As part of the initiatives that are unique to Al-Qunfudhah University College, with the support of His Excellency the President of Umm Al-Qura University, Prof. Abdullah Omar Bafail, and under the special patronage of His Excellency the Dean of the College as well as the follow-up of the Supervisor of the Unit, Dr. Muhammad Shulan, Al-Qunfudhah University College launched the first voluntary journey to visit Makkan Sanctuary. The journey was held, with the supervision, organization and coordination of the Voluntary Work Unit, represented by an official from the unit, Ms. Nabila Al-Qahtani, and under the supervision of Ms. Arafah Al-Abdali and three academic staff members, on Thursday 26/6/1441 A.H., after obtaining the consent of the guardians of the female student participants. The female students started to arrive at the college premises. After the number of seats for the female student participants were filled and their names had been registered on the attendance sheet at 8:40, they all set out on their journey, greatly looking forward to visiting the Makkan Sanctuary and performing the rituals of Umrah. The itinerary started at its first station, Yalamlum Miqat, and at 11:35 am the participants entered Ihram (state of consecration) and made the Niyyah (intention) to perform Umrah, with the sounds of Talbiyah (a special supplication for Umrah). The van quietly continued on its way with nothing but the sounds of dhikr (words of remembrance), Talbiyah and Takbeer (saying, 'Allahu Akbar') being heard.

Due to Allah's grace and support, the van and the passengers arrived at Allah's Sacred Mosque at 2 pm. They were received by the Department of Public Relation and Media for Female Affairs at the Sacred Sanctuary Presidency, led by Mr. Jihad Al-Miqati and Ms. Bahiyah Al-Shareef. They both presented a program to the female students, telling them about the role of the Department of Female Affairs at the Two Sanctuaries Presidency, and the utilities of the sacred sanctuary. May Allah reward them the best reward for the service they offered us.

After performing Salat Al-Asr (afternoon prayer), they received the directions from the female supervisors of the public spaces and organization of visits. After that, they started to perform Tawaf around the Holy Ka`bah, finishing their Tawaf at 5:40 pm. Next, they moved to perform Sa`y (walking) between Safa and Marwa, which was a great scene of tranquility and serenity. At 8:40 pm, they finished the Sa`y ritual.

Finally, the van set off from blessed Makkah, heading back to Qunfudhah filled with love, appreciation and prayers for all those who contributed to the success of this blessed journey. At 2:18 am, the van arrived at Qunfudhah, on Friday morning, 27/6/1441 A.H.

Benefits:

1. The female students saw the great efforts exerted by the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud (may Allah protect Him), for the guests of Allah's Sacred Mosque. This is in addition to the great work and furnishings installed at the Makkan Sanctuary, which attract much attention and help the guests of this great mosque feel comfortable.
2. Added to this, the Presidency of the Two Sacred Mosques and the Security of the Makkan Sanctuary organize all the procedures in a way for all Muslims in general, and this blessed country in particular, to feel proud of.
3. Moreover, the female students were introduced to new skills with regard to organization and training.

Highlights:  

1. The female students are a source of great pride for Al-Qunfudhah University College; we noticed how well-organized they were, listening to the directions of the journey administration personnel. This is in addition to their good morals, and the prayers and thanks they offered to all who facilitated Umrah for them.
2. We would also like to praise the Deanship of the College for their continuous follow-up, which was a sign of their appreciation of all efforts exerted inside and outside the college.

Moreover, we extend our thanks to His Excellency the Dean of Al-Qunfudhah University College, Prof. Dr. Omar Al-Hazzazi, whose directives had a great effect on the journey, the female students, and the supervisors. Consequently, special thanks are due to him. Thanks are also due to the Presidency of the Two Sacred Mosques, represented by Mr. Jihad Al-Miqati, which played a great role in making the journey successful, to Ms. Bahiyah Al-Shareef along with the female supervisors of the sanctuary's inside and outside spaces, and to the esteemed Ms. Nabila Al-Qahtani. Furthermore, thanks are extended to the female teachers and the van driver, and to the female supervisor Ms. Arafa bint Muhammad Al-Abdali for her dedication, honesty, and sincerity. It was a blessed and successful journey. May Allah reward everyone with the best reward, add their efforts to their scales of noble actions, and accept all their good deeds.

By: Ms. Arafa Al-Abdali

Public Relations and Media Unit at Al-Qunfudhah University College (Female Section)