10 Essential Tips for a Perfect Umrah Experience
My earliest memory of the Kaa’bah is my childhood Umrah Trip, with my parents and siblings. I was a little kid back then, but I still remember a lot many things from that trip. It brought many spiritual changes inside me; the major one being getting regular in offering my Salah.
Fifteen years forward, and Alhamdulillah, I moved with my husband to Saudi Arabia. Being a (sort of) local here, I got many chances to visit the two Holy Mosques and perform Hajj and countless Umrahs.
Having a basic knowledge of Arabic has helped me do many things during my spiritual journeys, which a non-Arabic-speaking Pilgrim might not know of. Whenever I go for Umrah, I often see so many Pilgrims doing (religious) things wrong due to a lack of knowledge, as well as see them suffering administratively.
This always made me think, about how can I help people coming here (at a large scale) to have their best experience.
This thought process led me to write a book, ‘The Umrah Experience’ (Amazon), which covers both religious and administrative aspects of the Umrah. The book is unique, because, besides religious information, it includes 100s of things, which I have learned through experience.
Though it is impossible to explain all my experiences here, however, I have listed ten major takeaways/lessons from this book, which will prove to be very beneficial for anyone coming for Umrah:
Number 1. Preparation and getting into the right frame of mind
There are so many distractions in our routine lives, that sometimes we lose focus on what actually matters. Getting a chance to visit the Holy places is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, which can change your life for the better. Therefore, it is very important to get into the right framework, before coming here. Some important ones include improving your knowledge, knowing important things about both cities and the Holy Mosques, installing important apps, shopping for essential items, etc.
Number 2. Differentiating between Sunnah & Invocation
These days, many traditions, cultures, and hearsay have been added to the religion, and many such things seem part of the religion. This is very unfortunate and the main reason for this is a lack of knowledge. Many such invocations are also being done by Pilgrims in both Holy Mosques and it is very important to know & avoid such things. There is a separate section in this book on the subject, that covers many common invocations.
Number 3. Keeping yourself organized and forming a routine
To make the best out of this journey & to avoid being overwhelmed, one needs to stay organized and have a hold of things. For this, you need to maintain various lists like bookings, worship trackers, Du’a lists, shopping lists, places to visit, etc. It is only through this effort, that you can make the best of your trip.
Number 4. Easing your life
There are some facilities available in both Holy Mosques, which ca make your life easy. In Makkaah, you can get a wheelchair for the elderly or children. Both free and paid options are available, where the paid one comes with a rider. There is also an option of getting an electric vehicle on payment. In Madinah, free wheelchairs are available, while free electric vehicles/vans also move around the perimeter of the mosque throughout the day.
Number 5. Understanding the transport system
It is very important to have some knowledge about the transportation system in Saudi Arabia, to save yourself from initial confusion. Harmain High-Speed (HHR) Train is available at both Jeddah and Madinah Airports, which further goes to Makkah. Tickets are available at the airport or in their app. Careem and Uber also offer their services at competitive rates. Free buses to Masjid al Harum, Makkah are also available at Jeddah airport, while Taxis are the most expensive option.
Number 6. Tourism & Visiting Ziarahs
There are many historical and religious places that one can visit. A few ones include the Cave of Hira, and many Hajj places like Mina, and Araafaaat in Makkaah. In Madinah, one can go to the location of the Battle of Uhud, Qubaa Mosque, and buy dates from National Date Factory, which is the best place in Madinah to buy good quality and economical dates. Plus, there are many worth visiting museums in both Makkah and Madinah.
Number 7. The ‘Arabic’ Language ‘problem’
The staff at both mosques mostly speak Arabic and you will very seldom find someone who understands any other language. Therefore, keep an (offline) translator installed on your phone. Plus take help from the sanitary staff working inside the mosque etc, who knows Urdu and little English, for guidance purpose.
Number 8. Visiting Madinah & Riyadh ul Jannah
When in Madinah, everyone wants to pray inside Riyadh ul Jannah in the Prophets Mosque. Unfortunately, many people miss the chance because of a lack of information. You must install an app called Nusuk, as entry is restricted to appointments booked through the app only.
Number 9. Buying gifts & souvenirs
Before going back, people buy many souvenirs and gifts for loved ones back home. There are many shops nearby, where things might be a little expensive. Don’t forget to negotiate prices with the local vendors.
Number 10. The ‘Changed’ life ahead
After spending time at the holy places, you will find yourself ‘purified’ and spiritually ‘charged’. However, the important thing here is to understand that Allah had given you a chance to change for the better (& forever). Therefore, you must take along the good things done here for life. For example, offering salaah regularly, wearing a hijab etc are compulsory, whether you are doing Umrah or back home. So continue doing them when you are back.
May Allah accept all our good deeds and invite us to His house time and time again. Ameen.
You can buy the book, The Umrah Experience from here.
