Travelling for the first time on an Umrah can be very spiritual and introspective. Umrah is also known as the lesser pilgrimage and it is a very sacred journey of Islam. Muslims can perform Umrah at any time of the year. It is an opportunity for seeking proximity to Allah and gain spiritual rewards so that the pilgrims can wash off their sins.
Preparation for the Journey
When pilgrims expects and wants perfection in their journey, then they choose Umrah Packages for an unforgettable experience. Here’s what should pilgrims expect if they are at Umrah and travelling for the first time to help in preparing journey of transformation.
Get Ready For the Ultimate Spiritual Experience
While the preparation time for Umrah is almost an existential experience that would get you self-reflective and teach a lesson in piety and humility. Before Umrah, pilgrims might be want to resolve all conflicts and differences with others and seek forgiveness from them. So you may get onto the journey with a heart, full of joy and peace.Get ready for the ultimate spiritual experience with our Umrah Packages which offers unique spiritual experience.
How To Make Umrah Niyyah
The first major rite is that niyyah for Umrah or Ihram must be made before crossing Meeqat or regional boundaries. In simple words, this is the intention of doing any worship act and it should be followed by Talbiyah.
Know about the Duas to read during Tawaf
You can recite any duas or supplications which you may remember during your Tawaf. This is the time when all such duas will accept. You can say Arabic duas in your local language. However, it would be very much recommended that you learn the Arabic Sunnah duas and say them during your Tawaf. Some asks for blessings and forgiveness.
Accept all cultural differences
Prepare to learn more about the Arab way of life there. They tend to take a nap during the afternoon, and they are more active in the evening, especially when it’s winter. That’s why many shops are not open during the afternoons. The stores also stay open much later on the weekend since in some regions, every Friday and Saturday is considered the weekend.
Must Try Arabic Dishes
When you go there, expand your horizons and palette as well, and try the different varieties of food and drinks. The Arabic coffee has of different varieties and is usually served with sweet dates to even the taste out. There would also be served tea afterwards with various varieties too, depending on the season and climate.
Must know about The Rituals of Umrah
Pilgrims expect that they should know about the rituals of Umrah before travelling. Umrah includes several acts: the state of Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’ee and halq or Taqsir. Special prayers are also offer for Allah and pilgrims seek repentance. Here is the explanation of these acts.
Ihram
Ihram is a ritual which anybody which anyone intend to perform Hajj or Umrah should carry it out. If a person does not enter into Ihram then his hajj or Umrah wouldn’t be acceptable. Performance of pilgrimage in Ramadan will more enhance your spiritual journey’s experience. In your Ramadan Umrah Packages guide you will know what Ihram is and the proper procedure for putting it on.
Mostly, packages include guidance on wearing Ihram in correct way. It is also important to know that what special restrictions are made for entering into the state of Ihram. These prohibitions are as follows:
- It is not allowed for pilgrims to shave hair and cut their nails.
- The men are not authorized to wear stitched clothes.
- The ladies are restricted to show any part of their bodies except face and hands.
- Neither man nor woman shall use perfume or fragrant soap. You will be provided with odourless soap to be used during the pilgrimage.
- Pilgrims should not allowed to hunt any animal and plant or tree.
Ihram is that state when pigrims enter it during Hajj or Umrah. It demands purified rituals and proper clothes for its entrance. If pilgrims do not follow these prohibitions then their Umrah will not be accepted.
Tawaf
During Umrah or Hajj, the performance of semi anti-clockwise circles of the Ka’abah is known as Tawaf. In this sense, Tawaf would serve as a concrete reminder to Allah about unity in the Muslim community. Tawaf experience is a deep travel where sacred motions intensely engrave in the hearts and souls of those who practice it. Ramadan Umrah Packages usually offer guided assistance for Tawaf and its performance. The significance of Tawaf has great spiritual value in the sense of devotion and submission to Allah.
Sa’ee
Like Tawaf, Sa’ee is obligatory worship during Umrah. Agents of packages will also provide information about the performance of rituals. Walking back and forth seven times between the two hills known as Hills of Safa and Marwah near Ka’abah.This act further commemorates the journey of Hazrat Hajrah while she went in search of water for Hazrat Ismail. It represents sufferings and trials that Hazrat Hajrah(A.S) went through to acquire water.
Halq or Taqsir
You have to do Taqsir if you want to leave the state of Ihram, after Sa’ee. If you don’t do this ritual, you shall not come out of the Ihram state. Head shaving and hair cutting refers to Halq and Taqsir respectively. For taqsir, a small amount of hair must be trimmed. While women cannot perform Halq.
Final Verdict
This journey is going to be extremely profoundly spiritual and perspective. The Umrah rituals around Kaaba, as well as those between Safa and Marwah, are going to be a blend of excitement and reverence. You will encounter friendship with fellow pilgrims and the warmth of shared devotions. Prepare for physical challenges but expect the moments of deep spiritual connection. This journey will help to make one’s faith deep as well as provide the personal growth. On return home, keep remember the lessons and memories of this sacred pilgrimage.
