What is Umrah? The Best Umrah Package for a Memorable Trip: The oldest and holiest site in Islam, Mecca, located in the western Hejaz Governorate of Saudi Arabia, is an important site for Muslims around the world.
Here the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam, is believed to have been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
While Saudi Arabia temporarily bans Umrah trips to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah for Saudi citizens and residents in the kingdom due to coronavirus concerns, Middle East Eye explains what the lesser-known pilgrimage is.
What is Umrah?
Umrah is the name given to the pilgrimage to Mecca, which is a shorter version of the annual pilgrimage gathering. The word "Umrah" in Arabic means "visiting an inhabited place".
Umrah provides an opportunity for Muslims to renew their faith, seek forgiveness and pray for their needs. And whoever does it is said that he is cleansed of his sins.
What is the difference between Umrah and Hajj?
Umrah is voluntary, but Hajj is mandatory for those who are physically fit and can afford it.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and Muslims who are able to do it must perform it at least once in their lives.
Umrah can be performed throughout the year, but the Hajj is only performed at a specific time, between the eighth and thirteenth of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Umrah is an almost spiritual "quick fix" and can be completed in less than two hours, depending on how busy you are. The pilgrimage is a more intense experience over several days.
The Hajj is one of the largest annual gatherings of people in the world, with more than two million pilgrims attending each year from some 188 countries. The Umrah, known as the "smaller" pilgrimage, can be performed by several million pilgrims each year, perhaps because it is cheaper and faster to complete.
The focal point of both pilgrims is the Kaaba, a black box structure located in the complex of the Grand Mosque in Mecca known as the Grand Mosque. Muslims also turn towards the Kaaba when they perform their five daily prayers, wherever they are in the world.
Both Umrah and Hajj share the same basic set of devotional acts, although there is a much more extensive set of rituals expected during the Hajj.
How do Pilgrims Travel to Umrah?
Worshipers from outside Saudi Arabia often travel by plane and need to apply for a special Umrah visa valid for one month. They must also have the meningitis vaccination, along with the correct documentation to prove it.
Travelers from neighboring countries can cross the border by car, but they will also need a visa.
For Saudis and those already living and working in the country, no special documents are required.
Muslims of any age can perform the Umrah and Hajj, and there are no restrictions on the number of times one can make the journey in their lifetime.
However, women under the age of 45 must be accompanied by a mahram, a family member, or a male relative over the age of 17. Women over the age of 45 can travel with tour groups without the need for a mahram.
The Grand Mosque complex is surrounded by a variety of hotels - from budget to seven-star establishments.
How to perform in Umrah?
1. Read Your Intentions:
As they walk towards the Kaaba, the pilgrims usually follow the Prophet of Islam Muhammad, recite the Talbiyah, announce their coming, and announce the unity of God.
Labika Lahma, Labbek (A), Labbaik, you have no partner, Labbaik (A), Ina Al-Hamda and Nnimata, Laka and the King (Peace be upon him), you have no partner.
(Translation: At your service, God is at your service. At your service, you have no partner, at your service. Truly all praise, grace, and dominion are yours. You have no partner).
Upon entering the Grand Mosque, the mosque complex that houses the Kaaba, pilgrims enter with the right foot and pray to God for mercy and forgiveness.
2. The Pilgrims Circumambulate
The pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise in deep prayer. It starts from the eastern point of the Kaaba, where the Black Stone is located, which is said to date back to the time of Adam and Eve and is highly regarded by Muslims.
The circumambulation can take 20 minutes when the mosque is not occupied but takes much longer when it is, and pilgrims may have to navigate the upper floors of the balconies of the sanctuary.
The purpose of this is to show devotion to God and to show unity among the worshipers.
3. Prayer: Pilgrims Pray and Recite Quranic Verses in Maqam Ibrahim
Ibrahim's place - a few meters from the Kaaba. Then they go to the water point to drink Zamzam, which is considered holy water.
4. Courier:
A few minute's walk from the Kaaba is Jabal al-Safa and Jabal al-Marwah, where Muslims recite prayers by walking back and forth between the two mountains seven times. The total distance traveled is 2 miles and the time it takes to complete it depends on the skill and willingness of the pilgrim.
The act of courier is a tribute to the Qur'anic story of Hagar, the wife of Prophet Abraham (or Abraham of the Bible), who was said to have wandered tirelessly between the mountains of Safa and Marwa in search of water for her son. Ishmael (Ismail) in a barren desert.
While Hajjar was running among the mountaintops, as Muslims believe, the angel Gabriel struck the ground and holy water flowed, saving the life of the child. Pilgrims still drink this same water today.
Upon completion of the quest, the pilgrims offer a final prayer.
5. Shortening:
Then many male pilgrims undergo shortening, which is known as shortening their hair, in one of the many barbershops that surround the area of the Grand Mosque.
Shaving the head symbolizes rebirth and the completion of the Hajj. Pilgrims cut a small amount of hair equal to the length of a fingertip.
This point marks the end of Umrah and pilgrims are no longer required to adhere to the Ihram regulations.
Mecca (Makkah)
Mecca - officially Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Makkah Al-Mukarramah (Arabic: مكة المكرمة, romanized: Makkah Al-Mukarramah, numbered, Hijazi pronunciation: [مكة المكرمة]) and the Hijazi pronunciation: [Makkah]), is a city in the region Mecca in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is located 70 km (43 mi) from Jeddah on the Red Sea, in a narrow valley 277 m (909 ft) above sea level. Its last recorded population was 1,578,722 in 2020 with an estimated population of 2,042 million, making it the third most populous city in Saudi Arabia after Riyadh and Jeddah. The number of pilgrims more than triples every year during the Hajj season, which is celebrated in the twelfth Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Mecca is generally considered "the source and birthplace of Islam". Mecca is revered in Islam as the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. Hira Cave is located on top of Jabal Al-Nour outside Medina, where Muslims believe that the Qur'an was first revealed to Muhammad. Visiting Mecca for Hajj is a must for all able Muslims. The Great Mosque of Mecca, known as the Grand Mosque, houses the Kaaba which Muslims believe was built by Ibrahim and Ismail. It is one of the holiest places in Islam and the direction of prayer for all Muslims (the Qibla).
Muslim rulers in and around the region for a long time attempted to capture the city and keep it under their control, and thus, like most of the Hejaz region, the city underwent several regime changes. The city was most recently conquered in the Saudi conquest of the Hejaz by Ibn Saud and his allies in 1925. Since then, Mecca has experienced a massive expansion in size and infrastructure, with newer and more modern buildings such as Abraj Al Bait, the fourth-tallest building, and third largest built area, towering above Great Mosque. The Saudi government also destroyed many historical buildings and archaeological sites, such as Ajyad Castle. Non-Muslims are strictly prohibited from entering the city.
Under Saudi rule, Makkah is governed by the Makkah Regional Municipality, which is an elected municipal council of 14 locally elected members headed by the mayor (called Amin in Arabic) appointed by the Saudi government. As of May 2015, the mayor of the city is Osama bin Fadel Al-Bar. The new mayor of Mecca is Saleh al-Turki. The city of the Makkah Municipality, which makes up Makkah and the surrounding area, is the capital of the Makkah Province, which includes the neighboring cities of Jeddah and Taif, although Jeddah is more populous than Makkah. The governor of the region as of May 16, 2007, was Prince Khalid bin Faisal Al Saud.
Planning to Perform Umrah in Makkah?
Planning to perform Umrah in Makkah can be an incredibly rewarding experience. But it is important to choose the right package, or you may end up with a less-than-ideal flight. How do you choose the best Umrah package for you?
There are many different packages to choose from, so it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. But don't worry, we're here to help. We have compiled a list of the best packages, so you can find the perfect package for your trip.
First
After thinking about your budget, it's time to start planning your trip. If you are unsure of your destination, there are many resources available to help you choose a destination. If you are looking for a more adventurous trip, there are many options available that will allow you to get off the beaten track and explore new and exciting places. However, if you are looking for a more relaxing vacation, there are also many options available that allow you to unwind and rejuvenate. No matter what type of trip you're looking for, there are package options available to suit your needs.
Secondly
When choosing an Umrah package for your trip to Mecca, it is important to consider your budget and the type of activities you are interested in. If you're only planning to stay for a few days, it doesn't make sense to opt for a package that includes lots of extra activities and sightseeing. However, if you are planning to stay longer, it may be worth choosing a package that includes some extra activities. This way, you will be able to make the most of your time in Mecca and see as much of the city as possible. A variety of different travel packages are available, so be sure to do your research before making any decision. With careful planning, you can ensure that your trip to Mecca is enjoyable and affordable.
Third
When planning a trip, it is important to choose a package that offers good value for money and includes everything you need for an unforgettable trip. This means checking what is included in the price of the different packages. Some packages cover only accommodation and transportation, while others include meals, sightseeing, and other extras. Make sure to choose the package that meets all your needs so that you can have an enjoyable and hassle-free vacation.
Fourth
One of the most important things to consider when choosing an Umrah package is the company you are booking with. There are many travel companies that claim to offer the best deals, but not all are the same. When looking for a reliable and reputable travel company, check out customer reviews and ratings. This way, you can be sure that you are booking with a reputable company that will provide you with everything you need for a hassle-free trip.
Finally
Finally, don't forget to read the reviews before you book anything. This is a great way to get an idea of what other people think about their experience with the different packages. By reading the reviews, you can get unbiased opinions on which package is right for you. And if you're still not sure, there's no harm in asking for recommendations. You probably know someone who has done the Hajj or Umrah before and they can provide some helpful advice. So don't be afraid to research before making a decision - it can make all the difference to your trip.
Conclusion
Choosing the best Umrah package can be challenging, but it is definitely worth taking the time to find the perfect package for you. By considering your budget, length of stay, and what is included in the price, you can choose a package that meets your needs and gives you an amazing experience. And don't forget to read reviews before booking - this is a great way to get what other people think of your trip. We hope this article helped you in your search for the best package. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to help!