Journeys and Reflections

At The Mecca Center, we believe that every journey is an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect. “Journeys & Reflections,” is a special newsletter where our staff and community members share their personal experiences. These stories reflect the diverse and enriching lives of our community.

My Umrah Experience

A Journey of Gratitude, Reflection, and Growth

By Hya Jaber

Undertaking Umrah is always a profound journey, filled with opportunities for spiritual growth, reflection, and connection with Allah (swt). My recent Umrah trip was no exception, but it began with unexpected trials that tested my faith and patience from the very start.

As our plane approached its destination, the landing turned out to be unusually difficult due to severe weather conditions. It was raining heavily, and turbulence shook the aircraft, making it a truly frightening experience. At that moment, as the rain lashed against the windows and the plane struggled to land safely, I felt Allah (swt) was testing me. My thoughts wandered to questions about my life: What if this is my last day on earth? Am I satisfied with my deeds? Have I passed Allah (swt) tests? These reflections forced me to confront my shortcomings and embrace gratitude for the gift of life.

Our flight was eventually redirected to Izmir, where we waited for the weather to improve. While some were understandably upset about losing precious time in Madina, I chose to view the situation differently. Allah (swt) had just saved us from a potentially dire situation. I turned to prayer, thanking Him for His mercy and recognizing that this was part of His divine plan. As the saying goes, “You plan, and I plan, but Allah is the best of planners.”

Despite the initial setback, the trip was filled with countless blessings and lessons. Upon arriving in Illinois to join the group, I was warmly welcomed by a community that felt like family. Diana, one of the organizers, went above and beyond to ensure everyone felt included and cared for, often putting others’ needs before her own. Sh. Ahmed Alsheikhi acted as a father figure to all of us, lightening the mood with his humor and making sure everyone felt at ease. Dr. Ahmed Arafat inspired us with his lectures, enriching our understanding of Islam and deepening our connection to Allah (swt).

One of the most memorable parts of the journey was the camaraderie among the women in our group. I had the privilege of performing a girls’ Umrah with Sister Rabab Rachid, whose kindness and warmth made it feel like I was traveling with my own mother. She created an atmosphere of equality and love, ensuring that everyone felt valued and included.

In Madina, our group experienced a night of qiyam al-layl that I will never forget. Praying in the stillness of the night, surrounded by a supportive and spiritual community, was a powerful reminder of Allah (swt) mercy and closeness.

This is my second umrah trip, Alhamdulillah, and I can confidently say that this trip stands out as one of the most meaningful. A particularly impactful moment was during tawaf, led by Sh. Sharaf. His dedication to protecting and guiding our group was extraordinary. He created a barrier to ensure the women were safe, and despite being sick and losing his voice, he led heartfelt Duas that left us all in tears. His sincerity and commitment brought a unique sense of connection during tawaf that I will always cherish.

The entire trip was organized beautifully by Super Hajj, from VIP buses to excellent accommodations. Yet, it wasn’t just about the logistics—it was about the care and compassion of the organizers who went above and beyond to make sure everyone felt supported and happy. Sh. Yousuf  Wahb’s friendly demeanor and willingness to answer questions added to the group’s sense of community and comfort.

Throughout the journey, we faced challenges, but the collective support from everyone in the group made it manageable. Brother Naris’s kindness in taking my extra luggage and the team’s overall efforts to create a family-oriented atmosphere were testaments to the power of unity and selflessness.

Looking back, I am filled with gratitude for the experience. Despite the rocky start, every moment of this Umrah was a reminder of Allah (swt) wisdom and mercy. The lessons of patience, gratitude, and reliance on Allah (swt) plan will stay with me forever. I am incredibly thankful to The Mecca Center and Super Hajj for organizing such a transformative trip. Alhamdulillah, this journey deepened my faith, strengthened my connections with others, and reminded me of the beauty of sabr. Truly, Allah(swt) is the best of planners, and this Umrah trip was a blessing in every way.