المملكة: Filipino pilgrim: From airport to airport…the Kingdom made a journey of a lifetime that I will never forget

The trip of Filipino pilgrim Lawrence Feria Agia to the Kingdom was not just a performance for Umrah rituals, but rather an integrated faith and human experience that began from the moment he arrived at Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance.

Lawrence said that the trip was full of situations that touched his heart from receiving the delegation until bidding them farewell, stressing that the organization, care and attention he found in all stages of the program reflects the Kingdom’s interest in the guests of God and its keenness to provide an integrated faith and cultural experience.

He explained that the first stop of the trip was in Medina, where he visited the exhibition and the International Museum of the Biography of the Prophet and Islamic Civilization, and learned about what He presents interactive displays and modern technologies that embody the biography of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of God be upon him, noting that this visit gave him a deeper understanding of the Prophet’s biography in an effective and easy way.

Performing Umrah rituals

Lawrence added that his visit to the Quba Mosque, the first mosque established in Islam, and then his stop at Mount Uhud, were among the stations that left the most impression on him, because of the great historical and spiritual status that these sites hold for Muslims.

He pointed out that the visit to the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Noble Qur’an was an exceptional experience, as he saw up close the stages of printing the Noble Qur’an and the mechanisms of distributing it to various parts of the world. He expressed his great happiness at obtaining a copy of the Noble Qur’an, which he confirmed would be one of the most valuable gifts he would keep after his return to the Philippines.

He explained that the moment of arriving at the Miqat of Dhu al-Hulaifah and wearing the Ihram dress was the beginning of a different phase of the journey, as voices rose. Umrah performers recite the Talbiyah on their way to Mecca, before experiencing the most poignant moments when seeing the Holy Kaaba for the first time and performing Umrah rituals in the Grand Mosque.

Civilizational and Cultural Aspects

Lawrence added that the program was not limited to performing the rituals, but rather allowed them to learn about important civilizational and cultural aspects, by visiting the King Abdulaziz Complex for Covering the Kaaba, and seeing the stages of making it. The cladding is in the hands of national competencies, in addition to visiting the Revelation Exhibition and experiencing the simulation of Hira Cave, which he described as taking him back to the beginnings of the Islamic message in an influential way.

He stressed that the entire trip, from his arrival to the Kingdom until his departure, was characterized by careful organization and attention to the smallest details, which made all the guests of the program perform their rituals with ease and reassurance.

At the conclusion of his speech, the Filipino pilgrim expressed his deep thanks. His gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, to His Highness the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, and to the Minister Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Sheikh, stressing that this trip will remain one of the greatest experiences in his life, and that he will return to his country carrying a bright picture of the Kingdom and the care and attention it provides to the guests of God from the moment of arrival to the moment of departure.

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