Umrah: The Sacred Journey To Saudi Arabia

Spirituality is the essence of your happiness and where your heart’s desires lie. It will help you develop a stronger connection to everything inside and outside of you. A spiritual journey is a very individual and intimate quest to deepen your insight into life consciously. Umrah is a noble spiritual journey undertaken by all Muslims around the world. In Arabic, Umrah means ‘a visit’ to the Holy Kaaba (the Sacred House of God). Muslims worldwide can perform it at any time of the year, unlike Hajj. 

 

Things To Do During Umrah

Jabal Al Nour 

Jabal Al Nour, also known as the “Mountain of Light” or “Hill of Illumination,” is well-known for the Hira cave, the site of the Prophet Mohamed’s initial revelations. It is possible to see for miles around this rocky peak. Jabal Al Nour is a well-liked destination for pilgrims due to its significance in Islamic history and the breathtaking views of Makkah and the Holy Mosque from its top.

Masjid-e-Aisha 

Masjid-e-Aisha is the second-largest mosque in Makkah. It is also referred to as Masjid-e-Taneem. Masjid-e-Aisha is where most pilgrims begin their Umrah or Hajj journeys in the sacred state of Ihram, as it has the significance of being the starting point of the sacred state of Ihram. The mosque is named after Prophet Muhammad’s wife, Aisha.

 

What Are The Rules of Umrah?

• The pilgrim preparing to perform Umrah must be in a state of spirituality. Fighting, cursing, or use of foul language is prohibited in such a state. In Arabic, the state is called Ihraam, which means forbidden. They also cannot harm any animal, even an insect. Breaking any of these will nullify Umrah. 
• Pilgrims are forbidden from shaving, cutting, or plucking their hair, using make-up, perfume, or other items. According to Islamic law, engaging in any of these would render Ihraam void. 
• The final step is to declare the intention to perform. This has to be done when the pilgrim arrives at the entry point to Mecca, the Meeqat. The pilgrims then offer a prayer. 

Pilgrims must abide by all these rules until they complete their journey.

 

How To Perform Umrah?

The pilgrims have to perform three essential ceremonies during the Umrah trip. Those are: 

• Tawaf
• Sa’i 
• Halq 

A pilgrim’s journey is complete once they have carried out these three acts, which are necessary for entering the Ihram, the holy state a Muslim must take to do the Hajj or Umrah. 

The rituals are concise when compared to Hajj. The steps to perform Umrah are as follows: 

• Wash your body, put on Ihram clothing, and enter the Ihram (state of purity and dedication). 
• In the miqat station, recite the Talbiyah to indicate that you intend to go on pilgrimage. Visit Makkah. 
• After entering the Holy Mosque, Masjid Al Haram performs Tawaf by making seven counterclockwise circles around the Kaaba. 
• Perform Sa’ay, which involves walking the Kaaba’s surrounding hills seven times (Safa and Marwah). 
• Men leave Ihram after Umrah by shaving their heads (taqseer). For women, completing Umrah involves shaving off a little portion of their hair.

 

What Is The Purpose Of Umrah?

Umrah’s primary goal is to purify the soul of past sins. A Muslim is permitted to make the Umrah more than once in their lifetime. As a pilgrim invests their resources and time in the service of Allah, it is also considered as protection from poverty and life’s responsibilities.

What Is The Difference Between Hajj And Umrah?

Umrah and Hajj are two different kinds of pilgrims. 

• Hajj has a specific period to perform. Whereas, Umrah can be done throughout the year. 
• Umrah can be completed within two hours, but Hajj is more extensive and can only be completed over a few days. 
• Umrah is known as the ‘smaller pilgrimage,’ as it is cheaper and briefer to complete. As Hajj is one of the largest annual gatherings of Muslims worldwide, it is more comprehensive. 
• In Mecca’s sprawling Masjid al-Haraam complex of mosques, the Kaaba is the center of both pilgrimages. Muslims face the Kaaba as they perform their five daily prayers, no matter where they are in the world.

Where To Stay?

If you are wondering where to stay once you reach, look at the stay options we have for you. The below given are a few great stay options with the best reviews and affordable prices. 

• Four Points by Sheraton Makkah Al Naseem Hotel
• Swissôtel Makkah Hotel
• Al Kiswah Towers Hotel
• Park Inn by Radisson, Makkah Al Naseem

• Holiday Inn Makkah Al Aziziah Hotel

Available Visas

There are two major visas available for people traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah: the Umrah visa and eVisa.

Umrah Visa

Umrah visa is issued to Muslims worldwide to enter Saudi Arabia to perform the Umrah pilgrimage. The visa has a 90 days stay validity and has access only to Jeddah, Makkah, and Medina.

 

eVisa

The eVisa for GCC residents is not restricted to other Saudi cities. The visa would cost around 80 USD in addition to the health insurance costs, providing single- and multiple-entry options. The eVisa will be a one-year, multiple-entry visa, allowing tourists to spend up to 90 days in the country. Please note that the eVisa is not applicable during the Hajj season. Click here to learn more about eVisa.

 

The spiritual journey can help you be more at peace with yourself and the world. It is always great to include the spiritual side during our quest for greater happiness, success, and freedom. Fly to Saudi Arabia and indulge yourself in this spiritual experience. Savor the moment and experience the tranquility that Saudi has to offer! And to get up to 11% off on flights to Saudi, use code: HOLIDAY while booking. Also, get up to 12% off on hotels in Saudi Arabia with code: STAY12.

While you explore the spiritual side of Saudi Arabia, don’t miss out on the capital city’s biggest gala, Riyadh Season 2022. Know all about Riyadh Season’s events and purchase your tickets on our platform.