Everything You Need to Know About Umrah – A Complete Guide
Everything You Need to Know About Umrah – A Complete Guide
UMRAH - A Complete Guide for the Tour
Umrah is a spiritually enriching journey that holds immense significance in the hearts of all Muslims. It offers a unique opportunity to refresh one’s faith and cleanse one’s soul. Unlike Hajj, which is obligatory for all to be performed at least once, Umrah is non-mandatory and can be performed at any time of the year. In this guide, let’s explore everything you need to know about Umrah, from the differences between Hajj and Umrah, the best time to perform Umrah, visa requirements, places to visit in Makkah and Madina, and a step-by-step guide to performing Umrah. Let’s dive deeper into how to prepare for this enriching journey.
Understanding the Difference Between Umrah and Hajj
The key difference between the two holy pilgrimages of Hajj and Umrah is that Hajj is among the five pillars of Islam, which makes it a mandatory duty for all to visit at least once in their lifetime. Umrah is also known as the ‘lesser pilgrimage’, which is non-mandatory and can be performed as many times as possible. Hajj can be performed only during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, while Umrah can be performed at any time of the year. It takes around five to six takes to perform Hajj, while Umrah takes only 5 to six hours to complete. Although performing Hajj is compulsory for all Muslims, Umrah is only sunnah, it is still highly recommended for people who are seeking spiritual closeness to Allah.
Best Time to Perform Umrah
Umrah can be performed any time throughout the year, however, certain periods offer a more comfortable and rewarding experience. Many pilgrims prefer going for Umrah during the off-peak season when the crowds are less and the temperatures are mild so that they can perform the ritual of Umrah with ease. People who want to add to their blessings can perform Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan when the rewards of worship are multiplied, giving you a spiritually rewarding experience. Travelling for Umrah during the winter months is also a great choice, as the cooler weather makes the experience more comfortable. Umrah is not allowed to be performed during the Hajj season for people who don’t wish to combine their Umrah with the Hajj rituals.
Umrah Cost from India
The Umrah cost from India can vary depending on the type of package chosen, the travel season, the accommodation type, and the duration of your stay. At Adila Hajj and Umrah Services, we offer a wide range of carefully planned Umrah packages so that you are guaranteed to have a relaxed, stress-free, and rewarding journey. Whether you want a luxury Umrah package or an affordable Umrah tour package, we offer personalized Umrah services that cater to your every need. We offer a range of Umrah Packages from Premium Elite, Gold Premium, Silver Comfort, Bronze Value, VIP Express, Silver Smart, Premium Flexi, and customized Umrah packages. Our packages take care of everything from visa processing to accommodations so that you can focus on your prayers and devotion
How to Get an Umrah Visa from India
To perform Umrah, you’ll require a visa to Saudi Arabia, which is specially issued for religious purposes and cannot be used for work or tourism. Applicants must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months and that it meet other criteria. The Umrah visa for Indians can be obtained through authorized travel agents or approved online platforms. At Adila Hajj and Umrah Services, we take care of the visa processing for you so that you don’t have to go through all of the hassle. To apply for the visa, you need to submit several documents that are important to proving your identity, travel plans, and adherence to Saudi rules. These documents include A valid passport, recent photos, proof of accommodation, round-trip flight ticket, vaccination certificate, Umrah visa application form, proof of residency, bank statement, and onward ticket.
How Many Days Does Umrah Take?
The duration of an Umrah pilgrimage can vary, but the minimum package available is from 6 to 7 days, where typically four days are in Makkah and three days in Madinah. This includes the time needed for travel, performing the Umrah rituals, and additional days to explore other sites in Makkah and Madinah. The Umrah rituals itself can be completed in just 3 to 4 hours, including the Tawaf and Sa’i.
Places to Visit in Makkah During Umrah
While you are in Makaah, you should take some time and explore some of the city’s most significant religious and historical landmarks. Masjid al-Haram is at the heart of the city and is home of the Kaaba, where we perform tawaf. This mosque is spread across a wide area with several 5-star hotels, marketplaces, restaurants, and the famous clock tower. A must-visit site in Makkah is the Jabal al-Noo, which displays the panoramic view of Makkah city. Also called the mountain of light, it is extremely famous in terms of receiving direct sunlight to let Allah’s blessing befall upon us. Mount Arafat is another monumental site that is located 230 ft above sea level and is the place where pilgrims stand together to seek forgiveness on Arafat Day during Hajj. Mina is another place you should visit in Makkah, located a short distance from Masjid al-Haram, where millions of pilgrims come to spend their days performing rituals during Hajj. Another place you must visit is the Makkah Mall, which is located just walking distance from Masjid al-Haram. It is an ideal place for people who want to shop for gifts and souvenirs or have lunch or dinner in one of the mall’s many restaurants.
How to Perform Umrah Step by Step
Performing Umrah involves many important rituals, beginning with entering the state of Ihram, which is a sacred state of purity and dedication. Then comes passing the Miqa,t which is the boundary from where it becomes essential for pilgrims to wear Ihram. The prescribed Ihram garments are two white unstitched cloths for men and modest white attire for women. After this, you enter the Masjid al-Haram and perform Tawaf around the Kaaba. After your tawaf, you should pray two rak'ah at the Maqam Ibrahim and then drink Zamzam water. Once you are done, you can carry out the Sai, which is walking/running between the hills of Safa and Marwa. After the Sai, the final step is to Halq or Taqsir, where men should shave their heads and women can trim a small portion of their hair. After completing these steps, your Umrah is complete, and you can now exit the state of Ihram.
Conclusion
In taking the spiritual journey of Umrah is an experience that brings immense rewards and peace of mind. Whether you are planning Umrah for the first time or returning from another pilgrimage, understanding the rituals, costs, and other places to visit will help you have a fulfilling and relaxing journey. If you are looking for Umrah packages, visit Adila Hajj and Umrah Services for tailored packages that suit all your needs for a comfortable and memorable pilgrimage.
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