The journey of Umrah is an extremely spiritual journey undertaken by millions of Muslims across the globe. Unlike Hajj, which is a non-mandatory pilgrimage, Umrah is a religious and emotional pilgrimage that is not mandatory. The holy city of Makkah is visited by the pilgrims to seek blessings, forgiveness, and spiritual fulfillment. Umrah can be done at any time of the year, so many Muslims plan their trip in accordance with their convenience and religious aspirations.
To embark on this sacred journey, one needs to know about the various types of Umrah, the rules and the needful to make the journey smooth and hassle free. Among the most critical steps in this process is getting an Umrah Visa to allow pilgrims to enter Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage. If you know how to plan, how to know and how to devote, Umrah can be a very transforming experience for every believer.
Umrah al Mufradah is an independent pilgrimage which can be performed at any time of the year except during the specific days of Hajj. This flexibility is what makes it the preferred choice for many pilgrims who wish to visit the holy city of Makkah outside the crowded Hajj season. During off peak months, pilgrims can perform Umrah without difficulty and can also enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere and a more in depth spiritual connection, as there are fewer people during Hajj.
This Umrah is suitable for Muslims who have no plan to perform Hajj in that year. Umrah Al Mufradah is a spiritual renewal for many people who visit Makkah to seek forgiveness and blessings. As Hajj is not linked to this, pilgrims can plan their journey at a time that is convenient to them, for personal reflection, gratitude or to fulfil a lifelong dream of visiting the holy sites. The flexibility of Umrah al-Mufradah allows more Muslims all over the world to perform Umrah.
Umrah al-Tamattu is an Umrah that is done in the period before Hajj, in the time of Hajj. Pilgrims who wish to perform Hajj al-Tamattu first perform Umrah and then wait for Hajj. It enables them to discharge two separate acts of worship in one trip to Makkah. Pilgrims who perform Umrah al-Tamattu experience the heightened spiritual fervor and the sense of preparation for the Hajj journey at the time of Hajj season.
Pilgrims who perform Hajj al-Tamattu have a break between their Umrah and Hajj rituals, and hence the term is “Tamattu” which means “enjoyment”. They leave the state of Ihram after Umrah is completed and go out of it temporarily until the beginning of Hajj. This method of making the pilgrimage is easier physically because it gives you some relaxation between the two acts of worship. This type of Umrah is chosen by many first time pilgrims because it is a structured and step by step approach to the full Hajj experience with the ability to perform Umrah separately.
All international pilgrims who intend to perform Umrah are required to have a valid Umrah Visa except for Saudi citizens or residents. A tourist visa allowing Umrah may also be used by some travelers to enter Saudi Arabia. For a visa application, a valid passport, proof of accommodation, return tickets, and necessary vaccinations are usually required. This is why it is advisable to apply through authorized travel agents or the official Saudi visa portal. It is important to make sure you have a valid visa to avoid any last minute travel disruptions.
Pilgrims have to enter into Ihram before they begin their Umrah journey. Men wear two unstitched white garments and women wear modest clothing which is in accordance with Islamic guidelines. In Ihram, the pilgrims must follow certain restrictions like not wearing perfume, cutting nails, arguing, hurting any living creature. Ihram is the state of purity, humility and devotion to Allah when one enters. Umrah pilgrims declare their intention for Umrah at the designated Miqat (entry point) before heading to Makkah. It is very important to observe the rules of Ihram so that the pilgrimage should be performed in a correct and sincere manner.
The intention (Niyyah) of Umrah has to be clear and sincere before the commencement of Umrah, and the pilgrim has to make Niyyah to perform the pilgrimage for Allah’s sake only. And this is while in the state of Ihram and the recitation of Talbiyah.
O Allah, I have come to perform Umrah.
The point is that Islam teaches that everything that you do in worship should be done with pure intention. The pilgrimage may not have spiritual value if there is no proper Niyyah, since actions in Islam are judged by intentions.
Umrah has two most important rituals, Tawaf and Sa’i. The first part of Tawaf is completing seven counterclockwise circuits around the Kaaba, beginning from the Black Stone. It is done in each round reciting prayers and supplications, seeking Allah’s mercy. After Tawaf, pilgrims then walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times as a part of Sa’i. This is an act that commemorates Hajar (the wife of Prophet Ibrahim) in search of water for her son, Ismail. Tawaf and Sa’i are devotion, perseverance and submission to Allah’s will.
Tahallul is the end of Umrah, the act of trimming or shaving one’s hair as a symbol of purification and renewal. The men will shave their head completely (Halq) or trim their hair (Taqsir) and the women will cut a small portion (about an inch) of their hair. This is a step of humility, spiritual rebirth and a new beginning after performing Umrah. After Tahallul, the pilgrims are released from the restrictions of Ihram and allowed to revert to their normal state. The blessed journey of Umrah ends with this last step and the pilgrim is spiritually fulfilled and closer to Allah.
Umrah can be done at any time of the year, though it is advisable to avoid peak seasons such as Ramadan and school holidays to have a less crowded and more peaceful trip, which makes it easier to reach holy sites.
Outdoor rituals are challenging during the hot and dry summers in Saudi Arabia. For warmer months, travel is recommended with hydration, light clothing, and ritual planning in cooler times of the day.
If you are booking a hotel near Masjid al-Haram, then it is convenient as you will not have to walk much. There are different transport options available such as shuttle buses, taxis or ride hailing services to facilitate travelling between Makkah and Madinah.
You will find Duas, prayers and rituals familiar before you begin your Umrah experience, which makes it easier for you. A more meaningful and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage is achieved by reading about the significance of each step.
Performing Umrah is an extremely spiritual experience that unites Muslims with Allah. Types of Umrah, rules and the essential requirements are understood and it is smooth and meaningful journey. It does not matter whether you do Umrah al-Mufradah or Umrah al-Tamattu, proper planning, spiritual preparation and adherence to rituals will increase the importance of this sacred pilgrimage.
Before going on your Umrah journey, make sure to get the Umrah Visa and prepare your physical and mental self. However, if one needs the right knowledge and devotion, Umrah can be a truly transformational experience that closes your eyes with renewed faith, peace, and spirituality.
Mohamed Al Tenaiji Travels offers expert travel and Umrah services worldwide. We strive to provide a seamless and unforgettable journey for our clients.
