Umrah is a holy pilgrimage among Muslims in the world. The urge to access the holy city of Mecca, to stand before the Kaaba, and to walk on the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is a life long ambition to many. When the time arrives, it is followed by a lot of happiness as well as the instinctive fear, especially when you are first time visitors to the pilgrimage.
In order to enjoy the experience in Umrah, one should be aware of the rituals and what the activity requires. New pilgrims are always concerned of losing an important procedure or getting lost in the large crowds. This is because knowing what to do at every level will enable you to commit all your energy towards worship, reflection and seeking closeness to Allah.
It is an action plan that breaks down the Umrah trip into phases. You will be introduced to the way to prepare prior to going home, what to do during each ritual and tips on how to move properly around holy places without injuring yourself. By the time you finish reading the reading, you have an unquestionable actionable guide to your spiritual journey.
This is a religious journey that must be organized with great consideration of the logistics. The most appropriate method of overcoming stress associated with traveling will be to acquire good Umrah Packages. When the flights, accommodations, and transportation in the country are left to the experts, then you can give all of your heart and mind to your religion. Masar To Mecca targets to make these crucial arrangements and it offers tailor made packages that will have first time pilgrims get to the sacred mosque without hustle and bustle.
Preparing for Your Sacred Pilgrimage
It begins in the heart even before you even pack your bags. A pure intention, which is called Niyyah, is the basis of a successful Umrah. You are obliged to make this pilgrimage on behalf of Allah, so that you can win his forgiveness and blessings. Spend some time during the weeks leading to your departure, reading the Quran, praying on your own free will, and reenting your past mistakes.
One should also get ready physically. Umrah rituals require much walking which is sometimes in excessive heat. Get into a habit of doing some mild exercises, such as walking a couple of miles a day, to build up stamina. You will also be required to pack your physical possessions. Lightweight breathable clothing, comfortable shoe, fragrance-free toiletries and your Ihram clothing.
Finding the Right Umrah Packages for Your Needs
The type of travel arrangements you make determines your whole experience in Saudi Arabia. In considering various Umrah Packages, how close is your hotel to Masjid al-Haram? Being within closer distance to the mosque can greatly help in mitigating physical fatigue, and you can easily attend all the five daily prayers in congregation. You must also ensure that whatever itinerary you have chosen contains good transportation between the airport, your hotel and the holy sites.
Step 1: Entering the State of Ihram
The initial phase of the official rituals of Umrah is ihram which is a state of holiness and prayer. Pilgrims have to wash themselves in a ritual bath (Ghusl) and cut their nails before they reach the specified limit called the Miqat.
Men are dressed in two unstitched, plain white sheets. One sheet is wrapped around the waist to cover the lower body and the other one covers the shoulders. The women wear loose clothes in all colors, that cover the full body except the face and hands.
You have dressed, and say in a formal way the intention of Umrah, and begin to repeat the Talbiyah: Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk (Here I am, O Allah, here I am). There are stringent rules of entering Ihram. You are not allowed to use scented soaps, you are not allowed to cut your hair, trim your nails or to have quarrelling. This simplicity leaves the world without differences, and the pilgrims are the same before Allah.
Step 2: Performing Tawaf Around the Kaaba
After arriving in Mecca, you will visit the place of Tawaf, which is Masjid al-Haram. In this ritual, one walks around the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise.
Starting the Circuits
Tawaf starts at the corner of the Kaaba where the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) is. Unless the crowds forbid it, kiss or touch the stone. When it is too congested just go before the Black Stone and put your right hand up and say Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) to start your circle.
Supplications and Pace
The first three circuits are when men are encouraged to walk briskly a practice called Raml. The rest four circuits will be done at a brisk walking pace. There are no stipulated prayers which are obligatory during Tawaf. You are able to repeat verses of the Quran, to make personal prayers in your native language, or to seek forgiveness.
Praying at Maqam Ibrahim
On finishing the seventh circuit, visit Maqam Ibrahim (the Station of Abraham). On this occasion, you present a two-rakah voluntary prayer. After this prayer, drinking water in the Zamzam well, which can be found in the mosque complex is strongly advised. Take your fill and say a hearty prayer, because the Prophet said that the Zamzam water is used to which it is drunk.
Step 3: Sa’i Between Safa and Marwa
The second one is the Sa’i, the day of honor to the struggle of Hajar (the wife of Prophet Ibrahim) who desperately searched the water to quench the thirst of her dying baby, Ismail. It is a ritual which is linked with seven steps between the hills of Safa and Marwa.
And you begin with the hill of Safa.Turn to Kaaba and raise your hands in supplication and proclaim that Allah is great. Then take a walk to the hill of Marwa. On the way, there is a point that is painted green where men are advised to jog or walk at a brisk pace. When you arrive at Marwa, turn your back to Kaaba and praise it again.
A lap of walking between Safa and Marwa is one lap and the second lap is counting between Marwa and Safa. You will finish the seventh lap at Marwa. During this walk, keep your mouth focused on the prayer and you are requesting Allah to guide you, bring you into good health and wealth.
Step 4: Halq or Taqsir (Clipping the Hair)
The last need of Umrah is haircutting. Men can either choose Halq (removing all the hair), or Taqsir (cutting off all the hair on the scalp evenly). It is much more recommended to shave the head and to have more spiritual reward. Women need only to collect their hair and trim a small section of it, say the size of a fingertip.
This is done in an official manner to lift the restrictions of Ihram. You may switch to normal clothes, apply scented items and be normal in your day to day activities again. Now you have finished your Umrah.
Frequently Asked Questions About Umrah
How long does it take to perform Umrah?
Real rituals of Umrah, namely, Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and hair cutting may be performed in three to six hours, or so, depending on the level of crowds and your own walking pace. The whole journey however takes one week or more to give time to do more prayers and see the historical sites.
Can I perform Umrah on behalf of someone else?
Yes, that is, you can do Umrah in place of a dead relative or a person physically unable to go there. Before you can perform Umrah on behalf of another person, you have to perform Umrah on yourself first.
The only way to make sure that you will be able to work through these physical and spiritual landmarks without losing your head in vain is to find a proper support system to travel with you. When you are searching through the different Umrah Packages, you will be able to identify an itinerary that will match your schedule, budget, and physical needs. Masar To Mecca is committed to offering these life changing trips, offering professional service, excellent lodging, and trouble free transportation so that you can devote full attention to your worship.
Begin Your Spiritual Awakening
Umrah is a journey that changes your life, it purifies your soul and renews your relationship with the Creator. Having some idea of the process, of how Ihram is made holy and the hair is shaved off, you will be able to go on this adventure with a feeling of confidence and humility. Ready your heart, make your bags carefully, and make Mecca your spiritual home.
Contact Masar To Mecca when you are ready to make a step to make sure that you finish this beautiful religious task. Their team of professional will help you to make the right choice of the travel arrangements to ensure that your pilgrimage is a safe, comfortable and a very satisfying reality.
