Assalamualaikum.
To conclude our Umrah, our group assembled in the Makkah Towers Tower 6 lobby at 2:00 am to proceed with the remaining requirements: Tawaf (circumambulation), Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwa), and Tahallul (the ritual hair clipping).
Upon receiving our room key cards, we did the "final refresh".
🔹Secure Ihram: For the 7 km walk of Tawaf and Sa'ie, I ensured my Ihram was tied securely and comfortably around my waist to prevent it from loosening in the crowds.
🔹Hydration Strategy: Drinking water before leaving the room is a smart move. While Zamzam is plentiful inside the Mosque, being well-hydrated from the start helps maintain our stamina during the first few circuits of the Mataf.
🔹The Power Nap: Even 20–30 minutes of horizontal rest after a 10-hour travel journey can significantly lower our heart rate and prepare our muscles for the physical exertion of the Umrah rituals.
Before we set off for Masjidil Haram, Ustaz Herman gathered us outside the hotel for some much-needed guidance. His reminders were the perfect refresher we needed to prepare our hearts for the journey ahead. It was a necessary refresher that helped us focus before entering the sacred grounds of Masjidil Haram.
Ustaz Herman gave us a heads-up about the crowds at the Mataf, encouraging us to stay focused and stick together so no one felt overwhelmed, which was particularly helpful for the first-timers. For those who had performed Umrah before, he gave them the flexibility to break away, complete the Tawaf and Sa’i at their own speed, and head back to the hotel whenever they were ready.
As we walked toward Masjidil Haram following Ustaz Herman, I felt a deep sense of gratitude to Allah SWT for this opportunity. To be performing Umrah again with my wife—especially after her successful battle with cancer—is a blessing I don't take for granted. It felt like a profound gift. We pray that He accepts our Umrah and showers us with His infinite blessings. May Allah SWT grant us an Umrah Maqbul and bless our journey together.
The moment Masjidil Haram came into view, I was overwhelmed by a wave of emotion. Wiping away tears of joy, I felt that familiar longing finally fulfilled as my heart has always ached to return to this sacred place. At the end of every previous Umrahs, I often wondered—with a bit of sadness—if it would be my last time. To be back here now feels like a profound gift, and I am deeply grateful for every opportunity we have been given to stand in His presence.
Makkah Clock Royal Tower - A Fairmont Hotel.
To ensure smooth crowd control and security, Masjid al-Haram authorities have implemented dedicated one-way lanes for entering and exiting the Mataf (Kaaba area) and the Sa’i hills. These pathways are strictly managed by security personnel to maintain a safe flow for all pilgrims and ensure a secure environment for worship.
These exclusive lanes ensure that only pilgrims in Ihram can access the ground-level Mataf (Kaaba plaza). By separating those performing Umrah from those in regular clothing, the authorities provide a more comfortable and spacious environment for the ritual. For those wishing to perform Sunnah Tawaf in everyday clothes, the upper floors of Masjid al-Haram are designated for that purpose.
The sight of the Kaabah took my breath away and moved me to my core. In that moment, the noise and the sea of people didn't matter. I was overwhelmed by a feeling that is truly indescribable—a mix of pure joy and profound gratitude that I didn't even notice the crowd. All my concerns about the congestion disappeared, leaving me completely focused and ready for worship with a peaceful heart.
Several authentic and sound narrations exist regarding the virtues, rules, and etiquette of Tawaf (circumambulating the Kaaba).
1. Tawaf is Similar to Prayer (Salat)
The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized that Tawaf is a form of worship similar to prayer, though speaking is permissible.
“Tawaf around the House is similar to prayer, except that you speak during it. Whoever speaks during it, let him speak nothing but goodness.”
Source: Al-Tirmidhi (960), classed as sahih (authentic).
2. The Reward of Tawaf
Performing Tawaf brings significant spiritual rewards, including the erasing of sins and the reward of freeing a slave.
“Whoever circles the Ka'bah seven times (Tawaf) and prays two rak'ahs will have a reward as if he has freed a slave.”
Source: Ibn Majah (2956), Al-Tirmidhi (902).
“A man does not raise his foot and bring it back down except that ten good deeds will be written for him, ten bad deeds will be erased, and he will be raised by ten degrees.”
Source: Ahmad (27862), Tirmidhi (959).
Approach the Tawaf with tranquility and a calm heart and avoid the urge to rush. Let every prayer be filled with sincerity and deep devotion. Even when the physical environment becomes challenging—through congestion, heat, or the movement of the crowd being bumped and pushed—strive to keep your heart anchored in prayer. These trials are part of the journey; meet them with patience and renewed concentration. May Allah SWT grant us ease and accept our devotion and facilitate our path and bless our Umrah.
We were blessed with a relatively calm Mataf, completing our Tawaf in an hour. While the area around the Black Stone remained busy, the other sections were pleasant, allowing us to focus on our prayers without feeling overwhelmed.
Having finished our Tawaf, we transitioned from the Mataf to the Masa'a, the path between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
We performed our Sa'i on the air-conditioned ground floor, the middle of the three available levels.
While the area around the hills themselves was congested, the stretch between them was manageable, and we completed all seven laps in an hour.
With our Tahallul (ritual hair clipping) finalized, our Umrah was complete. Alhamdulillah, our hearts are full. To have shared this journey of healing and faith with my wife is a blessing I will cherish forever. May Allah SWT accept our worship and continue to shower us with His mercy.
Strolling back to the hotel, I was struck by a profound sense of peace. My heart was overflowing with joy and gratitude. Being able to perform Umrah with my wife in our retirement is a blessing we don't take for granted. We feel so lucky to have the health and means to be here. This time, everything felt guided; our previous six Umrahs gave us the focus we needed to navigate this 7th journey with a sense of calm, organization and quiet confidence that made this pilgrimage truly special. We return to our room not just physically complete but spiritually renewed.
Alhamdulillah.
Golden Tips for Senior Pilgrims: Lessons from Our Latest Umrah
🔹Choose Your Timing Wisely: As we found, starting at 2:00 am is often the best way to beat the intense heat and the heaviest daytime crowds. It allows for a much cooler and more focused experience.
🔹Stay at the Towers: Staying in Tower 5 or 6 of the Makkah Towers provided us with direct, easy access to the mosque. For seniors, minimizing the walking distance between your room and the Masjidil Haram gates is vital for preserving energy.
🔹Leverage One-Way Lanes: Pay close attention to the authorities' designated routes. These paths are designed for safety; following them strictly helps you avoid "counter-flow" exhaustion and keeps you in the most secure areas.
🔹Prioritize the Ground Floor (If in Ihram): The ground floor Mataf is reserved for those in Ihram. This creates a more organized environment. However, if the pushing near the Hajarul Aswad is too much, move to the outer circles where there is more breathing room.
🔹Utilize the Masa’a Amenities: The Masa’a (Sa’i area) is fully air-conditioned on the ground floor. If you find the hills of Safa and Marwah too congested, take your time in the stretches between them where it is often less crowded.
🔹Health and Hydration: Especially for those recovering from illness, frequent stops at the Zamzam water stations are essential. Don't rush; an extra 15 minutes of rest can make the rest of the journey much more comfortable.
🔹Trust Your Experience: Don't be overwhelmed by the noise. Like we did, rely on your previous visits to stay organized and confident. If you feel tired, there is no shame in using the electric scooter services available on the roof level.
May Allah SWT accept our prayers and invite us back to His house again soon.
May Allah SWT grant everyone the opportunity to visit His house with health, ease, and a peaceful heart.
Super late night supper 😁.
To be continued.
Till the next coming entry, inshaAllah. Meanwhile do take care.
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