Umrah is a pilgrimage that is not obligatory on any Muslim; male or female, however, it’s a sunnah. Since it’s a minor pilgrimage that holds great rewards for Muslims, it has been recommended in Islam to go for Umrah frequently if you can. Because it removes poverty and sins. For this reason, every year tens of millions of Muslims pilgrims travel to Makkah through their Low Cost Umrah Packages and perform the holy rituals. In the previous years, accompanying a mahram for a woman was necessary; to perform umrah as well as hajj. However, the policies then observed a revision as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan.
Saudi Vision 2030 and Permissibility for Women to perform Umrah alone.
In order to strengthen the Saudi economy and lessen its dependence on oil, the country introduced the Saudi Vision 2030 plan in late 2019. The plan reserves policies to boost the kingdom’s economy by enhancing tourism, infrastructure, health, education and job facilities in the country. In light of which the policies regarding Umrah and Hajj were also revised. As per the new rules,
- Women can now travel alone for the performance of Umrah without the accompanying of Mahram.
- For Hajj, the compulsion of a mahram for a woman still remains.
- Umrah can also be performed on the Saudi tourist visa.
- The tourist visas can be availed within a 5-minute on arrival process and also through e-services.
- Umrah fee now consists of 330 SAR plus taxes, costing approximately 250-300 GBP per person. Even for children.
Rules for Women while Performing Umrah.
Iddah.
Whether divorced or a widow, a woman in Iddah cannot perform umrah. She has to complete the waiting period first and then go for Umrah.
Ihram Clothing.
For women, ihram isn’t specified. They can wear their ordinary clothes provided that they remain modest and simple. However, it should remain in mind, the clothing should be thick enough such that it does not reveal your skin. Also, wear underclothing of the same colour so that it might not become prominent in bright sunlight. Covering of Hair is necessary, thus prefer wearing under scarf caps under your hijab.
Tawaf of the Holy Kaabah.
For women, it is mustahabb to perform Tawaf at a distance from Holy Kaabah if there is a huge crowd of men.
Raml; It is not obligatory for women to perform Raml.
Covering of Hand and Face; During tawaf, covering hands and face is prohibited for women.
Salat-al-Tawaf; Women can offer salat-al-tawaf anywhere in Masjid-al-Haram if the place around Maqam-e-Ibrahim remains crowded.
Talbiyah; Women should not recite Talbiyah loudly like men.
Sayee.
Women should neither run between the 2 green pillars across Safah and Marwah nor ascend Safah and Marwah, too far. Instead, they should walk along the railing, therefore, avoiding the crowd of men.
Taqsir (cutting of the Hair).
After Umrah, women should only cut their hair to a length of a fingertip. It is known as Taqsir.
If you are travelling soon for umrah with February Umrah packages London, or from any other city, these are some important things to consider.
