As the blessed month of Ramadan 2026 approaches, I find myself reflecting deeply on the transformative experiences of the 2025 ACTMA Arabic Studies and Umrah Program, an experience that became a powerful foundation for spiritual renewal, community leadership, and preparation for the month of fasting.
Amadu saying goodbye to wife and two sons | Kuat, Amadu, Sarjoh and wife, Umu, about to depart from Sydney | Muslim prayer for the traveler offered onboard the Garuda Indonesia flight.
Our journey coincided with the sacred month of Rajab, one of the four sanctified months in Islam. Rajab is known for its unique virtues including increased rewards for good deeds, its connection to the Israʾ wal-Miʿraj (Night Journey), and its role as a time of spiritual awakening and preparation before Ramadan.
Performing Umrah in such a month carried a special weight, serving as a reminder of Allah’s Mercy and as motivation to refine our hearts well ahead of Ramadan.
Getting ready to depart Jakarta for Jeddah in our Umrah Ihram | With an Indonesian friend onboard Garuda flight to Jeddah | Seated and ready for the long flight from Jakarta to Jeddah.
This year’s program offered the rare blessing of performing multiple Umrahs in Makkah, allowing students (some of whom with their spouses) and staff to reconnect repeatedly with the House of Allah.
Unlike previous years, we spent considerably more time in Makkah, enabling deeper reflection, longer worship, and visits to historical sites such as Mina, Arafah, Muzdalifah, Jannat al-Mu’alla cemetery (where our Mother Khadijah (r) rests), Masjid al-Jinn, the site where it is believed Prophet Muhammad (s) recited the Quran to a group of jinn, who then embraced Islam), and on our way to Madinah, the battleground of Badr which took place on the 17th of Ramadan in 624 CE (2 AH) between the Muslims of Madinah, led by Prophet Muhammad (s), and the Quraysh tribe of Makkah.
This battle was significant as it was the first major military confrontation between the two groups, following years of persecution faced by Muslims in Makkah.
Sallymatu Kuyateh and husband, Mohamed Kanu at Haram after performing Tawaf | Amadu after performing Tawaf | Umu and husband, Sarjoh Bah after performing Tawaf.
From there, our extended stay of more than three weeks in the luminous city of Madinah enriched our hearts in ways difficult to capture in words. To be in the resting place of the most beloved of creation, Prophet Muhammad (s), is a mercy that brings tranquility like no other.
View of Rawadah while performing Ziyarah at Masjid Nabawe | A view of Masjid Nabawe from the back | Amadu and Talha Omar Fallata in the courtyard of Masjid Nabawe.
Leading a team of students thirsty for Islamic knowledge was a humbling honour. They spent three impactful weeks at the Islamic University of Madinah (IUM), attending lessons, engaging with scholars, and participating in a graduation ceremony attended by lecturers, international students, and the Program Director, Dr Badr Alharbi.
Their commitment, discipline, and eagerness to learn served as a reminder that preparation for Ramadan is not only physical or spiritual, but deeply intellectual.
Sarjoh, Mohammad, Amadu, Dr Badr Alharbi, Mohamed and Kuat | Mohammad Mustafa receiving his certificate at the graduation ceremony | Kuat, Mohamed, Amadu, IUM university shuttle driver, Brother Omar, Sarjoh and Mustafa during his last drop-off of students at our hotel.
One of the most unexpected blessings was reconnecting with my tribal relatives, people from my lineage who have lived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for centuries.
This profoundly emotional encounter, captured in the article “Remarkable Journey: A Pointed Nose Leads to Tribal Reunification in Madinah,” opened doors to a level of exploration and belonging I had never experienced before.
At row 6 from Gate 37 (Makkah gate), Masjid Nabawe, from right: Amadu, Talha, Abu Salah and another worshipper | Amadu with a 72-year-old revert brother from the US at his hotel foyer during my hunt for hotel accommodation for my team in Madinah | ACTMA CEO Yusuf Mansuri.
This connection expanded our immersion in Madinah. We attended Al‑Azaa (mourning gatherings), engaged with local communities, and visited historical sites including Uhud, Masjid al‑Shuhada, Masjid Quba, Masjid Qiblatayn, the Well of Salman al‑Farsi, and more.
Through this I came to learn that some of the foreign staff at Masjid Nabawi are from wealthy backgrounds who volunteer their time and energy to serve at the masjid of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (s).
I cannot forget two incidents; one was when a youthful worker from Pakistan joined our conversation in English at Row 6 from Gate 37 (Makkah Gate) and said he’s a university graduate but is working in the masjid purposely to visit our Prophet (s), and the story of the man, also from Pakistan who runs an NGO in his country that feeds about a thousand people and was serving worshippers at the Masjid.
Met with Abubakarr Siddiq, a former schoolteacher of my son while he was at the Fatima Farida Academy in Accra, Ghana during Jumuah prayers at Masjid Nabawe. Sheikh Abubakar moved to Madinah about three years ago where he is continuing his teaching profession | Amadu, Mohammad and Sarjoh after our last dinner together before departing Madinah the following day. The event was organised by Mustafa | Met with my Sierra Leonean brother and student at IUM, Sheikh Hassan Bangura after Isha’a prayers at Masjid Nabawe.
The students shared overwhelmingly positive feedback about their spiritual, educational, and personal growth. Many described it as a life-changing chapter, one that shaped their understanding of Islam and strengthened their relationship with Allah.
Pilgrims performing Sa’i between the two hills of Safa and Marwa | Sallymatu and a trader at Badr | Amadu, Mohamed, Sallymatu, Umu and Sarjoh at Badr.
One of the students Kuat, expressed deep appreciation for participating in the program.
Sallymatu Kuyateh, who is on her second trip of the program in the last 3 years said the Umrah and visitation to religious sites like Minah and Arafah prepares you well for the day Allah calls you to perform hajj.
Sarjoh Bah, even though he was a student, his mastery of the Arabic language and desire to help others, saw him play a great role by ensuring smooth communication between students, program organisers, drivers and shopkeepers.
He said, “having the opportunity to spend more than three weeks in the city of our beloved Prophet (s) is a blessing”. His wife, Umu said that she was “grateful to have experienced the opportunity to learn Arabic with diverse students and perform this great act of ibadat”.
Mohammad Mustafa had glowing feedback for the Arabic course and lecturers describing it as “exceptional, with both Sheikhs delivering the lessons in a clear, impactful, and highly effective way”.
Amadu and Kuat at Uhud | Student couples Umu and Sarjoh and Mohamed and Sallymatu | With our Airbnb caretaker, Yasin in Albadrani before relocating to the Dar Abdullah hotel at the Mazayah, close to Masjid Nabawe.
During a stopover for lunch on the way from Makkah to Madinah | Kuat and Sarjoh at Taif | Main entrance to Masjid Nabawe from our hotel.
As I reflect, my heart overflows with gratitude to Allah for granting me the opportunity to lead, and to ACTMA for entrusting me with this responsibility.
Jumuah prayer and Ziyarah at Masjid Nabawe | Standing inside Masjid Qubah | Visit to the King Fahad Qur’an printing Complex | Standing next to a Masjidul Fath sign | Enjoying lunch at a popular Yemeni restaurant at Mazayah.
The journey taught me that preparation for Ramadan begins long before Sha’ban. It begins in Rajab, with cleansing the heart, seeking knowledge, revisiting our history, reconnecting with our heritage, and renewing our gratitude.
Amadu and Sarjoh bidding farewell to Talha after Isha’a prayers at Masjid Nabawe | Goodbye with one of the staff at Dar Abdullah Hotel | Garuda Indonesia Jeddah departure check-in counters. The Garuda Indonesia flight customer service was excellent. Their Australian staff, Felicia Wangkawinata was in touch with us and provided timely and helpful support during the entire trip.
May Allah allow these experiences to illuminate our Ramadan in 2026 and beyond. May He accept from us, guide us, and grant us sincerity in all our efforts. Ameen.
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