Best Times For Umrah

                   
Umrah is a greatest Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad PBUH. It is the religious act that Muslims can perform anytime or best times in a year without any time restrictions. It is one sacred form of worship that every Muslim wish to perform at least once in their lifetime. However, if you want to go on this holy expedition, you cannot just turn up and do it. Umrah requires full preparation, accommodation and perfect planning. So what is the best time to go for Umrah?

Month of Ramadan

When it comes to rewarding, then performing Umrah in the month of Ramadan hold the greatest reward. Ibn Abbas narrated that the Prophet of Allah, Muhammad PBUH said:

“Perform Umrah in the month of Ramadan, as its (reward) is parallel to having a hajj performed with me.” –Bukhari

That is why Muslims wish to perform Umrah in Ramadan and rush to book hotels in Makkah and Madinah. Many travel agencies come up with special offers in this month to attract customers ranging from budget-friendly to luxury five-star Ramadan Umrah packages.

Grand Months

Umrah is not about packing, travelling, visiting and returning to home rather it requires absolute focus and devotion to Allah SWT. Therefore, people chose the Grand months to perform Umrah with its true spirits. 

These are the months that come right after Hajj season ends; Muharram and Safar. This is the best time of the year to perform Umrah as the rush of people cut’s down to half and prices for hotels and accommodations get reasonable. Pilgrims can have hustle free and relaxed time to perform rituals of Umrah correctly.

Mid-Year Vacation

Some prefer to perform Umrah with their family. Individuals are busy in their studies or jobs whole year except for mid-year vacation. If you want to go on this holy expedition with family or friends, then choose mid-year and book your tickets in the start of the year as many people wish to avail these vacations to go on Umrah trip.

Spring Time

The weather is extreme in Saudi Arabia, where days are scorching hot and nights are biting cold. For this reason, some prefer to travel in the mild weather that comes with the spring season. This is the best time to perform Umrah rituals and rights with ease.

Umrah in December

When you want an Umrah trip with family in the best weather of best times the year, then go for December packages. The Weather in December is reasonable enough to perform all Umrah services without any difficulty and collapse. As Hajj and Ramadan season is over the place is free of the oceans of travellers and overcrowded conditions. You can easily get a residence close to Al Haram and enjoy reasonable prices for hotels and accommodations.

Right after Hajj ends.

As the hajj completes, it’s the opening of the Umrah season (from 1st of Moharram). Pilgrims that came for hajj return and not so many people are coming for umrah as it’s the start of the season. 

People in Haram are few in number as compared to other months. Hotel accommodations are present at half or even 30% of the actual price. Flights are discounted. Thus, remains one of the most peaceful time for Umrah performance.

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What Are the Five Pillars of Islam?

The Five Pillars of Islam are the framework of the Muslim life. They are the testimony of faith, prayer, giving zakat (support of the needy), fasting during the month of Ramadan, and the pilgrimage to Makkah once in a lifetime for those who are able.

(1)The Testimony of Faith:

The testimony of faith is saying with conviction, “La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadur Rasool Allah.” This saying means “There is no true god (deity) but God (Allah),1 and Muhammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of God.” The first part, “There is no true god but God,” means that none has the right to be worshipped but God alone, and that God has neither partner nor son. This testimony of faith is called the Shahada, a simple formula which should be said with conviction in order to convert to Islam (as explained previously on this page). The testimony of faith is the most important pillar of Islam.

(2) Prayer:

Muslims perform five prayers a day. Each prayer does not take more than a few minutes to perform. Prayer in Islam is a direct link between the worshipper and God. There are no intermediaries between God and the worshipper.

In prayer, a person feels inner happiness, peace, and comfort, and that God is pleased with him or her.  The Prophet Muhammad said:

{Bilal, call (the people) to prayer, let us be comforted by it}.

Bilal was one of Muhammad’s companions who was charged to call the people to prayers.

Prayers are performed at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and night. A Muslim may pray almost anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories, or universities.

(3) Giving Zakat (Support of the Needy):

All things belong to God, and wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The original meaning of the word zakat is both ‘purification’ and ‘growth.’ Giving zakat means ‘giving a specified percentage on certain properties to certain classes of needy people.’ 

 The percentage which is due on gold, silver, and cash funds that have reached the amount of about 85 grams of gold and held in possession for one lunar year is two and a half per cent. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a small portion for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.

(4) Fasting the Month of Ramadan:

Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from dawn until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations.
Although the fast is beneficial to health, it is regarded principally as a method of spiritual self-purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry, as well as growth in his or her spiritual life.

(5) The Pilgrimage to Makkah:

The annual pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah is an obligation once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able to perform it. About two million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe. Although Makkah is always filled with visitors, the annual Hajj is performed in the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. Male pilgrims wear special simple clothes which strip away distinctions of class and culture so that all stand equal before God.

The rites of the Hajj include circling the Kaaba seven times and going seven times between the hillocks of Safa and Marwa, as Hagar did during her search for water. Then the pilgrims stand together in Arafa5 and ask God for what they wish and for His forgiveness, in what is often thought of as a preview of the Day of Judgment.

The end of the Hajj is marked by a festival, Eid Al-Adha, which is celebrated with prayers. This, and Eid al-Fitr, a feast-day commemorating the end of Ramadan, are the two annual festivals of the Muslim calendar.
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Important Issues That May Happen in Hajj and Umrah

 Using roofed vehicles in the state of Ihram in the nights or from dawn until sunrise or completely cloudy days that shade has no use for protection from sunlight or rain, is permitted.

Tawaf

It is not necessary that Tawaf is performed in the distance between Maqam of Ibrahim and the house of Ka’ba (about 13 meters); Tawaf is permitted in all of Masjid al-Haraam (especially at the time of congestion of the crowd) but it is better not to exceed from the foresaid distance if it is possible.

 It is not necessary that left shoulder remains parallel to the house of Ka’ba all the time, but it is enough to circumambulate Ka’ba in a normal manner.

Crowd problem

When there are lots of people performing Tawaf in the way that the crowd pushes the person forward by force it does not harm Tawaf, and it is enough to make the intention from the beginning that he/she goes among people for performing Tawaf.


Performing the prayer

The place for performing the prayer of obligatory Tawaf is behind Maqam of Ibrahim, but it can be performed more distant from there if the crowds are so much congested; the pilgrim should not insist on performing the prayer behind Maqam, specially when performers of Tawaf are so much that they reach behind Maqam of Ibrahim and some acts that others perform and disturb performers of Tawaf are not correct (but the prayer of Mustahab Tawaf can be performed anywhere in Masjid al-Haram).


Safa and Marwah

Performing Sa’y of Safa and Marwah is not permitted in the upper level, unless congestion of crowd is too much that performing Sa’y in the lower level causes severe hardness.
It is enough to climb part of Safa and Marwah and it is not necessary to reach the bare part of the hill and but the feet on that part (covered ascent in Safa and Marwah is a part of the hill).


Sitting has no problem

Sitting has no problem during performing an obligatory Tawaf for removing tiredness, but it is a precaution not to lose the sequence and the distance becomes very long; but sitting during performing Sa’y for removing tiredness or like that has no problem and it can be as much as it takes, if it is in Safa, in Marwah or between them.


Ramy al-Jamarat

Performing Ramy al-Jamarat (hurling pebbles to the places of Jamarat in Mena) is permitted in the upper level, and those who cannot perform Ramy in the day can perform it the night before or after that.


Performing Sacrifice

Performing Sacrifice is permitted in any of available places of sacrifice, although they are out of Mena.It is better to perform Zebh (ritual slaughter) of the sacrifice in the day of the Eid, but it can be delayed until the thirteenth day.

The animal is pure and Halaal

It is not necessary for the person who performs Zebh to be Shiite, but any Muslim whom his/her sacrificed animal is pure and Halaal is permitted to perform Zebh. Performing Zebh of animals for sacrifice or any other purpose by steel knives of other metals is not a problem.


Sacrifice

The pilgrim can perform Zebh on animals of sacrifice personally or give the deputyship to any reliable person, and it can be the manager of the caravan or the organizer of your Hajj or some of the friends (the only condition is being sure about the act of proxy). And it is not necessary for the proxy to know the name of the owner of the sacrifice, although saying the name is better. But it is not correct to perform a sacrifice on behalf of another person without being his/her proxy.


Method of Sacrificing

Muslims should do something that meats of sacrifice do not become corrupted or useless in order that they do not have to bury to burn those meats because this is israaf (wasting) and haraam. If no person could be found in Mena who deserves the meat, then it is necessary to bring the meats to other Islamic countries and towns and give them to poor persons and believers and if this act has costs, these costs should be paid by Muslims and Islamic government.


Sacrificing should be performed in Mina 

Sacrificing should be performed in Mena until it is possible in there to prevent meats from being corrupted, but if Hajjis become sure that there is no way of using the meats of sacrifice after necessary tries and the meat will surely be corrupted, then they should stop performing sacrifice temporarily and keep its money in order to perform sacrifice in their hometowns after returning (in that month of Dhu’l-Hijjah or the month of Dhu’l-Hijjah of the next year) and then consume the meat according to the order that we have said about the meat of sacrifice.


Using machinery

Using machineries is permitted for performing sacrifice. But the conditions of Islamic Zebh like being face to Qibla and saying “بسم الله” and other conditions are observed (the explanation is available in the book of rulings).It is better to renounce Mustahab Tawaf when the crowd is congested and leave the place for those who are performing obligatory Tawaf.


Miqat

Miqat for the Ihram of Hajj al-Tamattu’ is in Mecca and it is enough to be in any place of Mecca and there is no difference between old and new Mecca, even Ihram can be worn from places that today has been advanced
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Book Umrah Packages at Lowest Price with All-inclusive

Why book Umrah Packages with Noorani Travel?

Noorani Travels is the most reliable name in the traveling industry which aims at practicing innovative ways to make travel convenient yet economical for residents of the United Kingdom. We take pride in offering our highly professional services along the team of motivated personnel to assist you in your endeavors. 

Our focus lies solely in finding the low airfares, quick visa processing, and hotel booking in the close proximity of the praying area which makes our comprehensive Umrah packages more feasible for our clients. We design as well as customize Umrah packages for the enthusiastic pilgrims in accordance with their budget and needs. We strive our best to maintain a network that makes your journey stress-free in all aspects.

Economy Umrah packages

One does not need irrelevant restraints, both mental and physical when praying at the House of Allah. Our economy Umrah packages make you feel lighter, assured and more at peace when you are spending time in the most profound devotion. It is best to have your trip to the Holy Ka'aba be planned by professionals who would keep a check on your overall Umrah experience.

Low cost/Budgeted Umrah packages

Travels take extra measures to assure the safe and relaxed travel and accommodation of Umrah pilgrims while they are on their way to the spiritual journey of a lifetime. With us, a low-cost Umrah can be a value-added Umrah that not only allows the pilgrim to perform the Umrah essentials but also provide the peace of mind to think of the blessings of Allah in the Sacred Place of Worship. These Cheapest Umrah Packages fit the requirements of all who want to visitMecca for Umrah.

I am not sure about how to do Umrah. Could you help me with this?

After you have made your reservations, you can ask your travel agent to forward you our Umrah Guide. Our Umrah guide is a complete manual of the procedure that instructs on how to perform Umrah and helps on every step of the way. Umrah guide is helpful as it provides necessary information in the right sequence - from entering the state of ihram to the cutting of your hair - and details every dua (prayer) that goes along with a certain step.

Could you give me an estimate of the budget that I should keep for meals and other things?

Assuming you do not look forward to fine dining in expensive restaurants, a single meal does not cost more than 15-20 Saudi riyals. No need to worry about the portion size. Restaurants in Saudi Arabia serve in larger portions as compared to other restaurants.


The cost of three standard meals and water bottles can reach as far as 50 Saudi riyals (per day). For a 10 day stay, keep 500-550 riyals for just that. Keep at least 375 riyals for souvenirs like dates, toys, and clothing.

Which are some of the low-cost restaurants in Makkah and Madinah?

Most pilgrims prefer to eat at the Abraj al-Bait shopping mall in the Kingdom Clock Tower. The third floor of the mall houses a large-scale food court with plenty of options to choose from like Burger King. The Ibrahim Khaleel Road offers a variety of restaurants that are not at all expensive. Al Baik Restaurant is well-known for its continental cuisine and the quality of its food.


Al Baik Restaurant has another flourishing branch in Madinah characterized by a variety of dishes, large portion sizes, and affordable rates. Al Baik is conveniently located on King Faisal Road in Madinah. Abu Khalid Restaurant on Al Siteen Road and Broast Express on Abu Baker Seddik Road are other affordable options.

What is biometric verification and is it compulsory for Umrah pilgrims?

Commonly known as the fingerprint verification system, the biometric system keeps a precise record of every Umrah pilgrim. Recently introduced, in effect since February 2018, biometric verification is made compulsory by the Saudi Embassy and only children under 12 and adults over 70 are exempt from this rule. Get your biometric verification done from the nearest Eitmad office (offices only in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi). Biometric verification is not free and will cost around 600 rupees.

How long will it take to process my Umrah visa?

There is no limit set to the time it will take to process an Umrah visa. The standard procedure takes 4 to 5 days. But it can take as long as 2 to 3 weeks if there are complications in the matter. To save time, make sure that your documents are in order and nothing is missing. Get your biometric verification done in advance as this saves time as well.

How do I split my days between Makkah and Madinah?

The most common practice is to split your stay in half. Say you are planning a stay of 10 days; this leaves you with 5 days in Makkah and 5 in Madinah. If the stay is extended, you can stay 4 nights in Makkah, 5 nights in Madinah, and return to Makkah for 2 more days. This is common among those who are departing from Jeddah Airport.


A more traditional approach is to spend 8 nights in Madinah and 2 days in Makkah. The stay is planned in this way so as to allow for the 40 prayers at Masjid Nabwi.

Umrah-A Holy Pilgrimage:

Umrah is to perform lesser pilgrimage at any given time of the year except 9th to 13th Zil-Hajj. Pilgrims set off by getting themselves in the state of Ihram from Miqaat and go the Holy Place of Kaaba, perform Tawaf, pray two Rakat at Muqam-e-Ibrahim and then perform Saee between Safa and Marwa. Moreover, for a person who has the finances and other means to travel to Makkah Al Mukarramah, Umrah is Sunnah Moakaddah (must).

When is the best time to perform Umrah?

While planning to perform a lesser pilgrimage, the first thing is to decide at what time of the year you want to travel from your country. Owing to the religious significance of months in the Islamic Calendar, the first half of Ramadan is highly recommended. Other than that, Rabi-Ul-Awal and Shabaan are considered as peak season.


On the contrary, off-season would be the most appropriate time for budget-wise travelers to perform Umrah i.e. right after Hajj in the months of Muharram and Safar. Subsequently, booking in advance with a proper strategy in mind might help you in scoring the best deal possible.


In spite of all the facts stated above, also keeping in view the different pocket sizes but the passion to perform the holy pilgrimage, Noorani Travel musters up all its capacity to assist you in tailor-made Umrah package in accordance with your needs and requirements.

Which airlines operate Umrah flights between United Kindom and Saudi Arabia?

• Many local and international airline carriers are operating flights from the United Kingdom to Saudi Arabia. Amongst them, airlines which capture the fair share of customers are as follows:
• Qatar Airways
• Emirates (EK)
• Saudi Airline (SV)

How much is the free baggage allowance of different airlines offering flights from the United Kingdom to Saudi Arabia?

You are required to travel with the luggage as limit assigned by the particular airline you are flying with. You are entitled to carry one carry-on bag with whose weight should not exceed 7kg.

As far as free checked-in luggage is concerned, Airline allows 30 kg for flights from the United Kingdom to Saudi Arabia. Emirates permit 35 kg for Economy Class travelers.

Acquire Umrah Visa from the Saudi Consulate:

Yours have laid the foundation of the pillar of faith by intending to perform Umrah. With that, the first question that arises in your mind is about the travel visa to Saudi Arabia. We assist you by stating the guidelines for the document requirements for Umrah Visa.

Document requirements for Umrah Visa: 

1. Duly fill in the Umrah Visa Application form and read it thoroughly along with the terms and conditions before signing it.
2. In case you have a Non-Muslim name, then you are required to submit a certificate with an eligibility check from any Islamic Institution.
3. A full face view, passport size colored picture of yours is also mandatory to be attached with the form. Also, make sure the photo carries a white background.
4. Moreover. Your passport is validated for six months to eight months.
5. Ladies should be accompanied by her husband, or if she is unwed, a male (Mahram). The evidence of the relationship is also to be checked via Marriage or Birth Certificate).

In addition, Umrah Visa is valid for 30 days and you are required to complete your Umrah within this time period. On this visa, you can move between the cities of Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah.

What are the basic rituals of performing Umrah?

• Intention of Umrah
• Adoption of Ihram
• Recital of Talbiya
• Circumambulation (Tawaf) of the Kaaba
• Saee between Safa and Marwa
• Shaving of the head or trimming of the hair.

Miqaat:

As you are approaching Holy Makkah, there are boundaries within which you cannot proceed without being dressed in the sacred garment “Ihram”. These boundaries, all around Makkah are called Miqaat or the boundaries of Haram. There are certain signs displayed at well-arranged boundaries. 

Dhu'l-Hulayfah / Bi'r Ali: Marked at 450 km from Makkah, Dhu'l-Hulayfah is the miqaat for pilgrims coming from Madina Al Munawwarah. 

Juhfah or Rabigh: Located at about 183 km to the northwest of Makkah, Juhfah is the miqaat for people who come from the direction of Syria or Jordan.

Qarn Al-Manazil: Situated about 75 kilometers to the east of Makkah, Qarn Al-Manazil is the miqaat for the people of Najd area or the same direction. 

Dhat Al- Iraq: Dhat Al- Iraq is positioned at about 94km from Makkah and it signifies miqaat for people of Iran, Iraq or from the same direction.

Yalamlam: About 92 km to the southeast of Makkah, Miqaat for people of Yemen, Pakistan, India and other far eastern countries like Burma, Ceylon, Malaysia, China, Japan etc.

Ihram

It is the intention to perform Umrah. The Arabic literal meaning of Ihram is to make forbidden, a few things for this period which are otherwise allowed in normal circumstances.

For Male:

The Ihraam for make is to wear one white “Azar” (Tehband) which is an unstitched cloth sheet wrapped around the waist and “Rida” another unstitched cloth over his shoulders and putting on such sandals that expose his ankles and toes. Bear in mind that there shouldn't be anything like the cap on the head.

For Women:

The Ihraam for women is to make her usual clothes, properly stitched that show her face and hands and wear ordinary shoes. Decency and decorum are to be observed. Moreover, there is no restriction on the color of Ihraam clothes.

According to the Sunnah, you should preferably pray two rakat Nafil prayers. Normally, in the first rakat recite Surah Al- Kafeeron after Surah Fateha and in the second rakat recite Surah Al-Ikhlas. Then declare the intention of pilgrimage of Umrah by reciting Talbiyah.

Tawaf-e-Kaaba

After arriving at Makkah Mukarama, perform ablution before entering the Holy Sanctuary. There, the first act is to circumambulate the Kaaba, the House of Allah.


Hereby, Tawaf means going around the Holy Kaaba and making the seven circuits beginning from the corner of Kaaba where Hijr-e-Aswad (Black Stone) is fixed. Each circuit is called as Shawt.


Istilam: The Tawaf is started by kissing Hijr-e-Aswad which is known as Istilam. In case Istilaam becomes impossible due to the rush of Pilgrims, it should be abandoned, for it is Wajib to refrain from harming others while kissing is Sunnah. Thus, on such occasions, be content by merely placing your hands on Hajr-Al-Aswad and kissing your hands, or just raise both hands facing palm towards Hijr-e-Aswad, followed by recitation of Takbir and Tahlil. Moreover, Istilaam of Hijr-e-Aswad for the first Shawt as well as last Shawt is accepted to be as Sunnat-e-Moakaddah. 

The Tawaf after which you have to perform Saee between Safa and Marwa, it is obligatory to do circumambulate by means of observing Ramal and Ibtida. (Only for men)


Ramal: Ramal is to walk hurriedly with forceful and narrow paces while shaking the shoulders. 

Ibtida: You are to put the upper sheet of Ihraam on your left shoulder taking it under your right arm-pit.

Multazim- At the completion of Tawaf-e-Kaaba:

After the eighth time of Istilaam i.e. ending the Tawaf-e-Kaaba at Hijr-e-Aswad corner wherefrom it started, you are required to proceed to the Holy Kaaba door, called as Bab-e Multazim. This is the place between Hijr-e-Aswad and the door of Kaaba. It is also to be noted that Multazim has a special blessing for the efficacy of prayers. You ought to embrace the Multazim and invoke the Mercy and blessings of Allah.

Prayer at Muqaam-e-Ibrahimi:

When you finish praying at Multazim, move to Maqaam-e-Ibrahimi and pray two rakat there. This is essential after completing the Tawaf and it is recommended to pray at Maqaam-e-Ibrahimi or in its vicinity in rush hours. After the Salat, raise your hands in supplication with humility and lowliness and pray.

Drinking the Zam Zam Water:

In front of the gate of Kaaba, there is well of ZAM ZAM. The location is distinctly marked on the marble floor. The ZAM ZAM well is just under the place. The well and its pumping arrangements can be seen by going in the basement from the wide entrances for ZAM ZAM with steps separately for men and women. A number of taps are provided for the drinking of ZAM ZAM water. The water is also provided inside the Haram area with water taps at certain locations.

Saee between Safa and Marwa:

Before starting Sa'e, it's sunnah to perform Istilaam of Hijra-e-Aswad once again then move ahead to climb the mountain of Safa with an intention to do Sa'e. Climb until you can see Kaa'ba then raise your hand in supplication. And seek your wishes in prayer. Then, climb Marwa until you reach the green pillars between which men have to walk but women need to walk with a normal pace. The whole round is approximately 3.5 km. Starting from Safa, your seventh round will end at Marwah.

Shaving of the head:

After performing Sa'e, men should get their head completely shaved or tied up to the length of an upper third of finger whereas women are not required to shave their heads.

Which transportation facility is available for commuting in Makkah and Madinah?

You can book exclusive Umrah packages with the special transport arrangements. Although Umrah packages come with intercity transportation if you wish to visit other Ziyarat then you can use personal car hire or taxi system.

Which hotel and accommodation places are best-suited for the Muslim Pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah?

We extend our efficient services to book hotels of every range depending upon the budget preferences. Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Hajar Tower, Conrad Makkah, Fairmont Makkah, Hilton Suites Makkah, Hilton Hotel, Al Safwah Royale Orchid, Elaf Kinda Hotel, Hotel Pullman Zamzam Makkah, Swissotel Makkah, Royal Dar Al Eiman, Le Méridien Makkah are among the names of the five star luxury accommodation places with impeccable service which also ensure the availability of necessary services.

Other 3-star accommodation options may include Elaf Al Salam Hotel, Bab Al Multazim Concorde Hotel, Abeer Al Azizia Hotel, Mercure Hibatullah Hotel, Shohada Hotel, Al Massa Hotel and many more on the list.

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source: chahaltravels.pk