An Unforgettable Umrah Experience

By Aminah Yusuf (SFS ’24)

Back in my sophomore year at Georgetown, casual conversations among students sparked the idea of organizing an Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city for Muslims. It felt like a far-off possibility until the summer before my senior year, when I received the unexpected news that I would be joining Georgetown’s first Umrah trip. Suddenly, the dream was tangible, and the journey began. When we landed in Medina, I remember being filled with emotions when I realized that I was in the city that had welcomed the Prophet, peace be upon him (PBUH), with open arms. In exploring the Seerah (the Biography of the Prophet Muhammad), I learned about the battle of Uhud, a seventh-century battle in which Quraish attacked the newly founded community in Medina, but picturing those places was a challenge. Visiting Uhud changed that. Seeing the battleground brought the history of Islam to life. It made me realize the sacrifices the Prophet (PBUH) made for Islam firsthand.

The city of Medina reshaped my outlook on life itself, as well as my journey in Islam. Countless discussions during reflection sessions centered around the kindness of people in Medina and how they plan their lives around worship. Being present in Medina was such a beautiful experience. Despite having only stayed for three and a half days, it felt like we stayed there much longer. There is barakah—divine blessings—in time, food, money, etc in Medina. It made me contemplate a lot about my life, my current priorities, and changes I can make so I am able to prioritize my prayers in my life, mirroring the spirit of the people of Medina. Experiencing a profound sense of peace while fully immersed in the present moment, without dwelling on future plans, is truly indescribable. In Western society, the relentless pace of life often drives us to chase after ambitions, causing us to overlook the beauty of the present moment. When I was in Medina, for the first time in my life, I was not running out of time nor was I chasing anything, but rather I was fully living in the present. I didn’t fully understand how Medina felt until the next stage of our trip in Mecca. 

Besides the personally enriching moments I had in Mecca, performing Umrah for the first time was truly an unforgettable and unique experience. From circling the Kaaba (the stone cube-like building at the center of the Masjid al-Haram or the Great Mosque) to the run between Safa and Marwah—performed in memory of Hajar, the wife of Prophet Abraham (PBUH), while she searched for water to feed her child Ismail (PBUH)—alongside Muslims from all around the world, the process of Umrah itself taught me mindfulness and the importance of seeking closeness to my Creator in the midst of life’s chaos. Ultimately, I am grateful to have had the chance to visit the House of Allah at a young age, especially in a world filled with various influences. It strengthened my faith profoundly. It’s an experience I’ll always cherish, and I hope to be blessed with the opportunity to return soon.

The journey of experiencing Umrah during my time at Georgetown has been nothing short of remarkable. It has reshaped my outlook on faith, community, and the power of collective support. To have the opportunity to embark on such a sacred pilgrimage through Georgetown was beyond anything I could have imagined when I first set foot on campus. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of the Georgetown community, whose generosity and encouragement made this journey possible, as their belief in the importance of initiatives like this highlights the university’s commitment to fostering diversity, inclusivity, and spiritual growth among its students.