Umrah Preparation Tips – What You Need to Know Before You Go

After Hajj, Umrah is considered the most sacred pilgrimage for the Muslims. It is called “lesser pilgrimage” because it is not mandatory for everyone to perform. It offers a chance for Muslims to refresh their faith and repent for their sins. Therefore, every year millions of Muslims from around the globe book Umrah Packages to perform Umrah as an act of devotion and worship. It is the dream of every Muslim to take on the journey to the holy land of Mecca once in their life.

Key Umrah Preparation Tips: What to Know Before Your Holy Trip

Set Intention

The first and foremost thing to do is to set your intention or Niyyah. Make a sincere Dua and ask Allah for forgiveness and mercy before leaving. Ensure that this journey is solely for seeking Allah’s divine blessings.

Enhance Your Knowledge About Umrah

There is a lot of information present on the internet regarding Hajj and Umrah. Hence, you need to find suitable books and authentic resources to learn about the rules and regulations of Umrah and its rituals. Discover the holy places of Mecca and Medina to spend maximum time there and enhance your spiritual journey.

Choose the Right Umrah Package

Do your research and pick an Umrah package that suits your budget. You can also check the facilities being provided and what else you want to add. It is also important to research the travel agency you wish to book with. Make sure that it is authorised by the Hajj and Umrah Ministry of Saudi Arabia. Speak to friends and family members who have been to Umrah before with a certain travel agency you want to go with. Every travel agency provides varied facilities and quality to the pilgrims. In this way, you will gather more reviews and opinions; hence, decision-making will be easy.

Know the Rules of Ihram

Ihram is a specific piece of white cloth fixed for men to wear during Umrah. However, women can wear any attire they want that is not revealing. Mostly, they wear a long abaya covering them from head to toe except the face. Ihram for men consists of 2 white cloth pieces that are not stitched together. Here are a few things that pilgrims need to know about Ihram. Being in Ihram, men cannot use perfumed soap. They are advised to use a non-perfumed soap. While getting ready for Ihram, it is essential to take a shower, cut nails, and trim pubic and underarm hair to maintain cleanliness. For both men and women, maintaining an aura is essential. Therefore, before going to Umrah, they must keep in mind the rules of Izar and Rida.

Keep Your Paperwork Ready

The most significant part of Umrah Preparation is keeping your travel documents and luggage ready. Leaving them for the last moment can result in much hassle. So, to avoid any inconvenience, keep your Umrah visa, passport, insurance, vaccination certificates, medical prescriptions (if any), and other necessary documents ready.

Pack Your Luggage Wisely

Going to Umrah is not like a regular recreational trip. It needs careful attention and wise packing. So, always keep the most necessary items in your bag. Make a separate handbag too to put daily-use things in so that you may not have to unzip the large bag and sort your things out. That can be daunting. Here is a list of essential things to carry with you:

• An extra Ihram
• Towels
• Socks and comfortable footwear
• A prayer mat (to do secluded worship at Ziyarat places)
• Daily use items (toothbrush, paste, soap, tissue, comb, mirror, etc.)
• First aid kit and necessary medicines
• Extra tools containing needles, scissors, and nail cutters (optional)

Stay Hydrated

The climate of Saudi Arabia remains hot and humid for most of the year. Pilgrims who come here for Umrah or Hajj are not usually accustomed to such weather conditions. So, they feel dizziness and suffocation. Therefore, the best way to beat the intense Saudi heat is to stay hydrated. Drink a lot of water to keep your body fresh. If pilgrims are travelling via Family Umrah Packages, they must take care of their family members, especially kids. Kids and elders have low stamina, so they are more likely to feel thirsty and drained out. Therefore, it is necessary to take precautions for them, especially in Haram when the crowd is thick.

Prepare Well Physically

Umrah is a strenuous task and demands extensive walking and running (between Safa and Marwah during Sa’ee). Those who are not in the regular habit of walking often find difficulty in performing the Umrah rituals. Thus, they may fall sick and might not be able to perform their religious duties in a hassle-free manner. Therefore, before going to Umrah, make a practice of walking daily for 10 minutes.

What Else to Do Before Leaving for Your Umrah Journey?

There are a few things every pilgrim should keep in mind before going to perform Umrah.

Seek Forgiveness

Umrah is a journey to cleanse the mind, body, and soul. Hence, before you go to Umrah, visit your friends, family, and neighbours and ask for their forgiveness for any of your hurtful actions. It is a good chance to clear grudges and go with a purified heart on the pilgrimage.

Pay Zakat

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. So, if you are planning to go to Umrah, help those in need. It can be in any form, either money, food, or clothes. Helping the needy brings good luck and they always remember you in their Duas, thus, making you earn double rewards.

Perform Salah

It is recommended to offer Salah before going. It can be offered with the intention of gratitude and safety during the pilgrimage. Pilgrims can offer two rakat of Salah as they leave their houses. After you have done offering Salah, make Dua for a safe journey. Call for Allah’s help, mercy, and blessings on the way.

In a Crux

When a Muslim intends to perform Umrah, he must embark on this holy journey with a clear conscience and good intentions. He must ask for forgiveness, call for Allah’s help and mercy, and refrain from violence and misconduct. As Umrah is an act of devotion and love for Allah, it is a journey that calls to practice love and generosity and live a pious life. So, if you want to plan Umrah this year, contact Muslims Holy Travel and get Umrah packages at the best prices.