We know that Muslims from all over the world travel to Mecca to perform the Umrah each year. Pilgrims wish to make this beautiful and sacred tour without trouble or stress because it is a remarkable experience. The first step in carrying out this spiritual journey is careful planning and preparation. If a pilgrim takes a little initiation before travelling to Mecca, he can make his journey memorable. In this situation, study this topic for more information: “What do I need to know before going to Umrah?”
Umrah is the lovely Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Millions of Muslims perform it as a method of devotion throughout the year. It is also referred to as a brief pilgrimage. The main goal of the pilgrimage is to seek forgiveness from Allah and atone for grave sins.
Things to need to know before going to Umrah
Before booking your Umrah Package and going to Mecca for the sacred pilgrimage, pilgrims should know the following things to make their journey wonderful:
- Knowing the new rules of Umrah
- Understanding the rules of Ihram
- Memorizing different prayers
- Learning the history of Umrah and the Prophet (PBUH)
- Knowing the essentials to bring
Knowing the new rules of Umrah
The most important thing for pilgrims is to know the recent rules regarding Umrah. Because the Saudi government occasionally changes its policies for this scenario. According to the recent announcement of the Saudi authorities, women can go to Saudi Arabia without a mahram. Additionally, Umrah visas are valid for 30 to 90 days.
Understanding the rules of Ihram
The most significant of the several things to do before Umrah is to enter the sacred state of Ihram. If a pilgrim does not attain this sacred state, his pilgrimage is not valid. Before leaving for Umrah, pilgrims must be aware of many rituals and procedures of Ihram, some of which are slightly different for men and women.
Memorizing different prayers
It is important to learn the prayers for each ritual of the Umrah pilgrimage before travelling. Each of them is significant in its sense and should be recited with complete faith and devotion towards Allah (SWT). Muslims also make prayers for their friends and family to seek Allah’s blessings and support for a spiritual journey. Keeping a written note of Umrah prayers with you for a few days while travelling is an important thing. It is one of the simplest ways to learn and memorize them by the time you reach the Kaaba.
Learning the history of Umrah and the Prophet (PBUH)
The fact that Umrah’s history is filled with numerous religious conflicts and battles proves that the pilgrimage has always been of utmost importance. It is a specific Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and is frequently referred to as a spiritual “quick-fix” for those who cannot undertake the Hajj journey for any reason.
Knowing the essentials to bring
It is important to know the essentials to bring for the Umrah journey because pilgrims are needed these things during their trip. These essentials are the following:
- Travel documents
- Personal items
Travel documents:
The travel documents for a holy journey to Mecca are the following:
- Passport and its photocopies
- Visa
- Flight tickets
- Passport-size photographs
- Hotel booking confirmation copies
- Emergency contact numbers
- Saudi Riyals
- A credit card or debit card
Personal items:
The personal items for a sacred pilgrimage are the following:
- Toothbrush
- Large and small towels
- Unscented toothpaste
- Hairbrush
- Small mirror
- Nail cutter
- Unscented creams
- A mini Quran
- Mobile Phone
- Sanitary pads
- Shaving machines or razors
- Small scissors
- Unscented soaps
- Alarm clock
Health Advice – Umrah
Saudi officials advise against performing the rites for pregnant women, the elderly, or children due to the extreme heat, vast crowds, and risk of infectious diseases. For Muslims, it is best to avoid prolonged heat exposure and to stay hydrated.
Furthermore, it is a good idea to have a basic first aid kit in case of an emergency. A basic first aid kit can treat minor wounds, allergies, discomfort, and stomach problems.
Conclusion
Unlike Hajj, Umrah is a short and optional pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims make this holy journey at any time of the year. Pilgrims desire to complete this amazing journey without difficulty or concern since it is so unique.
The initial steps in starting this pilgrimage are planning and preparation. Before booking the Umrah Packages, pilgrims should know and understand things for mental comfort. These things may include knowing the new Umrah rules and memorizing several prayers.
