#Culture

Umrah #23: Nobody Walks Away From This Place Empty-Handed

Published

May 6, 2016

When your name gets called in the throne room, you know you’ve hit the jackpot! Ramadan of 1998 was my first trip for Umrah. A gift from my parents for graduating from the University of Michigan. I remember descending into the valley of Makkah like it was yesterday— moving closer to the object of desire.

“Labbaiyk, Allahuma Labbaiyk. Labbaiyka, Lasharika Laka-Labbaiyk.”

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“Here I am at your service O Allah, Here I am at your service”

We chanted louder and louder as we moved closer to the object of our desire. A response to an ancient call. An Abrahamic tradition inaugurated by the father of all things monotheistic. I remember my heart pounding fast, then faster and my eyes swelling up with tears. It was night time and the white marble on the ground was cool to the touch. “Labbaiyk”, I continued as I walked into the sanctuary, gaze lowered, moving through the corridor in a dream-like state, surrounded by thousands I continued until I finally stopped. I knew that I was in the presence of majesty. I slowly raised my head and my eyes beheld the single most awesome sight that I have ever witnessed. I’ve carried that feeling with me for almost two decades and twenty-three trips. Never have I been desensitized to that feeling and never have I taken for granted being a guest in the “Blessed House.”

Millions of people have been frequenting the Haramain (Sanctuaries) for centuries. People come from far and near to have their prayers heard. There’s not a tribe, city, state or country that isn’t represented in the holy lands. Different people with different skin colors eat different foods, speak different languages, wear different clothes and practice different customs, all gathered in one place to celebrate peace, brotherhood and unity. The beauty of it? As different as they all are, when the Muaddhin raises the call to prayer, every individual from every nation stops what they are doing and responds to his call, faces the Kaabah and engages in prayer.

Makkah and Madinah both have their own flavors. The fast paced city feel of Makkah is rivaled by the laid back leisure of Madinah. Both cities embody a personality which you can feel in your bones and in the air. Both are complimentary to one another, each in perfect harmony, yet bear different fruits. Makkah will magnify your deeds 100,000 times, while Madinah connects you to the greatest being the world has ever known.

Both make you feel safe, privileged, humbled and honored.

Life can be trying. It can weigh on a person through a series of negative experiences and trials that can prove to be challenging on the highest level. A visit to the Haramain can afford you the opportunity to reset, gain perspective, have a vision or find a path. All the worries of the world can be washed away with Zamzam or with a simple sajdah. A person can reach true euphoria, simply by sitting still and looking at the Kaabah or sending salutations upon the Prophet ﷺ .

Towards the end of the chapter titled: “ The Repentance” Allah, the Exalted reveals two verses in the Quran that are a perfect balance between the two cities and what they represent. In relations to His Prophet who is linked to Madinah:

9_128

“There has certainly come to you a Messenger from amongst yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer; [He is] concerned over you and to the believers is kind and merciful”.

The Noble Quran,

Then to Makkah and the bounty of Allah:

9_129

“But if they turn away, [O Muhammad], say “Sufficient for me is Allah; there is no deity except him. On him I have relied, and He is the Lord of the Great Throne.”

The Noble Quran, 9:129

There are tiny miracles occurring every step of the way. Within each moment, someone is forgiven, granted a child, given a raise, cured of illness, vested with peace, their status raised…

This is a place where nobody walks away empty-handed. This is a place where kindred souls meet and the impossible is shown to be made possible. This is a place where Tawaf (Circumambulation) is constant and sujood is the norm (Prostration). Ask for whatever you want, whatever your heart desires. Here, it is impolite not to ask and ask abundantly. What other host are so unconditionally Gracious? Recognize the favors of the Almighty.

Through the eyes of a Muaddhin, every time I look at the Kaabah, I can’t help but be reminded that there was a moment in time where a black man who was once a slave, who sat on the lowest rung of his society was honored and dignified above every elite soul gathered in front of the Haram in one of the greatest historical moments the world has ever known. It was during the conquest of Makkah, that my master Bilal ibn Rabah “Al Habashi” was commanded to ascend the Kaaba and publicly raise the adhan as an announcement that Islam had arrived.

I remember that the Messenger of Allah stated in the simplest of words that “A white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over a white, except by piety and in good action”

Sayyidina Muhammad, Mustafaﷺ brought the promise of Islam and he was good on his words. The words of Allah, represented by his tradition manifested the very creed of social justice. It is imperative to connect that history with our current situation.

As much as a trip to the Haram is an opportunity to reset, gain clarity and find purpose, I believe it can and should also be a launching pad for executing great deeds and benefit to society at large. We must connect with our spiritual self and history and ask the Almighty to use us to enjoin good and spread light.

2-22

This trip in Madinah, I met many personalities that are working hard for Islam in the west. Amongst the notable personalities were the Qalam Institute, Ustadh Wissam Sharieff, Imam Dawood Yasin, Imam Khalid Latif, Imam Omer Bajwa, Ustadh Jameel Besada. We met in the best of places in the best of times. We conferred with each other on matters of spirituality and activism while we ate the blessed dates of the city of the Prophetﷺ.

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Amazing things always happen on these trips. The most precious gift for me during this experience was being given the permission to raise the adhan in two masajid of the holy city: Darul Hadith and the famed Islamic University of Madinah. Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would be possible. To sign and seal the deal, one of the scholars of Masjid-An-Nawabi, wrote me a letter confirming the two events, then said to me: “Go and present this parchment at the feet of your mother so that she may know that her son has made Madinah, the Radiant, his witness on the day of all days.”

As I sat there looking at that piece of paper I held between my two hands in the courtyard of the sanctuary, I thought to myself, truly, nobody walks away from this place empty handed.

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Related Topics:adhan call to prayer duas Islam Jameel Syed Labbaik Madinah Makkah mother muslims supplication The Muaddhin umrah

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Jameel Syed

Jameel Syed, “The Muaddhin” is an international speaker, traveler, author and marketing executive based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. In 2015, he became the first person in the history of the world to make the Adhan - Islamic call to prayer across all 50 states in America: Record span of 35 days while reciting the last sermon of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He is the brainchild behind the historical “50 Mosque Man Tour”. Jameel is a columnist for two of the most prestigious online Muslim Media sources in the world: The award winning blog, muslimmatters.org and the internationally famed ilmfeed.com. He is the feature of a podcast series under the banner of “Greed For Ilm” that airs bi-weekly about Muslims in America. Jameel attained his education from The University of Michigan School of Kinesiology and Ross School of Business. In 2004, he founded the Fluidvisions Marketing firm, specializing in strategy consulting, building brand equity and launching new ventures. Jameel’s focus in the traditional Islamic sciences center around the Fara’id and Sunnan of calling the Adhan, the rights/duties of the Muaddhin & the last sermon of the Prophet Muhamad ﷺ , knowledge which he attained and has the permission to disseminate from Sheikh Mohamad Mwafak Algalaieni PhD. He has Ijaza (license to teach) in Tajweed from his late father Qari/Dr. Salam A. Syed and teaches locally in his community. He is currently pursuing the memorization of the Qur’an under the guidance of Sheikh-ul-Hadith Qari Ilyas and Qari Nouman Ilyas. For information about booking speaking events, go to: www.jameelsyed.com.

38 Comments

Haadiya

May 7, 2016 at 12:16 AM

Its true, nobody walks away from these places empty handed. Dua is the most powerful weapon of a beleiver. For the miracles of Duas read Blossoms an inspiring monthly online magazine.

Reply
- Jameel Syed
  
  May 11, 2016 at 9:45 PM
  
  ASA Haadiya,
  
  Du’a is very powerful thank you very much for the reminder.
  
  Reply
  - qosim muh qosim
    
    May 25, 2016 at 2:25 AM
    
    allaihamdulilah.. brother jameel please pray for when you get to the house holy..[khabat]
    
    Reply
ukkir

May 7, 2016 at 10:27 AM

Allahu Akbar, Labaik Allahumma Labaik, Islam forever

Reply
- Jameel Syed
  
  May 11, 2016 at 9:46 PM
  
  I couldn’t have said it better myself :-)
  
  Reply
- wisata umroh
  
  August 8, 2016 at 2:50 AM
  
  Bismillah Allahu Akbar….Labaik Allahumma Labaik….
  
  Reply
- muchtar
  
  August 27, 2016 at 4:11 PM
  
  Allah akbar, adzan its most beutiful
  
  Reply
Kumi

May 8, 2016 at 7:32 AM

Assalamu alaikum,

Jazakallahu khairan and thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts on the Umrah and the experiences you’ve made.
I really miss these blessed places and I hope that I can visit them again soon, inshaAllah.
Alhamdulillah for the blessing of Islam!

Reply
- Jameel Syed
  
  May 11, 2016 at 9:47 PM
  
  ASA Kumi,
  
  Thank you for your comments. They truly are beautiful places. I hope that you have an opportunity to visit soon. Please make your intentions.
  
  I’ve tried to capture that through this article and my first e-book that I just put out on Friday. Some of the most captivating imagery along with audio & video clips that bring the book to life. Please check it out :-)
  
  http://www.blurb.com/ebooks/578928-a-journey-with-the-muaddhin-umrah-23
  
  Reply
Iram Hetavkar

May 8, 2016 at 9:13 AM

I was there recently and relived it whilst reading your article…جزاك الله خيرا

Reply
- Jameel Syed
  
  May 11, 2016 at 9:49 PM
  
  ASA Iram,
  
  You know the amazing thing is that every time you replay it in your mind, it’s a different experience through and through. That place is full of blessings and you get to enjoy them over and over again. I really think you’ll like my new picture essay. Please check it out and share it with others:
  
  http://www.blurb.com/ebooks/578928-a-journey-with-the-muaddhin-umrah-23
  
  Reply
bilal

May 8, 2016 at 12:27 PM

Jazak Allah for sharing your trip for Ummrah with us such a beautiful place of every Muslims’s life. Kindly pray for me as i wish to go there and see so beautiful places there… O, Almighty Allah shower on us your blessings. Aameen.

Reply
- Jameel Syed
  
  May 11, 2016 at 9:51 PM
  
  ASA Bilal,
  
  I’ll pray for you. Please pray for me and we’ll both pray for another invitation. May Allah SWT increase you/me and honor us with another invitation to the best places on earth. Ameen! Here’s a whole new venture and perspective on the Haramain. Please check out my new ebook:
  
  http://www.blurb.com/ebooks/578928-a-journey-with-the-muaddhin-umrah-23
  
  Reply
Kristy

May 10, 2016 at 1:17 AM

“When your name gets called in the thrown room”
Did you really mean “thrown room” or “throne room”?

I noticed you are a grad of the University of Michigan. Hope you understand the potentially embarrassing difference between “throne and thrown”.

Reply
- Jameel Syed
  
  May 11, 2016 at 9:54 PM
  
  Kristy,
  
  LOL! You are absolutely correct. This “Michigan grad/CEO” and did make not just this blunder, but a series of other grammatical mistakes as well, that I/we would not have caught if you didn’t point this out. I’m always in a rush, traveling, writing, speaking, family, traveling… Yes, even Wolverines make mistakes. Truly, thank you for your input and for visiting.
  
  Reply
Arulnath

May 10, 2016 at 3:44 AM

Your blog is awesome..You have clearly explained …Its very useful for me to know about new things..Keep on blogging.

Reply
- Jameel Syed
  
  May 11, 2016 at 9:55 PM
  
  Thank you so much for your compliment. After putting in so much effort, its uplifting to receive positive feedback that reflects people who are benefitting. I’ll keep blogging, if you’ll keep reading :-)
  
  Reply
Omer Riaz

May 10, 2016 at 5:16 AM

MashAllah!! May Allah give us all the chance to perform Umrah. .Ameen.
Mecca and Madinah are the Most Beautiful and Peaceful place on earth. Thanks for sharing

Reply
- Jameel Syed
  
  May 11, 2016 at 9:57 PM
  
  ASA Omer,
  
  You are certainly most welcome. No matter how many times I go there, the beauty of those places impress upon my soul. I’m just glad to be able to share some thoughts on my reflection. I really do think you’ll enjoy my new photo essay. Please check it out:
  
  http://www.blurb.com/ebooks/578928-a-journey-with-the-muaddhin-umrah-23
  
  Reply
Javed Aslam

May 11, 2016 at 2:00 AM

Thanks you for sharing beautiful thoughts on Umrah.

Reply
- Jameel Syed
  
  May 11, 2016 at 9:58 PM
  
  ASA Javed,
  
  You are most welcome. I’m glad that it was a benefit to you. Please share and check out my new ebook:
  
  http://www.blurb.com/ebooks/578928-a-journey-with-the-muaddhin-umrah-23
  
  Reply
Ameen

May 11, 2016 at 7:09 PM

The most beautiful thing I’ve ever read on MM. JazakAllah khair for your reflection and may Allah grant us all as much opportunity possible to visit His Haramain. Ameen.

Reply
- Jameel Syed
  
  May 11, 2016 at 10:00 PM
  
  ASA Ameen,
  
  I do not know if I am worthy of that accolade as there are plenty more gifted writers and thoughtful subjects than mine, but I am flattered and honored to have benefitted you. I felt that I simply operated on the principal of our tradition:
  
  “Indeed Allah SWT is beautiful and He loves that which is beautiful”. I’d love for you to check out my new ebook and hear your thoughts on the visual landscape I created from the past Umrah.
  
  http://www.blurb.com/ebooks/578928-a-journey-with-the-muaddhin-umrah-23
  
  Reply
Umm Ayesha

May 12, 2016 at 9:42 AM

MashaAllah besutifully written. I don’t know whether you know Urdu or not, but the caption of your article brought tears in my eyes and this to my mind:
حضور(ص) میں نے سنا ہے کہ آپ کے در پر
سوال رد نہیں ہوتا کسی سوالی کا

Reply
thoriq

May 15, 2016 at 12:46 PM

just say Allahu Akbar

Reply
zuhrihasyim

May 26, 2016 at 6:22 AM

I always pray that I could go to Mecca and I hope Allah answere my prayers soon.
Labbaik Allahumma Labaik…

Reply
MSD

June 12, 2016 at 4:48 AM

https://sorceryinreligion.wordpress.com/blog/ for some unheard, unseen jinns news.

Reply
Paket Umroh Desember

June 13, 2016 at 2:04 PM

Assalamualaikum, Labbaik Allahumma Labaik…

Reply
Paket Umroh Desember

June 13, 2016 at 10:06 PM

Mecca is a holy city to be the desire of every Muslim to visit .
I hope that I can soon visit there . Ameen , Labaik Allahumma Labaik ..

Reply
rudy

June 17, 2016 at 10:09 AM

Umrah during Ramadan is the most beautiful and makes me want to immediately return to Mecca to perform the Umrah and Hajj. pray for me huh … labbaika allahuma labaik

Reply
Umroh

July 4, 2016 at 9:21 AM

nice article ….. labbaika allahuma labaik …. and i hope, i can pray in baitullah

Reply
fitri

July 17, 2016 at 11:34 PM

nice article labaik allahuma labaik

Reply
Paket Umroh Desember

August 6, 2016 at 12:14 AM

I realy feel that condition, especially when I Go Umrah in ramadhan, very very crowded , and it’s right that almst no empety place for every body.. Allahu Akbar

Reply
wisata umroh

August 8, 2016 at 2:49 AM

I always pray that I could go to Mecca and I hope Allah answere my prayers soon.
Labbaik Allahumma Labaika…

Reply
zuhrihasyim

August 15, 2016 at 6:42 AM

May Allah answered my prayers to be able to immediately implement the Umrah . Aamiin.

Reply
imas

August 22, 2016 at 4:03 AM

Labbaik Allohumma Labbaik…Allohu Akbar

Reply
Alam Khan

November 25, 2016 at 1:51 AM

Good to be here and to gather this deligtful stuff which i need to know more and more. I was so wondered and amazed to see Mecca and Madina’s photo.

Reply
paket umroh desember 2018

April 6, 2018 at 10:44 PM

labaik allahumma labaik

Reply