By Mumtaz Moosa
Leaving Makkah was far more emotional than I expected. My heart felt heavy as we prepared to go, and I told my children that if I felt this way, imagine how it must have felt for the Nabi of Allah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) to leave. It was a moment of reflection, gratitude, and quiet tears.
From Jeddah we continued to Medina, a city that feels completely different the moment you enter it. We stayed at Dar Al Emaan Hotel, just a two minute walk from the Haram and conveniently close to the famous rose ice cream store that has gone viral online. That alone made our ten year old very excited for the visit.
Madinah carries a special calm. There is a gentleness in the air and a warmth among people that is hard to describe. It feels peaceful and welcoming at the same time.
Accommodation:
Let me step back to our hotel stay. Dar Al Emaan is excellent for families, especially because it is close to the women’s side of the Haram. We booked a suite and had plenty of space, including a lounge, dining area, two bathrooms, and even a coffee machine. It made a big difference after days of travel. One thing I kept wondering was where people store takeaway food, since most hotel rooms only have mini fridges and do not allow hot plates. Larger apartment style hotels with kitchens are probably a good option for longer stays.
Both Makkah and Madinah have undergone major development. I later learned that many of the surrounding shops operate as waqaf in support of the masjids, which gives extra meaning to supporting local businesses there.
Around the Haram area you will find a global food village that is alive at all hours. Even after Fajr you can find something warm to eat. One surprise for us was that food in Medina is more expensive than in Mecca, and portions are often smaller, so plan your meals wisely.
Walking around the Haram is like walking through living history. You will see many small masjids built by different caliphates over time. These were not only places of prayer but also community centers where matters were discussed and resolved. Each masjid usually has a board explaining its history. A simple walk can easily turn into a history lesson.
Ziyarah:
For ziyarah we chose the hop on hop off bus. Our first attempt was disappointing because the audio guide was not working. Important tip, if the sound is not working when you board, get off at the first stop and wait for the next bus. It makes a big difference. We stopped at Masjid Quba and explored properly. The area has transformed into a vibrant old style market space with shops, activities, and even a museum. The bus tour is quite expensive but very worthwhile when the audio is working, especially for the history of the date farms and surrounding landmarks.
Visiting the Rawdah:
Visiting the Rawdah requires advance booking through the Nusuk app. This is essential. At every checkpoint they scan your booking. Without one, you will have to wait until booked groups are cleared. It is part of crowd control and helps manage the large numbers. You are given limited time inside, so pray and move on to allow others their turn. My husband and son had a memorable experience. Their slot coincided with salah time and they were able to pray behind the Imam. A helpful tip for men is to choose a booking slot close to salah time if possible.
We did not explore as much of Medina as planned because allergies started acting up. Even though the Haram carpets are regularly cleaned, sensitivities can still flare. Carrying your own musallah is very helpful in such cases.
Madinah is vibrant and family friendly. My children loved the three riyal stores and the many fresh juice shops. But what stood out most was the sense of one ummah. Just like in Mecca, you can be sitting quietly and someone nearby will offer you food from their container. No conversation, just generosity. My son laughed and said we received food again from a stranger. I reminded him that every date, every sweet, every bite is rizq written specifically for us.
This journey is also a powerful way to teach children the history they learn in madrasah. When they see the places with their own eyes, the lessons come alive. Add the emotional connection and the impact is even deeper.
Madinah is beautiful, calming, and grounding. I am grateful we experienced it before returning home.
And yes, the viral rose ice cream lived up to the hype. Delicious, unique, and definitely the most expensive ice cream I have bought, but worth it for the excitement it brought. Ticking that off the list made my little one’s trip complete.
My Umrah Tips
Take snacks with you. You will need them. Biltong, sweets, and small treats help a lot. Snacks there are available but having your own helps between long walks.
Have a late breakfast so the kids can manage comfortably until supper.
Food is more expensive in Madinah and portions are smaller, so plan accordingly.
Abayas are generally cheaper in Madinah, so shop there.
Visit the nearby date farms for both learning and tasting.
Walk and explore freely. If you get lost, the Careem app will easily help you find a taxi.
Take in every moment of the peace. It is a kind of peace you will not easily find anywhere else.
By: Mumtaz Moosa
A Family Umrah Journey: When the Call Finally Comes (Makkah)
