Earlier this year, I had the incredible opportunity to perform Umrah — a deeply personal and spiritual journey that offered me time to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters. What made this trip even more special was how unexpectedly it came together.
Back in March, I traveled to Bangladesh to spend some time with family. When I booked my ticket back to Russia in June, unexpected geopolitical tensions closed Iranian airspace, and my flight was canceled. Eventually, I found another route to return to Moscow. A month later, Air Arabia refunded my canceled ticket as travel credits, valid for three months. Rather than let that opportunity slip by, I decided to fulfill a lifelong dream: performing Umrah.
I set out on a solo journey, flying from Moscow to Jeddah. Over the course of 15 days, I explored four remarkable cities: Jeddah, Makkah, Ta’if, and Madinah. Each destination carried its own spiritual and cultural beauty, but my heart felt especially at peace in the sacred spaces of Makkah and Madinah.
My days were centered around worship, seeking closeness to Allah, and expressing gratitude for all that He has blessed me with. The pilgrimage reminded me of values that transcend everyday life — humility, patience, and gratitude. Walking through these holy places, surrounded by people from every corner of the world, was both humbling and inspiring.
Looking back, I’m grateful that what started as a canceled flight turned into one of the most transformative journeys of my life. This trip was not just about travel, but about realigning my heart, strengthening my faith, and returning home with renewed purpose.