Umrah

And say (O Muhammad SAW): My Lord! Let my entry (to the city of Al-Madinah) be good, and likewise my exit (from the city of makkah) be good. And grant me from You an authority to help me (or a firm sign or a proof). (Al-Isra 17:80)

Umrah

My feet shuffled in a staggered way as I worked to keep the pace beside my husband. My heart pounded with a familiar rhythm, excitement, anticipation and hope in every beat. My face was blushing hot with humility and each breath exhaled worked to release all my tension.

Into the entrance and enveloped by the marble, arches and pillars of Masjid Al Haram my heart's beat increased in momentum. Finally my eyes locked upon the Kiswa covering the Kaba. In this moment time stood halted my sight became blurred with tears and my thoughts, emotions and ideas came together in one truth - La ilaha illAllah.

We approached the black stone and began our Umrah. Seven times around the Kaba we went. Supplicating, supplicating, supplicating begging for the good of this life and the hereafter. This was followed by 2 rakat, zamzam water and the journey between Safa and Marwa. When we finished I was shamefully exhausted but hopeful of my Lord's acceptance of our ibaadah.

Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar!

Makkah

And from wheresoever you start forth (for prayers), turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid-al-Harâm (at Makkah), and wheresoever you are, turn your faces towards, it (when you pray) so that men may have no argument against you except those of them that are wrong-doers, so fear them not, but fear Me! - And so that I may complete My Blessings on you and that you may be guided.



Similarly (to complete My Blessings on you) We have sent among you a Messenger (Muhammad ) of your own, reciting to you Our Verses (the Qur'ân) and sanctifying you, and teaching you the Book (the Qur'ân) and the Hikmah (i.e. Sunnah, Islâmic laws and Fiqh - jurisprudence), and teaching you that which you used not to know.



Therefore remember Me (by praying, glorifying, etc.). I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me.

Makkah