Two of the most important places for a Muslim in the world are Masjid al Haram and Masjid e Nabwi. Located in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, they are home to Kaaba and Roza e Rasool respectively. Ask any devout Muslim and they will tell you that they are ready to give up everything in the world just to see these two sacred buildings.
Same is the case with me. I was lucky enough to travel to Saudi Arabia a couple of months ago by booking Umrah packages Birmingham from a well-reputed travel agency located in London. However, they offered me departure from my city and this made the whole trip a lot more convenient and stress-free.
Being brought up in a religious family, I always had a yearning to travel to the holy city of Makkah to perform Umrah or Hajj and then go to Madinah to offer my Salaam at the Majestic Roza e Rasool. Allah Almighty was kind enough to invite me to visit His Home. Although going to Masjid e Nabwi is not an essential step in Hajj or Umrah rituals but no Muslim has a heart big enough to skip it.
To cut the story short and come to the main point about my feelings of seeing the Kaaba and Masjid e Nabwi, keep on reading the rest of my story.
Entry into Makkah
My flight landed at Jeddah and it took us around 90 minutes to reach Makkah. I was so nervous that I was worried about having a heart attack. I prayed to Allah to give me a couple of hours so I can see His home for one time and then I can die in peace. Little did I know that Allah had planned for me to perform Umrah, see the Prophet’s Mosque and come back home to my family as a much better person.
As our bus reached Makkah, we had to check in at the hotel. After a brief break of 20 minutes, we were en route to Masjid al Haram. A fellow pilgrim of mine was keenly observing me and offered to help me in a way that I so wanted at that time and said very politely that you can close your eyes till you see the Kaaba, and I can hold your hand till that time and then I will let you know when to open your eyes so you see the House of Allah properly and without any obstructions.
At this point, I thought how can I even repay this great man for this huge favour? I thankfully accepted his offer and he then told me that it is his 6th Umrah and he was just repaying the favour a man did for him 10 years ago.
The First Look at Kaaba
As I told you before that I belong to a very religious family and I have seen Kaaba countless times in pictures, documentaries and even dreams. The feeling I had in my heart was unexplainable. As we reached near Masjid al Haram, I closed my eyes and my friend held my hand to guide me through the crowd.
He asked me to recite Talbiyah as many times as I could and keep my eyes closed until he speaks to me. I followed him. I waited for 10 to 20 minutes, and then he asked me to open my eyes.
And there it was, the Kaaba. MAGICAL AND UNREAL.
The most beautiful and majestic structure in the entire world, right in front of me. With all its grace, grandeur and opulence, it stood as nothing can ever stand. The black cover with golden inscription made it look even more amazing.
The tears rolled on my cheeks and that one sight made me feel like my every sin has been forgiven. My every hardship and problem has been resolved.
As I was wearing Ihram, we decided to do our Umrah. I was lucky enough to touch Kaaba with both of my hands. That feeling was so pure and long-lasting that I can even sense the feel of the Kaaba on my fingers. I don’t have words to explain it.
The next day I sat in front of Kaaba for 3 hours and shared everything with Allah. We stayed in Makkah for four days.
My Madinah Visit
In our Umrah package, our departure to Madinah was on the 4th day. The bus was waiting for us at the hotel gate around 6 in the morning. It took us around 5 hours to reach the Prophet’s city.
As we entered the holy city of Madinah, there was a strange serenity and peace everywhere around. At that moment I realised the power of prayers of the Holy Prophet. He once prayed for blessings in this city and it was visible in every nook and corner.
We checked in at the hotel and then went straight to Masjid e Nabwi. I had similar feelings that I had while going to Masjid al Haram but I was a lot calmer and relaxed.
With one look at the Roza e Rasool, my eyes were filled with tears once again. To be so close to the resting place of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was a moment that can’t be explained in words. I offered my Salam and stood there for some time in awe.
The next day we visited Rawdah, the area between the grave of the Prophet and his pulpit. It is considered one of the gardens of Paradise.
Final Word
It has been two months since I came back from the mosque and there is not a single minute that I wish to go back there. If any one of you wants to go for Umrah, I will strongly suggest getting an Umrah package from Muslims Holy Travel. They are one of the best in the market and offer great deals.
