Coming Home From Umrah: Effects Umrah Has On Students
Returning from Umrah or Hajj isn’t just finishing a trip; it’s like leveling up in life. Students don’t just bring back souvenirs; they come back feeling more purposeful and with a new outlook. Umrah changes students beyond just spirituality—it affects how they deal with regular stuff in school and their relationship with others.
A common feeling shared by returning students is captured by a freshman, who recently went on Umrah and says, “After Umrah, I felt I became more focused on my prayers and duas, and it seemed more important to me, and my grades improved as my focus improved.” Zainab Kashif, thinks that engaging in religious practices improves mindfulness and concentration. The spiritual connection formed during Umrah seems to boost focus not just in religious matters but also in other parts of students’ lives, including their studies.
Additionally, Sophomore, Mariam Khan shares, “My mind was peaceful, and my relationship with friends improved, as I felt more patient with them.” Studies on spirituality and mental health support Khan’s experience. The calmness from Umrah contributes to emotional well-being and patience, positively affecting how students interact with others. Better relationships with peers create a supportive environment, enhancing a student’s overall school experience.
Research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health shows that engaging in religious or spiritual activities is linked to better mental health. The peace felt during Umrah aligns with these findings, giving students a mental reset that carries into their school life. This positive impact on mental health helps students face academic challenges with a more resilient and optimistic mindset.
Umrah isn’t only about getting closer with Allah, but it can act as a cleanse for Muslims from all things that could hurt them, or their relationship with God. When someone goes to Umrah, they avoid doing things that would normally be done back at home that drives them away from Allah, like inappropriate music, parties, and excessively showing off, things that, as shown in a study conducted by Stewart J -“Music Use for Mood Regulation: Self-Awareness and Conscious Listening Choices in Young People With Tendencies to Depression”- can result in feelings of insecurity, self- hate, or even depression, So when these things are avoided, the feelings associated with them are too, resulting in a more positive outlook on events and experiences that life comes with. “If I could, I would love to go back to Umrah just to feel that peaceful feeling in my heart and mind again, as if I’ve been cleared of negative vibes,” freshman, Shifa Alhaddad, expressed. This deep longing shows the lasting effect of Umrah on emotional well-being.
Many would share similar stories of the positive benefits of performing Umrah and as students return from this beautiful journey, they carry a sense of tranquility and purpose that enriches their personal lives and positively influences their school experiences.
