Everything You Need To Know About Umrah Trip

Umrah refers to the voluntary pilgrimage to Makkah, the city where the Prophet Muhammad was born, and the sacred teachings of the Quran were first revealed. The Umrah pilgrimage, although not considered mandatory according to the faith, is highly recommended and requires a lot of planning.

Here we have described most important things you all need for Umrah trip such as:

Planning An Umrah Trip: Although Umrah can be a journey of faith, it requires good planning. Pilgrims have to prepare for major rituals like Ihram, Tawaf, Sai. Also, one has to plan which season will be ideal for the Umrah pilgrimage. Additionally, as the most important thing, pilgrims should look for the best stay options and eateries to help them during their stay.

Pilgrims must follow several extraordinary guidelines or tips before departing to successfully complete the holy journey. These guidelines include the following:

Improve Your Stamina: One must remember that Umrah can be a physically tiring journey due to a lot of walking. If pilgrims do not have proper stamina they may get tired quickly. Therefore, in this scenario, good patience is necessary to complete the pilgrimage successfully and comfortably. Conversely, the question, "How do you get the proper stamina for Umrah?” Flashes in the mind of every traveler. The answer is simple: there are different things you need to know to achieve this goal.

You should start exercising regularly a few months before your departure date. Furthermore, pilgrims should eat a healthy and digestive diet, which includes vegetables, fruits, nuts, etc. They should sleep for 7 to 8 hours daily as it is necessary to develop good stamina.

Choosing the Right Time: Choosing the appropriate time for Umrah is another essential factor to remember before arranging a trip to Makkah. Travelers should remember various factors before choosing the best time to visit Makkah and Medina. Climate, cost, and crowds are just some of the many examples you should take into account when deciding the best time of year to visit. Makkah and Medina proficient humid and hot weather for most of the 12 months. On the off chance that you wish to avoid the scorching heat during your adventure, you should opt for the winter months (December to February). During these months, the climate in Mecca and Medina is more comfortable, excellent and mild.

Mental Preparation: Pilgrims should prepare themselves mentally before setting out on Umrah as it is a spiritual journey. They should have the proper intention before embarking on the short pilgrimage to Makkah. According to many Islamic narratives, actions depend on intentions. Furthermore, you should collect all the information about the pilgrimage, its rituals, its significance and rewards, and its history. Pilgrims can catch this information from numerous Islamic books and social media platforms containing YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Google. If you do not speak Arabic you may encounter various language barriers throughout Umrah; however, don't panic. You can incredulous these language walls with the help of various language translation apps.

Getting a Proper Visa: It is important to obtain the proper visa for Umrah to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience during your pilgrimage. According to the recent visa policy of the Saudi government, travelers can travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah on any visa. Pilgrims usually travel to Makkah with e-visas. This visa is valid for 365 days, and travelers can stay in Saudi Arabia for up to three months. A valid passport (valid for at least six months from your departure date), two passport size photographs and a completed online application form are important to apply for this visa. Pilgrims can obtain this visa instantly through the official Saudi web online or by hiring a reliable Umrah agent.

Essentials to Bring: When traveling to any place, you can bring only certain things with you. So, this rule applies in case of Umrah pilgrimage. Many pilgrims examine the question, "What necessities should I bring for Umrah?" The answer is guileless: select the vital items during the pilgrimage. Pilgrims have to pack a small bag and put only essential items in it. A small suitcase will save travelers irritation during the pilgrimage, especially in crowded areas. Pilgrims must bring travel documents, Ihram clothes, essential medicines, toiletries, a mobile phone, cash, comfortable shoes, emergency contact numbers etc.

Umrah preparation for key rituals: In Arabic, the word Umrah means 'to visit a populated place.' It provides pilgrims with an opportunity to ask for forgiveness from Allah and provides them with a chance to reaffirm their faith in the Almighty. During the Umrah pilgrimage, worshipers perform four main rituals which include:

Ihram: Ihram is the clothing worn during the holy pilgrimage of Umrah and Hajj. Literally, Ihram means entering into a state of purity and prohibition or doing something haraam on oneself for one's own well-being. Ihram for Umrah and Hajj is the first requirement of pilgrimage. This is a state in which many things are prohibited. Pilgrims have to perform certain rituals to enter this kingdom. Let us understand them one by one.

Tawaf: Circumambulating the Holy Kaaba during Umrah is known as Tawaf. It is a mandatory ritual for all pilgrims aiming to successfully complete Umrah. It is a sacred ritual and hence there are many pre-requisites and blessings associated with it. This blog explains how to perform Tawaf in Umrah, its importance along with dos and don'ts.

Saee In Umrah: Also written as Saee, Saee is one of the integral rites of Hajj and Umrah. In Arabic this word means to strive, to walk or to pursue. Sa'i in Umrah refers to the ritual of walking back and forth seven times between the two small hills of Safa and Marwa, which are located near the Kaaba in the Masjid al-Haram.

Ideal season to plan Umrah trip

Umrah can be performed at any time of the year but sometimes Umrah becomes a mandatory act and thus becomes time bound. To know more about it, it is important to understand the types of Umrah.

Many pilgrims choose to perform Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan or the subsequent holy months of Muharram and Safar as these times are considered more beneficial. Many pilgrims also plan Umrah pilgrimage in December as the weather is pleasant in this month and the mosque is crowd-free.

Reaching the House of Allah in Makkah

Jeddah to Makkah: For those going on Umrah pilgrimage, it is important to keep in mind that Mecca does not have its own airport. Flights to Jeddah are available. Pilgrims arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED/OEJN), located 95 km west of Mecca. Mecca can be reached by taxi from Jeddah.

How to book flights: The Saudi government does not permit international pilgrims to book flights on their own. Instead, they will have to contact Hajj pilgrimage operators authorized by the Saudi government to prepare their Umrah plans. These operators will receive them at the airport and also make arrangements for their stay.

Makkah from Jeddah port: In accumulation to airborne, pilgrims can also yield a boat ride from the East African coast to the port city of Jeddah. The drive from there to Makkah is only 45 to 60 minutes long. Furthermore, pilgrims who are Saudi or GCC citizens do not require any special permit to go for Umrah. Such people can travel by their own vehicle or rent a car or hire a taxi to go on pilgrimage.

Local Transport in Makkah city

Getting around in Mecca is quite simple and easy. The town has a competent public transportation system that acquires you to your destination in no time. Here are some modes of travel that pilgrims can use during their Umrah journey.

Bus:  Makkah has a proficient linkage of public buses and privately owned microbuses that operate around the mosque routes. The fares for both these means of transport are reasonable.

Taxi:  Finding a taxi in Makkah is easy. Taxis are the most convenient and widely used means of transportation, but their fares are also very high.

Cars: Renting a car is another option for getting around the city as Mecca has a good network of roads. Also, there are signboards in Arabic and English at every turn making it easier for people to reach their destination.

By Foot: If you are in Mecca for Umrah pilgrimage, you may consider walking to your destination as a means of getting around the place. Doing this will help you avoid congestion on roads and streets.

Where to stay during Umrah?

The next step in planning an Umrah travel guide is to find a suitable place for accommodation. In the holy city of Mecca, there are many luxurious and affordable hotels that are located near the Al-Haram Mosque. The best ones include the Pullman Zamzam, Jabal Omar Hayat Regency, Hotel Al-Islam and Swissôtel Al Maqam. Apart from 5-rated hotels, there are also budget accommodations. Pilgrims can choose from standard hotels to service apartments depending on their budget.

Umrah Essentials for Women

For women planning this sacred journey, it is essential to be well prepared and equipped with the knowledge and essentials that will ensure a comfortable and spiritually gratifying experience.

Consider these essentials while preparing for Umrah;

Modest clothing, loose-fitting clothing that covers the entire body, such as abaya, hijab, and niqab. It is advisable to carry light and breathable clothing and comfortable shoes suitable for the varying weather conditions in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

Always have new, unused shoes to wear during Tawaf and Sa'i, they are more comfortable and practical and protect your feet.

Personal hygiene products:  Pack a small toiletry bag with essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and a travel-sized towel. Consider carrying unscented products to maintain the sanctity of sacred spaces.

Medications and First Aid Kit: If you have any prescribed medications, make sure you carry an adequate supply with you for the duration of your trip. Additionally, pack a basic first aid kit with band-aids, pain relievers, and other necessary medications.

Money and travel essentials: Keep enough local currency and a safe place to keep your money. It is also wise to have a small bag or pouch to keep valuables like your phone, wallet and passport with you at all times.

A Prayer Mat and Travel size Quran: A light prayer mat is essential for performing your daily prayers. Additionally, bring a small pocket-sized Quran or a digital Quran app on your phone to read and contemplate during your travels.

Electronic devices and accessories: Carry essential electronic devices like your smartphone and charger. If you're traveling from another country, don't forget to bring a universal adapter to ensure compatibility with the local power outlet.

Packing your Umrah essentials requires careful planning and consideration. By making sure you have the right items, you can focus on the spiritual aspects of your trip without worrying about the practicalities. Remember, it's not just about the physical items you pack, but also about the intention and sincerity you bring. May you have a blessed journey and may you find solace and closeness to Allah during Umrah.

An Umrah trip admits the merciful Allah and purifies the heart, mind, body, and soul of humans from the sins of the past. Conversely, for some it is an once-in-a-lifetime chance. Therefore, a well-thought Umrah plan is crucial to make the most of it.