Umrah
Aminah McNulty, 17 years old.

Growing up in a Sufi household has opened many doors into the world of spirituality. All through my life, my parents have been a part of a community called the Threshold Society. When I was young and would ask about the difference between a Sufi and a Muslim, my dad would always define Sufism as “a small footpath on the mountain of Islam”. This particular explanation never took me past a visual image of a path on a mountain. It was not until my trip to the Middle East that it became clear to me what Sufism is.

Our first destination was Medina. A feeling of antiquity emanated from the people and the land, for this culture is so steeped in history and awareness of the Prophet. Going to prayers everyday truly strengthened the feeling of a unified humanity. The people were incredibly open, friendly and united, even though they came from very different places. There was a very strong human connection in Medina, which is a side of Islam many Americans have never seen up close.

The Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) spent the last critical years of his life in Medina as the Islamic community was being established. He is buried there, in “The Mosque of the Prophet”. I went twice to visit his actual tomb, which was only open to women a few times a day. More than the spiritual aspect of this site, I was struck by force and longing of the people. All of these women were striving to bear witness at the tomb. There was only one objective. Although we were part of many different cultures and spoke many different languages, we still managed to connect with one another.

My experience in Mecca was very surreal. The importance of this site of pilgrimage is enormous, and has been so constant throughout my life. To be in the presence of the Kaba was earth shattering. So many pilgrims and saints have journeyed to Mecca, and done the same ritual acts that I have now performed. I made tawaf, the circling of the Kaba seven times. I walked seven times back and forth between the two hills Marwa and Safa, reenacting the struggle Hagar faced in her search for water for her son. I drank from the holy well of Zamzam, which Allah revealed to Hagar in her moment of need. This miracle led to the founding of Mecca. Ishmael and his father Abraham later built the holy house (Kaba), which has been a site of pilgrimage ever since.

Being in the Haram that first night, with half a million other pilgrims was the most transformative experience of my life. I could feel myself opening up to truths I had not considered before, such as understanding the existence of God, the power of ritual and the holiness of prayer. Up until then, it had always been just a ritual to pray as a family or with the community. Being at the Kaba however, in the presence of something so real, gave meaning to the prayers that I recite.

Within the walls of the Haram, time stands still. People are praying, singing and chanting, jostling and shoving to get close to the Black Stone, and yet everything is still, centered and meditative. It was so apparent to me that every single soul that had visited this holy land, was, and always will be preserved there. The presence of all those people, of every race, gender and age leaves an imprint in the marble floor, in the decorated pillars, and in the Black Stone.

The most valuable aspect of this experience was a deeper understanding of who I am. Having the opportunity to travel to these ancient places, gave me the chance to discover and reflect upon my inner self. It shifted my consciousness, which will aid me in my journey and guide me for the rest of my life. While I sat before the Kaba, the image of the small footpath of Sufism returned to me. Sufism as a spiritual path is a road less traveled because it can grow steep and arduous at times. Going on this major pilgrimage at a young age is a road less traveled as well. Inshallah it has given me an elevated view of humanity, and a perspective that will carry me through life in a unique way. Alhamdulillah