Preparing myself for Umra

 15^th May 2025

    Looking back on the week leading up to Umra, it had been so packed with things happening, I had really not had the time to prepare my mind and my self for what was ahead. Many a times I had thought about being in the precinct of the Kaaba – a guest of Allah swt. And now when it had become an immediate I did not seem to be prepared enough. I decided that I must make some life changing decisions, set myself some goals that I could work towards. And here is is what I thought. 

    

    Attitude of Gratitude. 

I decided that I would actively endeavour to look at life in a constructive way. I would change my perspective on things. Step out of the moment and look at issues from different angles. Become a Watcher observing from the outside, and then see how I can benefit. How I can turn things to my advantage, making challenges an opportunity to grow close to Allah. 

 I decided that I must recognise the greater good in everything that unfolds in my life’s journey. I will not allow situations and people to weigh me down. Every trial and hardship will, IA, be a route to grow in my mind. I will stop being resentful, accept situations for what they are and see how to use them to bring out the best in myself. In essence, be grateful at all times.

    

    Other-focused life

The second thing that I thought of will be to lead a more other-centred life. Think of other’s before I think of myself. Take joy in giving joy – a bit of a paradox that, but the truth, nevertheless. I have surely learnt that there is greater joy in giving than in taking. I am grateful for that lesson. I could have ended my life without learning that. I have also learnt that when you stop thinking about your own needs all the time, you stop worrying too. Life becomes far more fulfilling and peaceful. People are happy in your company and look forward to seeing you. 

    

    Finally, never forget the oppressed. 

I have promised myself that I will be active in remembering them, speak up for justice and promote their cause. I know I don’t do enough, and I am disappointed with myself. IA, I am working on it, and praying that Allah swt inspires me. 

Allah Listens

     Little miracles keep unfolding in our lives every day and all the time, but we pass them by as coincidences, if not matters of simple chance, until they are lost in the folds of time’s fabric. They are buried under new layers of experiences, challenges, and trials, and they become a memory, or worse, are forgotten.

    Sana was here the other day, and she brought some cards on which to write little anecdotes from our Umra. And that made me think – actually, our lives are so full of moments when Allah is listening to us and answering our prayers, but, just like those little miracles, we overlook their fulfilments as fluke incidents that ‘just happened’. That is such an ungrateful thing to do.

    After my magrib today, I thought I should write down all the Mercies of Allah (swt) that surround me every day. To be fair, that is arrogant of me to even think that I can recognise and list ALL His Mercies – I couldn’t if I lived to be thousand! Let me, however, write about events in my life that have humbled me and filled my heart with gratitude    

    So, this Umra, was as sudden as it was unexpected. Mohammad and Yasmin had booked themselves for their Umra – Yasmin had been wishing it for the past couple of years and Allah had heard her. I was so happy for them. An Umra can be life changing experience – and my duas for them to grow in imaan, grow in closeness to Allah were being answered. I was so grateful to Allah. My every prayer had been filled with hope that Mohammad would begin to prayer regularly, turn to Allah for all his needs, that the love of Allah would become central to his life. Now this visit was an answer to my prayer.   

    Mo and Yasmin were both very excited. There was this buzz in the air – preparations and conversations on how things were going work out. Preparing for Nadia and all the bits and bobs that needed to be packed and all the contingencies to look out for… and my heart suddenly wished I could go too. And I told myself it was childish of me to wish for something like that. It was going to be their time together and I was not going to grudge them that. I told myself it was selfish and greedy of me to want another Umra -I had already done my Umra and my Haj – I did not need to hanker after going once again. 

    Palestine was another thing on my mind. With the terrible atrocities being committed and the hardships they were undergoing I felt I did not have the right to indulge myself spend so much money and go travelling when the money could have been better spent donating to more deserving causes. 

    And then Syed called. 

    There was a trip during the Easter break to Mecca and Medina! And the cost was going to be reasonable on a no frill airline! Allah had heard me – I was thrilled. Six days of stay – leaving on the 15^th of April and returning on the 22^nd. The timing was perfect. Allah had heard me wish and had responded by granting me the opportunity! Subhanallah! 

    The truth is that Allah hears us all - all of the time and, and He is responding to our duas - all of the time. It is we, with our limited understanding and awareness, who are unable to recognise His response. You see, His response to our dua may not be exactly what we are asking for, because what we are asking for may be to our disadvantage. He will do for us what is best for us. Sometimes, His response to our dua may be harsh and cause pain, but who knows – that very pain may be our salvation. Therefore, it is up to us to stop, think and acknowledge that he has heard and has responded. And, be at peace with His decision – know that it is the best one.