Unexpected Journey on Instagram
It’s quite funny how things change, In February 2023, I proudly wrote an article about my almost 3 years without Instagram and social media (read here), but then, just two months later in April 2023, I did something unexpected where I created a new Instagram account.
It all started during Ramadan when I joined an Umrah group. I didn’t have a partner, so I embarked on this journey as a solo traveler. Others in the group came with their families or friends. During the trip, they asked me to take their family pictures since I was alone and had the time. They were so appreciative of the photos I took and even suggested if I could share them on social media so they could repost them. The idea struck a chord with me, especially how sharing could be a beautiful way to remind others about Allah. That heartfelt conversation moved me, and in a sudden burst of inspiration to created my new Instagram account.
So, that’s the reason — very simple, right? I wanted to use the platform to share my Umrah journey and inspire others to remember Allah through the photos and videos I posted. I truly believed that even the smallest things could bring guidance. Though I may not be the best at expressing spiritual journey, I wanted to make progress and share it in a meaningful way. The peace and love from Allah that I experienced during Umrah were so profound, and I wished for everyone to have the opportunity to visit Mecca someday, Aamiin.
And guess what? My Umrah video quickly became a hit! It got a whopping 600K views, 71K likes, and 4K shares. I was amazed and delighted. Suddenly, a wave of new followers started pouring in, and my phone was buzzing non-stop with notifications, comments, and messages.
But amidst all the excitement, I noticed something interesting. Among the new followers, I saw the profiles of old friends from years ago. Even though I had used a different email, the Instagram algorithm somehow brought us back together. I was torn whether I should follow them back or not. Should I maintain the focus on my Umrah story or take this chance to reconnect with old friends?
As time went on, I found myself thinking deeply about my account’s purpose. Some followers seemed more interested in travel content than my spiritual journey. So, I decided to remove those followers who didn’t seem aligned with my mission given I also start to share something more personal on the account.
I must admit, I’ve been spending quite a bit of time on Instagram lately. But it’s not all in vain. This addiction has helped me connect with friends and get references and vendors for my Khitbah and Walimah, and I’m grateful for that.
As my Instagram journey continues, I feel so humbled by the connections I’ve made and the impact of sharing my Umrah story. I strongly believe that even in the digital world, we can find moments of spiritual awakening. Mashaallah.
