.

We spent another ten days in Mecca, building memories that would stay with me forever. I remember how once I was craving for Al-Baik nuggets, while mum and I were sitting outside al-Haram, waiting for Dad to come so we could go eat lunch. I was feeling tired and didn’t want to walk all the way to the restaurant.

When Dad came, you wouldn’t believe it, but he was holding two enormous bags full of Al-Baik food! I was ecstatic!

It’s unbelievable how fast wishes come true there.

I feel tearful every time I reminisce about my Umrah trip. It feels like I left a part of myself back in Makkah. The magic of those days and nights — sitting near the Kaaba at dawn, watching the sun rays break through the sky, listening to the chirping of birds — I will never get over it.

I will always cherish the sights, sounds and smells of both cities. May Allah call us all to visit His house and witness its grandeur. Ameen!

Published in Dawn, Young World, April 15th, 2023