How to get smooth Umrah experience from UK?

 Are you dreaming of embarking on a transformative Umrah journey from the UK? Planning a smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage requires careful preparation and guidance. From securing your travel documents to navigating the logistics of accommodation and transportation, every aspect plays a crucial role in ensuring a seamless Umrah experience. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore actionable tips and expert advice to help you unlock the ultimate Umrah journey from the UK.

Begin with Thorough Research

Embarking on an Umrah journey from the UK starts with thorough research and planning. Start by familiarizing yourself with the Umrah process, including visa requirements, transportation options, and accommodation choices. Utilize reliable sources such as travel agencies specializing in Umrah packages or reputable online resources to gather information and insights.

Transitioning from research to action requires careful consideration of your budget, travel dates, and personal preferences. Evaluate different Umrah packages offered by travel agencies, comparing prices, inclusions, and reviews from previous pilgrims. By arming yourself with knowledge and insights, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions and tailor your Umrah journey to suit your needs.

Secure Your Travel Documents Early

One of the key steps to ensuring a smooth Umrah experience from the UK is to secure your travel documents well in advance. Start by applying for your Umrah visa through authorized agents or directly through the Saudi embassy. Be sure to check the latest visa requirements and guidelines to avoid any last-minute complications.

Transitioning from visa acquisition to travel preparations involves organizing essential documents such as your passport, flight tickets, and accommodation reservations. Double-check the accuracy of your travel information and ensure that all documents are up to date and valid for the duration of your Umrah journey. By taking proactive steps to secure your travel documents early, you'll minimize the risk of delays or setbacks that could disrupt your pilgrimage plans. 

Choose a Reputable Umrah Package

Selecting the right Umrah package is essential for a smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage experience from the UK. With a wide range of packages available, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury accommodations, it's important to choose a package that aligns with your preferences and budget.

Transitioning from package selection to booking involves evaluating various factors such as accommodation quality, transportation arrangements, and included services. Look for packages offered by reputable travel agencies with a proven track record of organizing successful Umrah journeys. Read reviews from previous pilgrims and inquire about any additional services or amenities included in the package.

Optimize Your Travel Itinerary

Crafting a well-planned travel itinerary is essential for maximizing your time and experience during your Umrah journey from the UK. Start by outlining the key activities and rituals you wish to undertake, taking into account the logistics of transportation and accommodation.

Transitioning from itinerary planning to execution involves optimizing your schedule to make the most of your time in Makkah and Madinah. Coordinate your travel arrangements to ensure seamless transitions between holy sites and maximize your opportunities for prayer and reflection. Consider factors such as prayer times, crowd levels, and transportation availability when planning your daily activities.

Stay Connected with Reliable Communication

Maintaining reliable communication channels is crucial for staying connected and informed throughout your Umrah journey from the UK. Ensure that you have access to a reliable mobile network or Wi-Fi connection to stay in touch with your travel companions, family members, and travel agency representatives.

Transitioning from communication setup to active engagement involves utilizing communication tools such as messaging apps, email, and phone calls to stay updated on important announcements, changes in itinerary, or emergency situations. Keep important contact numbers handy, including those of your travel agency, accommodation providers, and local authorities, in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

Embrace Cultural Sensitivity and Etiquette

Respecting the cultural norms and etiquette of Saudi Arabia is essential for a harmonious and respectful Umrah experience from the UK. Familiarize yourself with the customs and traditions of the host country, including appropriate dress codes, behavior in public spaces, and adherence to religious practices.

Transitioning from cultural awareness to respectful engagement involves adopting an open-minded and respectful attitude towards the local customs and traditions. Be mindful of your actions and behavior, refraining from activities that may be considered disrespectful or offensive. Embrace the opportunity to learn from the local community and engage in meaningful cultural exchanges during your Umrah journey.

Prepare Mentally and Emotionally

Embarking on an Umrah journey from the UK is not just a physical pilgrimage but also a deeply spiritual and emotional experience. Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the challenges and rewards that await you on this sacred journey.

Transitioning from preparation to readiness involves cultivating a mindset of humility, gratitude, and devotion as you embark on your Umrah pilgrimage. Take time for introspection and reflection, preparing your heart and soul to connect with the divine during your time in Makkah and Madinah. Seek guidance and support from fellow pilgrims, religious scholars, and spiritual mentors to nurture your spiritual journey and deepen your connection with Allah.

Suggested Read: How to reach Makkah for Umrah from UK?

Conclusion: Your Journey Awaits

As you prepare to embark on your Umrah journey from the UK, remember that each step you take is a sacred opportunity to draw closer to Allah and fulfill your spiritual obligations. By following these actionable tips and embracing the guidance provided, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the complexities of Umrah travel with confidence and ease. May your pilgrimage be filled with blessings, enlightenment, and divine guidance every step of the way. Safe travels, and may your Umrah experience be a source of spiritual renewal and fulfillment.

Umrah once enough in Ramadan, pilgrims told

Cairo: Saudi authorities have urged Muslims to limit themselves to one Umrah or lesser pilgrimage during Ramadan to ease overcrowding.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said that limiting oneself to one Umrah in Ramadan after getting Umrah Packages, a usual peak of the ritual, curbs jostling and allows other Muslim fellows a chance to undertake their Umrah.

“Features of altruism include enhancing amicability and cooperation among people. Satisfaction with one Umrah during these blessed days is a form of this good behaviour,” the ministry tweeted.

Earlier this week, a Saudi official disclosed that Nearly 2 million performed Umrah at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca since Ramadan started on April 2.

They have undertaken the rituals from the first of Ramadan until its 10th day in line with health precautions, added Osama bin Mansour, the deputy head at the General Presidency for Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques for Congregation Management.

“The General Presidency has devoted its full capacity to serve the Umrah pilgrims during the holy month of Ramadan and fully designated the courtyard [around the holy Kabba] for them to undertake the circumambulation ritual,” he added.

Saudi authorities have recently eased measures for performing Umrah as the kingdom has largely relaxed restrictions against COVID-19.

The ministry has lifted several precautionary measures including cancellations of permits for praying at the Grand Mosque and visiting the Prophet’s Mohammed Mosque in Medina.

The ministry has also said the immunisation check to enter both holy sites has been scrapped for all worshippers.

The ministry has, moreover, cancelled the once-obligatory registration of immunisation data for overseas Muslims to get an Umrah 2022 permit.

A mandatory presentation of a negative PCR test result to get access to both sacred places has been lifted too.

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Originally published at https://gulfnews.com on April 15, 2022.

Brief History of Hazrat Abu Bakr

Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was born in Makkah and he belonged to one of the respected families of the Qureshi tribe (Bani Tamim). His family name was Abdullah, but he was commonly known as Abu Bakr because of his parents. His parents Uthman and Salma were also recognized by the names Abu Quhafah and Ummul Khair.

He was 2 years younger than the Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). He was the closest companion of Muhammad (PBUH) from his youth and remained till the end. He adopted the profession of trade. He was the 1st among the Sahaba (Companion) to accept Islam.

One day Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) was praying in the Kaaba, while some of the chiefs of Makkah were sitting in the yard of the Kaaba. Uqba ibn Abi Mu’it took a long piece of cloth and put it around Muhammad’s neck and twisted it hard in an attempt to choke the Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) to death. At that time, Abu Bakr was passing from here, he saw Uqba trying to strangle Muhammad to death.

Immediately Abu Bakr (RA) ran to the help of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), he pushed Uqba aside and took the cloth from around the neck of the Prophet. The enemies of Islam came down upon Abu Bakr Sadiq (RA) and beat him unmercifully but Abu Bakr showed himself as a rock and he didn’t care about his life. He was very happy to save the life of the Messenger of Allah.

He freed many slaves, including Hazrat Bilal e Habshi (RA) and Hazrat Umayyah bin Qahaf (RA). Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) participated in all the battles in which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had to fight the Kuffar.

At the Battle of Badr, the son of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was fighting on the side of the Kuffar. After accepting Islam, Hazrat Abdur Rehman (RA) who was the son of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) said to his father, “O Father at Badr, you were twice under my sword, but my love for you held my hand back.” To this, Hazrat Abu Bakr Sadiq (RA) replied, “Son, if I had you only once under my sword, you would have been no more.”

At the time of Gazwa e Tabook, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) donated all his wealth to the war. When Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) asked him,” What have you left for your family?” Abu Bakr Saddiq (RA) answered, “Allah and His Rasool (SAW).”

Islam was growing fast in Makkah, the enemies of Islam were getting frustrated by this fast growth. Then chiefs of Makkah decided to kill the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Allah Almighty revealed to his Messenger the intentions of the polytheists and order him to migrate to Madina. So the Messenger quickly went to Abu Bakr’s house.

The Messenger (PBUH) informed Abu Bakr Saddiq (RA) that was ordered to migrate to Madina that night and that he has chosen him to have the honour of joining him on his migration. The polytheists were so eager to find the Prophet (PBUH) they were searching for him like mad hounds. Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) and Hazrat Abu Bakr Saddiq (RA) came to the mouth of the cave and this cave name is Saur.

When any Muslim visit this site during Umrah then He/she sees this amazing cave where Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) and Hazrat Abu Bakr Saddiq (RA) rested during the migration from Makkah to Madina. Therefore everyone needs to choose the Umrah Package, so that, he/she visits this holy site.

How Abu Bakr earned the title of Saddiq:

After the event of Miraj, Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) told people about his travel to Miraj the next morning, then polytheists asked about Mirah from Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), Abu Bakr (RA) replied: Muhammad (PBUH) was saying true. Thus Prophet (PBUH) gave him the title of Saddiq which means “the truthful”.

As a Caliph:

After the death of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), there was an election held for Caliph. In this election, Hazrat Abu Bakr Saddiq (RA) was chosen as a Caliph.

During the reign of Abu Bakr Saddiq (RA), Hazrat Umar (RA) advised him that is very necessary to accumulate the Holy Quran in one piece. Hazrat Abu Bakr Saddiq (RA) took action against the Iranian Empire.

Hazrat Abu Bakr Saddiq (RA) fell ill at this time and passed away on the 21st of jamadi- ul- Sani 13 A.H. His ruling time was 2 years and 3 months. He was dead when his age was 63. Hazrat Abu Bakr Saddiq (RA) was buried with the grave of Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

Can we Performed Umrah After Hajj

 

The Hajj sometimes spelt Haj, is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims are expected to complete a minimum of once in their lifetime. The word Hajj is an Arabic word, meaning ‘to intend a journey’.

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam – the others are shahadah (declaration of faith); salat (daily prayer); zakat (giving of alms); sawm (fasting in Ramadan).

 

Who should go on the Hajj?

Those Muslims should go on Hajj at least once in their lives who have gotten their puberty age, but mentally, financially and physically fitness is needed for any travelling. Pilgrims can add the title of "Hajji" to their names.

When is Hajj 2022?

This journey must take place in the month of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. Hajj rituals are performed from the 8th to the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah.

According to the Gregorian calendar, this time Hajj 2022 will begin in the evening of Thursday, 7 July and ends in the evening of Tuesday, 12 July.

Umrah

Umrah is the name given to Makkah, a short version of the annual Hajj gathering. The word "Umrah" in Arabic means "visiting a populated place".

Umrah provides an opportunity for Muslims to renew their faith, apologize and pray for their needs. He who does this is cleansed from his sins.

 

Difference Between Hajj and Umrah

Umrah is optional but Hajj is obligatory for those who are physically fit and can afford it.

 

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and Muslims are able to perform it at least once in their lives.

 

Umrah can be performed throughout the year, but in the Islamic lunar calendar, Hajj is performed only at a specific time between the 8th and 13th of the last month of Dhul-Hijjah.

 

Can you get Umrah visa after Ramadan?

Umrah visas are not available after Ramadan for Umrah Visa seekers, as Umrah visas are not issued after the second week of Ramadan.

 

However, Umrah and Hajj can be performed on tourist visa till the season.

 

 During this time, Muslims will not be able to travel to Mecca or perform Umrah on tourist visas.

 

I know one reason why people want to go for Umrah after Eid-ul-Fitr is because hotel prices drop significantly. It is also a quiet time for Umrah.

 

Can You do Umrah before Hajj

Sadly, the limits of the Hajj season are far away but the good news is that you can go for Umrah on a tourist visa after Ramadan and till the beginning of the Hajj season 2022.

 

People are not issued visas for Umrah after Ramadan so you have no way to go. Only those persons can perform Umrah after Ramadan who is GCC citizens.  If you are planning to go for Umrah with a reasonable price and low rush time of people then I suggest you to please book your September Umrah Package after Hajj.

Can a Pregnant Women Travel for Umrah

 

Yes a Pregnant Women go For Umrah

 

If a lady goes for the Umrah, then her pregnancy isn't an enormous excuse and not an enormous issue for her to be not going for the performance of the identical.

2. she will be able to avoid the places where there's an excessive amount of an oversized number of things or people considered together.

 

3. If she is unable to perform Tawaf and Sa'i, she will do so in a wheelchair or assign someone to carry the equipment.

4. many of us settle to try and do Umrah in comfort with none hardship.

Umrah is every now and then called the lesser or small journey. This includes visiting the Holy Ka'bah, the Masjid al-Haram, which Muslims visit after receiving the appropriate Umrah Package, as well as the Hajj, yet varies in this Umrah it. is not mandatory, may be finished amid any month of year, and doesn't have same rituals the identical as Hajj.

 

Performing Umrah is neither basic nor required, yet it's a benefit and performing it even once in life can bring a pilgrim great prizes. In spite of the actual fact that a tiny low journey than Haj, Umrah is similarly as consecrated and similarly as noteworthy. it's likewise a more adaptable choice for those battling with certain commitments and time or financial constraints.

There are different rules regarding the performance of Hajj and Umrah which every Muslim can easily do daily through cheap Hajj and cheap Umrah package depending on the nature of the situation. Certain rulings are just regarding the ladies because the problems and situation of the ladies altogether differ from the lads. When it's the matter of a pregnant woman, there's no reason why a pregnant woman mustn't perform the Umrah. A pregnant woman is in an exceedingly state of purity, she must pray and fast, and if she is divorced by Talaaq, her divorce is suitable per the Sunnah. she will be able to perform the Umrah during her pregnancy still.

 

 

1. It’s stated within the Sunnah that Asma bint Umays R. A, went out for Hajj with the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him). When She was pregnant and appearing term, and he or she gave birth at the Meeqat.

 

2. It is further stated by the Ayesha (R.A) that She gave birth to a boy, name Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr, at the place of Sharjah and the Prophet, (Peace Be Upon Him), told Abu Bakr to tell her to do ghusl and enter Ihram.   (Narrated by Muslim, 1209).

3. If you get more information about this subject. So you accompany this site Umrah Packages. You get the simplest and each information in it.

 

 

1. a girl who is pregnant and honourable doctors tell her that going for Umrah will create a risk to her or her baby.

 

2. Because she is sick or weak or for a few other reason, then she should be prevented from performing Umrah at that point.

 

3. This is specified by the words of the Prophet: “There should be no alarming nor reciprocating harm.” (Stated by Ibn Maajah, 2340).

Conclusion;

Being a Muslim, many folks are worried about umrah packages. Because these packages are very costly. Now there's Cheap Umrah Packages who can afford all variety of peoples.

History Of Safa And Marwah In Islam

Hajj and Umrah are an excellent way to get the grace of Allah. Those who perform these sacred rites are very fortunate.

Every competent Muslim must perform Hajj once in life, on the other hand, Umrah is not compulsory, it is a demonstration through which a Muslim can gain closeness of Allah. Muslims from all over the world receive the Hajj package and Umrah package to pay for these rituals. There are indeed some Muslims who know the history of the Safa and Marwa hills. The history of these hills is fully described below.

Safa and Marwa are two sacred hills located in Makkah. The memories of sacred Safa and Marwa Hills have a relation with Bibi Hajra and Prophet Ismail (A.S). Allah had commanded Abraham to leave his wife Bibi Hajra and child Ismail (AS) in the Sahara Arabian (present Mecca) near Safa and Marwah.

The Sa'ee between As-Safa and Al-Marwah is one of the mainstays of Hajj and 'Umrah (the lesser journey which is done by selecting best Umrah Packages); Allah The Exalted says (what implies): {Indeed, as Safa and al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs Umrah - there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers good - then indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing.} [Quran 2:158] 

It was accounted for in Sahih Al-Bukhari on the expert of Jabir, may Allah Almighty be satisfied with him, that the Prophet, (PBUH) ( may Allah commend he specify ), performed Sa'ee between them 7 times amid his Farewell Hajj.

Ibrahim (AS) is a prophet of Allah and must fulfil the command of his Lord. So he left his wife and child with some food and water in the desert. At this point when the newborn baby, Ismail (AS) was weeping for water before his mother finished the seven rounds between Safa and Marwa in search of water. At a certain place from where she couldn't able to see her child, she ran quick.

Allah has accepted this demonstration of Bibi Hajra and from that time till the Day of Resurrection, every pilgrim has been ordered to finish his/her Hajj and Umrah after completing seven circuits between Safa and Marwah.

In fact, as long as Bibi Hajra Continued to run between Safa and Marwah, pilgrims have been ordered to run.These seven cycles between Safa and Marwa are called Sai. This was the reason that makes the two common hills the holy and sacred places of Muslims.

Leave to your wife and son was a test from God for Abraham because Allah gave a child to Abraham in old age. The second purpose of this order was that Ismail and Ibrahim (AS) rebuilt the Kaaba. This sacrifice is also the main cause of the well of Zam Zam, and construction of the Kaaba.

A Complex Of 7 Mosques In Medina

The Seven Mosques are called in the Arabic language is Al-Masajid As-Sabah. It is a complex of 6 small historic and often people visit these mosques in the city of Madinah, Saudi Arabia during travelling, Umrah, Hajj, and tourism. The complex consists of only six mosques but the name of this complex represents the figure of seven.

The numbering of seven completes after including the al-Qiblatayn mosque. If anyone wants to find to search any hadeeth for visiting then there is no mention in order from Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) or in Sharia (Islamic method or rules to spend the life) regarding the virtue about the visiting of this complex.

The Seven Mosque

Al-Fateh Grand Mosque

It is one of the world's largest mosques. Which covers 6500 square meters. In this mosque, 7000 worshipers can pray. The mosque was built in 1987 by the late Sheikh Isa Ibn Salman al-Khalifa. And was named after the founder of Bahrain Ahmad al-Fateh in 2006. This mosque is the largest synagogue in Bahrain. A huge dome built on top of the Al-Fateh Mosque is made entirely of fibreglass. Weighing over 60 Megagrams (ton), the dome is currently the largest fibreglass dome in the world.

Masjid Salman al-Farisi

Al-Fattah is located 20 meters south of the mosque, named after Salman al-Farsi, who led the trench construction during the trench warfare. The mosque was built in the time of the Caliph Umar bin Abdul Aziz and was renovated by Saifuddin Abu-Alhaja, the minister of Mecca in 1154.

Abu Bakr As-Siddiq Mosque

It is located 15 meters southeast of the Salman al-Farsi mosque. The three mosques (Ulfat mosque, Salman al-Farsi mosque and Abu Bakr as-Siddique mosque) were demolished and renovated into one mosque with wider space.

Umar bin Khattab Mosque

It is situated 10 meters south of Abu Bakar As-Siddiq Mosque. This mosque is situated on a height, and its look is corresponding to Al-Fath Mosque, thus it is believed that it was built and renovated at the same time.

Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque

Located in the south of Fatimah Az-Zahra Mosque on a small hill. The mosque is 8.5 meters long and 6.5 meters wide. It is reported that Ali joined the trench warfare here. Today, the local government of Madinah is renovating the mosque while maintaining the original shape and building a large park surrounding it as a decoration of the small building.

Fatimah Az-Zahra Mosque

It is a small mosque attached to others, measuring 4x3 meters. This mosque was built during the Ottoman period of Hejaz Vilayet during the reign of Sultan Abdul Majid I.

Visiting the seven mosques is a way of understanding the trench warfare and reminds the struggle of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions when they rescued the city and the Muslims from the tribe of Quraish in the city of Medina. Dig a trench around this city because it was ordered by God to do so.

It is very easy to visit this site for local Muslims but it is a little bit hard for other Muslims who are not residents of Saudi Arabia. Therefore, most of them visit this site during the journey of Hajj and Umrah. Now getting everything in a package is custom of this world and therefore most travel agencies offer Cheap Hajj Packages and Cheap Umrah Packages from cities and countries on public demands.

Sa'ad bin Ma'az Mosque