Umrah Intensive

A guided Umrah centered on preparation, intention, and approaching Allah’s House with respect and reverence.

Our Umrah Story

Our own journey with Umrah began in the company of scholars and teachers who carried a deep love for the sacred cities. Traveling in their company shaped how the journey was understood and approached. The emphasis was never limited to logistics or movement between sites, but on how to enter, how to behave, and how to carry oneself in a place of profound meaning. What was transmitted was not simply information, but a way of approaching Allah’s House with humility and respect. Over time, we began accompanying individuals on Umrah, carrying forward what we had witnessed and learned. Walking alongside others revealed how deeply preparation shapes the experience—often determining whether Umrah remains a memory, or becomes a turning point.

These experiences eventually led to the formation of the Refined Heart Umrah Intensive: a journey designed to help others prepare intentionally, approach with understanding, and engage with Umrah as an act of worship rather than a trip.

What Makes This an Umrah Intensive

An Umrah journey shaped by preparation, intention, and guided reflection—designed to support meaningful spiritual growth for individuals and families.

Pre-Journey Preparation

Educational and spiritual preparation with personal intention-setting

Guided Visits

Focused visits to historic sites with advance preparation

Guided Reflection

Reflection before, during, and after the journey

Manners & Conduct

Learning and embodying proper conduct when visiting Allah’s House and the Messenger (S)

Dedicated Group Leaders

Experienced volunteer group leaders committed to service

Testimonials

Every detail was meticulously planned from the bags… to the earphones… to the daily agendas was absolutely exceptional. Enough time to do your own thing but enough time for planned group activities… My only regret is I didn’t go sooner.
Mohammad, 27 — Shelby Twp
This trip helped me learn to make dua based on my current circumstance, and to take from the barakah of wherever I may be… and to grow closer to my Lord.
Aesha, 41 — Canton
Refined Heart offers an incredible Umrah experience… teaching me to let go of structured dua books and connect with Allah directly from my heart… This experience was nothing short of life-changing.
Sadia, 40 — Canton
RH Immersive umrah is simply the greatest spiritual ROI you can find from an organized program today. Countless benefits including the structured curriculum, detailed planning, excellent spiritual leadership, the community and camaraderie, meticulous organization and moments of delight…
Zafar, 45 — Canton

Submit your interest

If you’re interested in joining us on an upcoming Umrah journey, we invite you to share your interest below.
Submitting this form allows us to share additional details and next steps as they become available.

If you have any questions/concerns, please reach out to us at umrah@refinedheart.com.

Share your interest

Umrah Preparation Resources

Preparation is a core part of how we approach Umrah. The resources below reflect the materials used in our Umrah Intensive and are made available here and through the Refined Heart app.

The Journey Home – Umrah Prep Seminar

A preparatory seminar giving step-by-step practical and spiritual advice for anyone interested in or intending to perform Umrah.

Watch Now

Travelers to the Haramayn

Series

Makkah and Madinah are the most sanctified and noblest places on earth, where every believer can reconnect with their Creator and with His messenger in a uniquely powerful and deeply experiential way. This series highlights the immense value and merits of these blessed lands, promotes a longing to visit the Haramayn, and provides advice on journeying to the birthplace of Islam.
Access Series in App

Umrah Companion

Umrah companion PDF meant to supplement The Jouney Home – A Comprehensive Umrah Preparation Seminar
Download PDF

Pre-Trip Curriculum

Download PDF

Conceptual guides

Salah Whilst Traveling

Janazah Prayer

Guide to Visiting Sites

Zamzam

Guide for Repeat Visitors

Returning Home

Interest Form for Umrah Intensive

Register for the next Umrah.
Register Now

Our team is led by Shaykh Ashhar. Shaykh Ashhar grew up in Troy, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit, where, in 1994, he completed the memorization of the Qur’an at eight years of age. He graduated high school in 2004 with an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, and subsequently enrolled in the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor to complete a Bachelor’s of Science with a dual concentration in (1) Arabic & Islamic Studies and (2) Brain, Behavior, and Cognitive Sciences. He graduated from medical school at Michigan State University in 2012 and completed his medical residency in neurology, with a sub-specialization in migraine and facial pain, at the renowned Cleveland Clinic. He is currently a practicing neurologist in Detroit, Michigan, and, as a Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology, is heavily involved in medical student education and resident training. He has won numerous teaching awards in his career.

During his college years, Shaykh Ashhar began studying Classical Arabic, Fiqh and other Islamic sciences under local scholars, and sought spiritual guidance from Shaykh Husain Sattar. In 2008, he began formally studying the traditional sciences in the Sacred Learning Program, and in 2014, was granted formal authorization (ijāzah) in the spiritual sciences (tasawwuf). He currently resides in Farmington Hills, Michigan with his wife and four children. He spends his free time guiding others on the path of purifying the heart and attaining nearness to Allah ﷻ.