Umrah is one of the special journeys in Islam. It is known as the most soul-lifting and peaceful Sunnah. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) only performed Umrah two times in his life, which shows how important it is. Millions of Muslims travel to Makkah and Madinah every year to carry out this religious act. They go with a clean heart, full of hope and love for Allah Almighty.
When someone performs Umrah with the right intention, they get so many rewards. They ask Allah to not only forgive their sins, but also bless them and their families. Umrah is not only a trip, but it is a way to strengthen your faith and purify your soul. If you’re doing this pilgrimage for the first time, get All Inclusive Umrah Packages for a smooth trip. In this comprehensive blog post, you will delve into the essential things that you need to know before starting this Umrah.
Things to Do Before Starting Your First Umrah
Be it visiting the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah or seeing the Kaaba, it is a dream for every Muslim in the world. The Umrah itself is full of blessings and offers a great chance to renew your Iman, deepen your faith in Allah, and ask Him for whatever your heart desires. The following are some of the things that first-time pilgrims must know to end up with a memorable journey.
Make Your Intention
Be sure to make the right intention before you begin your pilgrimage. It means you’re telling Allah Almighty that you want to do Umrah only for His blessings. This is termed ‘Niyyah.’ When your mind is ready and your heart is clean, your Umrah becomes more special. Allah knows what lies within your heart. By making the right intention, you will get a lot more rewards. It also helps you stay focused during the pilgrimage and makes your prayers more meaningful.
Plan Carefully
During your research, select a package that suits your budget and requirements. You can think about what facilities to include and what to exclude from the deal. Look for Umrah packages that include visa processing, flights, and several other amenities. Also, make sure that your Umrah operator is completely accredited and reliable enough to be trusted. More planning means a better pilgrimage. It doesn’t matter when you go for the pilgrimage, you need to plan carefully.
Know the Umrah & Ihram Basics
Take some time to learn about the basic rules and regulations of Umrah and Ihram. You must be familiar with how to dress yourself during the pilgrimage. You must also know what things to do and what to avoid when on the Umrah journey. Research about how to do Tawaf, Sa’i, and Taqsir for a successful pilgrimage. Don’t forget to learn what to chant while carrying out these rituals. This is how you can better do Umrah and strengthen your relationship with the Creator
Prepare Yourself Physically
The hot climate of Saudi Arabia can make you feel dizzy and nauseous once you arrive. One of the best ways to protect your body from the damage caused by heat is to drink as much water as you can. This is necessary, especially if you’re travelling for the first time. If you’re with children or elderly people, take extra precautions in the Masjid al-Haram. This is where you will come across thousands of pilgrims. You must be physically prepared for a hassle-free pilgrimage.
Visiting Makkah & Madinah
Once you reach Jeddah, you will have to decide if you want to jet off to Makkah or Madinah. Some pilgrims prefer seeing the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) city first and heading to all the divine places before going to Makkah to do Umrah. Others want to perform Umrah first. You must be very careful about whether you want to do the pilgrimage first or explore Madinah. Having everything well-planned in advance will help you enjoy your Umrah journey in a great way.
Accommodations Near the Haram
Booking accommodations near the Haram is very helpful if you’re performing Umrah for the first time. Are you thinking of doing Umrah with a family? Get Family Umrah Packages that offer hotel options in close proximity to Masjid al-Haram. It makes walking to the sacred mosque easy while saving time. You won’t get tired and will be able to spend more time in prayer. Being close to the Haram helps you stay calm and focus on worship without any possible disturbances.
A Checklist of Essential Items for Your First Umrah
If it is your first time pilgrimage and you don’t know what to expect, get Umrah packages UK. This is how you can end up with an unforgettable Umrah experience. On top of the above things, here is a list of some essential items you need to pack for a smooth and unforgettable journey;
Travel Documents
Have your documents properly organised and packed before leaving for the pilgrimage journey. This may include a visa, flight tickets, vaccination certificates, hotel booking confirmation copies, and any other necessary documents. It is recommended to keep them on top in a safer place, like a money belt. This will help make the documents easily accessible when required.
Clothing & Accessories
It is mandatory to wear white clothing during the Umrah rituals. This simple and white clothing is termed the Ihram. The Umrah will require you to walk and stand a lot, which is why it is advisable to pack some comfortable footwear. Some of the prayer essentials you must bring include five to ten light and breathable hijabs, slips, or light clothing for wearing under the abaya, and cotton Kameez Salwar. Despite this, don’t forget to pack your prayer mat in your bag.
Basic First-Aid Kit
It is always a smart choice to carry a small first-aid kit when starting a long trip, like Umrah. There is no doubt that an Umrah package can help you complete your pilgrimage with ease and comfort. You need to bring some essentials as well. You may feel pain, get tired, or catch a cold. It is good to be ready for every situation. Pack your prescribed medicines and keep the doctor’s prescription with you if you’re sick. Some helpful medicines include Dispirin and cough syrup.
Other Things to Remember for Your First Umrah
- Cultivate humility and patience as you undertake this spiritual activity.
- Be respectful to others, and don’t litter or make loud noises in public areas.
- Prepare for potential delays during your travels in Saudi Arabia and stay calm.
- Perform 2 Rakats of Salaat-al-Tawbah as a repentance for past bad deeds.
- Follow the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and offer five prayers daily.
- Read the Quran with a deep understanding and also practice its teachings sincerely.
- Interact with pilgrims from different backgrounds, avoiding meaningless arguments.
- Give Sadaqah to enhance your pilgrimage experience and get more rewards.
The Final Words
Before you begin your first Umrah, it is necessary to get ready the right way. You must be aware of all the key steps of this pilgrimage so you know what to do. Make sure your heart is completely clean. Your intention must only be to please Allah Almighty. Pack the right medicines, clothes, and many other essential things you need. Book a hotel to stay that is close to the Haram. This will help you walk easily and spend more time in Ibadah. Try to stay calm no matter what the situation is. Be respectful and considerate of others, and carry important documents with you. By following all these tips, you can make your first Umrah full of ease, comfort, and blessings. If you don’t have time to plan your trip, get cheap Umrah packages from a trusted agency, like Muslims Holy Travel. You’ll be provided with everything you may need.
