Umrah is a transformative journey that traces the path of the Prophet (PBUH). It needs physical, mental as well as spiritual transformation, which means it is a lot of work to prepare for Umrah. There are many kinds of preparations and it is important to identify them all right in the beginning of the planning process. In this blog, we share expert advice and Umrah tips and tricks to help you plan a hassle-free journey.
Tips for a Holistic Spiritual Experience
Before planning for the Umrah trip, one should know the reason for undertaking this spiritual journey. Understanding about the pilgrimage, its purpose, its history and reading the Quran and Hadith can really help one feel more strongly and spiritually about the journey. Also, one must learn more about the various Fardh and Sunnah rituals of Umrah that one needs to perform during the pilgrimage.
A little knowledge about the history of Makkah and Madinah, and the life of the Prophet (PBUH) helps to appreciate the beauty of the destination and make your Umrah even more special. To make sure that is a fulfilling and rewarding journey, here’s a detailed read about the important things to do before Umrah.
Essential tips for Umrah also dictate that one must be physically and mentally fit and sound. Besides, one should pack smartly for common travel and specific Umrah essentials such as unscented soaps, moisturizers, portable chargers, basic first aid, etc. to ensure a comfortable and convenient journey.
Duas for Umrah
Before leaving for the Umrah pilgrimage, it is advisable to memorize duas for each ritual of the journey. All of them have their own importance and must be recited with complete belief and devotion towards the Almighty Allah. Muslims make duas for their family and friends too and seek Allah’s blessings and assistance for an enlightening journey. Keeping a written note of Umrah duas with you for a few days at work/school/while traveling is an important one of Umrah tips and tricks. It is one of the easiest way to learn and memorize them by the time you reach the house of Allah.
Umrah Tips for Ladies
During Umrah, the two genders mix freely as they enter the holy mosque together and perform Tawaf; or the circumambulation of the holy Kaaba (the sacred house of god), wherein the pilgrims deep in prayer, incircle seven times in an anti-clockwise direction starting at the eastern point.
Women must travel with a mahram and follow all regulations specified by Islamic scholars for the pilgrimage. While entering Ihram, women should recite the Talbiyah quietly so that they don’t grab the attention of others. Also during Umrah, women should stay with their mahram or tour group and be wary about offering prayers next to an unrelated male pilgrim. There are a number of rules for women performing Umrah with and without mahram; hence the most important of the Umrah tips for ladies is to be fully aware of them.
Tips for Umrah Clothing
As per the Shariah, a Muslim must first assume Ihram, a state of purification achieved by the harbinger of peace, and commune it with oneself to purge the impurities within. According to Ihram, after bathing, a male pilgrim is supposed to wear two sheets of unstitched cloth, one around the waist to cover the lower body and the other around the shoulders to cover the upper part of the body. No additional clothing is to be worn (like socks or underwear) and they must keep their head uncovered. Whereas, a female pilgrim can wear a simple, long and loose-fitting garment like an abaya; it is a long and loose full-sleeved dress with a hijab or head covering. They are not allowed to cover their faces. The pilgrim’s wear symbolizes the equality of all mankind before God, irrespective of their gender, nationality or status.
Must Read: Umrah Clothes For Men And Women: Tips To Choose Ideal, Comfy Wear
5 Umrah Tips and Tricks to Ensure Comfort and Safety
1. Clothes: It is advisable to keep a check on weather conditions and plan the Umrah, accordingly. In summer, one should prefer light clothing as the temperatures vary between 28-45 degrees Celsius. Whereas, in winters the temperature varies between 17-33 degrees Celsius, so it is recommended to wear thick clothing. Also, it is advisable to carry extra Ihram clothing.
2. Footwear: As pilgrims walk a lot during the rituals of Umrah, it is advisable to wear comfortable pairs of shoes. Whilst in Ihram, male pilgrims are supposed to keep their ankle and front part of the foot exposed. Therefore, a flat and soft pair of sandals or slippers are recommended.
3. Safety: The pilgrim should beware of pickpockets and snatchers, especially in and around the Haram. Therefore, it is suggested that one should carry money as per the requirement for the day and keep the valuables safe in the hotel room. Most tips of Umrah lists on the internet are quite eye-openers on how to be cautious while performing the pilgrimage.
4. Patience: Sometimes, one can find situations that could frustrate or irritate them. To avoid that, one should learn to be patient by being Taqwa which means conscious of god. Pilgrims should be patient and taqwa on the path of this spiritual journey.
5. Health: Due to the prolonged heat exposure, crowd and risk of communicable diseases, Hajj and Umrah officials recommend that pregnant women, the elderly and children under the age of 12 should not perform Hajj or Umrah. The pilgrims should stay hydrated and avoid prolonged heat exposure. Moreover, it is advisable to carry a basic first aid kit for unexpected illness or injuries. A basic first aid kit includes an aid for allergies, pain, digestive problems and injuries.
Those were some Umrah tips and tricks that you can consider before going for the religious journey. And, if you are planning to go on this spiritual and transformative journey, then make sure that you are mentally and spiritually prepared.
FAQs Umrah Tips & Tricks
What is the best time to go for Umrah?
December is the time when a lot of people plan for Umrah. This is a comfortable time when the Great Mosque of Makkah is not overly crowded and the weather is pleasant too.
What should I pack for Umrah?
Among many things that pilgrims should pack for Umrah, the most important ones are comfortable clothes, right footwear, unscented soap and moisturizer, important medicines, and prayer essentials like a pocket Quran and a prayer rug.
What kind of clothes are best suited for Umrah?
One should pack light, comfortable, cotton clothing that helps you stay cool and protects you from sun exposure while performing Umrah.
What documents are needed for Umrah?
If you are planning to go for Umrah you will need a valid passport and visa, certificates of mandatory vaccinations.
What should I do before starting for Umrah?
Umrah is a spiritual journey hence it is recommended that pilgrims seek forgiveness from their loved ones, exchange greetings, memorize important duas, and perform charity before starting for their Umrah journey.
