Best time to do Umrah

The journey of Umrah is not time-sensitive, but December and January are the popular months when many Muslims prefer to travel to Makkah. This is because of two reasons – one, it is the end of the Hajj season, and two because the weather during months is pleasant in Makkah. As a result, hotel bookings are also easier. Other months preferred by Muslims to go for Umrah include the first and second months of the Islamic calendar, that is Muharram and Safar. Since the Islamic calendar is 10 to 12 days shorter than the solar calendar, these months do not fall on the same date every year but this year the month of Muharram will begin on 9th or 10th August.

How to reach Makkah for Umrah?

Nearest airport : King Abdulaziz International Airport (IATA: JED) in Jeddah

From the airport : Cab is the most preferred mode of transport from the Jeddah airport to Makkah city.

Intercity Travel : Tourists can choose to see the city by bus or taxi. You can also rent a car. However, there are a lot of religious places around the mosque that are at walking distance.

Umrah Visa

The kingdom of Saudi Arabia issues a special visa for Umrah pilgrims that is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. To apply for the same, pilgrims need to approach the authorized travel agencies. They need to fill in an online application form and submit the NOC certificate from their employees and a letter proving their religion, amongst other things. Besides authorized agencies, government-approved agents are also responsible for looking after pilgrims’ travel and lodging arrangements and can be contacted for the same.

Rituals of Umrah

Umrah brings peace and earns pilgrims many rewards in this life and the life hereafter. It consists of four rituals that Muslims need to perform in order to complete the journey. The first step is Ihram when the pilgrims enter the state of purity and devotion after performing Ghusl and donning Ihram garments. Next, they perform Tawaf around the Kaaba, circling it seven times counter-clockwise. In the third step – Sai, pilgrims walk between the hills of Safa and Marwa while reciting supplications. Lastly, the pilgrims shave their heads and officially complete the pilgrimage.

Must Read: 3 Important Umrah Rituals For Muslim Pilgrims Visiting Makkah

Umrah guide for females

For women performing Umrah, there are some special rules and guidelines that they need to observe during the pilgrimage. These rituals are mainly established to avoid attention so that everyone appears equal before Allah. One of these rules is that the female pilgrims should not wear any kind of makeup during Umrah. They must not wear a headdress that covers their forehead. Also, females must not undertake Umrah during their menstruation cycle.

Must Read: How To Perform Umrah For Women?

Accommodation near the Grand Mosque

Countless people visit the holy Kaaba every year to pay their respects to Allah. The city is home to several accommodation options including luxurious 5 star properties, as well as standard budget hotels.

Top 5-star properties near al-Haram mosque: Park Inn By Radisson Makkah Aziziyah, Pullman ZamZam Makkah, Millennium Makkah Al Naseem, and Hyatt Regency Makkah Hotel

Good Budget Stays near the Kaaba, Makkah: Dana Al Taj, Wisam Al Taj Hotel, Malak Ajyad Hotel, and Jawad Al Taj Hotel

Ziyarat Guide for Makkah

Performing ziyarat means visiting a holy place or a tomb or a shrine. In the holy city of Makkah, there are many religious sites that one must visit while they are visiting Makkah for the purpose of performing Umrah. The city is home to several beautiful mosques like Aisha Mosque where the beloved wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prepared for entering Ihram and Quba Mosque, which is the second-largest mosque in the city of Makkah and the first mosque in the history of Islam. Other important sites include Jabal Al Nour, where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his first revelation and Jabal Al Thawr, where the Prophet took refuge to escape from the Quraysh tribe.

Umrah Guide of Essentials

Before undertaking the holy pilgrimage of Umrah, it is better to plan meticulously in order to avoid any issues later. Pilgrims visiting Makkah should carefully research and book their flight tickets in order to avoid any inconvenience. They should pack according to the weather and the key Umrah rituals. In order to help pilgrims in avoiding any mistakes, here is a checklist for intending Umrah pilgrims .

Umrah Guide 2022 FAQs

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Types of Umrah

Umrah is a pilgrimage to Makkah that is carried out by millions of Muslims each year in order to seek mercy, pray and restore faith. It is performed in the belief of cleansing themselves of their sins. Umrah is of two types:

• Al Umrah Al Mufradah – a non-compulsory pilgrimage to Makkah, performed independently to Hajj. It can be performed at any time of year but during the Hajj.
• Umrah Al Tammatu – a pilgrimage to Umrah performed in conjunction with Hajj. It is usually performed in the month of Dhul Hijjah, just before the Hajj begins.

This Umrah pilgrimage can be completed in two hours, depending upon the pilgrims schedule and will. While performing Umrah, one should stay away from negative activities like fighting, smoking, cursing, and killing animals. Also, they should not shave their hair or trim their nails or wear perfume/makeup. Doing any of these activities results in invalidation of Umrah.

Must Read: Types Of Umrah – Differences, Rules And Guidelines

Umrah Rituals: A Step-by-Step Guide

Rituals for Umrah have three major pillars that are to be performed by every Muslim. Here is a step-by-step guide to Umrah:

1. Ihram: Intention for pilgrimage

A worshipper has to enter into a state of Ihram: a holy state for performing an act of worship – upon reaching the Miqat: the principal boundary at which Muslim pilgrims intending to perform the Ḥajj or Umrah pilgrimages must enter the state of Iḥram’.

There are five different miqats, each to meet the specific needs of people coming from different regions:

• Al-Juhfah: This is for worshipers who approach from Levant countries, Sudan, Morocco, Egypt and other en route places.
• Dhu’l-Hulayfah: Also called Abar Ali, this is mainly for those pilgrims who reside in Madinah and reach Makkah from the Madinah direction.
• Qarnul-Manazil: Also called Miqat Al-Sail Al-Kabir, this miqat is for pilgrims who come from the 7 GCC countries (the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain), the Najd region and other en route places.
• Yalamlam: For worshippers who approach from Yemen.
• Dhat-i ‘Iraq: For pilgrims approaching from the route of Iraq and other places on the way.

Upon reaching the assigned miqat, pilgrims cleanse and wash themselves, before removing all the stitched clothing and wearing the Ihram attire. Women may remain in regular plain clothing. Then, one must declare the intention to enter Ihram. Then it is time to recite the talbiyah. This is a special prayer said to convey the intention to perform the pilgrimage. Pilgrims must say it repeatedly until they reach the Kaaba. Once at the Kaaba, they must approach the Black Stone whilst uttering takbir (Allahu Akbar).

2. Tawaf: Around the Holy Kaaba

Then is the act of the Tawaf, i.e. circling the Kaaba seven times whilst touching the Black Stone and kissing it every time one passes it/pointing from afar. After completion of the Tawaf, one shall pray two rakats: prescribed movements and words followed by Muslims while offering prayers behind the Kaaba, that validate only if the pilgrim had recited the du’aa: supplication during each one of the seven circles.

To make certain that a pilgrim has completed all seven rounds during Umrah rituals without missing/adding any step, he/she must finish the circumambulation exactly where the first one began.

3. Sa’I: Seven Rounds between Safa and Marwah in Worship

After the completion of Tawaf, Sa’I begins between Safa and Marwa, which is walking between the two points. A pilgrim has to go up to the hill of Safa to see the holy Kaaba from the Safa door with supreme devotion and love. Then, climb down from Safa and move towards the hill of Marwah whilst reciting ‘Subhan Allah’ and walking to the two green pillars. This act continues till he/she completes seven laps in total, each round being at least 450m long. Upon completion of the Sa’i, the men must shorten or shave their head, while women need to cut her hair an equal or less amount.

Must Read: Saee In Umrah – History, Importance, Steps And Duas

These acts are the Umrah rites and rituals that signify complete submission to Allah and not glorifying appearance over spirituality. Once all these spiritual acts are performed, the pilgrim has completed his/her rituals for Umrah and is considered free from his/her sins.

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Ramadan is considered the holiest month in the Islamic calendar where Allah (SWT) revealed the first surah’s of the Holy Quran to Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H.). In this month Muslims fast from dawn to dusk thus practising the Islamic beliefs of disciplining their selves, exercising self-control, sacrifice and empathy. By offering prayers they seek refuge in Allah, do good deeds seeking rewards and blessings from the god. Performing Umrah in Ramadan has enormous religious value and significance and here will take you through the rituals that a pilgrim needs to perform.

Performing Umrah: Important Rituals for all Pilgrims

• Umrah starts by assuming Ihram, which includes cleaning oneself thoroughly, taking a complete bath, and changing into two white sheets of unstitched cloth. For women, a plain regular stitched dress is allowed.
• Tawaf, the next ritual requires pilgrims to enter the Masjid-al-Haram with their right foot and go around the Kaaba seven times counter-clock.
• It is followed by Sa’i, where pilgrims climb up the hill of ‘Safa’ and walk towards ‘Marwa’ reciting supplications.
• The last step of Umrah includes the shaving off the head. Women need to cut their hair short instead of shaving them.

Benefits of Performing Umrah in Ramadan

According to Islamic belief, those who leave home intending to perform Umrah is a pilgrim until they return; and if they die during this pilgrimage, will be rewarded with the entry to the paradise. Every year, millions of Muslims visit Makkah to seek refuge in Allah, seek forgiveness, cleanse their sins, and pray for happiness and prosperity. And as they perform the prayers together at Umrah, the congregation is truly a sight to behold.

During this spiritual journey, pilgrims leave all negativity behind and devote themselves to the service and worship of Allah. They dedicate themselves to cleanse their mind, body and soul, and become better human beings. It is believed that whoever performs Umrah with pure intentions and a heart full of gratitude, earns the highest pleasure of Allah.

Things to do before Going for Umrah in Ramadan

Every Muslim desires and deserves to visit Makkah and perform all the rituals of Umrah. There are several things to know and do before going for Umrah during Ramadan, or any other month.

• Visa Validity: For travelling to Makkah for Umrah, Saudi Arabia issues a special Visa to the pilgrims. On the basis of this Visa, they can explore this holy city within 30 days from the date of issue.
• Hotel & Flight: Fares may vary depending upon the season. It is advised to make the bookings well in time to avoid last minute hassle.
• Umrah Rituals: If going to Umrah for the first time, it is important to connect with scholars who can provide guidance on how to perform Umrah. Pilgrims should be aware of the key Umrah rituals, and have clarity on dos and don’ts.
• Physical & Spiritual Readiness: Umrah during Ramadan is not just another journey. It is a pilgrimage that demands physical and spiritual readiness. Pilgrims often walk long miles in hot and humid conditions. It is important to be fit, eat right, and be devoted to the Almighty. Duas made with pure intentions are accepted; it is advised to make a list of duas for your loved ones.
• Places to Visit: While in Makkah, pilgrims must not miss visiting other places of religious significance in Makkah. With precise planning, a few sites can definitely be covered depending upon the duration of visit.

Umrah during Ramadan is as good as performing Hajj. It is the best way to multiply your rewards and blessings.

Umrah In Ramadan FAQs

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