Umraa 2007
This years Umraa trip was the third year running and no doubt it was another successful trip, as always another new bond of friendships were created with people coming from all around the UK. This year the Umraa group consisted of people from Scotland to those who reside outside of London and for the first year the trip saw the introduction of sisters on board. The overall feedback from those on the trip has been excellent with all wishing to return again next year. Below are a selection of photos from this years trip.

Testimonials

"Umrah was an experience that I would highly recommend anyone to undertake. The act itself allowed me to put my life into perspective, I lived the last moments of my life, witnessed my death, was raised in my shroud, realised my vices/shortcomings and presented my soul to my lord, a soul that I had tarnished with sin, a trust that I had clearly abused.

It allowed me to inwardly reflect over the purpose for which I have been created and exactly how it is I am fulfilling it. Allah has created the whole world for me and Umrah gave me the opportunity, having had the divine invitation, to dedicate time exclusively to him and focus on my direction in life. "

Saida Nasser - Age 27
"Medina is a place of history. So much has gone on there, and continues to go on there. Being there you feel you are walking in the footsteps of Ahlulbayt (as). Taking the paths they took, sitting where they sat, and breathing the air that they breathed.

Makkah is timeless. It feels tranquil. At peace. Being there feels like being in another world altogether, but a familiar one nonetheless. You lose and find yourself altogether and all at once. It’s where you meet your Lord. It all sounds dramatic. But it is.

They’re very different cities. Nothing can describe what being in these places is like. It must be experienced. Not everyone has the same feelings nor does everyone have the same experiences. Each ziyarah is unique. Whenever you hear of a ziyarah trip, and you have the means (money and time): that is your invitation. Go for it and if it’s meant to be, you’ll get there. Don’t ever pass up that invitation because when you finally do accept…you’ll regret all the times you didn’t just go for it. I’m glad I went for it. "

Fatima Ali - Age 20
"Upon arriving in the holy city of Medina, I distinctly remember my first glance at the magnificent Masjid Al Nabawi. I felt strange staring at that green dome from so far away and longed to enter the mosque, to look at the grave of the prophet, and see all that my heart desired. But upon entering the mosque, I could not help but firstly appreciate the spectacular decorations and structure the mosque had. Absolutely stunning in every respect, the mosque welcomed, and I was in awe as I saw chunks of The Prophet Muhammed’s (SAWS) life right there before my eyes. But unfortunately, the glamour and good feelings I experienced in this mosque was overshadowed by what I can only describe as the clear injustice of the followers of Ahlul Bayt (AS). "

read more here..

Mohamed Muttib Adam Ali - Age 14
"My first memory of Madina is seeing the Masjid Al-Nabawy at a distance. That in its self was an immediate emotional connection with Islam. And was a sign of the overwhelming spiritual experiences we where to encounter on our ten day trip. However in my opinion the experience that changed me the most was saying niyat al-tawaf. it was a spiritual upheaval that is unique to each individual and can not be described in words. I would 100% recommend going on Umra (with this group :D) to any one! even if you judge yourself to be not ready for such an experience, it will have a profound impact on you, and change you for the better, as it has done with me, inshaAllah."

Sareh Jawad - Age 20