Senior Umrah Trip 2025

This year, our seniors and staff were blessed with an incredible experience to travel to Makkah and Medina to perform Umrah together. The trip was not only a spiritual journey but a time of reflection, unity, and unforgettable memories. They journeyed from Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina to the sacred sights of the Ka’bah in Makkah and from Mount Uhud and Masjid an-Nabawi to the heights of Jabal an-Noor. Our seniors embraced each moment with reflection, awe, and a deepened connection to their faith.

The journey began with a grueling 16-hour flight that took the seniors and staff from Dallas to Dubai. After a connection, they finally landed in Medina. Over there, they had the wonderful opportunity of praying at Masjid an-Nabawi, a place of significant spiritual importance that lies in the heart of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)’s city. It is narrated that the reward of a prayer in Masjid An-Nabawi is 1,000 times the reward of a normal prayer!

Afterwards, the group visited Mount Uhud, where Imam Omar Suleiman gave an impactful speech about the heroism of notable Sahabah such as Hamza ibn Abdulmuttalib, who was martyred at the Battle of Uhud. Learning about such significant historical events in Islam is critical, as we have much to gain from such information.

After reaching Makkah, our seniors and staff spent the larger portion of their journey immersed in worship, feeling the power of the holiest city in Islam. The atmosphere of Medina was calm and peaceful, offering moments of quiet reflection, while Makkah was filled with intensity, devotion, and awe. Our seniors and staff gathered with pure intentions to perform Umrah, the most unforgettable part of their journey. During the Umrah, pilgrims enter the state of Ihram with the proper intention and garments, perform Tawaf by circling the Ka’bah seven times, complete Sa’i by walking between Safa and Marwa seven times, and finish with Halq or Tasmir with the men shaving their heads. It was a very transformative experience, with each step deepening their connection with Allah. For some, this experience was a first, while for others, it was a reminder of a journey never to be taken for granted.

The following days after Umrah were filled with lots of sleep for the tired seniors and staff. But there was still much to explore in a place as significant as Makkah. The mountain of Jabal An-Noor stood tall, and at the peak was the Cave of Hira, where the Prophet (SAW) received the very first revelation of the Quran. Imam Omar Suleiman gave another impactful tour where he emphasized the patience and perseverance of the Prophet (SAW) to take the journey up the mountain to seek spiritual truth alone. Despite how hard of a climb it is now for everyone trying to reach the top, the Prophet (SAW) did it alone several times in his relentless pursuit of the truth.

All in all, the senior Umrah trip was more than just a journey to Makkah and Medina; it was a chance for both the seniors and staff to grow spiritually, reflect deeply, and strengthen their bonds with one another and with Allah. Senior Jawaad Billah shares, “I felt that this Umrah trip was one of the most spiritually enriching experiences of my life. At times it was honestly pretty tiring, and I’m still jet-lagged, but it was definitely worth it. I encourage any future senior at BHA to go on this Umrah trip for their senior year.” From the tranquil city of Medina to the Cave of Hira at the peaks of Jabal An-Noor, every step left a lasting impression, creating memories and lessons our seniors will carry for a lifetime.