“Daddy, why do people wear white during Umrah?”

A Conversation between me and my son at sunset

“Daddy, why do people wear white clothes when they go to Umrah?” asked Nouman, my 10-year-old, his big eyes twinkling with curiosity.

It was just after Maghrib. We had stepped out to from masjid after Magrib prayers to enjoy the soft breeze after a very hot afternoon. I looked at him, surprised by his question, but also pleased.

“That's a really good question, beta,” I said, placing my hand on his shoulder.

He tilted his head. “Is it a special day?”

I chuckled. “It’s even more special than that, Nouman. It’s a journey to Allah’s House in Makkah. Those white clothes are called Ihram. When we wear them, we leave behind everything—our jobs, our school, even our names in a way—and stand equally in front of Allah, just as we will on the Day of Judgment.”

His eyes widened. “Really? Even the rich people wear it?”

“Yes, even kings and presidents wear the same two pieces of white cloth. Because in Allah’s eyes, we are all the same. What matters is our heart.”

“But Why Do People Go There?”

“Daddy, but why do people go for Umrah? What do they do there?”

I smiled, feeling a rush of warmth. This was the moment I had long waited for.

“Well, Nouman… Umrah is a kind of pilgrimage. It’s not like Hajj, which you must do once in your life if you can. Umrah is not fardh (compulsory), but it’s a beautiful Sunnah—and very, very rewarding.”

“Perform Hajj and Umrah for the sake of Allah.”
— Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:196

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“One Umrah to another is an expiation for what comes between them, and Hajj Mabrur brings no reward but Paradise.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim

I explained to him how people from all over the world travel to the holy city of Makkah, to walk in the footsteps of the Prophets.

“They start by wearing the Ihram and making a niyyah (intention). Then they go to the Kaaba, that big black house you see in the video, and walk around it seven times. That’s called Tawaf.”

“Tawaf... like going in circles?” he asked.

“Yes, like your heart going around Allah, again and again, full of love, and your heart beating in rhythm with every step” I replied.

Rituals of Umrah – The Heart of the Journey

I continued, drawing imaginary circles in the air for him.

“After Tawaf, we pray, drink zamzam and then walk seven times between two hills inside Masjid al-Haram called Safa and Marwah. This is called Sa’i. Do you remember the story of Bibi Hajrah looking for water for her baby, Ismail (Peace be upon him)?”

Nouman nodded. “Yes! She ran between the hills, and then the Zamzam water came!”

“Exactly. We walk there too, remembering her struggle, her faith, and how Allah always answers du'as.”

“And then?” he whispered.

“Then we cut our hair—a sign of humility—and just like that, our Umrah is complete.”

“How did you feel when you went there first time, Daddy?”

My voice softened. “When I first saw the Kaaba, I just stopped there and looked at it. I couldn’t believe I was really there. It was so peaceful… all the noise inside me just… disappeared.”

I looked at Nouman. He was silent now, listening deeply.

“Tears flowed to my eyes,” I admitted. “I asked Allah for forgiveness. And I thanked Allah for bringing me close to his house.”

Preparing for Umrah – Inside and Out

I told him how, before going, we must also prepare our hearts.

“Ask Allah to forgive you, forgive others, and let go of arguments. Read about the Prophet ﷺ, memorize some duas, and keep your intentions pure.”

“And what should people take with them?” he grinned.

“Comfortable slippers, Ihram clothes, a prayer mat, dates, and lots of patience.” I smiled.

The Blessings That Come With Umrah

“Do you know what the Prophet ﷺ said, Nouman?”

“What?”

“That one Umrah to another wipes away your sins in between. And for those who sincerely go for Allah, their duas are accepted. Their hearts come back clean, like brand new.”

“Like getting new notebooks whenever new session starts after the exams?” he asked.

“Exactly.”

He was excited. “Next time you go, I want to go with you, Daddy. I want to see the Kaaba. I want to do Tawaf.”

“InshaAllah, beta,” I said, holding his hand. “One day, we’ll go together.”

The Inspiration Lives On

Later that night, I heard Nouman telling his mother:

“Mummy, I’ll go to Umrah with Daddy soon. I’ll wear white, walk around the Kaaba, and ask Allah to make me a good boy. Then I’ll tell my teacher and all my friends about it.”

Tears welled up in my eyes.

In his small heart, the spark of longing had already been lit.

May Allah write it for him—and for all of us.

Ameen.

Jeem Travels: Helping You Make That Journey

At Jeem Travels, we understand that Umrah is not just a trip—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey. Whether it’s your first or fifth, we handle every detail so your heart can focus on what truly matters.

What We Offer:

• Family-friendly group departures

• Visa, flight, and accommodation support—with comfort and dignity

• Hotels within walking distance of Haram in Makkah and Masjid al-Nabawi in Madinah

• Round-the-clock support in Urdu, Hindi, and English

• Guidance on rituals, du'as, and daily itinerary

• Ziyarat tours, spiritual reminders, and personalized care

Let us be your companion in this sacred journey—so your focus stays on worship, not logistics. Let’s walk towards a reward Allah has promised and where dua’s are answered.

“Answer His call. Walk His path. Return with a heart renewed.”

Begin your own Umrah journey today—with Jeem Travels by your side.

Reach out via WhatsApp or Call Now at 9654036463