By Faiz Ali

Assalamualaikum, my name is Faiz and I would be writing a short reflection of my trip to Umrah. This reflection would not contain all the events and stories that happened throughout, but I will be focusing more on the early parts of the trip.

Umrah has always been a dream, though one of those distant aspirations that lingered quietly in the back of my mind. We knew about it, heard others’ stories, but somehow, it never fully resonated as something of utmost importance for me. SubhanAllah, this changed after I began attending regular classes, where I learned not only about the rituals of Umrah but also about the deeper spiritual significance of this sacred pilgrimage.

It became clear to me that Umrah was not just about the rites; it was an opportunity to connect with the places where our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ walked, where his companions lived, and where the sacrifices for this beautiful Deen were made. This beautiful Deen called Islam that we all enjoy and benefit from now.

As the day of departure arrived, I could hardly contain my excitement and nervousness. Alhamdulillah, the long-anticipated moment to embark on this sacred journey had finally come. Our first stop was the historic site of Badr.

We visited Masjid Areesh, the mosque built on the spot where the Prophet ﷺ pitched his tent during the Battle of Badr. MashaAllah, even in the stillness of the night, the serenity and spiritual presence of the place were overflowing. It was here that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stood in earnest supplication, praying fervently, “O Allah, if You allow this small group of devout believers to be destroyed, You will not be worshipped on earth as You deserve. O Allah, You promised me victory, so grant it now. We need Your help, O Allah.”

His intense plea, where his shawl even fell from his shoulders as he raised his hands in desperate hope, deeply moved me. It was so heartfelt and sincere.

THIS POWERFUL MOMENT REMINDED ME OF THE UNWAVERING LOVE AND CONCERN OUR PROPHET ﷺ HAD FOR US, HIS UMMAH, AND HOW MUCH HE DESIRED FOR THE MESSAGE OF ISLAM TO REACH US.

His concern for the ummah was so evident and clear in every word of his dua. I felt so touched and droplets of tears flowed down my eyes.

From there, we journeyed to Jabal Malaikah, the Mountain of Angels, where 1,000 angels descended during the Battle of Badr to aid the believers. Five hundred angels, led by Jibril AS, supported the right wing of the army, while another 500, led by Mikaeel AS, took their place on the left. This divine intervention gave the believers strength and courage, and it was a humbling moment to reflect on how Allah ﷻ aids His faithful servants in times of difficulty.

It gave me a resolve to be the best version of myself that I can be and to reach Allah and be close to him, one where his prayers are answered and fulfilled by the Almighty Allah ﷻ.

As we continued our journey, we visited the site of the Battle of Badr, where the names of the martyrs were inscribed. It was here that we learned of the story of Umayr bin Abi Waqqas (r.a.), a companion of the Prophet ﷺ whose courage and sacrifice left a profound impact on me. At the time of the battle, Saad RA was a young man of 16 years of age. He earnestly wanted to sacrifice himself for the sake of Islam and the Prophet ﷺ even at that tender age where most teenagers would only be content with video games nowadays.

Umayr RA fought bravely alongside the Prophet ﷺ. His love and trust in the Prophet ﷺ were immense. What struck me most was Umayr’s deep loyalty and his willingness to sacrifice everything for the cause of Islam. And his dedication and his sincerity in his service proved to be true when he became one of the youngest martyr in the battle of Badr. His example reminded us of the sacrifice that many companions made. Sacrifices that we sometimes take for granted today.

In a moment of reflection, I asked myself whether I would be able to show the same level of Iman and devotion if I were ever tested as Umayr RA was. Would I be able to put aside worldly desires for the sake of my faith?

Umayr’s RA story is a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritising our relationship with Allah ﷻ and His Messenger ﷺ . His trust in Allah’s plan and his love for the Prophet ﷺ were so profound, and I found myself yearning for that same connection.

“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day”

Quran 33:21

This verse truly resonated with me as I reflected on Umayr’s RA unshakable faith and dedication.

This visit to Badr was an eye-opening reminder to reassess my own intentions of the Umrah and reconnect with the essence of my faith. It was a moment to purify my heart and renew my commitment to Allah ﷻ and His Messenger ﷺ.

I prayed that, like Umayr RA and all the other sahabahs, my love for Islam and my dedication and respect to the Prophet ﷺ would only grow stronger, and that I would be able to face the challenges of life with the same courage and trust in Allah ﷻ. To know Him and attain Him.

This was a short write-up, but all in all, the Umrah trip has opened my heart in ways I could never have imagined. Alhamdulillah, it has deepened my connection to Allah ﷻ and to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and it has inspired me to strive for a higher level of faith and sincerity in all aspects of my life. InshaAllah, I pray that Allah ﷻ gives me istiqamah and strength to be resolute, and I pray that this experience helps me grow in my love for Him and His Messenger ﷺ, and that I continue to learn and draw closer to the Deen.

I would also like to take this opportunity to convey my words of gratitude to my teacher, Ustaz Sameer, who was very patient and loving to someone like me and who has guided us all with love and concern.

Ustaz has been a big part of my journey in Islam to Allah, and Insha Allah, we will all be together till Jannah.

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