Umrah is one of the most profound spiritual experiences which includes going on an Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Although, Umrah is often called as the “lesser pilgrimage” when compared to Hajj, Umrah is still an incredible act of worship that you can take any time of the year. However, one thing intrigues most is how to travel Umrah as a Solo Man or Woman. Is it possible? What do the guidelines say? What is the best way to travel as a solo man or a woman? After reading this guide, you will get all the answers about travelling as a solo man or woman to Umrah.
Travelling to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah is a rewarding and transformative experience for both men and women.
There are travelers who go in groups or with their families by booking best online Umrah packages. However, there are many individuals who prefer to travel Umrah as a solo traveller to have a more personal connection with Allah.
By going on a solo Umrah pilgrimage, you get the opportunity to fully dedicate yourself to worship. You will not come across any distractions or disturbances that may happen if you go in a group. Additionally, the act of going alone on Umrah will allow you to entirely focus on completing all the required prayers and rituals.
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When you go to Umrah as a solo traveler, you obtain the chance to have a closer and deeper experience with Allah. Apart from this, you also enjoy the flexibility and convenience of planning your trip. Instead of waiting for everyone (in a group travel), you can easily plan and execute all the Umrah rituals as per your convenience.
Also, you don’t need to worry about going in peak seasons to Saudi Arabia which you would normally do if you were going on a Group Umrah pilgrimage. Instead, you can opt for off-peak season travel where you will come across fewer crowds and a more amazing Umrah experience. This would also mean that your Umrah would be cost-effective as you can easily get great deals on Umrah Packages from UK.
In addition to that, you can also have more enriching experiences with locals and other pilgrims. By going on a solo Umrah pilgrimage, you will most likely find yourself engaging in conversations with other solo travellers so that you can form wonderful connections with them. Overall, it is a delightful experience to go on a Solo Umrah Pilgrimage!
Also see, Can a Solo Woman Perform Umrah Alone During Ramadan?
Women who are planning to travel Umrah as a solo traveler should get to know about all the guidelines and specific rules.
The government of Saudi Arabia has laid out certain guidelines that are focused at ensuring the safety, comfort and convenience of pilgrims during the Umrah. Here are some things that you must know about.
Traditionally, women who wanted to go Umrah were required to have a male guardian (also known as Mahram), accompany them. This rule was in effect for many years. However, the government of Saudi Arabia made recent changes in its regulations. This has made it possible for women to go to Umrah as a solo traveler without the requirement of a Mahram (under certain conditions).
Authorities encourage women to travel in groups to perform the Umrah pilgrimage. While you can still go on an Umrah pilgrimage alone, going with a group of women will ensure that you will get the company of like-minded women. It will also provide safety and companionship for you during your Umrah pilgrimage.
It is critical to learn and respect local customs and clothing or dress codes while visiting Saudi Arabia for Umrah.
Women can do their prayers in certain spaces within the mosque. It is also recommended that you follow Islamic principles and dress modestly while on pilgrimage. You must wear loose-fitting, non-transparent clothing that covers the full body. So, make sure to keep these in mind when you travel Umrah as a solo woman pilgrim.
Also see, Get Saudi Arabia Online Tourist eVisa for UK and British Citizens
Yes, women can travel to Saudi Arabia by themselves and conduct the Umrah pilgrimage. Many individuals praised the Saudi government’s efforts to make changes specifically for women in 2023. You may be astonished to learn that these policy changes now allow women to travel to Saudi Arabia and complete both the Umrah and the Hajj pilgrimage. But, make sure to research and plan thoroughly or book the best online Umrah packages for a hassle-free Umrah pilgrimage!
These are some important tips that will help you to have a convenient experience while performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia.
When men are traveling to Saudi Arabia as a solo traveller to perform Umrah, they will need to adhere to specific rules and guidelines.
Men as well as women are required to enter the state of Ihram. But, before that, men should perform full-body purification which is called Ghusi. They are also required to trim their nails and beard.
When it comes to the Ihram clothing, men are required to wear two unstitched white garments that are made of plain cloth. The larger piece of the garment should wrap around the waist. Additionally, the other drapes of the garment must come over the shoulder.
Also see, Making Up Missed Prayers – Everything You Need to Know
When men enter into the state of Ihram, they must observe some strict guidelines. One of the most important is not cutting or shaving any hair which includes facial hair. Additionally, they should not clip their nails.
Apart from this, they should not use scented products like perfumes and cosmetics. It is strictly forbidden. In addition to that, men are prohibited from engaging in sexual relations during the sacred state of Ihram. Please make sure to keep all of these guidelines in mind while performing Umrah.
While performing Umrah, pilgrims (men and women) are required to maintain a humble attitude. They are also required to avoid any sort of arguments, inappropriate behavior or profanity. This means, you must have an attitude of friendliness and helpfulness towards your fellow pilgrims while maintaining the principles of equality and respect.
In addition to this, you also need to solely focus on prayers, supplications and spiritual reflection during the entire time of the pilgrimage. This means, avoid all forms of distractions to have a smooth and fulfilling Umrah as a solo traveller.
After you complete all the rituals associated with Umrah pilgrimage, you can proceed to exit the state of Ihram.
The guideline to exit the Ihram state requires you to perform the Taqseer ritual. The Taqseer ritual requires you shave your head or cut a portion of hair. The act of Taqseer will clearly symbolizes that you have completed the Umrah pilgrimage and your return to the normal state.
So, after completing all the Umrah rituals, make sure to perform the Taqseer ritual so that you can exit the Ihram state.
Also see, What is the Punishment for Zina in Quran – and Its Consequences in Islam
These are some helpful tips that will allow you to comfortably complete the Umrah pilgrimage as a solo traveller:
By adhering to these guidelines, rules and tips, you can easily travel Umrah as a solo man or woman. After the policy changes of solo travel for women coupled with an amazing atmosphere in the holy cities of Saudi Arabia, women can have a wonderful time performing Umrah. If you make the right preparations and have the accurate knowledge, you can easily go to Saudi Arabia and complete Umrah as a solo traveller. However, if you want to only focus on the Umrah pilgrimage then the perfect thing to do is book best online Umrah Packages from a trusted partner. By doing so, you can leave all the logistical requirements like visa, transport and accommodations into the hands of professionals and solely focus on taking part in the Umrah pilgrimage. So, what are you waiting for? Book meticulously curated Umrah packages from the best for a hassle-free Umrah experience!
Yes, women can now easily go to Saudi Arabia to perform the Umrah pilgrimage without an Ihram. It is however recommended for women to join a group of women to ensure a safe and hassle-free Umrah experience.
Men are required to enter the state of Ihram before performing Umrah and they are also required to wear the Ihram clothing. The Ihram clothing consists of Izar (which covers the area from the navel to the knees) and Rida (which covers the upper body, from left shoulder).
Currently, there are no specific age restrictions for performing Umrah. However, if you are a younger traveler i.e., below the age of 18, you may not be able to get an Umrah visa if you are not travelling with your family member.
Yes, you should because by booking an Umrah package online, you can stop worrying about accommodations, transport and the visa requirements. All of these will be handled by professionals while you can solely focus on completing the Umrah pilgrimage.
Yes, many solo travelers visit Saudi Arabia safely. Just be aware of your surroundings and follow local guidelines.
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