From Jeddah to Damascus: A Dream Revived – UmrahPlus Syam

Yesterday, a door long shut creaked open.

In a move that echoed across the Levant and beyond, President Trump lifted the sanctions on Syria after many years of isolation. He also urged other nations to follow suit — to open their hearts and hands to a people who have long suffered. The internal conflict, the choking sanctions, and the crushing earthquake of 6th February 2023 had left Syria in deep sorrow and struggle.

But on that day, the people of Syria — of Sham, ancient and sacred — filled the streets in joy, as if rain had finally fallen on parched soil.

With this uplifting of hardship comes the whisper of opportunity — not just for business, but for healing, connection, and spiritual journey.

Arinara Homestay
Your Gateway to IOI City Mall and Putrajaya

A Journey Through Time

When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was a young boy, he once traveled to the land of Sham with his uncle Abu Talib for trade. There, in the shade of a tree in Busra, a Christian monk named Bahira recognized in him the signs of Prophethood.

That same road still runs, dusty and ancient.
The scent of olives. The call of history.

Syria — or Syam, as it was called in classical Islamic texts — is no ordinary land.
As the Prophet ﷺ once said — words that now echo louder than ever:

“Blessed is al-Sham.”
They asked, “Why is that, O Messenger of Allah?”
He replied, “Because the angels of the Most Merciful spread their wings over it.” (Tirmidhi)

Now imagine retracing those steps.
Imagine combining your Umrah with a spiritual journey to Damascus — walking where the Sahabah stood, praying where the Prophets once walked.

This is the essence of UmrahPlus Damascus:
Not just a trip — but a revival of heritage, heart, and history.

A Word of Gratitude

As we witness this historic shift, we extend our deepest thanks to the Muslim countries who have long supported the people of Syria — especially Saudi Arabia and Qatar, whose humanitarian assistance, diplomatic presence, and spiritual leadership have remained steadfast.

We also commend President Trump for encouraging other nations to lift sanctions and help rebuild Syria — not just economically, but spiritually and socially.

The Sacred Sites of Damascus

Should flights from Jeddah to Damascus reopen soon — perhaps by Flynas or other trusted carriers — we may soon be able to walk once again through the sacred lanes of Damascus.

Here are just a few of the blessed sites that await:

• Umayyad Mosque – One of the oldest and grandest mosques in the world, housing the shrine of Prophet Yahya (John the Baptist).

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• Minaret of Isa (Jesus) – The minaret from which Prophet Isa عليه السلام is believed to descend before the end of time.

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• Sayyidah Ruqayyah Mosque – A place of immense reverence, beauty, and reflection.
• Old Souks of Damascus – Where history still lives in every archway, every whisper, every cobbled stone.

A New Chapter in the UmrahPlus Series

InshaAllah, this new travel possibility will be documented in my upcoming eBook:
"UmrahPlus Syam" — a DIY guide for spiritual travelers who wish to combine their Umrah with a journey to Damascus.

This new title will join my existing UmrahPlus travel series, available on Amazon:

📘 UmrahPlus Turkey
📘 UmrahPlus Balkans
📘 UmrahPlus Spain
...and more to come, inshaAllah.

Travel With Purpose: Rebuilding Lives

As you plan your future travel, consider making your journey part of a greater good.

I am proud to support initiatives like HalalBooking, who have not only donated €200,000 in emergency relief, but also helped rebuild homes for Syrian families through long-term projects.

You can read more about their impact here:
👉 Rebuilding Lives – HalalBooking Project

When you book your next journey through HalalBooking, you're doing more than traveling — you're healing hearts.

In Closing: A Prayer and a Promise

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ once said:

“Blessed is al-Sham.”
And when asked why, he replied,
“Because the angels of the Most Merciful spread their wings over it.” (Tirmidhi)

Let us walk beneath those wings once more.
Let us pray in the land of the Prophets.
Let us combine worship, remembrance, and love — from Umrah to Damascus, from Mecca to Sham.

اللهم بارك في الشام
O Allah, bless al-Sham.