Things to remember before leaving for Umrah?
The “Umrah” is a pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, performed by Muslims that can be undertaken at any time of the year, in contrast to the Haj. In Arabic, Umrah means “to visit a populated place”. It is the ultimate form of worship, as it involves the spirit of all the other rituals and demands of the believer great efforts for getting close to Allah. All the rites of Umrah are performed in the city of Makkah mainly. To visit Madina is not an obligatory Umrah rite, but the unique merits of the Prophet’s city, his Mosque and his sacred tomb attract every pilgrim to visit it.
The pilgrims should learn about the piousness of Makkah and Madinah for having a complete attachment with the Almighty Allah during Umrah. The different books that discuss about the virtues of Umrah should be considered to learn about Umrah.
Step By Step Guide To Umrah:
1. Know the Rules of Ihram:
There are simple rules that people can violate without thinking. For example, know that you can’t use scented soap when in ihram, so try to get some unscented soap before you leave. Another rule is that you can’t cover your head with your ihram (for men). So even if it’s really sunny, don’t wrap that towel to protect yourself.
2. Barber Hygiene:
At the conclusion of Umrah, it is customary for men and women to cut their hair. For men, don’t just cut a snip of your hair. Instead, cut your hair all around, even if you don’t want to shave it. For women, don’t expose yourself and cut your hair at the Kaaba. Wait until you get back to the hotel so that you can take off your hijab and cut your hair. Don’t sacrifice your modesty because you’re in a hurry to finish your Umrah.
Prepare for Ihram through cleansing rituals, e.g. cut nails, pubic hair, under arm hair and taking shower or bath etc. This is likely to be at one’s home, unless you are going to Madinah first.
4. Ihram Attire
Wear Ihram attire. For men just two sheets of unsown white cloth and women can wear any clothing
5. Salah before making intention
If possible perform a salah before making intention (niyah) for Umrah. The Prophet (PBUH) pronounced his niyah after Salatul-Dhuhr.
There is no such thing called salatul-Ihram as some books highlight this. If there is no impending salah, one may make intention after performing two rakat travelling salah.
Prepare a list of all the essential dua’s for Umrah and make a habit of reciting them few times a day.
5. Check List of Necessary Items:
Following is a check list of items to be carried for Umrah:
1. Ihram
2. Towel
3. An Umbrella
4. Pair of Slippers& Socks
5. Tooth Brush, Tooth Paste/ Mouth Wash, if necessary
6. Shampoo & Soap, Packet of Tissues and Toilet Tissue Roll
7. Alarm Clock
8. Basic Medicines Disprin, Ponstan, Strepsils, Cough Syrup, Immodium, etc.
9. Face and hands washing soap, Detergent of cloth washing Soap
10. One or Two Cups and glasses
11. Nail Cutter&Scissors
12. A prayer mat if needed.
Make sure you have all the travel documents necessary before you leave:
1. Your Passport
2. Your Identity Card
3. Your Airline Ticket
4. Hotel Vouchers
5. Transport Vouchers or Tickets
Choosing a right travel agent for Umrah is the foremost thingaffecting the quality of the services and amenities in your journey. If you have made the intention to embark upon this truly unique journey, Planhajumrah can host your trip. We pride ourselves in providing excellent services and focusing only on one goal: your absolute comfort. Our best Hajj and Umrah packages range from 5 Star to Budget Hajj with special Umrah deals. We assist the pilgrims in planning and execution of their long awaited supplication for Haj and Umrah. You can choose any package, rest assured that we endeavor our best to provide you with all the comfort, religious and practical advice which will allow you to dedicate yourselves to perform the monumental task at its best.
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