The most pious journey is a lifetime opportunity for Muslims. And Muslims have the aim to complete this voyage for seeking Allah’s love and forgiveness. Thus, it is great to make yourself prepare to find the spiritual and worldly benefits of Umrah. The pilgrims must prepare everything in advance and get a memorable Umrah ahead.
Understand how to perform Umrah?
If you get an opportunity of Umrah, then try to make it right and powerful for the beautiful memories. During Umrah, pilgrims need to follow such steps:
- Utter intention: The intention of Umrah is a critical thing. The pilgrims must have the pure intention that solely utter for the pleasure and love of Allah (SWT). It is great not to share your journey on social media and keep the act pure between you and Allah Almighty. Before and during Umrah, pilgrims must ask themselves about the value and purpose of Umrah.
- Ihram: Ihram is a sacred state and Muslims must utter specific words to come into this state. This is a vital thing to understand and Muslims should get familiarity with the Ihram state. However, Muslims need to attain physical purity as well before wearing Ihram attire.
- Tawaf: The pilgrims need to perform Tawaf and circle around Kaaba seven times as a way to show love and devotion to Allah Almighty.
- Sai: The pilgrims also walk back and forth between Marwa and Safa
- Halq: It is the last ritual of Umrah, the men shave their heads and women need to clip their hair for completing Umrah rituals.
Pick ideal season to perform Umrah
Umrah is a Sunnah and can be executed throughout the year. The UK residents should pick the right and less crowded season and understand the different types of packages. Many people love to perform Umrah in Ramadan and many other plans this journey in December, so it is best to pick the right timing for performing Umrah.
- Do your homework rightly
Want to get the most Umrah benefits? Make sure to conduct necessary planning and research for Umrah’s journey. Planning does not bring peace of mind but takes all the stress away from your pious journey. So, pilgrims can focus on prayers and supplications of Umrah.
Although, the pilgrims must choose reliable travel agents who can take care of transportation, accommodation, and food facilities in Makkah. The best thing is to do proper homework and learn the basics of Umrah.
With this, the pilgrims must take care of completed documentation like passports, tickets, vaccination certificates, and other critical documentation. Lastly, the pilgrims must learn the supplications of Umrah to have a spiritual journey.
Make physical preparations
- Build up energy
It is vital to understand that Umrah requires a lot of physical stamina and energy. The pilgrims need to walk many miles and kilometers in Makkah. Saudi Arabia is a hot region and pilgrims have to face scorching heat while performing Umrah. Thus, it is vital to prepare yourself for long-distance walks and start exercising. It is great to do exercise and walk two or three months before Umrah. It is also advised to have healthy food habits and adjust sleeping times. A healthy mind can go a long way and easily perform Umrah in a crowded place.
- Take proper vaccinations
The pilgrims must keep the current scenario in mind and must take COVID-19 vaccinations before going for Umrah. Haram is a crowded place where millions of Muslims do Umrah, so the Saudi government creates some restrictions for the prevention of COVID-19. If you want to have a sacred journey, then don’t forget to wear masks and maintain social distance from others in Haram.
- Medical necessities
It is a must to have a complete medical checkup before Umrah. It is the first thing that pilgrims must do to have a memorable and sacred journey to Makkah. The physically fit pilgrims can do any task and they can avoid any health issues during Umrah. Health issues may affect your Ibadah and Muslims never get a chance of pleasurable Umrah.
What packing essentials?
It is a comprehensive need to pack essential things before embarking on a sacred Umrah.
- Documents
- It is necessary to take filled and signed visa application form
- Passport size photographs
- The passport must be valid for 6 months from the day of submission
- Vaccination certificates
- Return tickets
- Proof of arranged accommodation in Makkah, Medina
- If you convert your religion, then submit documents and certificates of the Islamic center in the UK, it is mandatory.
- Other essentials to pack
- 2 pieces of Ihram
- Prayer mat
- Pocket Quran
- Umrah guide or book of supplications
- Waist bag
- Tasbeeh
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes according to the weather
- Towel, soap, shampoo (fragrance-free)
- An umbrella
- Basic and required medicines
- Nail cutter, pair of socks
- Some other things to understand
The huge Umrah benefits could be achieved by picking a cheap Umrah deal that must be achieved by spending Halal earnings. Yes, Muslims can’t take loans to cover Umrah’s expenses, otherwise, Umrah should be considered invalid.
It is great to understand the exchange rates for your currency against Saudi Riyal and carry enough money to spend in Makkah. The costs of Umrah will vary from region to region.
However, the men must know how to wear Ihram and must get a guide to wear Ihram from their friends or the internet.
Keep yourself ready for spiritual experience
Umrah is a spiritual experience for Muslims. To have a sacred journey, the Muslims ask forgiveness from others and enjoy a peaceful trip to Umrah. Also, remember that you are going for an Umrah trip that is the blessed trip of life. So, you need to perform this trip with pure intention. Have a journal of personalized supplications and don’t forget to make Dua for every Muslim. So, don’t forget to take advantage of this holy journey.
