Dubai, 1 p.m., I started getting ready for the final leg of my journey to Jeddah from where I was going to perform Umrah for the first time. As soon as I put on my ehraam, I realized this was going to be much more than I had ever imagined.

I got dressed, prayed zohar and sat down for much needed contemplation. Being born Muslim and raised in a Muslim household, a pilgrimage is something that can simply be viewed as an obligation. Yet, in the duration of our journey, I had started to view the upcoming journey not as an obligation, but as a blessing from Allah (SWT) and a much needed retreat for the soul. As I read the Holy Qur’an, I could feel my anticipation building to see and feel the city of Mecca and, most importantly, the Ka’ba Sharif.

The seconds passed quickly as our journey continued from Jeddah towards Mecca and I could feel my heart start to beat faster.  As we neared the holy site, I lost complete count of time. In retrospect, the only thing I can now remember is the first time I saw the Ka’ba.

Filled with joy, immersed in tears, I felt for the first time in my life an absolute submission in every inch of my being–physically and spiritually.

It was at this moment that I let go and opened myself up; it was at this moment that I was liberated and free; and it was at this moment that I vowed never to let go of this feeling.