Umrah Throwback: Under The Makkah Sun


Been seeing photos from this trip popping up on my Facebook Memories lately, and it hit me that it all happened almost exactly 13 years ago.

My Umrah journey in 2013 remains one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

I still remember the morning of April 30, 2013, making my way to the airport together with more than a hundred Media Prima colleagues. Wearing part of the ihram even before checking in, I carried with me a mix of emotions — excitement, relief and of course, a little apprehension.

The trip itself had gone through a few hurdles before finally happening. At one point it was postponed due to visa complications affecting some colleagues, and later, Malaysia’s General Election period meant several others had to pull out because of work commitments. But deep down, I had already made my niat. Somehow, I knew I had to make the journey that year.

The flight to Jeddah was smooth, and before long, we were on the bus heading towards Makkah. As our mutawif guided us through the talbiyah, the atmosphere slowly changed. Conversations faded. The realization of where we were heading began to sink in.

Then came the moment.

Walking towards Masjidil Haram for the very first time after Isyak, exhausted but filled with anticipation, and finally laying my eyes on the Kaabah.

To this day, I honestly struggle to describe what I felt in that moment. My heart pounded, my eyes welled up, and suddenly everything else in the world felt so small. It was overwhelming in the most beautiful way possible.




The days that followed were physically exhausting, spiritually uplifting and deeply humbling. Performing tawaf and saie under the Makkah sun was no easy feat, especially after long hours of travel and little rest, but somehow every step felt meaningful. It was during those moments of fatigue and submission that I truly understood the meaning of surrendering oneself completely to Allah.




One particular moment still stays with me until today. During a tawaf sunat, I caught sight of a woman who looked exactly like my late mother. For a split second, my heart stopped. She smiled as she walked past, and although I knew it couldn’t possibly be her, I felt an indescribable sense of peace wash over me. Almost like Allah was comforting a longing heart.

Those seven days in Makkah — later extended with time in Madinah — changed me in ways I can never fully put into words. It wasn’t just a journey. It was an awakening.

And 13 years later, the memories still feel wonderfully alive. Alhamdulillah.

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