Are you going to perform Umrah? If you plan to go to Umrah for the first time, you are in the right place. Here, you receive 14 tips to perform Umrah for the first time. Along with these tips, use the additional Umrah guide services in Umrah Packages if you travel alone because everything will be unfamiliar if you belong to America and Europe.
Umrah is a minor pilgrimage (Muslims considered) or a short version of Hajj that every Muslim wants to perform. It can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Muslims, so they should achieve this with full passion and spirituality.
So, without wasting further time, let’s discuss some valuable tips for the first-timers of Umrah:
For the very first, learn about Umrah
Muslims face difficulties while performing Umrah and its rituals. First-timers of Umrah mainly face this issue. To avoid this situation, you should prepare yourself so that you will not meet any problems. Take knowledge of Umrah from different platforms such as online portals, watching videos streaming Umrah, from Islamic scholars, reading books, etc.
After preparation, book your flights and accommodation to stay in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina
You are going to holy cities and don’t want to return by spending just one day. Is that? Therefore, pilgrims prefer to stay in Saudi Arabia for 7, 10, or 14 days. For visiting, you must book the reservation and services you will use during your stay. So, go for an excellent reputable travel company which will arrange your flights and accommodation.
A visa is mandatory to travel to Umrah
If you travel from any other country, you must have a valid visa to travel to Umrah. Pilgrims typically use Umrah and tourist visas to travel to Saudi Arabia. But Saudi Ministry used to change the visa issuance policies day by day. It all depends on your country of residence. You can take advantage of e-visa, which is now very easy, accessible, and famous, especially for Western countries residents.
Pack lightly for Umrah
Umrah for the first time can’t be easy. You have to take care of many things. Always pack your luggage according to your days of stay and fill the Umrah essentials. Weather consideration is the most important, so you must pack according to the weather. Usually, the temperature in the holy cities did not get too cold throughout the year.
Bring comfortable shoes for Umrah
Umrah requires walking, and sometimes, you can use transportation. But when you have to perform rituals of Umrah, you will be required shoes. So, it’s best if you bring comfortable shoes with you. But don’t buy new shoes as they can irritate you. Always carry used-on shoes with you to stay comfortable.
Bring a small backpack/money belt with you
You must keep some items with you while you are performing the pilgrimage. It would be best to carry a small backpack or money belt. Nowadays, a money belt is trendy as you can keep your things in that.
After arriving in Mecca, wear Ihram first
You must wear Ihram for the first ritual to perform Umrah in Masjid al-Haram, located in Mecca. Ihram is a specific attire (typically white) for men and women (Abaya). One must wear Ihram to perform the remaining three rituals of Umrah. Once you complete the rituals, you can take off your Ihram attire. Now you can also do everyday daily life work.
Performing Tawaf
Tawaf is the second ritual of pilgrimage. It’s related to walking/running around the Holy Kaaba. Performing Tawaf is a more honourable act during Umrah. Muslims consider it a blessing to kiss or touch the Holy Kaaba. You can make Duas and other supplications while performing Tawaf
Performing Sa’i
Performing Sa’i is the third step of Umrah that one has to do. Sa’i includes walking or running between the hills of Safa and Marwah. This ritual is honoured to Hajira (A.S), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) and the mother of Prophet Ismail (A.S).
Have your hair properly shaved or trimmed
It will be your last ritual of Umrah. It’s related to cutting or shaving the hair. Shaving is usually associated with men, and trimming the hair relates to women. Once you have made your pilgrimage, it will become necessary as this will mark your Umrah to completion.
Make Duas and supplications for your loved ones
Umrah is incomplete without making Duas and supplications to God. A pilgrimage is a golden opportunity to make yourself closer to Allah (SWT). Try to make more Duas for yourself and your loved ones as much as possible. Take a Duas list or buy it from Mecca or Medina market to have more spirituality.
Be grateful for Umrah
You have got the excellent opportunity to perform Umrah. Does it look to be? You should be grateful to God because it was a great advantage for you. When you make Duas to Allah (SWT), also say thanks for this fantastic opportunity that you have been rewarded.
Visit the Prophet’s Mosque
Prophet’s Mosque is very famous and well known during the pilgrimage. After Umrah, most pilgrims spend the rest of their days of Umrah packages in Medina. Medina is a very calm and peaceful city. Muslims spend their time in Masjid An-Nabwi, offer prayers and Duas, make supplications, etc.
Enjoy the experience
Umrah can be a rewarding and memorable experience for you. So, try to make the most of your pilgrimage. Take moments as cherished ones and enjoy them. Try to have some fun with your family members to keep them happy. Make happiness and help others. One more thing: keep yourself hydrated when visiting some Ziyarats or any point. Mecca is a very hilly area, and the temperature is moderate there.
In conclusion, Umrah, for the first time, can be difficult, and you may face some hesitating situations there. All you need to know is to plan appropriately and well in advance to avoid any hassles at the last minute. Ensure you have also booked your Umrah package in advance with your flights. May you have a good Umrah journey!