Tips for women about how to dress up for Umrah

Saudi Arabia is no doubt an advanced country in a number of standards. However, it is a bit conservative in treatment with men and women on their dress code and lifestyle as compared to other Muslim countries. While packing out for Umrah, women who are usually making arrangements of packing dresses and other stuff, find themselves in a dilemma about what to wear. The dress code in the case of men is specified to be a loose two pieced white garments without covering their heads. However, women are more concerned as there is no uniform or specified dressing in their case. So they should take clothing which is not only modest in terms of the religious climate of Arabia but also that it is comfortable for them to perform their prayers easily without diverting their attention. 

If you plan to avail cheap Umrah packages from London, Arabia will be a greatly different land for the ladies performing the holy pilgrimage. Thus, below are mentioned some guidelines they should keep in mind while considering they are going to take for this sacred journey. This might be the perfect one but is recommended by the professional travel experts of Islamic Travel UK. These include: 

1. Women are allowed to wear a loose dress or an abaya which covers their elbows, collarbones, legs, and heads in general. The color for their dress is not specified but they should also try to wear white despite colorful clothing, which may attract other people’s attention during worship. It should also be preferred to take at least three pairs of Ihram or white abayas as one can get dirty or torn during the arduous journey. 

2. Men are not allowed to cover their heads with any covering or hat, however, women are encouraged to cover their heads with a proper head covering called hijab. They should wear a properly pinned up hijab that allows their hair to stay in place and would not cause distraction of making it proper during Tawwaf or other prayers. 

3. Wearing white may expose the body due to moist and humid weather in Arabia, so women should wear proper white garments under their abaya to avoid such a situation. As they are allowed to wear any other loose and normal clothing as well, they should not prefer black color. This is because the weather is very hot and black color absorb great amount of heat. 

4. The choice of proper shoes is as important as the choice of dress as you have travel for long and uncomfortable shoes may create difficulty as well as a distraction from worship. Wearing joggers or sneakers is a good idea as they are comfortable but there might be a chance of tripping over to tie laces. In the case of women, covering feet is also a part of the hijab so try to choose something which is comfortable as well as easy going. 

5. Carrying heavy stuff during Umrah particularly Tawwaf and Sayee may create additional distress and discomfort. As carrying backpacks is not allowed in Masjid ul Haram, try to keep small shopping bags of minimum and necessary items for Tawwaf.

How to perform Umrah?

Paying a visit to Kaabah, which is considered the House of Allah in specified days of the month of Zillhaj is called Hajj while this holy journey can be performed otherwise to these days as well and is called Umrah. Both forms of this sacred journey fulfill the same holy crave of believers in Islam. The major distinction between Hajj and Umrah is that the former one is declared obligatory for financially stable Muslims while the latter is an optional supererogatory prayer. The step by step guide while performing Umrah is given below: 

1. Wearing Ihram-the uniform holy attire of the pilgrims o Reaching Meeqat: 

Unlike Hajj, the holy travelers cannot travel to Kaabah directly in the case of Umrah. Pilgrims are required to keep in mind the Meeqat, which are five prominent spots marked around the radii of Kaabah at a specific distance and before crossing these principal spots, the holy traveler needs to be in a physical and mental state of purification particularly by wearing Ihram. If a pilgrim crosses Meeqat without considering this ritual of purity, he/she is supposed to begin Umrah again to attain purity. In the case of residents of Saudi Arabia, a special spot called Taneem can be considered as Meeqat, which is approximately 5 miles (8 km) away from Kaabah. Most Muslim scholars recommend assuming Ihram at Jeddah, which is 53.5 miles (86 km) away from Kaabah and is Arabia’s most hectic airport where the majority of flights for Hajj and Umrah land. In the case of wearing Ihram at Jeddah, the sacrifice of a small animal is considered mandatory. Apart from Jeddah and Taneem, the main five spots which are actually called Meeqat are Dhu'l-Hulayfah, which lies 280 miles in North of Makkah; Jhufah, which is about 118 miles away from Makkah and is present in North-west; Qarn al Manazil, which lies 56 miles East of Makkah; Dhat Iraq, which is 53 miles away and is in North- East of Makkah; Yalamlam, which is 31 miles away and is in South-East of Makkah. 

 Assuming Ihram: After reaching Meeqat, the holy travelers are required to assume a particular state of purity which is called Ihram. This is expressed by putting on special clothing which is a loose white attire. For men, only the exposure of right arm is required and this two-piece costume should go over their left shoulder. Covering of head is prohibited for men. While for women, Ihram comprises of the loose white cotton dress. When a pilgrim is in the state of Ihram, he/she should keep in mind certain things that are forbidden for the holy travelers. These include behaving badly to someone or using impolite language, showing intimation to one’s spouse, slaughtering animals, shaving any body part or clipping one’s nails, covering the head in case of men and wearing the veil by women or using any fragrance or cologne. 

Reciting Talbiyyah: A short prayer called Talbiyyah is recited at Meeqat. This prayer is an oath of submission in front of Allah Almighty’s unique presence and is recommended to be repeated throughout the Umrah. It is advised to assume Ihram during or before travel so there might not be any chance of crossing Meeqat boundary in impure state accidentally. 

2. Rituals of Umrah 

Arrival at Kaabah: The holy travelers are supposed to reach Kaabah once they have assumed Ihram while reciting Talbiyyah. It is recommended to recite Talbiyyah or short prayer to Allah or verses from the Holy Quran. However, the most important thing is to maintain a humble and modest composure. 

Performing Tawaf around Kaabah seven times: After reaching Kaabah the most important and principal task is to perform Tawaf around Kaabah seven times in counterclockwise direction. Each circulation is started and completed when the pilgrim has left the side of the Black Stone. 

Praising Almighty while performing Tawwaf: During this special ritual, the holy travelers are supposed to express praise to Almighty by focusing one’s thoughts completely on Allah Almighty and declaring Him the Unique Creator without any partners. 

Sayee- A walk from Mount Safa to Marwa: Pilgrim is completed after tawaf around Kaabah. Then begins another important ritual is basically a walk from Mount Safa to Marwa seven times called Sayee. After reaching either of the Mount, the pilgrim declares Allah Almighty’s uniqueness without being associated with any partners, offering small prayers or reciting verses of the Holy Quran and abstaining from talking to others. 

Trimming of hair and leaving state of Ihram: After the completion of the seventh circuit, the holy travelers are supposed to trim their hair and leave the state of Ihram to reflect their rejuvenation after the holy rituals. In the case of men, it is recommended to get their head shaved and for women trimming the hair is even alright. After the trimming of the hair, Umrah is completed and the pilgrims can start wearing their normal clothes while maintaining a humble mindset is necessary during the state of Makkah. 

3. Preparation for Umrah 

Consulting an authenticated travel agency: While traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, it is recommended to consult an authenticated Umrah or Hajj travel agency to book your Umrah arrangements in advance to avoid any unforeseen circumstance. The believers look for cheap Umrah packages to perform this sacred optional prayer. They are the search for such a package that covers travel to various holy spots in both Makkah and Madinah apart from flight to Makkah. 

Obtaining Umrah visa: Pilgrims from all over the world are supposed to obtain a valid Umrah visa from the Saudi government which is issued for free, however, it requires a valid passport, complete and up to date documents of vaccination and authenticate travel agency. 

Attend sermons or ceremonies in your community regarding Umrah: Traveling to the House of Allah is the holiest and the only desire of majority Muslims. So if you get a chance to attend any sermon guiding about performing Umrah, do go for detailed guidance. For those who don’t prefer to travel alone, they are in search of Umrah packages 2020 which provide Umrah services in the form of groups. 

Preparing for foreign climate: Arabia is mainly and deserted land and except a few outlying areas, it is generally very hot and dry due to excessive use of air conditioning. Therefore, be very mindful when packing for your Umrah. 

Cultural differences as a foreigner: Despite being an advanced country in many aspects, still there are many prominent cultural differences between the Saudi environment and many other Muslim countries around the world. The most important one is the open contact between men and women. 

Special challenges to women while performing Umrah: The life of women in Saudi Arabia and other countries is significantly different. Women are not supposed to meet men without the presence of another man with them. They are also supposed to observe proper dress code their elbows’ head and collarbones, particularly abaya when in public. The most important thing to keep in mind is that women are not supposed to perform Umrah in certain days when it is generally considered the state of impurity for them.

What are the Fard and Sunnah acts for Umrah

Every Muslim has the desire to perform Umrah as there is a big reward for offering this minor pilgrimage in Islam. The literal meaning of Umrah is to visit a populated place. In Islam, it means to enter the state of Ihram, perform Tawaf of Holy Kaaba and to perform Sa’yee between the mountains of Safa and Marwah. 

Like all other types of worship, there are some Fard and Sunnah acts for Umrah. If you are looking for cheap Ramadan Umrah packages from the UK and want to perform this minor pilgrimage then you must be aware of the Fard and Sunnah of this type of worship. 

Fard acts for Umrah: 

First of all, we will get to know about Fard acts of Umrah that are the following: 

1. State of Ihram: 

It is compulsory for all the Muslims to come to the state of Ihram before starting Umrah. You should come to this state with the intention to perform Umrah and before that, you should recite Talbiyah. 

2. Tawaf: 

The second Fard act for Umrah is to perform Tawaf of the Holy Kaaba. Kaaba is a place that has been specified as the direction for prayer. All the Muslims of this world turn their faces towards the Holy Kaaba while offering prayer. Tawaf means to move seven times around the Holy Kaaba. 

3. Sa’yee: 

It is also compulsory for Muslims to perform Sa’yee between Safa and Marwah. It has to be started from the mount Safa and ends on Mount Marwah. Muslims are supposed to complete seven rounds between these two mountains. Some people are confused about the rounds; to reach from Safa to Marwah is considered as one round. 

4. Qasr: 

Qasr is the act of cutting your hair. It is different for men and women. Men are supposed to have their heads completely shaved after performing Umrah and women have to trim their hair of the length of a nail only. 

Sunnah acts for Umrah: 

The following acts are considered as Sunnah Acts for Umrah: 

1. Start of Tawaf: 

If you start the Tawaf of the Holy Kaaba from Hajr-e-Aswad, the black mountain then this act is considered as-Sunnah for Umrah. 

2. Run among green lights: 

Another Fard act for Umrah is to run among the green lights when you will be performing Sa’yee between the mounts of Safa and Marwah. 

3. Ramal: 

If you have been performing Tawaf-e-Ziyarat or Tawaf-e-Qudoom then you will be supposed to perform Ramal. 

Now, you are clear about all the Fard and Sunnah acts for Umrah. You can confidently check for cheap Umrah packages from UK and can have a spiritual journey towards the holy places of Makkah and Madinah. The Internet is full of information about pilgrimage. If you have any confusion in your mind regarding Umrah or even regarding Umrah packages from UK then you can browse over the web and you can get the latest information. Plan for Umrah and earn the rewards associated with it!

6 Things That a Muslim Can Not Do After Wearing Ihram

On one side when you are looking packages for Umrah and Hajj from the UK, you should also put your head in the rules and the conditions of the pilgrimage. Every Muslim is aware of Ihram that it is a sacred state and Muslims are supposed to come in this start before staring either minor pilgrimage or major pilgrimage. 

The pilgrimage boundary is called Miqat and before crossing Miqat, you should put on Ihram. There are many things that you can do even after wearing Ihram for example to take a bath, to change the clothes, to kill harmful animals, and many others. However, there are some acts that cannot be committed during this sacred state. 

6 things that prohibited after wearing Ihram: 

You are not supposed to do these 6 things once you have put on Ihram: 

1. Sexual intercourse: 

Although the husband and wife are Mehram for each other and the sexual relationship between them is legal. However, putting on Ihram means that you are ready for the pilgrimage. You should not do sexual intercourse because you will be in a sacred state. You must keep your body clean all the time when you will be wearing Ihram. 

2. Wearing perfume: 

It is mandatory for all Muslims to use non-perfumed products during Ihram. Men can use Itar rather than any other perfume for fragrance. However, perfumed soap, perfumed shampoo, hands wash, and detergents are not allowed at all. 

3. Trimming the nails: 

Muslims are also prohibited from trimming their nails when they will be wearing Ihram on their bodies. After performing the pilgrimage and taking off Ihram, you can trim your nails but not whilst in Ihram. 

4. Cutting hair: 

Once you will have put on Ihram, you should not cut your hair. After the pilgrimage, men are supposed to get their heads completely shaved and women are supposed to cut the hair of the length equivalent to a nail. However, you should not commit this act while wearing Ihram: 

5. Sewn clothes are not allowed for men: 

Only Ihram is enough for men and they are not allowed to wear sewn clothes on their bodies during Umrah or Hajj. After completing their pilgrimage, men can wear any regular clothes. 

6. Hunting is prohibited: 

Although Muslims are permitted to kill harmful animals whilst in Ihram hunting of other animals is not allowed. Hence, you must not commit such an act that has been prohibited by Allah Almighty. 

All the things that Muslims are prohibited to do after wearing Ihram must not be done. You must remember the purpose of performing the pilgrimage that you would be doing it for the sake of Allah’s happiness and hence committing any act prohibited by Allah after wearing Ihram will not make him happy with you. 

When you will get the information about Hajj and Ramadan Umrah packages from the UK from any travel agent, you can ask about the information about pilgrimage rules including Ihram.

Packing List and Tips for Hajj & Umrah

Packing for Hajj and Umrah would be very exciting for you especially if you have been planning for such a pilgrimage for the very first time in your life. It is the weight of every Muslim to visit those holy places of Makkah and Madinah which are considered as the cities full of blessings. Our Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) spent most of his life in those beautiful and holy cities. If you have bought Hajj and Umrah packages from the UK then the most important thing is to make a packing list so that you will not miss even a single item of use. Tips for Hajj and Umrah packing: Here, you will get some useful tips that will help you while packing for Hajj and Umrah. Before living in your home country, you should make sure that you have the following things in your bag: 

1. Travel Essentials: 

These are the things that you had acquired during the travel. Here is a checklist of travel essentials: 

• Passport together with visa documentation
• Proof of vaccination 
• Four photos of passport size 
• Saudi Riyals 
• Money 
• Emergency contact numbers 
• Debit or credit card 
• Photocopy of passport 
• Full travel itinerary 
• Valid tickets 

2. Prayer: 

For worship and prayer, you will be required to have these things with you: 

• Pocket Quran 
• Book of Duas 
• Tasbih or digital counter 
• List of supplications 
• 7-beads Tasbih (to count down rounds during Sai and Tawaf) 
• Prayer mat 
• Compass for finding Qibla 
• Guide book for Hajj and Umrah

3. Baggage: 

Following are the things for your baggage: 

• Hardshell suitcase 
• Locks and keys for suitcase 
• Tags for luggage 
• Backpack 

4. Clothing and accessories: 

You must make a checklist of clothing and accessories that will be useful during Hajj and Umrah: 

• Two cotton Ihrams 
• Clips or safety pins for Ihram 
• Net pouch for waist pouch 
• Comfortable clothes with loose fittings 
• Bathroom slippers 
• A pair of sandals 
• Sneakers or trainers 
• Shoe bag 
• Jacket on a light jumper 
• Socks 
• Headwear 
• Underwear 
• Folding umbrella 
• Sunglasses 

5. Hygiene or toiletries: 

You must be having these things in your bag: 

• Towel 
• Toothpaste 
• Toothbrush 
• Miswak 
• Fragrance-free Shampoo 
• Fragrance-free soap 
• Liquid soap for hand wash 
• Wet wipes 
• Pocket tissues 
• Toilet tissue roll 
• Hand sanitizer(it should also be fragrance-free) 
• Shearing machine and disposable razors 
• Nail clipper 
• Hair brush or comb 
• Fragrance-free antiperspirant or deodorant 
• Itar 
• Small mirror 
• Suction hooks (for hanging your Ihram in the bathroom) 
• Small scissors 
• Sanitary pads 
• Toiletries bag 

6. Medication: 

You must be very conscious about your health and these are the things that you should be in your bag: 

• Regular medication (for example, insulin for diabetic patients, inhalers for asthma patients, etc.) 
• Pain relief tablets 
• Cold and flu relief medication 
• Moisturizing cream of Vaseline 
• Cream or lotion 
• Travel sickness tablets 
• Diarrhea relief medication 
• Lip balm 
• Cough syrup 
• Vitamin C tablets 
• Bandages and plasters 
• BP apparatus 
• Sunblock 
• Oral rehydration salts 
• Muscle pain ointment or cream 
• Antibiotics 
• Glucose 

7. Important electronics: 

You must also maintain the list of important electronics. These are the things that you must have: 

• Mobile phone 
• Universal travel adaptor 
• Saudi SIM card 
• Charger for mobile phone 
• Power bank or portable charger 
• Headphones 
• Smart tablet (to read or listen e-Quran) 
• Wristwatch 
• Alarm clock 
• Torch or flashlight 
• Travel kettle 
• Travel iron 
• Portable fan or cooling device 

Besides the above-mentioned items, you should keep some snacks in your bag that will give you instant energy.

Tips and Tricks to Buy Cheap Umrah Visa Services

Muslims find real pleasure in his life when he gets the chance to visit the holy places of Muslims and when he becomes a pilgrim for Hajj or Umrah. There are many individuals who cannot unfortunately perform pilgrimage because of limited resources. Let me tell you when you will look for Umrah packages, you will get to know that there are some that you can easily for. If you look for Umrah Visa services smartly then you will for sure get an idea to save your money and to perform Umrah pilgrimage. 

Tips to buy cheap Umrah Visa services: 

Here you will get to know about the best Umrah Visa services that will help you not only to save your money but to get the best services: 

Choose a registered company: 

There are many travel agencies that have been working in this field even they are not registered with the Ministry of Hajj. Actually, they do not provide you the services directly but they work as an agent. They get the services from some registered company and then provide you those services by keeping their profit margin. It means that you have to make them extra money. That's why you are suggested to visit a registered company for the sake of getting Umrah Visa services. 

Plan in advance: 

If you will be planning for Umrah at 11th hour you will be charged a lot. You must start looking for Umrah Visa services at least four months prior to your journey to Saudi Arabia. In this way, you will be able to compare the services and rates of different travel agencies and you will get the cheapest Umrah packages. 

Choose 3 star Umrah Package: 

If your budget is not enough that you can buy a 5 star Umrah packages or even 4 -star Umrah package then there is nothing to be worried about. There are many people who choose the 3-star Umrah package and they are satisfied with the services. Hence, your priority should not be to choose the best services but your priority should be to perform The Pilgrimage if you have limited funds. In a 3-star Umrah package, you will have to share your accommodation and other services with you are group members but there is no other drawback of this package. 

Discuss with others: 

Discussing with others about Umrah packages will give you a lot of real information. You can read reviews of different travel agencies who are dealing in Umrah Visa services. If anyone in your family has recently performed Umrah then you should discuss with him about Umrah packages and Umrah services. In this way, you will not be blank when you will go to any travel agency for buying the services but you will already be having some information. 

Above mentioned tips and tricks will be very helpful for you to buy cheap Umrah Visa services. You can make the Pilgrimage of Umrah budget-friendly but you have to be very smart while looking for Umrah packages.