Umrah may be an once-in-a-lifetime experience for some Muslims worldwide. Umrah also includes a proper journey, just like other trips and tours. One can explore it with whole spirituality if taking it as it deserves. Have you ever wondered why the Umrah is a more significant act of Islam?
Your life may experience a lot of journeys, but an Umrah trip can become the best if you consider what you expect from it. You think you must travel from one destination to another (Saudi Arabia) to perform Umrah. This will be your travelling (from your home town to Mecca, Saudi Arabia), called a journey.
So, in this article, we will discuss some important factors and points that this journey demands from Muslims.
Before diving in the Umrah travel details, don’t withdraw from considering a real partner search that travels with you like a Travel Agency, which can guide you at every turn of this journey.
Here, you will see the steps of Umrah:
Umrah performance includes four steps, which are very easy to do while performing. See the below list:
- Ihram
- Tawaf
- Sa’i
- Halq/Taqsir
Those mentioned above are the steps of a lesser pilgrimage. Now, we will see how to perform them.
Wearing Ihram dress:
This is the specific attire to undertake the pilgrimage: Hajj or Umrah. Ihram consists of two parts: one is for the lower part, and the other is for the upper part of the body. One must know how to wear Ihram. This is mainly for men while for women it’s a traditional dress. Women are allowed to wear any modest Islamic clothing acceptable for the pilgrimage.
Tawaf (Second ritual of Umrah):
Tawaf is the most prominent and essential ritual of a pilgrimage. This is a mandatory step of Umrah as well as Hajj. It has many types depending on the conditions which have to be performed.
The ritual is related to walking around the Holy Kaaba seven times in an anticlockwise direction. An active and healthy pilgrim can perform it within 30 mins to 1 hour. But if you are elderly or disabled, it may take time to complete. Women must ensure that not to be touched by men or any non-Mahram.
Sa’i (Third ritual of Umrah):
Sa’i is Umrah’s third ritual; you must perform it to complete your pilgrimage. It is the historic act included in the expedition in honour of Hajirah (A.S), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S). Walking or running seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa is the activity of Sai, like circumambulating seven times around the Kaaba. These hills are also located inside the Masjid al-Haram.
Halq/Taqsir (Last ritual of Umrah):
One must have to perform it for the completion of the pilgrimage. The practice is related to cutting or shaving the hair. Cutting hair is related to women, while some men can perform it. While on the other hand, shaving the head is specifically related to men. You can easily find any reputable barber shop in Mecca to perform this ritual. In comparison, women have to complete the practice in a private place.
How can you easily prepare for Umrah?
You can easily prepare for a minor pilgrimage by remembering some critical points.
- Choose a reputable and good company serving Umrah packages.
- Make sure you have a valid passport and visa (in case any proof is needed if you don’t have one).
- Decide your travel dates and be flexible on the dates.
- Pack lightly for Umrah and include only the essentials that may needed.
- Try to make accommodations in Mecca and Medina near the Haram boundary, especially if you travel with older people.
- Make your budget plan for a travel itinerary for Umrah.
- Ready your mind to learn the pilgrimage rituals.
- You must have a proper knowledge of travelling and staying in Saudi Arabia.
- You should know the Ziyarats points in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
By finalizing this article, preparing for Umrah is critical before departing for the journey. Umrah is a lifetime experience that one can save the memories in their mind to enjoy in later moments of life. You should be aware of every aspect of the pilgrimage. Don’t forget to thank Allah (SWT) for granting this opportunity to you. Just take it as a blessing and make the most of your experience. Remember that you will perform a pilgrimage, not any worldly act, so be careful here. And don’t make disputes with others. Try to talk with others politely and show your brotherhood. May you have a memorable Umrah experience!