Umrah is a non-obligatory pilgrimage to Makkah which is highly rewarding. This pilgrimage acts as a profound act of worship to cleanse the soul, seek forgiveness for the sins and strengthen their faith in Allah Almighty. Umrah is often known as the ‘minor pilgrimage’, and offers immense spiritual rewards, and hadith indicates that it washes sins between the pilgrimages as well as brings Allah’s mercy. For the first-timers, Umrah preparations include securing a valid passport with validity of at least six or more months, Umrah visa, vaccination certificates and booking confirmations. One must pack two sets of Ihram, modest clothing, comfortable slip-on sandals, fragrance-free toiletries, medications, and a smart phone with travel apps. It is quite easy to avail Saudi Umrah visa online nowadays as you can submit the application on Nusuk app and get your visa. There are various stages of the Umrah pilgrimage and every stage requires a different checklist. The following guide breaks down various stages and the preparation required for each one of them. The Planning and Booking Phase The assurance of a successful trip lies in its careful and vigilant planning. The impeccable planning ensures that you avoid any last-minute hassles and solely focus on your spiritual intentions. There are several key factors that you must keep in mind while you are planning and booking for the Umrah trip. Choose a Reputable Agency This is the most predominant factor and can make or break your overall planning. Many pilgrims fall prey to the fraudulent agencies and suffer due to various hidden clauses that are not clearly communicated at first. On the contrary, Islamic Travel agency, is the most trusted name in UK and is known for transparent packages, excellent service, and decades of experience. Select a suitable Umrah Package There are variations in Umrah packages depends upon your budget, desired duration and comfort level. You can choose between luxury package, family-friendly option or a more budget conscious trip. There are cheap Umrah packages as well as luxury Umrah packages for you to choose from and you can discuss your preferences with the team at Islamic travel agency so that they can choose the perfect fit for you. Documents for Visa Application The documents that you will need to apply for Umrah visa are listed below along with their specifications. Travel Insurance It is highly recommended for unforeseen circumstances like medical emergencies or trip cancellations. Packing Essentials While packing one must keep this in mind that less is often more, but this might not be suitable for everyone. There are certain items that are crucial for comfort and compliance with the Umrah regulations. A basic list of items that one must carry along when travelling to Makkah for the Umrah pilgrimage, is mentioned below. Ihram Garments Comfortable Footwear Sandals or slip-on shoes are ideal for Tawaf and Sa’i, and it is easy to remove them at mosques. Unscented Toiletries It is absolutely crucial to use unscented toiletries to use while you are in Ihram. Hence it is compulsory to pack unscented soap, shampoo, lotion, and deodorant. Small First-Aid Kit A first-aid kit is a must have and it should include band-aids, pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, any personal medications and ORS. Basic Medications For common issues like fever, cough, cold and stomach bug, you must carry a bunch of basic medications. Other Items Apart from all of these non-negotiables, there are several items such as prayer mat and small Quran for your personal use. A travel pouch must be carried to keep your passport, money and important documents safe. To keep your devices charged, you must keep a power bank and a universal adapter. A reusable water bottle, sunglasses, hat and sunblock is a must to carry along. You must carry a small shoulder bag, pack of few sets of comfortable and modest clothing for visits to historical sites and a light blanket and shawl for the air-conditioned buses or mosques. Tips for a blessed experience during your journey Once you have reached the holy land, you must focus on the worship and make the most of every moment. Some of the tips that you must follow are mentioned as follows. Sustaining the Blessings Post-Umrah Your journey does not end with your return to the hometown. You must express gratitude to Allah for enabling you to complete your Umrah. After your return back home, you must share your experience and inspire others with your journey. Along with this you must strive to continue the spiritual practices that you adopted during Umrah. Performing Umrah is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many and by following this comprehensive checklist, you can alleviate much of the stress associated with preparation, which allows you to focus on the spiritual essence of your pilgrimage.
Can I perform multiple Umrahs in one trip?
Yes, you can perform Umrah multiple times in one entry. Most of the scholars agree to perform another Umrah in a single entry, especially if the person is from another country and it is difficult to come again. However, before starting another Umrah, you must complete the rituals, including shaving and trimming the hair and exiting the Ihram of the first Umrah, and go to the five points of Meqaat to start another one. There are no Islamic restrictions on performing Umrah multiple times on one trip. Islamic Travel is offering Umrah Packages UK for 7,10,12 and 14 nights at most affordable rates. British Muslim pilgrims can perform Umrah multiple time in just one visit. Islamic Ruling: In Islamic teachings, performing multiple Umrahs is not forbidden. According to many scholars, performing more than one on a single entry is allowed. Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) performed one Umrah at one time, but many of his companions performed multiple Umrah during their stay at Makkah. However, keep in mind that Umrah is all about true and sincere intentions, not fame and competition. How to Perform Another Umrah? To perform another Umrah on the same entry, pilgrims need to follow some important factors. Pilgrims must follow: Exit Haram & Renew Ihram Pilgrims cannot perform Umrah in the state of Ihram. To perform another Umrah, they need to exit the state of Ihram while completing the rituals, then enter into a new state of Ihram, making a fresh Niyyah or intention. British Pilgrims can perform by booking Easter Umrah Packages in the month of April. Most Common Meqaat for Extra Umrah: Masjid Aisha (Taneem) To start another Umrah, pilgrims need to renew their Ihram. The most famous and easily accessible Meqaat point in Makkah is Masjid Taneem or Masjid Aisha. Pilgrims gather at the mosque and enter into a new state of Ihram. How Many Umrahs Can You Perform? There is no limitation on performing Umrah. You can perform as many as your health and budget allow. However, it is wise to prefer quality over quantity. Focus more on praying, worship, recitation of the Quran, and making specific Dua, keeping a sincere intention, helping others, and doing good deeds instead of repeating Umrahs excessively without any reflection.
