Umrah is a spiritual pilgrimage to the sacred cities of Saudi Arabia. The house of Allah is filled with Umrah pilgrims throughout the year. If you are also chosen for this sacred journey, this is the golden opportunity to wash away your sins and ask for forgiveness. It is mandatory to know all the rules of Umrah to perform its steps accurately. Due to the excessive crowd in months like Ramadan, many people prefer to go during the holidays. Many book April Umrah Packages to perform their Umrah in a less crowded environment.
However, the most important thing to know is how to accurately perform Umrah so its purpose is fulfilled. By the end of this article, you will know what things you should keep in mind while preparing for Umrah.
Documentation
Preparing your documents is the crucial step. Start assembling needed documents 2-3 months before leaving. Some processes, like a visa, take time, so it’s wise to start your work timely. If you are going with an Umrah package like Christmas Umrah packages, they mostly take care of the entire application process. Besides a visa, your passport is a necessary document. Make sure that it has more than six months left in its expiration.
An ID card is another important document that shows your identity and nationality. As these documents are carefully checked at the airport so don’t miss any. Prepare your vaccination cards before leaving, as these are also required for your and others’ safety.
We suggest that you take copies of important documents as well, in a separate file or bag, to avoid any trouble. Travel insurance and documents of accommodation should also be packed along with other documents.
Physical Maintenance
As Umrah requires extensive walking, the process demands physical fitness and good health. Make sure to actively walk daily for two months before starting your journey. Consistent exercise and walking build your stamina, which is important so that you are not out of breath during Umrah. Keep yourself hydrated and eat healthy food. Fix your sleeping schedule, as this also impacts your physical as well as mental health. To prepare the final vaccination documents, make sure to start your medical checkup as early as possible.
Don’t forget to take your medicines with you. Even if you don’t have any particular medical condition, carry the tablets for headache, flu or cough. Make a small bag or pouch for keeping your medicines with you in the haram so you don’t have to worry.
Spiritual Preparation
The key thing is that you keep the intention of executing Umrah. You receive tremendous rewards by keeping a pure intention before starting your pilgrimage. This is a perfect time to do istaghfaar and repent for your sins. Be steady in prayers and recite the Quran every day to develop a firm spiritual bond with your creator. Control your temper and show patience with the inconvenience in your life.
Keep doing dhikr and listen to the Islamic lectures on YouTube or spend extra time in the mosque to get more knowledge about your religion. In this way, you are mentally ready to complete the steps of Umrah efficiently.
Steps of Umrah
It is mandatory to learn and remember the steps of Umrah. Most of the steps are the same for both men and women. However, there are some exceptions. You must know the obligatory steps, including Tawaf, Sa’i, Halq and Taqsir. The last step for men is to shave their heads, while for women, it is trimming their hair. To enter the state of Ihram, it is important to clean yourself thoroughly by performing ghusl. When you book a package like Christmas Umrah packages, they guide you about the rules and steps to perform Umrah.
The best part is that there are female guides for female pilgrims and male guides for men. Moreover, you don’t need to worry about the language barrier. They will guide you in your language. To ease your communication, we advise installing a translation app on your phone.
Financial Preparation
Make sure that you are financially prepared to embark on the Umrah journey. You might get a less expensive Umrah during holidays like Christmas. Therefore, we suggest that you apply early to avail a discount on Christmas Umrah Packages. Make sure to carry the Saudi riyal in your pocket, which is the national currency of Saudi Arabia. You can use this cash during an emergency or when a credit card is not acceptable. If you don’t have cash, then you can use the currency exchange option at the airport to convert your money into Saudi riyals.
Pack Wisely
While preparing your luggage, make sure to pack light and essentials. It is important to pack light clothes so you can change them regularly and prevent yourself from smelling of sweat. Females were obliged to wear an Abaya before, but now they can wear clothes that cover their heads and bodies properly. Women should pack appropriate dresses that are according to the rules of Umrah.
Besides clothing, it is also important to keep an umbrella with you when you are in Haram or during Sa’i. Always keep a power bank in a bag that you will carry everywhere you go. It will help you recharge your phone without worrying about finding an electricity plug. To keep yourself hydrated, a water bottle should be in your bag as well.
Don’t forget to pack the required toiletries like sunscreen, moisturiser and hand sanitiser. Also, keep a face mask and a prayer mat to avoid any inconvenience.
Ending Statement
Planning to go for an Umrah? Prepare for your spiritual journey by focusing on these tips to make your pilgrimage full of blessings and forgiveness. If you are planning an affordable Umrah journey during the Christmas holiday, check out the Christmas holiday packages. These packages turn your Umrah journey into a pilgrimage full of blessings and forgiveness. You are able to focus on the things that are really important, like the rituals of Umrah, instead of thinking about your residency or meals.