Arrival in Makkah

July 7-8

Students arrived Jeddah airport and loaded buses to the Holy City of Makkah.  They were in Ihram and though many were exhuasted after a long journey there spiritually uplifted while reciting "Labbaik Allahuma Labaik."  As the buses crossed into the birthplace of our beloved Prophet (Sallahu Alaihee Wa Salaam), emotions were running high and tears began flowing as many realized that they were finally going to see the Kaaba for the first time.  The buses arrived at the Zam Zam Towers Hotel, across from the Haram and now all that was left was a walk across the white marble floors of the courtyard to enter the house of Allah.  On their first night in Makkah, many had their first Umra experience, we pray that Allah accepts everyone's Umra and Du'aa. 

Reaction of Rihla participants after viewing the Kaaba for the first time:

"I couldn't believe my eyes, it was surreal.  One of the most amazing things was when I was able to pray in front of the Kaaba at Hijr Ismail.  I did my sajda and as I got up, I though this is not real.  It was unbelievable that I was standing directly in front of the Kaaba and my tears started flowing.  HamdiLa, it was so beautiful.  It is in image and feeling that I'll take with me and experinece every time I stand for prayer.  I thought, the whole trip was worth just looking at the Kaaba, I then remembered I still have the classes and Madinah to look forward to."

Diana Saidy, Hawaii

"This was the first time I came to Makkah to perform Umrah and all through my journey I remembered the advice of my mother: make du’a, du’a and more du’a.  I walked up to the holy Ka’ba  with my gaze lowered and as I lifted my eyes and saw the Ka’ba for the first time in my life, my tongue lost its capacity of speech and only my heart could pour out the du’a I had been rehearsing for so many days.  I stood there pondering at the enormity of the gift I had been offered by Allah to visit His House.  Words cannot express the experience one’s heart feels being in the Haram.  I pray that Allah gives all of you the opportunity to visit Ka’ba. Ameen."

Shazia Manzar, New York