Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca. The journey is frequently regarded as a spiritual awakening, and many Muslims choose to undertake it at least once in their lifetime. As the new year has arrived, people are already booking Umrah packages 2023.

What are the Rituals of Umrah?

Ihram

Ihram is a sacred state that a Muslim pilgrim must enter before performing Hajj (major pilgrimage) or Umrah (minor pilgrimage). In addition, the term is frequently used to define the state in which a worshipper must be in order to perform prayer five times per day.

Pilgrims must enter the state of Ihram before entering the sacred boundary of Makkah, which is the combined sacred act of Niyyah and Talbiyah required to perform Umrah. Niyyah is the innate yearning for worship, whereas Talbiyah is a particular prayer offered in supplication. A pilgrim must follow the Prophet’s (PBUH) instructions for Ihram preparation in order to become a Muhrim (someone who has attained the state of Ihram).

It includes rituals such as shaving the head, cutting nails, and trimming beards, as well as sanitizing and purification of the body and spirit. Men dress in two-piece white seamless robes, while women dress in long robes. While in Ihram, Muslims must avoid the following actions:

  • Taking care of one’s nails. It is acceptable if done as a result of forgetfulness or ignorance of the prohibitions.
  • Having sex with one’s spouse.
  • Shaving or hair removal on purpose.
  • Using perfume or scent on one’s body or clothing.
  • pursuing or hunting wild animals.
  • Within the boundaries of the Grand Mosque, uprooting or cutting down trees that were not planted by man.
  • Taking lost or dropped items in Makkah with the intent of returning them to their rightful owner.
  • Committing any sins that Islam forbids.

Miqat

Miqat is an  Arabic term that means a specific location. It is where those on their way to Umrah or Hajj stop to enter the state of Ihram.

At this point, and before entering the holy city of Makkah, the pilgrim must declare or have declared his intention to perform Umrah, and he will recite the Talbiyah – “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk” (Here I am at your service, O Allah here I am). Ihram begins with the first recitation of the Talbiyah and continues until the Umrah is completed.

Tawaf

Tawaf is a prerequisite for Umrah and some types of Hajj. It basically means circumambulating the Holy Ka’abah in Masjid al-Haram to honor God. Tawaf is important because it binds you to Allah, signifies every orbiting matter in this universe, is a required step in greater and lesser pilgrimage, and much more.

Tawaf is not difficult to perform; however, make sure you understand the preconditions, such as Ihram in some types of Tawaf, purity requirements, and the ritual’s dos and don’ts. Tawafs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Make sure you understand the different kinds that apply to you before performing Hajj or Umrah.

Saii

It is Sunnah for Muslims to perform Sa’ee immediately following Tawaf. However, if you are tired, you can rest in the pavilion and return when you have regained your energy. You begin Sa’ee by performing Istilam on Hajr al Aswad, followed by Wudhu. Then you’re told to run seven laps around the Safa and Marwa hills. The Sa’ee starts in Safa and ends in Marwah. The distance between Safa and Marwah is one length. Each pilgrim is required to complete seven of these.

Umrah Visa

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) issues an Umrah visa, which allows you to enter the country to perform the Umrah pilgrimage. This religious journey can be completed at any time of the year. Most pilgrims, however, prefer to perform it during the holy month of Ramadan, so it counts as having completed Hajj.

Documents 

  • A completed and signed Umrah visa application form;
  • A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of submission;
  • A passport-sized white-background photograph;
  • Round-trip airfare to Saudi Arabia;
  • Verification of pre-arranged lodging;
  • Vaccination certificates;
  • For new converts who still have a non-Muslim name on their documentation, a certificate from an Islamic center or a mosque is required.

How to reach Makkah?

Nearest Airport: King Abdulaziz International Airport (IATA: JED) in Jeddah is the nearest airport.

Transport: Cabs are the most popular mode of transportation from Jeddah airport to Makkah city.

Intercity Travel: Visitors can explore the city by bus or taxi. You could also hire a car. However, there are numerous religious sites within walking distance of the mosque.

Accommodations:

Every year, millions of people flock to the holy Kaaba to pay their respects to Allah. The city has a variety of lodging options, including luxurious 5-star properties as well as standard budget hotels.

5-Star Hotels:

Park Inn is one of the best 5-star hotels near the al-Haram mosque. Radisson Makkah Aziziyah, Pullman ZamZam Makkah, Millennium Makkah Al Naseem, and Hyatt Regency Makkah Hotel are among the properties.

Budget-friendly hotels:

Budget hotels near the Kaaba in Makkah include Dana Al Taj, Wisam Al Taj, Malak Ajyad Hotel, and Jawad Al Taj Hotel.

Conclusion

While you can perform this pilgrimage outside of Hajj at any time of year, international pilgrims still require Umrah visas and must travel with authorized tour operators. Umrah does not require any special permits for Saudi and GCC citizens. However, navigating the complex procedures for performing Umrah can be difficult due to the numerous steps and requirements involved. Planning is essential to ensuring that your journey runs smoothly. At Mecca Travel, Walk through the Umrah guide so that you can make the best of your journey. Hope so you will learn everything you need to know before undertaking your sacred adventure, from visa applications to packing lists and more.