Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world embark on a sacred journey to Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, one of the Islamic pilgrimages. Umrah is a voluntary act of love, devotion, and gratitude to Allah, and it can be undertaken at any time of the year.

If you’re curious to learn more about Umrah, continue reading to discover everything you need to know about performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia and the history of this significant ritual. You’ll also find information about visa requirements and practical tips for your journey.

What is Umrah? In Arabic, the word “Umrah” means “to visit a populated place.” Umrah is a non-obligatory but highly important pilgrimage for Muslims to the holy city of Masjid al-Haram in Mecca.

Most pilgrims choose to perform the Umrah during Ramadan or in the two Islamic lunar months leading up to it, Rajab and Sha’ban. During these holy months, Muslims believe that prayers are more readily accepted, and there are greater rewards for worship.

Umrah can be performed at any age, and there is no limit to the number of times one can undertake it in their lifetime. However, women under 45 years old must be accompanied by a mahram, a male relative above 17. Women over 45 years old can travel with tour groups without a mahram.

A Spiritual Journey of Faith The first Umrah pilgrimage was the initial pilgrimage undertaken by the Islamic prophet Muhammad and his followers after the Migration to Medina.

Umrah is a journey to the holiest place for Muslims, the Kaaba (House of God) in Mecca. People of various ethnicities, social statuses, and cultures embark on this spiritual journey of faith. It is an act of devotion to Allah.

Regardless of where Muslims are in the world, they face the Kaaba when performing their five daily prayers.

Difference Between Umrah and Hajj Hajj is one of the world’s largest annual gatherings, with over two million pilgrims attending from around 188 countries each year. Umrah, on the other hand, is performed by several million more pilgrims annually, likely due to its lower cost and shorter duration.

Unlike Umrah, which can be performed at any time of the year, Hajj can only be performed between the 8th and the 13th of Dhul Hijah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Additionally, while Umrah is voluntary, Hajj is an obligatory pilgrimage for financially and physically capable Muslims. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and Muslims who can perform Hajj should do so at least once in their lives.

The Importance and Benefits of Umrah Umrah offers Muslims the opportunity to renew their faith, seek forgiveness, pray for their needs, and have their sins cleansed. It is considered one of the most virtuous deeds one can perform to draw closer to Allah Almighty.

Umrah’s impact goes beyond the pilgrimage itself; it has a profound and lasting effect on a Muslim’s spiritual and mental well-being. It is a means of cleansing the soul and seeking spiritual elevation.

Umrah Rituals and Practices In Islam, there are two types of Umrah: Al Umrah Al Mufradah (optional before Hajj) and Umrah Al Tammatu (obligatory before Hajj). Here, we outline the general rituals of Umrah:

1. Ihram: Intention for Pilgrimage

  • Pilgrims enter a state of ihram, a sacred state, upon reaching the Miqat, the designated boundary for pilgrims.
  • After reaching the Miqat, pilgrims cleanse themselves, change into the Ihram attire, and declare their intention to enter ihram while reciting the talbiyah prayer.
  • The talbiyah is recited repeatedly on the journey to the Kaaba, and pilgrims must approach the Black Stone while saying “Allahu Akbar.”

2. Tawaf: Circumambulation of the Holy Kaaba

  • Pilgrims perform Tawaf by circling the Kaaba seven times, kissing or pointing at the Black Stone each time they pass it.
  • After completing Tawaf, pilgrims pray two rakats, and these prayers are valid only if they recite specific supplications during each of the seven circles.
  • To conclude Tawaf, pilgrims should finish the seventh round where they began.

3. Sa’i: Seven Rounds between Safa and Marwah

  • Following Tawaf, pilgrims perform Sa’i by walking seven times between Safa and Marwah. They begin by ascending the Safa hill to see the Kaaba from the Safa door with deep devotion.
  • They then descend and proceed to the Marwah hill while reciting “Subhan Allah” and approach the two green pillars.
  • This act is repeated seven times, with each round covering a distance of at least 450 meters.
  • Male pilgrims must shave or trim their hair, while female pilgrims should cut at least half of their hair to complete Sa’i.

Umrah Duas and Supplications Dua, a personal form of communication with Allah, is a precious gift that allows humanity to connect with the divine. Muslims use dua to seek forgiveness, mercy, favors, and answers to their prayers.

While there are no specific verses to recite during Umrah, there are several duas (supplications) that the Prophet Muhammad recited at various points during the pilgrimage. Here are some recommended duas for Umrah:

  • Dua for traveling
  • Dua for the first sight of the Kaaba
  • Dua for entering the Haram
  • Dua before entering ihram
  • Dua for ihram
  • Dua for Tawaf and after completing Tawaf
  • Dua while drinking Zamzam water
  • Dua for Sa’i
  • Dua while leaving the Masjid al-Haram

How to Prepare for Umrah Preparation for Umrah should encompass physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. Here are some tips:

1. Physical Preparation:

  • Be physically fit as Umrah requires a considerable amount of walking.
  • Choose appropriate clothing, such as the Ihram, and break in your walking shoes or sandals beforehand.

2. Mental Preparation:

  • Attend classes or read about the history, prayers, rituals, and local customs related to Umrah.
  • This knowledge will help you appreciate the experience and reduce stress about the unknown.

3. Spiritual Preparation:

  • Reflect on your intentions and approach Umrah with humility and a pure heart.
  • Resolve any conflicts or differences with others before embarking on this sacred journey.

Umrah During Different Seasons Unlike Hajj, which has specific dates and can only be performed during the Hajj season, Umrah can be performed throughout the year. However, each season offers unique advantages:

Spring: Moderate temperatures make spring an appealing time for Umrah, although Mecca can get crowded.

Summer: While summer can be hot, it is less crowded, which can result in more affordable flights and accommodations. However, be prepared for the heat.

Autumn: This season offers a more humid climate, but it is less crowded and more affordable. Rain is less common during these months.

Winter: Winter is popular for Umrah due to pleasant weather.

More Questions about Umrah Package from India? Do you have more questions or need further information about our Umrah Package from India? Our dedicated customer service team is here to assist you. You can reach out to them online via live chat or send an email to umrah@intendtravel.com. Our customer service experts are available 24/7 to provide you with all the answers and assistance you require. Your journey of faith is important to us, and we are here to make it as seamless and spiritually fulfilling as possible.