I recently had the incredible opportunity to embark on a month-and-a-week-long journey with Al Hidayah, organized by Ilyas Aidarus, and I can confidently say it was a life-changing experience.

From start to finish, Ilyas handled everything with professionalism and care—booking my flights, securing my hotel, and organizing not one but two tours of Mecca, as well as a guided tour of Medina while I was there.

He personally guided me through performing Umrah, teaching me the dos and donts of being in Saudi Arabia, and ensuring I was well-informed about fair prices for essentials like shimags, taxis, and thobes. His assistance extended to Medina, where he helped with accommodations, took me on a tour of the city, and provided guidance on getting back to Mecca smoothly.

Ilyas also went above and beyond by taking us to various food spots to experience the local cuisine, arranging perfume testing and buying sessions, and organizing custom thobe fittings to make sure we returned with personalized souvenirs. These thoughtful touches added so much richness to the trip.

Beyond logistics, Ilyas curated an enriching experience with insightful lectures from knowledgeable sheikhs, making the trip both spiritually and intellectually fulfilling. No question was ever too small or insignificant for him—his patience and understanding were truly commendable. I also had the pleasure of meeting so many great people along the way, which made the journey even more special.

One of the highlights was the amazing Eid trip to Jeddah, where we got to ride ATVs and explore the Red Sea Mall. The entire journey was seamless, well-organized, and deeply rewarding. I look forward to coming again every year from now on, and I plan on informing everyone I know about this trip and encouraging them to experience it with Al Hidayah. If you’re considering making this journey, I highly recommend doing it with Ilyas Aidarus—this experience is one you won’t want to miss.

Mubashir Addow
Toronto, Canada

Ramadan 2025