Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city for Muslims. The word “Umrah” means “visiting a populated place” in Arabic. It is known as the small pilgrimage to everyone. Every capable Muslim surrenders themselves to Allah and performs Umrah in the hope of self-purification. It offers an opportunity for Muslims to refresh their faith, repent for their sins, and pray for their needs. Millions of practicing Muslims travel to Mecca from across the globe to perform Umrah as an act of worship and devotion. Since Umrah is an important event for Muslims, every Muslim should prepare deliberately before going. If you are planning for Umrah, here’s what you need to know to complete the preparation perfectly:
Enhancing Your Knowledge about Umrah
While there is a wealth of information available for Hajj, the information available for Umrah is comparatively less. Therefore, it is essential to find suitable books or websites that provide rules and regulations for Umrah to help you perform it perfectly. You should learn about the holy places of Makkah and Madina and understand the instructions accurately. It is also crucial to manage your passport and other crucial documents properly and understand these kinds of issues to avoid any adverse situation.
Selecting the Right Agency
Choosing the right travel agent or tour operator is crucial for your Hajj or Umrah. Although many travel agencies offer Hajj and Umrah services, they often vary in terms of quality and pricing. To ensure you select the right service, speak to friends and acquaintances who have been on Hajj or Umrah and enquire about their experience with their travel agent. The quality of service and the level of commitment to the welfare of pilgrims often vary significantly between travel agencies, so you’ll want a number of opinions and testimonials if possible. It is also important to consider the cost of the service and the level of dedication to pilgrim wellbeing.
Choosing Your Company Carefully
Having good companions during your Umrah journey can make it easier and more enjoyable. If you’re traveling with family members, ensure that they understand the rules and regulations of Umrah and follow them diligently. If you’re traveling with someone who isn’t family, make sure they are kind and respectful to others. They can make your experience wonderful even in those sacred places. Having good company will not only improve your journey but also provide a lifelong experience.
It is important to choose companions who share your values and goals. Do you desire companions who motivate you to engage in Tahajjud prayers at The Haram and perform additional Tawaf? Or do you prefer those who encourage only indulgence in eating and shopping? Thoughtfully select your companions to maximize the benefits of your Umrah journey.
Wellness and Medication
Traveling to any part of the world carries certain health risks, and performing Umrah presents additional challenges due to the hot environment of Saudi Arabia. The complex rituals and large crowds can create unwanted health issues. Therefore, it is important to be aware of your own health and that of your companions. You should bring essential medications and medicines according to your special needs. Necessary check-ups and vaccinations should be mandatory before traveling. To keep yourself healthy, consume an adequate amount of water and healthy foods on a regular basis.
Ihram Regulations and Dress Code
It’s common to see people unknowingly violating some rules regarding clothes and other essential tasks when performing Umrah. To avoid this, it’s important to understand the rules of Ihram and clothing for both men and women. For example, if you’re following Ihram, you can’t use scented soap, so keep an unscented soap with you. It’s also not permissible to use Ihram to cover your head, even if you want to protect it from the sun. Protecting your awrah is important for both men and women, so it’s essential to understand the rules for Izar and Rida properly before going there. When choosing everyday clothes for Umrah, you should consider modesty and comfort.
Financial Aspects
Umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca that is somewhat different from Hajj. However, the preparation for Umrah requires the same conditions as Hajj. It must be performed only by people who are financially capable, and money from doubtful sources is not acceptable. Hence, you must use halal money for it. If you’re on a loan, you shouldn’t think of performing Umrah but should focus on repaying it. If you’re eligible for Umrah, we can’t recommend the exact figure, but you must consider keeping a considerable amount for safety, charity, shopping, food, and drinks, etc. Before embarking on your trip, it’s a good idea to have some money exchanged in your home country because banks get busy in Saudi Arabia during the Umrah season.
By following and comprehending the article written above, a Muslim can prepare for one of the most desired events, Umrah. It will guide you to the right path, In-Sha-Allah!