Thursday 19 December 2019

How to select best travel agency for Hajj

Hajj is an ultimate spiritual journey. A journey of mental, physical and spiritual purification. For which complete peace of mind is required. And that can only be achieved if you have a stress-free travel and living experience there. With a variety of hajj packages 2020 UK available in the market, you can easily opt for the one that perfectly matches your budget and suitability. From 3-star to 5-star, every sort of Hajj package is available. It all depends on your affordability and the comfort level you are trying to have during your stay in the kingdom. 

Hiring a trustworthy travel agent is a very challenging task. If you are going for the first time, it’s even more difficult. So, the best way is to look for recommendations and then buy them. Here a few tips to select the best travel agency for Hajj. 

A reliable travel agency must possess; 

Variety of Travel plans

Every travel agency offers 2 types of Umrah/Hajj packages. 

1. Group Travel plans
2. Custom-designed travel plans 

Both of these Hajj packages are exceptional in terms of services. The only difference is of services. In group travel plans you are bound to a specific time schedule; rooms are on sharing basis and traveling is also in groups. On the other hand, tailor-made packages offer you the flexibility of time. You can have private accommodation in 5-star hotels. In addition, comfortable transportation facilities that are specifically designated only for you are also available. 

Legal associations 

Legal associations are necessary. Such as with the Saudi Embassy/Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for certification, ATOL protection, and ABTA membership. Not only they offer you a safer passage but also protect your travel financially in case of an emergency. Hence, you can easily evaluate the credibility of an agency through these assurances. 

Professional behavior and work procedures

A reliable travel agent always portrays signs of professionalism. Professionalism in the schedule, contracts, packages, services and even in behavior. They provide you with what they have promised. The defining trait of adept travel agents is that they don’t back out at the last minute. 

Budget-friendly Packages

Budget-friendly packages are the need of every pilgrim as well as the duty of every travel agent. A valid travel business never overcharges you. For the very reason, you should always compare market prices, look for cheaper as well as expensive options and then finalize your decision. 

Transparency of business 

Transparency of business in payments, reservations, documentation, and management is the quality of a well-founded travel agent. No hidden charges or extra costs. Rather, a professional travel agency provides you with detailed insight into their business. In addition, complete counseling for the packages they offer and what services will be provided. Everything remains answered in this regard. 

History of satisfied clients 

Testimonials and reviews are the simplest evaluation medium for every business. You can quite efficiently estimate the quality of services of a company and thus have the basic idea of what you will be getting there. 

Selecting the best travel agency for hajj is very essential. As it makes the journey memorable and peace-giving.

Wednesday 18 December 2019

Prepare Your Body, Heart, and Soul for Hajj 2020

Hajj is the dream of every Muslim. Since it requires a stable financial background and health, Allah Almighty hasn’t made it compulsory for all the Muslims. However, it is an obligation for those who can financially sponsor it as well as, are healthy in terms of physical and mental regard. Even so, most of the Muslims are successful in making their dream of performing hajj into reality through cheap hajj packages UK.

Traveling to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, doing Tawaf, Going for Ziyarath and Sayee, and fulfilling all the other rituals of the pilgrimage – the spirituality is exceptionally beautiful. One can only experience it by going there. So, if you are planning to perform upcoming hajj 2020, here’s how you can prepare your body, heart, and soul for it.

Bodily Preparation

Needless to say, Hajj is an Ibadah that requires intense physical stamina. You have to walk long distances in accordance with the holy rituals. Sleep on uneven surfaces under clear skies. The humongous crowd of the pilgrims performing hajj together also increases the time required for performing rituals. You might even have to spend some sleepless nights.

Keeping in view all this, proper physical fitness is a must-have for performing hajj. For this, you need to start preparing your body at least 2-3 months before traveling to Saudia Arabia for Hajj. Exercising, Intense Workouts, Running and Walking – the training combination is necessary. So that you can have a healthy Hajj experience.

Composing the Heart

As narrated in Islam, Hajj liberates a person from all its sins. A pilgrim who has performed hajj with honest intentions, while returning, is just like a new-born baby (free from all the sins as the person is just born). However, one has to purify its heart also. Purify it from all the Hatred, Anger, Revenge, Jealousy, Despair, Hopelessness, and even Guilt – every negative thought you possess. As the creator of all, Allah Almighty is indeed the most merciful.

So, when you are expecting from Allah Almighty to forgive all of your sins you also need to do the same for other people. Forgive them, Spread Love and Compassion, treat them Nicely and Unify yourselves.

Spiritual Assembling and Direction

Once you’ve your mind and heart purified, there comes the stage of Spiritual Grooming. In this regard, you have to prepare yourself both mentally and spiritually for the pilgrimage.

Learn about the rituals of Hajj. Know the Proper way of performing them. Always consider the prohibitions imposed during the spiritual journey. Everyone sins; you don’t have to get discouraged. Allah Almighty not only forgives but also showers infinite blessings on its believers. Keep your intentions rightful. Be patient and hopeful. Ask from Allah Almighty for all your needs as his storehouses are never empty.

Once you have prepared yourself for the journey, you also need to develop the same positive habits for the rest of your life. The habits of loving others, helping them and being patient. It’s the only source of success in this world and in the world after death.

Young Age Is the Best Time to Perform Hajj

Hajj provides an ultimate pathway for a person to seek forgiveness from Allah Almighty. Pray for uncountable blessings and ask for ‘Barakah’ in one’s life. Hajj isn’t obligatory for all Muslims but for those who possess the financial means to sponsor it and are hale and hearty in terms of physical and mental regard. For most of the Muslims, hajj is once in a lifetime opportunity. They often get this opportunity in their late 50s or 60s or they prefer going at this age despite having the means for it for a very long period of time. There isn’t anything wrong with that. However, in Islam, it is usually advised to never delay a good deed. Whether its Ibadah or even helping someone. One must proceed hastily towards the execution of ‘Haqooq ul Allah and Haqooq ul Ibaad’.

Nonetheless, if Allah has blessed a person with means that he/she can go for hajj at an early age even in their 20s, they must book their hajj packages UK right away. In short, performing hajj as soon as you can without delaying is far superior. Why? Here are a few reasons.

You don’t have as many worries/fear/anxieties as compared to elder people

All of us in our youth are free from the worries. In fact, it would not be wrong to say that youth is all about carelessness, enjoyment, lots of energy and bodily strength, traveling, and health. You don’t fear to face any challenge rather take it as an adventure. You have plenty of confidence and money. While, as the person ages he/she becomes more scared to take risks, and health is also not guaranteed. As hajj is all about complete mental and physical devotion to the orders of Allah Almighty. Therefore, youth is the best time to go for Hajj.

Hajj eliminates poverty

It remains narrated in Islam that hajj decreases poverty. When you’re young and it’s the beginning of your career, performing hajj will benefit you by decreasing poverty. You may become more successful in life financially if you put in honest hard work.

Hidayah; sins get forgiven

Youth is the peak time in a person’s life. Where it has plenty of energy, money, and health. It is capable of doing whatever he/she desires. Therefore, when in such abilities when a person supplicates to Allah almighty and asks for hidayah, there’s nothing more adorable to Allah Almighty. Then not only Allah almighty grants with all his/her wishes but also blesses the gift of Hidayah. So, they can have a fresh start in life.

Life is unpredictable

Life is unpredictable. Nobody knows when he/she is going to depart from this worldly life to the afterworld. Where the real, permanent life begins. On the other hand, health is also temporary. What you have today is not guaranteed for tomorrow. Therefore, turn to Allah Almighty before it’s too late as he is the most merciful.

From these arguments, it can be concluded that Youth undebatably is the best time to perform hajj.

Friday 13 December 2019

How to wear Ihram

Ihram is a necessary state one has to enter to perform Umrah and Hajj. In simple terms, wearing a certain type of clothing and preventing yourself from things that remain prohibited in the state of Ihram. It symbolizes Muslim unity and equality in front of the world. That, no one is different or superior to any other. In front of Allah almighty, all men and women are equal; the only distinction is the distinction on the basis of Taqwa a person possesses.

Everyone coming to perform Umrah through umrah package 2020 London, or other national and international cities have to appear for pilgrimage in Ihram. Hence, to know the proper way of wearing it remains very essential. Here’s a brief guide on wearing Ihram.

Men. 

Type of Clothing:

2 simple, white pieces of cloths.
Izaar, for covering the body from below the waist to above the ankles.
Rida, for covering the upper half of the body.

Wearing Ihram; Step by Step.


  1. Stand with your feet, shoulder-length apart and hold the Izaar behind you. 
  2. Start wrapping from a little above the waist depending on the length of cloth you possess. 
  3. Once wrapped, form a belt by folding the cloth in multiple layers, such that the navel remains covered. 
  4. For Rida, wear it like a cape around your shoulders. 
  5. Make one length a little longer and flick it to the other side, over the shoulder. 


Points to Consider.

• No coloured and sewn clothes are allowed.
• While performing tawaf, the right shoulder must be uncovered from Rida.
• No undergarments, socks, gloves, can be worn. In short, Ihram; only 2 pieces of cloths are permitted.
• Shoes aren’t allowed. Only Sandals/Slides/slippers which reveal ankles and toes.

Women.

Type of Clothing.

There isn’t any specification. Women can wear their ordinary clothes. However, the clothing must remain modest, loose-fitting and simple. That’s why women prefer wearing an abaya on top of their regular clothes in the state of ihram.

Points to consider.

  • Women should only wear sewn clothes. 
  • Coloured clothes are allowed. 
  • While Tawaf, face, and hands must remain uncovered. 
  • Women can wear socks. 


Prohibitions of Ihram.

If anyone intentionally breaks the prohibitions that are imposed in the state of Ihram, a Penalty is due. In some cases, even Hajj/Umrah becomes invalid.


  • Wearing any sort of fragrance; Shampoos, Perfumes, Body wash, Sanitizers, Body lotions, Soaps. 
  • Hunting animals. Even if it’s a mosquito or a louse. 
  • Cutting/ Trimming/ Shaving/ Plucking hair intentionally from the body. 
  • Intimate Relations or Activities with Spouse. 
  • Wearing any sort of sewn clothes or leather footwear by men. 
  • Covering of face and hands for women. 
  • Clipping nails. 
  • Combing and oiling/waxing or applying any sort of styling goods on hair. 
  • Looking into a Mirror. 
  • Speaking ill of the others, telling lies, and abusing anyone; with hands or tongue. 
  • Using any sort of Body oils. 


If a person is going for Ramadan umrah, hajj or even umrah in other months, these rules always apply.

Monday 9 December 2019

Importance of Zamzam water and its benefits

Zamzam, regarded as the ‘Holy Water’ in Islam, is a souvenir all Muslim pilgrims receive when returning from Makkah after performing Hajj and Umrah. The water gets drawn from the well “Zamzam” located at a distance of only 20 meters from Kaabah in Masjid-al-Haram, Makkah. It is 35 meters deep. The supply of Zamzam water is available throughout Masjid-al-haram through water fountains and dispensers placed near to the tawaf area. The well remains situated in the basement area however the region remains restricted for everyone except for the relevant authorities. 

Whether you are booking Umrah package London or from any other city, all the pilgrims get 5-liters cans on return from the holy cities to take with them to their hometowns. 

History and Importance. 

It is narrated in Islam that, Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) left his infant son Hazrat Ismael (AS) and wife Hajar, in the middle of a desert on the instructions of Allah Almighty. There was no food and water but Hazrat Ismaeel (AS) felt extremely thirsty. Hazrat Hajar ran 7 times across the mountains of Safah and Marwah in search of water. However, with no caravan/travelers' insight, she was unable to find water. Hazrat Ismaeel (AS) was so thirsty that he started rubbing his heels on the ground. Miraculously, water sprang out. The flow of water was so intense that Hazrat Hajar had to say “Zam Zam” which means ‘Stop Flowing’. That’s how the water got its name Zamzam. 

The well dates back to thousands of years. Billions of liters of water have been consumed since then. Even today, millions of liters consumption are on a yearly basis. Yet, the water never depleted. 

Benefits. 

1. Enhance energy levels in cells; 

Boosts Metabolism. According to recent research performed by a German Scientist Dr. Knut Pfeiffer in Jucivh, Zamzam water enhances energy levels as well as nourishes the cells present in our body. It also strengthens the cell system. Consequently, boosting metabolism. 

2. It is free from germs and bacteria

The high levels of Fluoride in Zamzam water are the major reason for the water being completely free from germs and bacteria. Therefore, it is safe to consume. The concept was also proved scientifically using the Ultraviolet technology tests performed by Dr. Yahya Koshak. 

3. Higher contents of Calcium and Magnesium. 

Zamzam water is very good for bones and teeth. Vital for growth in children as well as adults. The presence of richer levels of calcium and magnesium provide guaranteed protection from fatigue. Especially during pregnancy. 

4. Purest on earth. 

Zamzam is called as the “purest water in the world”. The number of bicarbonates found in it is much higher than the famous water of the French Alps. 

If you are going for umrah through a full month Ramadan package or even in other months, you can drink as much amount of Zamzam as you want, during your stay. There are no restrictions. Moreover, you are also provided with bottled Zamzam water to take home with you.

Wednesday 4 December 2019

Do I Need a Visa for Umrah?

Umrah is a lesser pilgrimage for Muslims. Each year, millions of Muslims from all over the world come to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah to perform Umrah and Hajj. Hajj being a religious obligation for Muslims who are physically, mentally and financially able, Umrah is rather a Sunnah. Performing Umrah isn’t ‘farz’ on any Muslim. Since it’s a perfect opportunity to visit the sacred places of Islam and seek forgiveness from Allah Almighty, Muslims also possess the same enthusiasm for it. With a variety of budget Umrah packages available in the market, you can go for umrah any time of the year with the options to choose from economy to luxury class quite easily. 

Since Umrah can only be performed in Makkah and Madinah, Saudia Arabia, therefore, a valid Umrah visa is required for it. Issued by the Saudia Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, umrah visa is a legal requirement for the Muslims travelling internationally. 

What do you need to know about Umrah Visa? Here are a few basic things. 

Validity, Frequency and Cost 

Umrah visa is free of cost by the Saudi Government and is issued all around the year except during Hajj. It is valid for 30 days. However, the actual validity is of 14 days. In simple words, 30 days are given to the pilgrims so that they can easily arrange their accommodation and flights there, in case there’s a flight delay or unavailability of hotel rooms. Once you land in Saudia Arabia, you have to perform umrah in 14 days and on the 15th day from your arrival, the visa expires and you cannot stay any longer. If you’ve already performed umrah and want to go again in the same year there’s a 6-month wait period before you can apply for your next umrah. 

The necessary medium of a Travel agency 

You cannot apply for Umrah visa directly. The Saudi Authorities only accept your visa application when received through the medium of a certified and associated travel agency. 

Visa Application requirements


  • At least, 6-7-month validity of passport at the time of application submission. 
  • 2 passport size, colour photographs in white background. The applicant must face the camera directly with a full-face view, side angles aren’t acceptable. 
  • Vaccination certificates depending on the region you are travelling from. 
  • For women under 45 years of age, presence of a mahram on umrah trip with proof of relation. For women over 45 years of age, NOC from Mahram when performing umrah alone. 
  • A copy of pre-arranged accommodation and non-refundable return flights to ensure your return and that you’ll not illegally reside in Saudia Arabia after performing umrah. 
  • You can apply for umrah on the basis of the nationality of a country or possession of permanent residence there. In other words, you cannot apply for umrah visa from a country you are visiting on the basis business/visit visa. 


These rules apply all around the year. Whether you are performing umrah through Ramadan Umrah packages or in other months, obtaining a valid Umrah visa is a compulsion.

When is the Best Time for Umrah?

Umrah is such an Ibadat that can be performed whenever you want and as many times as you wish. There isn’t any specific time for umrah. However, some months remain more sacred for the pilgrimage. Although performing umrah in those months isn’t necessary but Allah Almighty increases the blessings during that time. Despite that, if you don’t have time available in holy months, you can book your package for umrah any time of the year and perform the pilgrimage in a way that is best accessible and easy for you because Allah knows the intentions and the secrets of the heart. 

Depending on the affordability, weather, crowd, and time, here are some of the ideal times to visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. 

Right after the Hajj completes

Muslims cannot go for umrah during the days of hajj. Since the Haram is already crowded with millions of people who came to perform hajj. Therefore, one of the best times to go for umrah is right after the hajj completes. Specifically, in the holy months of Moharram and Safar. Not only the number of people will be less but you can also get quality accommodation at an affordable price. 

Winter season 

Summers days are usually intensely hot in Saudia Arabia. While nights can be chilly. That’s why a lot of people prefer going during the winter season. Specifically, the month of December. As the temperature averages out between 24-16 Degrees Celsius. It’s perfect weather for people used to cold weather. 

Holiday Breaks; Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving 

Muslims living in non-Muslim countries find it really hard to take leave from their work/studies for religious reasons i.e. to go for umrah or hajj. On the other hand, Muslim people living in such countries get plenty of days off during the holiday season. Thus, you can easily perform umrah without any worries. The cherry on top, flight tickets, hotel prices are also discounted. 

Mild weather

Springtime brings the best weather in Saudia Arabia. So, if you are traveling with your family, you can take advantage of your spring break and book your Umrah packages. Even you can go on the pilgrimage at the early start of your summer vacation. 

The month of Ramadan

The month of Ramadan is the holiest month of the Islamic year. It possesses infinite significance. Its strong relation with Islamic history is what makes it very special. In addition, it’s the month of blessings. A month in which Allah almighty keeps on multiplying blessings. As a matter of fact, umrah holds the same value as hajj in the month of Ramadan. Since, Muslims mange to buy cheap Ramadan umrah packages, the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah get filled with a sea of people during Ramadan. 

The time for going on umrah isn’t specific and varies from person to person. Some like to go in cold weather, some during hot weather. While on the other hand some only get free time during the holiday season. Therefore, whenever you get the chance, don’t miss out on the opportunity to perform umrah.