Indonesian Pilgrim’s Umrah Journey from the Netherlands: Reflections, Tips, and Insights | A Personal Account
As-salamu alaykum and Ramadan Mubarak to all! With the blessed month of fasting upon us, I find myself reminiscing about a journey that touched my soul profoundly. Let me take you back to last February when the call to embark on Umrah echoed deeply within me.
I am writing this post to document my personal experience. It serves as a reminder of my extraordinary journey in life.
Recently, I have been feeling a strong desire inside my heart to go to Umrah. A feeling I couldn’t quite explain but one that attracted my heartstrings relentlessly. Little did I know that this seemingly ordinary morning would mark the beginning of an extraordinary chapter in my life.
From Desire to Reality
It was a crisp morning on January 27th, 2024, when my husband and I were enjoying cups of coffee, browsing through Umrah and Hajj travel websites. We found AlHijra and noticed that they had scheduled an Umrah trip for February 8th. This date was special to me as my son’s final school exam was on the 6th and 7th of February. I wanted to stay in the Netherlands during his final exam. February 8th was also the day of Isra Mi’raj of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, which made it even more significant.
AlHijra had two scheduled departures on February 8th – one comfort package and one economy package. The comfort package was already full, but the economy package was still available. We immediately called their customer service to inquire if it was still possible for me to join. As an Indonesian passport holder, I wanted to ensure that I had enough time to obtain a visa for the trip. Fortunately, they confirmed that it was still possible. I was so relieved that my hands were shaking while filling in my name and details. Alhamdulillah!
A Sacred Start
On February 1st, I received an email with my ticket, hotel, visa, and activities scheduled from February 8th to 17th. Later that day, I joined an online meeting with my group where the organizers explained everything we needed to know and prepare for Umrah. I watched YouTube videos to learn how to perform Umrah more accurately. While I try to memorize all the duas. I don’t want to be distracted by reading from a piece of paper. I want to give my best performance. However, if you find it difficult to memorize the duas, there is no need to worry. The leader will recite them loudly, and you can follow along.
Our first destination was Mecca, and we flew from Amsterdam to Cairo and then to Jeddah. We had to be ready with our Ihram in Cairo. Men wear two simple white pieces of cloth, one wrapped around the waist and the other draped over the upper body. Women dress modestly in loose-fitting, non-fitted clothing that covers their bodies appropriately and hijab. Comfortable slippers are suitable for this trip. They are easy to wear on the airplane and take off when we want to pray and change into Ihram in the transit airport.
The first special moment of the trip was when we did Miqat on the plane. Once the pilot announced that we were above the miqat points, people and the pilot recited Talbiyah. It was a touching moment that brought tears to my eyes. The Talbiyah is recited repeatedly throughout the pilgrimage, reminding pilgrims of their commitment to God and their surrender to His will.
Talbiyah
Labbaik Allahumma labbaik, labbaika la sharika laka labbaik, innal hamda wan ni’mata laka wal mulk, la sharika lak.
Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty, You have no partner.
Beginning the Umrah Journey in Mecca
It was a pleasant surprise when I went through immigration. I was greeted warmly by an officer wearing a burqa. She spoke my language. She laughed when she saw my confused expression. Although I couldn’t see her face, her eyes and the skin around them made it apparent that she wasn’t Indonesian. She gave me instructions for fingerprinting and other procedures in fluent Bahasa Indonesia. To be honest, I was very apprehensive about traveling to Saudi Arabia, due to the strict and unfavorable rules, particularly for women. However, her kind welcome made me feel like I was at home. I am grateful to Allah for this wonderful experience. Alhamdulillah.
We had to take a bus for 1.30 hours from King Abdul Aziz Jeddah International Airport to reach Mecca. If you plan to fly to Umrah like me, it’s better to pack your clothes in your hand carry. I had an allowance of 8 kg for my hand carry, and I was able to bring 6 Abayas (women’s Ihrams), 6 instant hijabs, underwear for 10 days, 4 leggings, and 10 socks.
The Heart of Worship: Experiencing the Kaaba and Haram
When we arrived in Mecca, we immediately did Fajr prayer and had breakfast. Although it was a tight schedule as we didn’t get any rest after the flight from Amsterdam, I liked the plan. It was Friday morning, and we could finish Umrah before the Friday prayer time. Friday is a blessed day in Islam, and it is believed that Allah bestows His blessings and mercy abundantly on this day.
In Mecca, the air hummed with oblivious energy—a union of pilgrims from every corner of the world come together upon the holy surroundings of the Kaaba. Here, amidst the crowds of worshippers, I found myself enveloped in different languages, traditions, and customs. Yet, amidst the cacophony of voices, there was an undeniable sense of unity—a shared reverence for the sanctity of the Haram, binding us together in a common purpose.
The weather in Mecca was great, with sunshine and a maximum temperature of only 30°C, so it didn’t feel too warm. I finished my Umrah with a lot of emotions. In the embrace of the Haramain, amidst the whispers of prayers and the gentle rhythm of footsteps, I discovered an intense truth—that the journey of the soul is as much about the destination as it is about the transformation that occurs along the way.
My tears couldn’t stop falling during the Tawaf and Sa’i. Even today, as I write this story, I feel so blessed and protected by Allah. Amidst a sea of people coming from various parts of the world, I was able to make all the processions smooth and solemn. Alhamdulillah.
Tips and Advice for Umrah Pilgrims
After doing Umrah, here I have bits of advice for you.
For Tawaf and Sai, I recommend wearing comfortable clothes from head to toe, including undergarments and abaya, as we will be walking among many people.
Wearing a sports bra is a good idea, and it’s crucial to choose an abaya that fits your length properly. I have seen some ladies wearing abayas that are too long, which can be dangerous for themselves and others. Such abayas can accidentally be stepped on by other people and can be impractical to use when we need to use escalators or stairs to the Kaaba. I prefer to wear an abaya with an inner lining so that I don’t feel the need to wear leggings underneath. Instead, I wear my husband’s socks, which are too long for me.
It’s also important to choose a good hijab that doesn’t easily slip as you move. If you decide to wear sandals during Tawaf or Sai, please choose comfortable ones, as we will be walking seven times around the Kaaba and Safa Marwa.
In addition to Umrah, the travel agent will also take us to visit holy places and landmarks. For this part of the trip, I recommend wearing EasyOn Footwear. It is comfortable and practical, especially when we need to put on or take off our footwear upon entering mosques. I advise against wearing shoes with manual straps during this trip.
Moment For My Father
On 12 February, after the Dhuhr prayer, I performed Badal Umrah for my father. The entire process went smoothly and beautifully. Unfortunately, I was unable to see my father once he passed away as I currently reside in the Netherlands. However, I hope that my father can witness me performing this sacred act for him. Insha’Allah.
Moving Forward: Continuing the Journey to Medina
On February 13th, 2024, we had to leave Mecca and move to Medina. Although I was reluctant to leave Mecca and the Kaaba behind, I had heard that Medina is also a lovely place. We took a bus after Zuhr prayer, and it took us 6 hours to reach Medina. We made a stop at Al Hmanah for Maghrib prayer at the mosque and to buy dinner. If I’m not mistaken, the name of the place we stopped at is Wadi Al Fara, but I’m not completely sure. What I do remember is that the weather there was much fresher with a cold wind.
Finding Tranquility: Discovering Medina’s Serenity
We finally arrived in Medina around 9:00 pm. Medina has a different atmosphere than Mecca, and it’s recommended that you wear a coat at night. You don’t need a heavy jacket, but an additional layer on top of your abaya will help you stay comfortable.
Unlike the rushing way of Mecca, the streets of Medina open out at a more relaxed speed—a gentle reminder to pause, reflect, and enjoy the moments of serenity that graced our journey. Here, the pace of life seemed to slow down and flow with the rhythm of prayer, each moment inspired with a quiet reverence for the legacy of the Prophet Muhammad SAW.
During my visit, I noticed that people in Medina tend to wear more colorful abayas than those in Mecca. However, I prefer to wear my simple abaya with a plain color. Although it may not be as visually appealing. I believe it is important to maintain modesty and not stand out too much in these holy places.
Carrying the Light: Returning Home with Renewed Faith
On the 17th of February, our lovely trip came to an end. We had to leave the hotel at 01:20 local time to catch our flight from Medina to Cairo and then to Amsterdam at 05:20 in the morning. Although I was reluctant to leave, I also missed my husband and sons very much.
As I bid farewell to the sacred precincts of Mecca and Medina, I carry with me a heart full of gratitude—for the moments in the middle of the crowd, for the bonds in the group, and for the deep sense of purpose that illuminated my path. I feel like a newborn and return to the Netherlands as a more content Muslim and human being. I hope to have the opportunity to come back for another Umrah or Hajj in the future. Bismillahirohmanirohim.
Thank you for joining me on this sacred journey, and may we continue to walk the path of faith, guided by the eternal light of Allah’s mercy. Until we meet again, insha’Allah.
FAQ
Practical Tips For Your Umrah Journey
For men, the traditional attire for Umrah is the Ihram, which consists of two simple white pieces of cloth. One is wrapped around the waist, and the other is draped over the upper body.
Women should dress modestly in loose-fitting, non-fitted clothing that covers their bodies appropriately, along with a hijab. Abayas are commonly worn by women during Umrah.
Essentials for your Umrah trip include Ihram (for men), modest clothing, hijabs or scarves (for women), comfortable footwear, and personal hygiene items.
Consider packing light and bringing only essential items to make your journey more manageable. Remember to check baggage weight limits for flights.
Be prepared for long hours of walking and standing, especially during Tawaf (circumambulation around the Kaaba) and Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwa hills).
Expect crowded conditions, especially in the Haramain (holy sites), and be patient during rituals and prayers.
Follow the instructions of your group leader or tour guide closely to ensure a smooth and organized experience.
Respect local customs and traditions, including dress codes and behavior in public places.
Maintain a respectful demeanor during prayers and rituals, refraining from loud conversations or disruptive behavior.
Be mindful of the sanctity of the holy sites and treat them with reverence and respect.
Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun during outdoor activities.
Follow hygiene practices, such as washing hands before meals and after using restroom facilities.
Be cautious of pickpockets and keep your belongings secure at all times.
Plan your budget carefully and account for expenses such as accommodation, transportation, meals, and souvenirs.
Carry sufficient local currency (Saudi Riyals) for expenses during your stay, including tips and donations.
Approach your Umrah journey with an open heart and a mindset of humility and gratitude.
Take time for reflection and prayer, seeking spiritual growth and connection with Allah throughout your journey.
Embrace the challenges and blessings of the pilgrimage experience, trusting in Allah’s guidance and mercy.
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