Step back from the demands of the dunya and embark on The Sacred Journey Umrah Retreat, a transformative 10 day experience curated to shed the burdens weighing on your soul. This is more than a retreat; it’s a sanctuary for spiritual renewal, personal development, and growth, designed to help you realign with your purpose and deepen your connection with your Creator.
Through guided reflections, prayers in both the Prophet's ﷺ Mosque and Masjid al-Haram, as well as inspiring daily classes with Ustadha Saara Sabbagh, you’ll embrace a renewed sense of purpose, gaining clarity, intention, and a cleansed soul ready for the months ahead.
Connect with a supportive sisterhood from around the world as you cleanse, uplift, and rediscover what truly matters in this worldly life.
Retreat Overview:
5 Nights in Madinah
Your journey begins in the blessed city of Madinah, with daily prayers in the Prophet’s ﷺ Mosque, just a short walk from your 5 star stay at Sofitel Madinah Hotel. Our second day will be particularly special, as we will experience the blessings of Jummah at the Prophet’s ﷺ Mosque. You’ll immerse yourself in seerah stories and take part in guided tours to sacred and historical landmarks such as Masjid Quba, the Seven Mosques, and Mount Uhud. Visit the Rawdah, benefit from daily lessons, and group reflection sessions that will deepen your connection, helping you leave Madinah feeling renewed and revived.
4 Nights in Makkah
After our time in Madinah, we’ll journey to Makkah in comfort by high speed Haramain train to complete Umrah together. Every step of your pilgrimage will be thoughtfully guided, providing you with the spiritual and practical support needed to perform your rites with sincerity and devotion. In Makkah, we’ll enjoy daily classes with the Ustadha, an optional morning hike up Jabal An-Nur to the Cave of Hira, where the Prophet ﷺ first received revelation, and guided tours of surrounding historical sites. Our retreat will conclude with a blessed day of Jummah in Masjid al-Haram, before we bid farewell to the Holy Lands the next day and transfer to Jeddah for departure.
Meet Your Retreat Teacher: Ustadha Saara Sabbagh
Ustadha Saara Sabbagh is a teacher, speaker, and spiritual mentor dedicated to cultivating sacred knowledge, reflection, and spiritual growth amongst Muslim women. With over three decades of experience in community work, teaching and guiding women through Islamic learning spaces, she is passionate about nurturing meaningful connections to Allah through sincerity, contemplation, and prophetic guidance.
Ustadha Saara Sabbagh is the Founder and Chair of Benevolence Australia, a faith-based, non-profit community organisation established in 2008. Benevolence Australia is dedicated to providing education and support to converts and reconnecting Muslims in Melbourne, fostering a sense of belonging and spiritual growth. Saara’s foundation in Islamic teachings originates from her time in the city of Hama, Syria, where she had the privilege of studying under esteemed female scholars. This experience provided her with a solid grounding in faith and spirituality, as well as valuable insights into their practical application in today’s world.
As the lead teacher and spiritual anchor of the Sacred Journey Umrah Retreat, Ustadha Saara will guide attendees throughout the pilgrimage experience with contextual understanding, pastoral support, and daily spiritual teachings designed to deepen connection to the sacred journey of Umrah. Rest assured we have selected the best teacher for this trip as Ustadha Saara is highly experienced in leading groups of women, having led several Umrah and Hajj groups in the past.
Prior to departure, attendees will benefit from two online pre Umrah preparation sessions covering spiritual orientation, fiqh, and practical guidance to help prepare the heart and mind for the journey ahead. During the retreat, Ustadha Saara will facilitate daily lessons in both Makkah and Madinah, guide morning adhkar circles, support attendees through the rites of Umrah, and provide spiritual reflections throughout organised Islamic ziyārah.
Who Is This Retreat For?
We warmly welcome Muslim women aged 18-55 from around the world to join us on this Sacred Journey Umrah Retreat. This retreat has been intentionally designed for those women seeking a deeply meaningful and spiritually enriching Umrah experience, supported by experienced female guides, a knowledgeable Ustadha who will guide you every step of the way and in the companionship of a nurturing sisterhood.
We’ve intentionally kept the group small (less than 30 ladies) to ensure a high-quality, personalised experience for each attendee, allowing you to immerse fully in this sacred journey with all details thoughtfully handled, so you can simply show up, relax, and focus on your connection with Allah. Whether you’re embarking on your first Umrah or returning to the holy lands, all experience levels are welcome.
Payment and Registration
Limited spots are available! Prices are in Australian Dollars. Secure your spot with a deposit and enjoy flexible payment plans in up to 4 instalments. Full payment deadline is due 50 days prior to the retreat.
Pre-Retreat Preparation
Before departure, we will host two comprehensive pre-departure Online meeting where the Ustadha will cover all aspects of Umrah preparation, what the Umrah journey involves, and trip logistics. We’ll also have a WhatsApp group for all attendees to connect and coordinate prior to the retreat.
Bismillah - what are you waiting for?
Book your spot on The Sacred Journey Umrah Retreat- a journey that promises a life changing spiritual experience, sisterhood, and a deeper connection to Allah.
BOOKINGS NOW OPEN. LIMITED SPACES.
9 Nights in 5 Star Accommodation within short walking distance to the Haram
Buffet breakfast is provided daily
Private group coach transportation for the entire trip, provided by experienced drivers
Knowledgable Ustadha with Expertise & Historical Spiritual Insights
Benefit from daily classes and the guidance of a knowledgeable female teacher throughout your Umrah journey, with opportunities for questions and spiritual reminders
You will be taken care of from pickup to drop-off throughout this Umrah journey
Visit sacred and historical sites in and around Makkah and Madinah
eVisa for 1 year multiple entry provided for AU, UK, USA, CA, EU & NZ passport holders (For other countries extra fees may apply)
Come prepared with two online pre-retreat Umrah workshop sessions with Ustadha Saara to prepare you for the sacred journey ahead
Enjoy High Speed train travel between Madinah and Makkah for extra comfort and ease
Enjoy retreat gifts designed to enhance your Umrah experience
You will be supported and accompanied by a Sakinah Trip Host for the duration of the trip.
This is a LAND ONLY package. Flights are NOT included.
Lunch/Dinners that aren't specified above.
Mandatory comprehensive travel insurance is required for all international Sakinah retreats.
Any extra accommodation, transportation or activities not mentioned in itinerary.
Optional add on activity that can be arranged - Sunrise Pre Fajr Hike to the cave of Hira where the Prophet ﷺ received revelation
Arrival: 10 December 2026, Madinah, Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport
Departure: 19 December 2026, Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport
Group airport transfers to/from the accommodation are included in the retreat package. We have taken care of everything from moment you land until your departure for extra peace of mind. Please note this is a LAND ONLY package, no international flights are included as we have sisters joining us from around the world. Please kindly do not book flights until you have received a confirmation email from our team with flight booking advice.
Daily Buffet Breakfast
4 x Dinners
Enjoy 9 nights of premium 5-star accommodation, carefully selected for their comfort, service, and close proximity to the Haramain.
Madinah – 5 Nights
Stay at Sofitel Shahd Hotel (or similar), located just a short walk from the Prophet’s ﷺ Mosque, allowing you to maximise your time in worship and reflection.
Makkah – 4 Nights
Stay at Ghufran As Safwah Hotel (or similar), ideally situated within walking distance of Masjid al-Haram and the Holy Kaaba.
Daily buffet breakfast is included throughout the retreat, along with selected group dinners shared together during the journey.
Choose between:
• Twin Share Package – shared with one other sister
• Triple Share Package – shared with two other sisters
Both options provide a comfortable and peaceful space to rest and recharge throughout your sacred journey.
Arrive in Madinah, where you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to the blessed city of the Prophet ﷺ. After checking into your hotel and settling into your room, gather with your fellow sisters for a welcome dinner and introductory session designed to set the tone for the sacred journey ahead. Take this opportunity to connect, reflect, and begin your Umrah experience with intention as you prepare for the transformative days to come.
After breakfast, we’ll head to the Prophet’s ﷺ Mosque to experience the blessings of Jummah. Participate in daily prayers, engage in reflections with fellow sisters, and attend an afternoon class with Ustadha Saara. You'll also have ample free time for personal worship and contemplation.
We’ll start the day with breakfast before walking to Masjid Quba, fulfilling the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, which carries the reward of an Umrah. Enjoy an uplifting lesson by Ustadha Saara, connecting you to the Prophetic example and deepening your understanding of the blessed city of Madinah. The afternoon will offer free time for personal worship, reflection, and moments of peace in the Prophet’s ﷺ Mosque. In the evening, we’ll gather for a special desert night experience, coming together for a class and dinner under the stars, creating space for meaningful reflection, sisterhood, and connection in the tranquil landscape surrounding Madinah.
On this day, we will explore significant historical sites in Madinah on a guided tour, including Masjid Quba, Mount Uhud and the Seven Mosques. Afterward, you’ll have free time for personal worship, followed by a daily class to deepen your spiritual journey.
As our final full day in Madinah draws to a close, take the opportunity to truly soak in the peace and tranquillity of the Prophet’s ﷺ city. Spend time in personal worship, reflection, and prayer in the Prophet’s ﷺ Mosque, cherishing these final moments in this blessed place. Enjoy a heartfelt lesson by Ustadha Saara, helping you reflect on the spiritual gifts of Madinah and prepare your heart for the Umrah journey the next day .
After breakfast in Madinah, we’ll journey to Makkah aboard the Haramain High-Speed Train, travelling comfortably between the two blessed cities. Upon arrival, we’ll prepare to perform our first Umrah together, with Ustadha Saara guiding us through the significance of each rite and helping us deepen our understanding of this sacred pilgrimage. After checking into our accommodation, we’ll complete the rites of Umrah together, marking a powerful moment of faith, renewal, and connection to Allah.
We’ll enjoy a tour of the sacred sites surrounding Makkah, with an opportunity to complete a second Umrah for those who wish to do so. The day will also include a daily class with the Ustadha Saara for further spiritual enrichment, along with free time for personal worship and reflection.
There will be an optional add on sunrise hike to Jabal An-Nur, where you can visit the Cave of Hira the place where the Prophet ﷺ first received revelation. Throughout the day, you'll have ample time for personal worship, and reflection to really take in the blessings of Makkah.
After breakfast, we’ll gather for Jummah at Masjid al-Haram, embracing the blessings of this sacred day in the heart of Makkah. Following prayer, enjoy free time to immerse yourself in worship at your own pace. Attend a final class with Ustadha Saara, offering spiritual reflection and guidance as our journey draws to a close, before spending the remainder of the day in personal ibadah, Qur’an recitation, tawaf, and quiet moments of connection within the sacred surroundings of Masjid al-Haram.
Following our final tawaf around the Kaaba, we’ll bid farewell to the Holy Lands and begin our journey to Jeddah for departure. As we reflect on the days spent in Makkah and Madinah, we leave carrying renewed hearts, cherished memories, and a deeper connection to Allah. Our group arrived as strangers and, InshaAllah, will depart as sisters, having shared a sacred journey, meaningful moments, and bonds that will last long after our return home.
Bismillah - what are you waiting for?
Book your spot on The Sacred Journey Umrah Retreat- a journey that promises a life changing spiritual experience, sisterhood, and a deeper connection to Allah.
BOOKINGS NOW OPEN. LIMITED SPACES.
Cancellation Policy for The Sacred Journey Umrah Retreat:
Non-Refundable Deposit
- Upon registration, the first 50% of the retreat fee is strictly non-refundable. No exceptions apply to this portion, as your deposit secures essential services and accommodations.
General Refund and Cancellation Terms
- Strictly Non-Refundable Payments: All payments made toward your booking are strictly non-refundable, as we pay vendors and service providers upfront to deliver a seamless experience. We are not responsible for additional travel costs or any consequential expenses incurred due to a cancellation.
- Late Cancellations: Cancellations made 50 days or fewer before the start date are non-refundable in full due to the non-recoverable costs paid to our vendors and service providers.
- Replacement Policy: If you cannot attend, it is your responsibility to find someone to take your spot, as we do not offer refunds. Any arrangements and transfer of payment must comply with our registration terms.
Please carefully review all terms and conditions when booking. By completing your booking, you confirm acceptance of these cancellation and refund terms.
