10 Things to Know Before Going for Umrah

Many Muslims have a dream of performing Umrah. These pilgrims come from various areas and different countries of the world. Umrah is also referred as the minor pilgrimage. Umrah has very great importance in the eyes of Islam. It is also important for each Muslim. While, it is not obligatory like Hajj. But sometimes, planning and arranging the trip can be really very difficult. However, proper preparation and a systematic approach will help you to know about the things before going on Umrah. Here are ten essential things to know before going for Umrah.

Understand the Spiritual Significance

Umrah is not obligatory but this can perform by all Muslims as they consider it an ideal time for repentance and soul cleansing. Cheap Umrah Packages will help pilgrims to take deeper steps in their spiritual journey. This minor pilgrimage does include some rituals; Tawaf, Sa’ee and shaving or cutting the hair. If pilgrims perform Umrah with good intention, these rituals can bring peace and closeness to Allah.

Financially Preparation

Umrah require prior planning while thinking of how to go for Umrah. It depends on season, travelling mode, and booking choices of accommodation. Budgeting air tickets, food, transports, and all other expenses can be a smart decision. It is always a better idea to travel during off-season time because this way you can save your money. Travel agencies who specialize in Cheap Umrah packages can always have safe choices.

Choose the Right Time

Timing can really influence your Umrah experience. Though it can perform at any time of the year. Some months especially Ramadan, tend to have an enormous crowd of pilgrims. In case you would like to avoid such a busy environment, then you may like to visit out of peak season. The other factor is the weather, which also may vary. Saudi Arabia becomes scorching hot during the summer seasons while relatively cool during winter seasons.

Knowing the Rituals

You must know about the rituals of Umrah before going for Umrah. Because without performing these rituals your Umrah will remain incomplete.

Ihram

Ihram is a ritual which anyone intend before performing Hajj or Umrah.  If a person does not perform this ritual then his hajj or Umrah wouldn’t be acceptable. Experience spiritual journey with All Inclusive December Umrah Packages which include Ihram sessions guided by experts. Every pilgrim must know that what special restrictions are compulsory for entering into the state of Ihram. These prohibitions ofUmrah rulesare as follows:

• It is not allow for pilgrims to shave hair and cut their nails.
• The men can only wear stitched clothes.
• The ladies are put on under restriction to show any part of their bodies except face and hands.
• Neither man nor woman shall use perfume or fragrant soap. They will provide you odorless soap for use during the pilgrimage.
• Pilgrims should not allowed to hunt any animal and plant or tree.

Ihram is that state when pilgrims enter it during Umrah. Pilgrims should perform Umrah with purified intentions. If pilgrims do not follow these prohibitions then their Umrah will not be acceptable.

Tawaf

During Umrah, performance of semi anti-clockwise circles of the Ka’abah is known as Tawaf. In this a way, Tawaf would remain an effective reminder to Allah about unity among the Muslim community.

Sa’ee

Like Tawaf, Sa’ee is obligatory worship during Umrah. Walking back and forth seven times between the two hills, Safa and Marwah near Ka’abah. Experience spiritual journey with All Inclusive December Umrah Packages that include all guidance related to this ritual.

Halq or Taqsir

Pilgrims have to do Taqsir if they want to leave the state of Ihram. If pilgrims don’t do this ritual then they shall not come out of the Ihram state.

Health and Safety Issues

Health precautions are necessary when preparing to go for Umrah. Make sure you have no health issues before traveling for this journey. Consult a healthcare provider about any vaccinations and medication that you may require. Keep prescribed medications and a first-aid kit with yourself. Staying hydrated is also important, especially in the hot climate.

Travel Arrangements

Book travel arrangements in advance, so you get the best deals and do not waste out on availability. You should book flights to Saudi Arabia pretty quickly, especially during peak seasons. Explore different airlines and compare indirect flight option because sometimes the choice of taking a direct flight is not available.

Understand the Culture

Pilgrims need to be well aware of Saudi Arabian culture and law. While dressing should be modest following Islamic laws, one should not behave directly in public. Women can only wear an Abaya. Men should dress modestly. Local customs and languages should follow by all pilgrims.

Patience and Flexible

Patience is a virtue. You will find queues of people waiting to perform rituals. Find flexibility in your schedule and keep a smile. Devotion and patience allows you to soak in the atmosphere completely.

Connect with the Fellow Pilgrims

Bonding with other pilgrims can make the trip more memorable and enjoyable. Keep in touch with fellow pilgrims so that in case of need you can contact with them. Make strong relation with them during the pilgrimage.

Prepare for Reflection after Umrah

Take time after you have completed the Umrah to meditate over what you went through. Umrah is not only related to the body but also spiritually attached. Recite your prayers, read texts of religion, and reflect on your experiences.

Final Words

Umrah is a highly enriching experience. Proper preparation on your part, would be of immense value to the pilgrimage. Understand the spiritual essence, planning for it financially, knowing the cultural norms, and being patient all along journey. These are the ways of making it a memorable and meaningful experience. Sacred journey offers the opportunity of renewal, connecting, and deepening your relationship with Allah. When preparing yourself for Umrah, go on the pilgrimage with an open heart and a spirit of devotion then you would surely return transformed.