From Jeddah to Mecca: A Pilgrim’s First Encounter with an Umrah Taxi
From Jeddah to Mecca: A Pilgrim’s First Encounter with an Umrah Taxi
Blog Article
As the plane wheels touched down at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Ahmed could hardly believe it. After years of saving, praying, and waiting for the right moment, he was finally here — on the threshold of his first umrah taxi jeddah. The rush of emotions was overwhelming: gratitude, excitement, and a quiet, solemn reverence for what lay ahead.
But as soon as he collected his luggage and stepped out of the arrivals hall, a practical question loomed: how would he get to Mecca?
The Unexpected Importance of That First Ride
Ahmed had read countless articles about Umrah rituals, what to say at Miqat, and how to perform Tawaf, but not once had he thought about transportation from the airport. It was a detail that had escaped him — and now, as dozens of drivers called out to arriving pilgrims, he realized how crucial it was to choose the right way to travel.
He remembered advice from a friend who’d performed Umrah a year earlier: “Always take an Umrah taxi. They know the way, they know our customs, and they’ll get you there without stress.”
Finding the Right Taxi
As Ahmed made his way to the taxi area, he saw signs in Arabic and English reading “Umrah Taxi Service.” The area was separate from the regular taxis, and a friendly man in a white thobe approached him.
“Umrah, brother?” the driver asked.
Ahmed nodded, and the driver led him to a clean, air-conditioned vehicle with plenty of room for his bags. The driver spoke simple English and explained the fixed fare to Mecca, which Ahmed gladly accepted — it was a fair price for the peace of mind it promised.
More Than Just a Ride
As they drove out of the bustling city of Jeddah and onto the highway to Mecca, Ahmed was struck by how different this ride felt. The driver played soft Quran recitations over the radio. At one point, sensing Ahmed’s nerves, the driver shared a quiet reminder:
“When you pass the Miqat, you should make your intention for Ihram, brother.”
Ahmed was touched. He had indeed forgotten to change into his Ihram, distracted by the rush of arriving and gathering his things. The driver thoughtfully pulled over at a nearby rest stop where many other pilgrims were preparing themselves.
This wasn’t just a taxi driver. This was someone who understood the journey, someone who was part of it.
Arriving in Mecca
After a smooth, respectful ride filled with gentle reminders and heartfelt du’as exchanged between them, Ahmed reached his hotel in Mecca just before Maghrib. The driver even waited for him to confirm his hotel booking before leaving, ensuring his passenger was settled and safe.
It wasn’t a long journey — about an hour and a half on the road — but for Ahmed, it was one of the most meaningful car rides of his life. The care, understanding, and spiritual awareness the driver showed turned what could have been a stressful transfer into a peaceful, almost sacred part of the pilgrimage.
A Lesson for Fellow Pilgrims
Later that night, as Ahmed stood before the Kaaba for the first time, he made a mental note: when he returned home, he would tell every friend and relative making Umrah to always choose an Umrah taxi from Jeddah.
It wasn’t just about the ride. It was about beginning your pilgrimage in the right spirit — with people who respect your purpose and share in your reverence.
In every detail of the pilgrimage, even the drive from the airport, there is worship. And choosing the right company for that ride matters.