
Going on the First Umrah pilgrimage? Feeling nervous or excited? It is completely normal. Umrah is a fascinatingly deep spiritual experience. Therefore, undergoing a thorough preparation will ensure that you experience a fulfilling Umrah. In order to achieve that, you should know some crucial first time Umrah trip tips. This guide is curated to answer all the important questions and doubts that you have about your first time Umrah journey. Whether it is the rituals, the packing or respecting the local customs, we will look at everything you need to know for a smooth and satisfying Umrah pilgrimage.
The beautiful journey of Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage to the Mecca. Pilgrims and Scholars also call this journey the lesser pilgrimage or the mini Hajj as well. But, unlike the Hajj, you can perform the Umrah at any time of the year.
You will need to follow specific rituals that will purify your soul and bring you closer to Allah. Some of the main elements of the Umrah journey include entering the state of Ihram, performing Tawaf around the Kaaba and Sa’i between Safa and Marwa. After the Umrah is complete, like many pilgrims, you will experience peace and a deeper connection with Allah.
Choosing the right time to go to Saudi Arabia and perform the Umrah can make a world of difference. Usually, you can perform the Umrah pilgrimage at any time, according to your availability and convenience. However, there are a few times, which might meet your travel needs like the seasonal preferences, weather requirements etc.
If you are looking for a comfortable weather then nothing will beat the winter season. This usually starts from the month of November and goes on till the February. During this time, the temperatures are quite mild and you can enjoy a cool Umrah pilgrimage.
However, if you are searching for a time that is spiritually significant then it is during the Ramadan. That is because, you can expect to receive greater spiritual rewards if you perform the Umrah during Ramadan. In addition to this, you will also get the opportunity to receive forgiveness. You will also witness unity and fraternity as millions of Muslims will gather.
But, if it is the crowds that you want to avoid then you should plan your pilgrimage during the offseason. You can consider visiting Saudi Arabia during Rajab, Shawwal and Dhul-Qa’dah months. During this time, the crowds are less which means you can perform the Umrah at your own pace. And by booking an All Inclusive Umrah Package, you can worry less about the arrangements and focus more on the Umrah pilgrimage!
Also checkout, Get Saudi Arabia Online Tourist eVisa for UK and British Citizens
Before you start your Umrah journey, there is one essential thing that you must do. And that is setting up your intention to solely go on the journey for seeking blessings and building a deeper connection with Allah.
You need to set the intention sincerely in your heart . You will not need to say anything verbally but making the intention is very crucial. This will allow you to shift your focus completely on the pilgrimage and all the things that you need to do.
One of the most important things that you should know is how to perform the Umrah. Let’s go over a brief guide that will give you an overview of the steps in the Umrah journey.
The first step involves entering the state of Ihram. During this ritual, you will need to wear the clothing as per the guidelines and make your intention crystal-clear. This also includes performing a purification ritual (Ghusl).
The second step requires you to perform the ritual of Tawaf. This requires you to circumambulate the Kaaba seven times. While performing Tawaf, you can recite any of the prayers or the supplications that you wish.
The third step involves praying at the Maqam Ibrahim. Here, you will need to offer two Rak’ahs of Salah. If you get the place, then try completing the prayers behind the Station of Abraham.
The fourth step will require you to perform the Sa’i. This will involve proceeding to the area that is between the Safa and Marwah. After reaching there, you need to walk between these two hills while facing the Kaaba. You should start at the Safa while making the supplications and walk towards the Marwah. You need to do this seven times with each walk from Safah to Marwah counted as a lap.
One of the last steps is trimming or shaving your hair. After this ritual is complete, you can complete the Umrah by exiting the state of Ihram.
Also checkout, How to Perform Umrah – The Definitive Guide for Pilgrims
One of the primary purposes of the Umrah pilgrimage is to establish a stronger connection with Allah . This means you should focus on finishing the Umrah journey rather than worrying about everything else.
You can accomplish this by bringing a lightweight bag. Try to bring only the essentials. This can include comfy apparel, gadget accessories, and other basic necessities.
The ihram attire is really important, therefore keep it with you . You’ll also need a comfy pair of shoes because you’ll be walking a lot. Try to prioritize comfort as this will greatly enhance your Umrah experience.
Bring along with you all the toiletries but keep it travel-sized so that you can save space. If you are taking any medicines, make sure to bring them along with you and it should have proper documentation.
If you are thinking about all the arrangements that you need to make then there is a simple solution. By booking the best online Umrah packages, you can rest assured that you visa, accommodations and transfers will be completely taken care of. So, explore the packages and book one that matches your Umrah travel needs!
When you are planning your first Umrah trip, you will also need to know about some common mistakes. By avoiding this, you can perform the Umrah and complete it in a satisfying way.
One of the first things that you need to be aware about is the rituals. You need to do every ritual mindfully. Do not rush through them. Take all the time you need for a complete Umrah experience.
Another thing that can help you enjoy the Umrah in a better way is your health. Try to build up your stamina so that you can easily breeze through the rituals. If you do not have the stamina then it may get difficult to complete all the rituals comfortably.
Do not forget to bring the dua book. Instead of carrying a big one, you can pack a small and easy-to-carry dua book. This will help you to quickly refer to the duas and recite them during any time of the ritual.
You may come across a lot of crowd. But, instead of getting disturbed by it, focus on the Umrah pilgrimage that you prepared yourself for. Maintain the calmness and the concentration so that you can complete the Umrah pilgrimage easily.
While performing the Umrah pilgrimage, you need to follow the etiquettes and rules of the Umrah.
One of the first things that you should always keep in mind is maintaining a reverent attitude . You should always have a sense of respect towards the Umrah journey and the sanctity of the experience.
Try to avoid any sort of arguments during the Umrah pilgrimage. Instead, stay calm, patient and kind to the fellow pilgrims. Even when you come across crowds or stressful situations, maintain your composure and respond to the situations in the best possible way.
Choose clothing that is modest, appropriate and respectful. This way, you will maintain the sanctity of the Umrah and enable others to focus on the pilgrimage too.
If the guides or the officials are sharing any specific instructions, listen to them intently and follow them. Strive to keep the holy sites clean and tidy!
Also checkout, Is it Allowed to do Tawaf Without Ihram?
Take care of your health while performing the Umrah. During the Umrah rituals, you might get tired or feel like taking a small break. Do not neglect it. Instead, carry water so that you can hydrate yourself. And take any break that you think you will need for a smooth Umrah pilgrimage.
This will allow you to pace yourself and complete all the rituals of the Umrah with ease. Also, if you feel that planning an Umrah pilgrimage is overwhelming then reach out a trusted partner who offers best Umrah packages from UK. This will help you to entirely focus on the pilgrimage while experts handle your travel, accommodation and transfers!
The Umrah pilgrimage gives you a wonderful chance to show kindness and compassion to people around you .
If you come across any person or pilgrim who needs help, then assist them accordingly. When you see a person who needs some food, share the extra food that you have.
Whenever you come across a person who needs a little bit of encouragement or kinds words, talk to them patiently. An act of a simple smile or a few encouraging words can mean the world to someone.
Always exercise patience when you come across challenging situations or crowded places. If your budget allows you, consider giving to the charity during your Umrah pilgrimage.
So, what is holding you back? Apply for Umrah visa from UK today to start your Umrah preparations.
You should keep yourself updated about the local customs and traditions of Saudi Arabia.
One of the first things that you should know about is the dress code. Always dress modestly in public places. Women should wear clothes that are modest in appearance and follow the Islamic guidelines.
When you are in the public, display behaviour that is calm and good towards fellow people. Always be attentive of the prayer times. Respect them and adhere to them.
If you find any place where there are separate areas for men and the women, follow the rules accordingly. When you come across a place that is worth taking a picture, first get to know about the photography rules. If there are any restrictions, follow them!
Also checkout, Can a Solo Woman Perform Umrah Alone During Ramadan?
Planning an Umrah pilgrimage and making the bookings for your stay and flights or getting the visa is a tedious task.
Any error in documentation can lead to cancellations which will cause trouble for your Umrah pilgrimage. But, why should you worry about any of these situations?
What if there is a trusted partner who can help you out in handling all of these things?
This is where a professional agency offering a wide selection of top-rated Umrah travel packages comes into the picture. They not only take care of your visa, but also book the best accommodations and ensure that your transfers are smooth and comfortable.
This will enable you to focus on the pilgrimage while experienced professionals handle all your travel needs for the Umrah.
These are 10 important tips and things that you should know before undertaking the Umrah pilgrimage. By thoroughly reading through these instructions, keeping them in mind and following them, you can easily enjoy a hassle-free Umrah pilgrimage experience. So, why hold yourself back any longer? Book a comprehensive Umrah package today. By doing so, you give yourself more time for preparing for the Umrah. Then, you can easily go on the Umrah pilgrimage that you always wanted to and complete it to get closer to Allah.
The rituals of the Umrah pilgrimage can be completed in a few hours. However, most pilgrims plan a trip of around 5-14 days depending on their individual preferences. This allows them to stay for a long time where they can spend time in prayer and exploring the holy sites.
Yes, Umrah can be performed during Ramadan, but it’s the busiest and most expensive time.
Hajj is obligatory for able Muslims and occurs once a year, while Umrah is voluntary and can be performed anytime.
By booking an Umrah package, you give yourself more time to prepare for the pilgrimage and solely focus on it. On the other hand, experts will ensure that all your travel needs like the visa, accommodations and the transfers and taken care of.
The main rituals that you should do while performing the Umrah pilgrimage are the Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i and Taqseer or Halq.
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