Umrah is the Arabic word that means "visiting the Holy Kaaba." Umrah is the name assigned to the pilgrimage to Mecca. Umrah provides a chance for Muslims to rejuvenate their faith, pray for their necessities, and seek forgiveness. Unlike Hajj, Umrah can be conducted at any time of the year except the days of Hajj. We all need an Umrah guide to understand the importance and value of this sacred pilgrimage.
Umrah and its Benefits
Here are some of the benefits of Umrah:
- A way to get rid of poverty as Allah blesses you with wealth as you have dedicated to pleasing your Lord.
- You become a guest of the Almighty, the Eternal Absolute, Allah.
- Cleanse your soul and body from the burden of past sins as you ask for forgiveness.
- Every step of your journey works in strengthening your Iman and bringing you closer to Allah.
The Difference Between Hajj And Umrah
Though Umrah and Hajj are important in Islam, they are different when compared to their importance and rituals. The major ones are mentioned below:
- Hajj is a mandatory pilgrimage for Muslims with some conditions (when a Muslim is free from all his burdens and has enough money to travel to the Holy Ka'aba) to undertake at least once in their lifetime; however, Umrah is not compulsory.
- Hajj must be taken only in the month of Dhu al Hijjah whereas Umrah can be performed at any time during the year except the days of Hajj.
- The obligatory acts included when performing are different and notably, the pilgrimages are completed only after all the obligatory acts are performed.
- Umrah rituals just need a few hours but Hajj needs at least six days for all its rituals to be performed.
- Umrah and Hajj can be followed on the grounds of the pillars of these individual pilgrimages.
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Three Pillars and Umrah Procedure
Following are the three Pillars of Umrah that involve fulfilling some religious duties and rituals, at the right moment towards.
- Ihram - a state pilgrims must enter before starting the holy journey.
- Tawaf - a pilgrim encircles the holy Kaaba in an anti-clockwise direction.
- Sayi - ritualistic walking between the mountains of Safa and Marwah.
How To Perform Umrah
Here is the Umrah performance step-by-step guide:
1. Ihram
Enter the Ihram at the Meeqat, you should recite the Talbi-yah "Labbaik Allah humma labbaik Labbaik la sharika laka labbaik Innal hamda Wan-ni'mata Laka walmulk Laa sharika lak" in line with the Sunnah.
2. Tawaaf
Individuals must then enter Masjid al-Haram, one of the top places to visit in Mecca, with their right foot, and circle the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction in deep prayer. Upon finishing the seven rounds of Tawaaf, you must visit the station of Ibrahim.
3. Sa'i between Safa and Marwah
Climb up the Safa hill to a point from where you can see the Ka'bah. You can make whatever dua you desire. Recite prayers walking back and forth between the two mountains, seven times.
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Ihram Prohibitions as Per the Umrah Tour Guide
When entering Ihram, the following acts are prohibited:
- Using Perfume
- Men wearing any stitched clothing
- Women covering their faces
- Cutting hair and nails
- Engaging in sexual activity
- Getting married
- Hunting animals or cutting trees
- Engaging in a fight or a verbal abuse
- Smoking or taking drugs
Umrah Travel Guide for Pilgrims
Pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia can reach by plane and have to apply for an Umrah visa. Pilgrims from neighboring countries can reach by car but will require a visa.
The Best Time to Perform Umrah
You can perform Umrah anytime but December and January are popular as the crowd is relatively less, and the temperature is quite pleasant in Makkah during these months.
This Umrah guide will come in handy when you get the sacred thought of performing same in your life. The fact that one can perform this holy pilgrimage anytime in their lives makes it more amazing than it already is. So, without much ado, take advantage of the Umrah packages, seek the blessings of the Almighty and purify your soul.
Umrah Guide - FAQs
The must-visit mosques in Mecca are Masjid al-Ḥarām, Al Taneem Mosque AKA Aisha Mosque, Masjid al-Hudaibiyah.
The top three historical sites in Madinah are the Al Jummah Mosque, the Grave of Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib, and the Desert of Saleh.
There are many shopping options available in Saudi Arabia, including traditional markets, modern malls, and luxury boutiques.
Some of the must-visit attractions in Saudi Arabia for first-time visitors include the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi mosque, Jeddah, and the city of Makkah.
Pilgrims can participate in ziarat, explore historic sites, sample regional cuisine, and shop in neighborhood souks.
