By Leaving Madinah is an emotional experience under any circumstances, but leaving the city of the Prophet ﷺ while continuing a Hajj journey toward Makkah makes the moment even more meaningful.
Day 4 of my 16 Blessed Days began in the peaceful surroundings of Madinah and eventually brought me to the Sacred Mosque in Makkah, where I completed Umrah and stood before the Kaaba for the first time on this journey. It was a day filled with travel, physical exhaustion, worship, and emotions that are difficult to put into words.
Beginning the Day in Madinah
The morning began with Tahajjud and Fajr at Masjid an-Nabawi. After spending several beautiful days in Madinah, this was another opportunity to pray in one of the most beloved places for Muslims around the world.
After prayer, I returned to the hotel for breakfast and began preparing for the journey ahead. Bags were packed, Ihram was prepared, and there was a sense that an important chapter of the pilgrimage was about to begin.
Our destination was Makkah.
Taking the High-Speed Train to Makkah
We traveled to the Madinah train station and boarded the high-speed train heading toward Makkah.
The journey itself was remarkably different from the traditional image many people may have of traveling between the two holy cities. The modern railway made it possible to cover the distance efficiently while thousands of pilgrims were making the same journey.
As we approached the Miqat, the atmosphere became more spiritually significant. This is where pilgrims traveling toward Makkah prepare to enter Ihram and make the intention for their pilgrimage.
It was a powerful reminder that this was no ordinary train journey. Every passenger was traveling with a spiritual purpose.
Arriving in Makkah
After arriving in Makkah, we made our way to our hotel in the Aziziyah area. Normally, reaching a hotel would be a chance to relax after a long journey, but there was something much more important on our minds.
The Kaaba was waiting.
We didn’t have much time to rest before continuing toward Masjid al-Haram.
During Hajj, Makkah becomes incredibly crowded. With such a huge number of pilgrims moving through the city, transportation can become difficult, and walking can sometimes be the most practical option.
For us, that meant a long walk through the streets of Makkah.
The Long Walk to the Kaaba
The walk was physically demanding. After the train journey and the day’s travel, covering several miles on foot was not easy.
But the closer we got to Masjid al-Haram, the less important the tiredness seemed to become.
There was a destination at the end of every step.
Eventually, we reached the Sacred Mosque.
And then came one of the most emotional moments of the entire journey — seeing the Kaaba.
Standing Before the Kaaba
Seeing the Kaaba in person is something that is difficult to describe through words alone.
After the travel, walking, preparation, and anticipation, finally standing in front of the Sacred House brought an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
The physical exhaustion seemed insignificant compared with the spiritual significance of the moment.
We then began the rites of Umrah, including Tawaf around the Kaaba and Sa’i between Safa and Marwah. After completing the necessary rites and cutting the hair, my Umrah was complete.
It was an unforgettable experience.
26,000 Steps and a Heart Full of Gratitude
By the end of the day, I had walked approximately 26,000 steps.
My body was tired, but there was also a deep feeling of peace and gratitude.
This day showed me something important about pilgrimage: Hajj is not simply about reaching a destination. It requires patience, endurance, humility, worship, and trust.
Sometimes the journey is uncomfortable. Sometimes you are exhausted. Sometimes you have to walk farther than expected or wait longer than planned.
But when every step is connected to worship, those difficulties take on a completely different meaning.
From Makkah to the Next Chapter
After completing Umrah, we finally returned to the hotel. A shower and some rest were very much needed after such a demanding day.
But there wasn’t much time to recover.
The next major stage of the Hajj journey was approaching — Mina.
Our journey was moving forward, and another important chapter was about to begin.
A Journey of Faith
The journey from Madinah to Makkah became one of the most meaningful days of my 16 Blessed Days.
From praying Fajr in Madinah, to traveling by high-speed train, entering Ihram at the Miqat, walking through crowded streets, and finally standing before the Kaaba, every part of the day carried its own significance.
The experience reminded me that some journeys are measured not by miles, but by faith.
May Allah accept our Hajj, Umrah, Tawaf, Sa’i, prayers, and every step taken toward His Sacred House. May He grant every Muslim who dreams of visiting Makkah and Madinah the opportunity to experience these blessed places. Ameen. 🤲
Next chapter: The journey continues to Mina as the Hajj pilgrimage moves into its next important stage. ⛺