Assalamualaikum, dear Reader and Pilgrim.

We hope this finds you well, excited and looking forward to your special journey to the sacred lands Insha’Allah. 

Umrah, derived from the Arabic word ‘i’timar’, is a pilgrimage to Mecca that can be undertaken at any time of the year. It is a step towards the enlightenment and rejuvenation of the soul. 

YOUR PATH TO DIVINITY AND DEVOTION :

There are some distinct limitations and rituals that need to be followed during Umrah. The Umrah rites comprise four main pillars: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and Halq.

 If you are willing to delve into this spiritual journey and looking for an Umrah Guide for First-Timers, then this blog is for you.

RITUALS OF UMRAH : 

Ihram:  The First Step - 

Ihram is a sacred state that Muslims enter during Umrah. It comprises external preparations like removing unwanted hair, taking a bath, clipping your nails and wearing the right garments; two white, clean pieces of cloth and sandals for men. Women should dress modestly, and their hands and faces should stay exposed.

Having the right transport and accommodation is necessary to perform Umrah for first timers. AI Mazaarath  ensures that you get the best prayer facilities during your travel to complete each step and ritual in peace.

After you reach the accommodation, freshen up, but refrain from using scented shampoos or soaps. It is best to enter the Masjid al-Haram as soon as you can to perform the next step, which is Tawaf al-Umrah or Tawaf. Enter with your right foot first and keep your gaze lowered till you reach the place where the Tawaf will be performed. 

Tawaf: The Second Step - 

The next step is Tawaf, for which you should be in a state of wudhu. It starts from the corner of the Kaaba, where the  Hajar al-Aswad is located. Perform the niyyah and start the Tawaf by moving in an anti-clockwise direction.

Tawaf should be done with no interruption and by keeping the Kaaba to the left at all times for eight times. This is followed by two rak’ahs of salah. Then, drink ZamZam water and proceed to the Multazam area.

Sa’i:  The Third Step -

Before Sa’i, you should do Istilam another time. Then, move to the hill of Safa and make Du’a. After that, head towards Marwa. Once you reach, turn to face the Kaaba and recite the supplications you recited at Safa.

Complete seven laps of this, and it should end at the hills of Marwa. After that, undertake two rak’ahs of nafl salah in Masjid Al-Haram and leave with Haram with your left foot first.

Halq:  The Fourth Step -

The last step is to shave your hair. You can also get it trimmed by an inch. This is to leave the Ihram state and end the Umrah.

 Few Factors to Consider :

1.Have a budget in mind.

2.Keep all travel documents ready.

3.Keep medicines handy.

READ THIS BEFORE PLANNING  UMRAH :

It is the dream of every Muslim to go on this sacred pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime, but the hardest part of this task is how to manage everything if you are going on your Umrah for the first time. If you too are going through the same problem, then below we have provided some of the tips which you should consider :

1. PLAN CAREFULLY :

During your research, choose an Umrah package that suits your budget as well as your requirements. Look for Umrah packages that include flights, accommodations and other required facilities. Also ensure that your Umrah tour operator is authorized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Saudi Arabia.

2.  Familiarize yourself with Umrah and Ihram rules :

Take out some time and learn about the rules and regulations you should adhere to during your Umrah. Learn about how you should dress during Ihram, and what are the things you should and shouldn’t do during Ihram.  

 3.  Prepare yourself physically for the Umrah :

The hot and humid climate of Saudi Arabia can make you feel nauseous and dizzy, once you reach here. The best way to protect your body is to stay hydrated throughout your Umrah journey. Also, take extra precautions in Haram where you will come across thousands of pilgrims. Avoid sharing contaminated food or water to prevent yourself from unwanted diseases. Half of your problems regarding Umrah will be solved if you will buy the most suitable Umrah package. 

AI Mazaraat, is a complete solution provider for Umrah tourism. Providing high-quality end-to-end Umrah services, personalized itineraries, and 24* 7 travel assistance.

If you are looking for a comprehensive travel solution to Umrah, look no further than AI Mazaarath is the perfect and one time solution for you. The company is dedicated to making your Umrah journey a spiritual endeavour and takes care of every aspect, from visa to tickets and accommodation, with complete assistance.

Keep travelling with us !