Mama Teaches Me
  • Home
  • Shop
  • Blog
  • Reviews
    • Books
    • Resources
    • Homeschool Travels
  • Free Resources
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • Reflections
    • Privacy Policy
  • Log In
0
Mama Teaches Me
  • Home
  • Shop
  • Blog
  • Reviews
    • Books
    • Resources
    • Homeschool Travels
  • Free Resources
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • Reflections
    • Privacy Policy
  • Log In
  • Home
  • Reflections
  • Our first Umrah with Mama!
December 15, 2017

Our first Umrah with Mama!

One of my favourite things about blogging is being able to read over previous posts to bring back all the memories and emotions attached to a particular day! This is why I have decided to bring over my reflections of my time in Makkah to my homeschooling blog (and of course to keep everything in one place!) So the post below was written 2 years ago detailing my first Umrah with my girls.

So after all the excitement of getting the visa and getting ready for our move – we caught a bug, a norovirus  – it’s horrible! If anyone caught it as we left – I apologise as it’s contagious. Unfortunately my girls were feeling poorly and were actually still recovering from it. But, I knew I had to do an Umrah, in fact I wanted to visit the Ka’bah so much to thank Allah for his numerous favours upon us. I wanted to repent, to pray, to feel the peace, to taste that sweetness of Imaan once more.

It was Muharram, the first month of the Islamic Calendar. The Umrah visas were not open yet to International folk so my husband told me it shouldn’t be so busy. We went after Isha prayer on Friday evening – the sky is not dark here at all, it’s a navy blue  – the kind of sky we get in British summers. We live close to Jabal Thawr [Mount Thawr] on which is a special cave you may have heard of – Gaar – Thawr [Cave of the Bull]. It’s where the Prophet [pbuh] and Abu Bakr as-Sideeq hid from the persecutors on their migration to Medina. This is south to the Haram – whereas Medina is actually North of Makkah. So the Prophet pbuh and Abu Bakr as-Sideeq came to the south of Makkah to hide even though they were headed north! I didn’t even realise this until now! There’s loads I learnt on this Umrah trip actually.

img_20171013_120509_8241321081606.jpg

So we drove to Khuday Carpark which is the closest car park for residents, out of towners to park up for free and catch a taxi to the Haram. We did just that. All in all from our flat to the Haram, it’s about 15 minutes, depending on traffic. We didn’t take the double buggy. Ammarah was happy as usual to walk and my husband held Hibah. It was just surreal being here with my husband and kids! As I mentioned I was here 4 years ago before marriage with my dad during Ramadaan – it was such an amazing experience mA. But, with my children and husband, it was just surreal – felt unreal. As we approached the Masjid – I couldn’t recognise it, it looked different – there were so many cranes! but not just that, there were new WC and wudhu areas for the men and women in front of the masjid. Of course it was very much needed too.

I kept trying to remember the street I would walk up 4 years ago – it was Ibrahim al-Khaleel street, which I spotted on the right hand side of the Zam Zam Towers – and there was the clock tower which Ammarah was amazed by when we could see it in the distance as we were driving up. It is HUGE! Some would say it is a bit overwhelming and overpowers the Ka’bah…but I kinda like it now. Makkah is full of mountains, and the fact that the clock tower rises above the mountains, I can actually spot where the Ka’bah is and thus know the direction of Qiblah. It definitely has some benefits.

Whenever I walk between Safa and Marwa, I can’t help but think of Hajar (ra) and the anxiety she must have felt being all alone. I was walking at a normal pace. I was reminded that she ran between these mountains seven times when men and boys of all ages dressed in 2 pieces of white cloth ran from behind me, some walked at a fast pace. The men are expected to do this between the green light zone! But our dear Hajar ran between these mountains 7 times looking for water! In my last lap of Safa and Marwa, the girls and my husband walked with me. I showed Ammarah Mount Safa – the excitement on her face was adorable especially as we sang our song.’Hajar ran 7 times between Safa and Marwa, Safa and Marwa, Safa and Marwa, Safa and Marwa, she was looking for some water.’ I discovered Mount Marwa’s peak was also preserved – I don’t think I ever saw this 4 years ago  – it was a lot busier in Ramadan. See the mountains of Safa and Marwa have the masjid built right around and between them but the peaks of the mountains are still visible as below.

As we went into the Masjid, we walked between a few crowds of people [It was actually a bit busy because of the weekend] through pillars and temporary tawaaf ring pillars I could see the black cloth of the Ka’bah. I felt a sudden excitement inside. I just kept saying to Ammarah ‘Do you want to go round and round the Ka’bah?’ She was excited too! See, in run up to our move, Ammarah and I made up an awesome song because I wanted her to understand and relate to the vocabulary [yep, you just can’t get the teacher training out of me!]. You can find the song here. So it was amazing, just amazing taking her around the Ka’bah, picking her up a few times because she was overwhelmed by the people at times. Then swapping her for Hibah who was extremely tired by then.  And at Safa and Marwa which I really found more peaceful to do this time, maybe because Hibah had fallen asleep and I could relax by then. With this, my Umrah was complete alhamdulillah. May Allah swt accept our good deeds and intentions, forgive us for our errors and wrongdoings and guide us and our children to continue following the footsteps of the Prophet pbuh. Ameen!

To see more on how we manage our life here – I took part in Amaliah’s Ramadan instagram stories last Ramadan to give everyone an insight of our life here. Click here to see more videos and snapchat like content 🙂

img_20170823_182923_818457930273.jpg

A few important tips:

1. Make a small prayer book to take with you – with your written personal duas and any duas others have requested.

2. Take a drawstring or carrier bag for all the shoes, a bottle to fill with zamzam and even a light weight prayer mat.

3. Take some light weight socks – your feet can start aching especially if the floor is cold as it was between Safa and Marwa.

4. When taking children, pace your Umrah, ie feed them, make sure they are happy so you feel at ease when performing your rituals.

5. Teach your children the vocabulary if they are young as mine, but if older ensure they understand why they are going, what they will be doing etc.

6. You could also take it in turns to watch the kids with your husband or family member, so you can feel completely relaxed and focus on your worship – I have found this works better for me now. However I do like that my children feel the experience of  the importance of the Kabah.

by hafsah
  • Makkah, Reflections
  • 0
  • No Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to our Newsletter!

 

Click on the image above to subscribe!

Disclaimer

www.mamateachesme.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Recent Posts

  • How to plan your Umrah Trip with kids
  • OUR TOP 10 FAVOURITE ISLAMIC BOOKS FOR CHILDREN (2020)
  • Homeschool Tips To keep You Going!
  • Quran Treasure Island App Review
  • Ramadan Baskets for Children this Ramadan!

Recent Comments

  • surah muzammil on How to start teaching your child to read Arabic at home!
  • Sanaa on OUR TOP 10 FAVOURITE ISLAMIC BOOKS FOR CHILDREN (2020)
  • Ann Marie on 15 effective letter formation techniques for 3-4 year olds!
  • zeenia on My top 10 tips for an Umrah Trip with Kids!
  • Mariam Abid on My top 10 tips for an Umrah Trip with Kids!

Categories

  • Apps
  • Arabic
  • Books
  • Hajj
  • Homeschool Travels
  • Homeschooling
  • Homeschooling Theme
  • Islamic Studies
  • Literacy
  • Makkah
  • Motherhood
  • Muslim Homeschool
  • Nature School
  • Prep & Planning
  • Quran
  • Ramadan
  • Reflections
  • Resources
  • Reviews
  • Teaching Tips
  • Uncategorized
  • Year 1 Homeschool
  • Year 1 Homeschool Units
  • Year 2 Homeschool Units

Daily updates on Instagram

mamateachesme

mamateachesme
If you’re blessed to perform Umrah this winter w If you’re blessed to perform Umrah this winter with your children - cherish the moments and I pray Allah accepts it. It’ll also be a reminder that truly in the worship and remembrance of Allah will our hearts find ease and rest. 

It’s also a reminder for those of us who cannot go that our greatest connection to Allah is through prayer and dua - so whatever your feeling right now, pour your hearts out to Allah. 

We are saddened by the atrocities that are happening in Gaza and Palestine and Sudan and Yemen and Lebanon and other parts of the world too.

I have about 12 copies of My First Guide to Umrah that I can post out to UK address for £15 (including p&p) with all profits to Palestine via charity @humanappeal - please DM me to place your order.

Tag anyone who going for Umrah this year or early next year with their kids! 

#mamateachesme #umrahguide #standwithpalestine #freepalestine #prayer#dua #faith
Alhamdulillah the girls have been working hard ove Alhamdulillah the girls have been working hard over this past month on their project on Palestine for our Homeed Community Project Showcase Event today. It was a wonderful way to showcase all their learning and display their posters and the Al Aqsa model for all to see. 

We showcased our Al Quds History Unit work as well and the girls shared their resistance artwork and poems too. Will be sharing more on our community event soon. Whilst the genocide continues, please continue to make dua and don’t stop talking about Palestine 🇵🇸 if you need help with teaching resources for your kids please check out our website www.mamateachesme.com 

Save and share to encourage others to start learning and teaching their children about Palestine 🇵🇸 

#istandwithpalestine #freepalestine #savegaza #ceasfirenow #palestineproject #kidsproject #unitstudy #rightaideofhistory #stateofpalestine #watermelon
This little boy’s Yaqeen and faith in His Lord w This little boy’s Yaqeen and faith in His Lord will forever be etched in our hearts. Ya Allah we trust in your plans - You are the best of planners!

#istandwithpalestine #freepalestine #savegaza #ceasefirenow🇵🇸
3D Model of Al Aqsa Compound #diy #craft With Pa 3D Model of Al Aqsa Compound #diy #craft 

With Palestine still on our minds and in our prayers, here’s something we’ve been working on with the kids last month - it took a few weeks to get through as we had some pauses in between. It led to a lot of discussion on the first Qibla, learning when the dome of the rock was built and so much more. It certainly was a labour of love and hard work which we look forward to sharing with our homeed community in our upcoming Project Showcase iA. 

SAVE and SHARE to benefit and encourage others! 

Oh how we pray for a liberated Palestine in sha Allah so we can all visit the 3rd Holiest Masjid in Islam and our first Qiblah! May Allah send his mercy and justice to Palestine 🇵🇸 Ameen

#istandwithpalestine #alaqsa #freepalestine #gaza #ceasfirenow #homeeducation #mamateachesme #3dmodel
Do not think ˹O Prophet˺ that Allah is unaware o Do not think ˹O Prophet˺ that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them until a Day when ˹their˺ eyes will stare in horror— (Quran 14:42)

Video via @motaz_azaiza Gaza 

#istandwithpalestine #ceasefirenow #quran #freepalestine
The 100 years of war on Palestine - the same msg r The 100 years of war on Palestine - the same msg repeated in every generation. Listen to watch Malcolm X said about the Palestinian struggle. Stand on the right side of history! 

#freepalestine #istandwithpalestine #malcolmx #ceasefirenow🇵🇸
Today is International Day of Solidarity with Pale Today is International Day of Solidarity with Palestine 🇵🇸 

I covered a similar lesson with my girls on key phrases such as Naqba, Apartheid and Seige to get a better understanding of what’s happening in Palestine - this is your cue to start educating yourself.

I’ll be sharing some books for adults soon but do check out the hashtag #readpalestine for more.

#istandwithpalestine #gaza #freepalestine
The Soul of my Soul 💔 Allah strengthen our Im The Soul of my Soul 💔 

Allah strengthen our Imaan, Oh Allah bless and preserve our brothers and sisters in Palestine 🇵🇸 as we await your victory! Ameen 

#istandwithpalestine #freepalestine #soulofmysoul
As the hostages on both sides get released, I’m As the hostages on both sides get released, I’m thinking about Ahmad 😔 May Allah bring justice and free all the Palestinian hostages too. Ameen 

#istandwithpalestine #freepalestine #ceasefirenow🇵🇸 #freeahmadmanasra
“We know too well that our freedom is incomplete “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.”
Nelson Mandela

#istandwithpalestine #freepalestine #savegaza
Our final session on our Al Quds - The Holy Land U Our final session on our Al Quds - The Holy Land Unit Study, we looked into the beautiful cities and towns of Palestine 🇵🇸 through this wonderful book We are Palestinian by @reem.kassis - go buy it and support Palestinian Authors! 

We pray you are enjoying or have enjoyed the unit study as much as we did - remember this was just the start- you might find you want to research an area some more: read more on Recent Palestinian History or during the time of the Prophets or maybe even the time of Salahuddin Ayubi and the Crusaders. 

Remember this is a history that’s trying to be erased or distorted so take it upon yourself to read and educate yourself so you can teach your own children too! 

Where do you go next from here? What aspect of the history of Al Quds will you teach next? We’ve started reading Elizabeth Liard’s A Little Piece of Ground in our English study (more on that soon iA)

JzkAllah khayr to all those who supported and purchased this unit study - 100% profits will be donated to @humanappeal for Palestine 🇵🇸 May Allah accept it from us and May Allah bring peace and liberate Palestine once more! Ameen 

#istandwithpalestine #freepalestine #mamateachesme #unitstudy #palestinehistory
Wake up. Wake up to what’s happening in the worl Wake up. Wake up to what’s happening in the world. Stand on the right side of history. Educate yourself and connect to God.

Thank you @rollaselbak for this beautiful video ❤️

#istandwithpalestine #freepalestine #savegaza
Session 7 - the girls learnt all about Palestinian Session 7 - the girls learnt all about Palestinian Resistance. Despite the unfortunate history of Palestine, Allah has made them one of the bravest and resilient of people. We spoke about the symbols of resistance such as the watermelon 🍉- the girls thought it was clever of the Palestinians to hold the watermelon (as it has the same colours as their flag) when they weren’t allowed to wave their flag 🇵🇸 

In this session the girls created posters and flags to support the Palestinians and of course because they too stand with Palestine 🇵🇸 🍉 

#istandwithpalestine #freepalestine #savegaza #mamateachesme #resistance #palestine #🍉
When the State of Palestine addresses Isr*ael at t When the State of Palestine addresses Isr*ael at the UN - really worth the watch! 

#istandwithpalestine #freegaza #freepalestine #ceasefirenow
In this session we went back to @muslimchildrensbo In this session we went back to @muslimchildrensbooks Eliyas Explains What’s going on in Palestine 🇵🇸 and this time focussed in on many of the new vocabulary that was introduced including: The Nakba, Apartheid, illegal occupation, settlers, siege and more. We had lots of discussion as each word was defined with some dictionary work. I’ve also included a matching definitions to word activity here for ease. 

Buy your copy of the unit study at www.mamateachesme.com as we donate 100% profits to Charities supporting Palestine 🇵🇸 

#istandwithpalestine #mamateachesme #freepalestine #savegaza #unitstudy #historyunit
Load More... Follow on Instagram
© COPYRIGHT 2020 All Rights Reserved.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT