Tips to consider when visiting sacred places in Madinah

The peaceful city of Medina, located in the center of Saudi Arabia, is extremely significant to Muslims worldwide. Medina, home to the Prophet's Mosque and several other hallowed sites, welcomes millions of tourists and pioneers every year. Although there is no denying the allure of these hallowed locations, it is imperative that you approach your vacation with love, respect, and planning. Here are some basic guidelines for passing by Madinah's heavenly locations.

Recognize the importance of:

Spend some time becoming acquainted with the mysterious and historical significance of the city before you enter the Medina. Being the city where the Prophet of Islam settled and established the first Islamic community, Medina has a unique place in Islamic history. For Muslims worldwide, Masjid Nabawi, the Prophet's Mosque, represents unity and an otherworldly existence. You may improve your unearthly experience by approaching your visit with an awareness of these locations' significance.

Etiquette and Dress Code:

When visiting the holy sites in Medina, observance of the local customs and traditions is essential. Cover your knees and shoulders, dress modestly, and keep your distance from anything too tight or exposed. Men and women should dress modestly as a sign of respect for the local customs and the holiness of the location. As a gesture of humility and respect, remove your shoes before entering mosques and other places of worship. Observing these fundamental manners demonstrates your respect for the place's holiness and the local community. 

When you arrived:

When planning a visit to Medina's hallowed sites, timing is crucial. Although visitors can enter Masjid Nabawi at any time of day, it is recommended that you schedule your visit during non-prayer hours in order to avoid crowds and ensure a peaceful experience. For a more tranquil experience, think about visiting early in the morning or late at night. Additionally, keep in mind peak visitor seasons, like Ramadan and the Hajj, when the city experiences a significant influx of tourists. Planning your visit at off-peak hours will enhance your spiritual journey and allow for deeper reflection.

Behaving with respect:

It is essential to act with respect when passing by Madinah's holy sites. Reduce the amount of noise, stay well away from argumentative conversations or disruptive conduct, and avoid shooting pictures in crowded areas. Remember that you are entering spaces of love and contemplation, where silence and thoughtfulness are valued. Always be kind and chivalrous, and take care of both yourself and others around you. By embodying conscientious conduct, you enhance the sacred sites' sanctity and promote a welcoming atmosphere for all guests.

Cultural awareness:

When visiting Medina's holy sites, cultural affectability is essential since it enables a deeper comprehension and respect of local customs and traditions. Get acquainted with Islamic customs and conduct, such as washing after a recent prayer and facing the Qiblah when pleading. Treat religious rituals and practices with deference and humility. Moreover, observe the segregation of sex in mosques with respect to areas designated for men and women. Gaining social affectability increases your engagement and helps you form significant relationships with the local community.

Become knowledgeable:

Take advantage of the chance to familiarize yourself with the background and significance of Medina's holy sites before you get there. Focused on the life of the Prophet Muhammad, his friends, and the events that took place in the city. Knowing the real environment gives your experience depth and significance and enables you to connect with the unearthly core of the place on a deeper level. To get knowledge from knowledgeable tour guides and scholars, think about joining a guided tour or visiting addresses. You may have a deeper understanding of Medina and its importance in Islamic history by broadening your knowledge.

Accountability for the Environment:

Be mindful of the environment and sacred sites by engaging in responsible tourism. Trash should be arranged properly; items should be reused wherever possible; and water and electricity should be avoided at all costs. Part of the medina's allure is its sensitive environment, and its preservation ensures that future generations will continue to enjoy its beauty and tranquilly. Additionally, consider how your actions may affect the surrounding population with relation to their residences and neighborhoods. You leave a good legacy for future travellers and assist the sustainability of Medina's wonderful locations by accepting your natural obligation.

Madinah city is considered in Top 5 Unmissable Spots in Saudi Arabia according to travellers.

In summary:

A trip to Madinah's sacred sites is an opportunity for introspection, reverence, and spiritual renewal. You may deepen your engagement and create a stronger bond with the city's important gift by approaching your visit with consideration, humility, and preparedness. Remember to maintain a respectful demeanor at all times, dress modestly, and observe local customs and manners. Learn about the significance of the city's history and sacred sites, as well as about social responsibility and natural affectability. By doing this, you remove a positive imprint from Madinah's eternal inheritance and honour her sanctity.

What are the requirements for Umrah from the UK?

Conducting Umrah, the minor pilgrimage, is significant for all Muslims worldwide. It’s a non-obligatory act of devotion to God. There is no limit to how many times one can perform it. Pilgrims perform it to renew their faith, seek forgiveness, and get closer to Allah (SWT). Going on this blessed journey for people living in the UK includes detailed planning and conformity to Umrah. 

Understanding the conditions is essential, whether it’s your first Umrah or a routine spiritual task. It would be best to take reasonable notice of the requirements before embarking on Umrah from the UK.

Some requirements and tips for Umrah travel from the UK:

Validity of Passport:

The primary requirement of any international travel is a valid passport, which is also necessary for Umrah from the United Kingdom. You are responsible for ensuring your passport maintains authenticity for at least six months before your flight to Saudi Arabia. Some countries also accept other travel documents or vouchers instead of passports. 

Necessary Visa to Travel to Umrah from the UK:

Acquiring an Umrah visa is imperative for UK citizens intending to perform the pilgrimage. The visa-granting process typically involves working through authorized travel agents or approved Umrah operators. 

All you need to do is fulfil the specific visa process criteria. There are three common visas that UK pilgrims use to travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah.

· Umrah visa

· Tourist/visit visa

· Saudi EVW (Electronic Visa Waiver) – British nationals

Accommodation for Umrah pilgrims:

Accommodation plays a vital role throughout the whole pilgrimage. So it’s best to book in advance to secure discounted deals. It’s also important to book a comfortable and peaceful place for your Umrah journey. Also, book accommodation near Haram so you can travel easily to the Holy Mosque of Mecca.

Travel Arrangements for Umrah from the UK:

While travelling to Saudi Arabia, one must make arrangements to reach the holy destinations. Booking dependable and reputable travel arrangements is essential for a hassle-free Umrah experience. The travel services will pick you up from the airport to accommodation and everywhere in the Saudi Kingdom. If one carefully plans his journey, it will be smooth and comfortable.

Knowledge of Umrah Rituals:

Ready yourself for the rituals of pilgrimage to conduct it with devotion and in a respectful manner. To be ready spiritually, learn it from a knowledgeable person or someone who has done the Umrah several times. Remember that the procedure ensures a profound and meaningful experience, allowing you to fulfil the rituals with honour and devotion.

Health and Well-being:

Going for the pilgrimage requires your health and well-being along the journey. Before embarking on the Umrah travel, ensure you are physically fit and able to undertake the rituals of Umrah. Also, while packing for the Umrah travel, pack the medical kits and medication in case of emergency. Staying hydrated while performing rituals is best because of the scorching heat. Last, you can read the recommended health guidelines during Umrah.

Have enough finances to survive in Saudi Arabia:

Do you have enough budget to take in your Umrah journey? It’s a fact that you can’t travel to other countries without having some amount of money. Saudi Arabia uses the SAR currency, so you may have to convert your currency into SAR. Bring enough cash that you can use during your days of stay in Saudi Arabia. You may have to do certain activities there such as shopping, trying the local cuisines, etc. Remember not to spend your money on unnecessary items and things.

In conclusion, undertaking Umrah from the UK demands meticulous preparation and specific requirements, from ensuring a valid passport with validity to obtaining the necessary visa, arranging travel logistics, and familiarizing yourself with the Umrah rituals. By fulfilling these requirements with diligence and sincerity, pilgrims can embark on their journey to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah with confidence and reverence. One more thing to remember is that requirements and conditions vary from time to time, so you should be updated while contacting your travel agent.

Saudi Arabia allows women over 45 to perform Umrah without a male guardian

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that women over the age of 45 will be allowed to perform Umrah without being accompanied by a male guardian, known as a mahram.

The announcement on Tuesday was the first time the kingdom has opened up to Muslim women around the world who want to perform Umrah at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

“So far women were only allowed to come in groups of women to perform Umrah or Hajj, or with a mahram,” a travel agent in Jeddah said.

“The rules of the kingdom are now changing as it is opening up and this is going to make a lot of Muslim women happy because it is easing the rules and pressure on them coming here.”

The change will also save money for many families, said Donna Mohammed, an Indonesian citizen who lives in Saudi Arabia.

“Usually they would have to bring a son, or brother if they are widowed or if their husbands can’t travel,” she said.

“That’s women paying out of their pockets just so a male member of the family can accompany them — doubling costs of travel and spending money because you’re paying for the mahram too.

“I think this is great for older women, especially those who don’t necessarily have the means or availability of mahram.”

In a similar move, last year's Hajj was made easier for women. Saudi authorities announced that women who have bought Hajj Packages would be allowed to conduct the pilgrimage without a male relative.

In June last year, the country announced that Saudi women “can now live on their own without requiring the consent” of a mahram, after a new legal amendment by the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia has eased restrictions and opened up its borders to unvaccinated pilgrims to perform Umrah and pray in the two holy mosques if they are not infected with Covid-19 and have now been in contact with a person who has the disease.

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Originally published at https://www.thenationalnews.com on March 30, 2022.

What is Umrah and Its performance Method?

In Arabic, the word '"Umrah" is derived from the word of I'timar, which means "to visit. However, in Islamic terms, Umrah means walking around the Kaaba, walking between Safa and Marwah. The Muslims shave the head or cut the hairs in Umrah. It can be performed along with Hajj and on other days as well.

Now people can easily join Umrah journey by getting Cheap Umrah Packages all inclusive. Because the numbering of travel agencies are increasing day by day than in past years. Individuals have a lot of options in performing Umrah.

How to Performing Umrah?

If you are planning to do Umrah, there are several specific customs and traditions whom you will take along the way. These include completing the tawaf around Kabah and doing Sai between the hills of Safa and Marwah, as well as entering the state of Ihram. However,  Muslims should keep this thought at the time of performing Umrah that going to places of Mina, Muzdalifah or Arafat is not part of Umrah.

What is Umrah PROCEDURE?

In the method of Hajj and Umrah, there are only 4 rituals of Umrah that are performed like the rituals of Hajj. Umrah procedure starts from wearing Ihram at selected points, that are located outside Makkah and are called Meeqat. It includes the following three basic rituals:
1. Ihram
2. Tawaf
3. Sai
4 Halq and Taqseer

(Ihram)

The literal meaning of Ihram is "prohibiting". Ihram is a holy state in which a Muslim enters at the time of performing Hajj or Umrah. Ihram consists of two pieces in white colour. The pilgrims should enter the state of Ihram before passing Meeqat. The rituals of Hajj and 'Umrah begin by entering Ihram. It is advisable to perform cleansing rituals before wearing ihram clothing.

(Tawaf)

Tawaaf means walking around the Kaaba seven times. This is the most important duty of the Umrah and the Hajj, without which both the Ummah and the Hajj are incomplete.
Ibn Abbas reported that Allah’s Prophet (PBUH) said that every day, Allah shower 120 folds of His mercy on His servants who visit Allah’s home and perform Hajj and Umrah. Just sixty folds of these are specifically for those people who perform Tawaf in a particular manner, 40 folds are for those who pray at Kaaba and 20 folds for those who look at the Kaaba.

(Sai)

Safa and Marwa are two holy hills located in Makkah. Memories of the holy Safa and the Marwa hills are from Bibi Hajra and Ismail. Allah had commanded to Abraham, to leave his wife Bibi Hajra and son Ismail (as) in the desert of Saudi Arabia where two Safa and Marwah hills are located. Ibrahim (AS) was a prophet of Allah and he fulfiled the command of his Lord.

So he left his wife and child alone in the desert with a little water. When the infant Ismail (AS) started to cry for water, his mother completed seven rounds in search of water between Safa and Marwah and at a certain place where he could not see her son, she ran fast.
From that day, Muslims perform the Sai ritual with running seven times between two hills Safa and Marwah

(Halq and Taqseer)

The Halq refers to shaving the entire head and Taqsir involves trimming the hair on the head for at least one inch. Halq and Taqseer is a compulsory process. Halq for Men and Taqsir for women is Sunnah in Umrah.

What is the major benefit of performing Umrah?

While Hajj is compulsory, Umrah is Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad. In Hadith Number 2626 of Sunan AL-Nisai, Vol 3 states that three people are guests of Allah; one who does Jihad, one who goes on hajj and one who goes on Umrah.

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Hajj Is The 5th Pillar Of Islam

Hajj is a journey to the city of Mecca in the Islamic month- Zulhaj. Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and it should be performed by all those persons who are physically and financially capable to do at least once in life.

The journey of hajj performed each year by a large number of Muslims from several distinct nation and foundations. Muslims receive the first Hajj packages 2022 and go from all around the world to make this pilgrimage. Muslims who accomplish this practice is usually given the title of Haji (for boys) and Hajjat (for women).

Hajj as a custom is expected to advance a feeling of fellowship and harmony between Muslims from various walks of life through demonstrating to them that they are all from one God and they are all equal before Him.

Islam shows that a person who effectively accomplish Hajj and has acknowledged by Allah, Allah excuses him for every one of his wrongdoings and he or she leaves the journey immaculate like an infant. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever performs Hajj for Allah and does not articulate any foul discourse or do any bad deed, will go back (free of wrongdoing) as his mom bore him.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Muslims must enter Mecca in a state of purification known as Ihram. Ihram is a sacred state which offers a special ceremony to purify themselves for Muslims and to wear a special kind of clothing for Hajj journey. Muslims abolish the state of Ihram, known as Talbiyah, by announcing a purpose to enforce travel.

Once in the state of Ihram, pilgrims are not allowed to trim their nails or shave their hair or hunt any creatures until the point when it is out the state of Ihram.

Men should cove their bodies by using two unstitched sheets. The use of fragrances is similarly forbidden.

Women are allowed to wear their usual clothes and they should not cover their faces and hands. Women's clothing should fully cover their body.

Muslims are not allowed to smoke, participate in any sexual activity,  or utilize any swear words.

Unlike mosques and other Muslim social gatherings, men and women are not separated from each other during the journey, and they apply together in similar lines. This is to remind Muslims that they will stand together on the arrival of judgment, irrespective of their gender, waiting for their Lord's decision.

Hajj begins on the eighth day of Dhul Hijjah and closures on the thirteenth day of the sacred month of Dhul Hijjah. During the journey, Muslims visit other places outside Makkah, including Mina, Arafah, and Muzidalifah.

The tradition includes circumambulating around the Kaaba seven times, walking or running seven times between the mounts of Marwa and Safa, and throwing stones at the pillars of Mina.

The finish of the Hajj journey is set apart by a festival known as Eid Al-Azha. On the occasion of this celebration, Muslims offer animal sacrifices to commemorate the occasion in which Allah had commanded Ibrahim (A.S) to sacrifice his baby Ishmael, but later God sent the sheep that were sacrificed in place of Ishmael.

What Is Saee In Umrah

Saee is one of the important rites of Hajj and Umrah. It refers to the ritual of walking back and forth seven times between the two small hills of Safa and Marwa, located adjacent to the Kaabah in Masjid al-Haram.

 Definition of Saee

The word saee is derived from the Arabic verb Sa'a (Arabic: سعى) which means "to walk to strive or to pursue". Technically it's mean is to walk between Safa and Marwah in a particular manner a total of seven times.

History of Saee

Safa and Marwa are the two Holy Hills located in Mecca. The Memories of sacred Safa and Marwa Hills belong to Bibi Hajra and Prophet Ismail (A.S). Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) was directed by Allah to leave his wife Bibi Hajra and child Hazrat Ismail (A.S) in the desert of Arab close Safa and Marwah. Ibrahim (A.S) is the Prophet of Allah and He must fulfil the orders of His Lord. So He left His wife and child in the desert alone with a pitcher of water.

When the pitcher of water ended infant Ismail (A.S) was crying for water then her mother bibi Hajra complete seven rounds between the Safa and Marwah for the seeking of water and at a certain place from where She couldn’t able to see Her son Ismail (A.S), She ran fast.

After returning to check on his son's condition, he saw the water of fountain flow from beneath Ishmael's heel. They quenched their thirst with water. And to stop this water fountain, she said Zam Zam because the word Zam-zam means to stay or to stop. Since then this well is known as Zam Zam. It is located in Masjid al-Haram.

Significance of Sa’i

Allah says in the Quran:

Indeed, Safa and Marwa 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.

Providing commentary on this verse, Ibn Kathir (RA) writes:

Whoever performs Saee between Safa and Marwah should remember his meekness, humbleness and need for God to guide his heart, lead his affairs to success and forgive his sins. He should also want God to eliminate his shortcomings and errors and to guide him to the straight path. He should ask God to keep him firm on this path until he meets death and to change his situation from that of sin and errors to that of perfection and being forgiven, the same providence which was provided to Hajara.

 How to perform Sa’i

Sa'i is a part of Umrah, immediately after the tawaf, it is Sunnah to perform sa'i. Before performing Sai, make sure you are fully prepared for it because you need a lot of energy to perform this ritual.

There is no condition for wudoo 'for Sa'i, though. But performing rituals with Wudhu is Sunnah. The Sa’i will be valid even if it carried out in a state of minor or major ritual impurity. Therefore, women in a state of menstruation or post-natal bleeding can perform it.

Can A Woman Travel Without Mahram

Hajj is one of the five central components of Islam. Muslims who are competent in performing hajj, it is compulsory for them to do at least once in their life. Capacities imply that he should certainly bear the cost of Hajj both physically and economically.

Umrah, on the other side, Muslim can perform Umrah at any time, except that time of Hajj. It is not mandatory for any Muslim as Hajj. Muslims from all around the world wish to perform these rituals of Hajj and Umrah once in their lifetime.

First of all, we should aware of term Mahram. The main thing is that who is a Mahram for a woman according to Islam. Any male relative of a woman with whom she is not allowed to marry at any time & at any situation due to blood ties, breastfeeding or ties through marriage.

This includes a few relations other than her husband, father, brother, son, granddad, grandson, uncle, nephew, father-in-law, son-in-law, stepfather, stepson and any male with whom she has shared a mother's milk is Mahram for a lady as indicated by Islamic Shari'ah.

Now the main point comes to that can any women go to Hajj or Umrah without Mahram?

As the hadith describe the situation clearly:

Shaykh Muhammad ibn 'Uthaymeen (May Allah show kindness toward him) stated: This activity – Hajj without a mahram – is haraam in light of the hadeeth of Ibn 'Abbaas (may Allah be satisfied with him) who stated: 

I heard the Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said, when He (P.B.U.H) was conveying a lesson, "No lady should go aside from with a mahram." A man stood up and stated, "O Messenger of Allah, (P.B.U.H) my spouse has set out for Hajj, and I have followed such-and-such a military action." The Prophet (harmony and endowments of Allah arrive) stated: "Proceed to do Hajj with your better half." Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3006; Muslim, 1341.

Many people have a different point of views for ladies going to Hajj and Umrah with or without a Mahram. But it is totally clear from the above Hadith that it isn't acceptable for any lady to go to Hajj or Umrah without a mahram. 

It does not make a huge difference if there are more ladies with her or not, or whether she is protected or not. No matter whether she goes with ladies from her very own family and she is amazingly protected, it isn't reasonable for her to go without a mahram.

In light of the fact that when the Prophet (P.B.U.H) told that man to proceed to perform Hajj with his wife, he didn't ask Holy Prophet even once whether there were other ladies with her or not, or whether she was sheltered or not. The way that he didn't get some information about that demonstrates that it has no effect. This incident shows us the clarity of the situation.

A few people these days confused with this issue and permit ladies proceeding alone in a plane without a mahram. No doubt in this way they conflict the unmistakable importance of the writings of Islam.

The fact of the matter is that ladies should fear Allah and not go for Hajj or for some other reason leaving out without a mahram who is described briefly above. What's more, Allah is the One whose help we look for.

And another important hadith from which we are able to know whether a woman can travel even for any religious or another purpose without Mahram?

Furthermore on the mastery of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be satisfied with him) the Prophet (P.B.U.H) is cited to have stated: "It isn't passable for a lady who has faith in Allah and the Last Day to travel a separation of one day and one night without a mahram with her." Abu Sa'id portrayed that the Prophet (P.B.U.H) stated: "A lady isn't to travel a separation of two days without her husband or mahram with her."

If a woman wants to perform Hajj and Umrah along her mahram as prescribed in Islamic Laws then she can get the help of a reputable travel agency which would arrange the Cheapest Umrah Package for her and her mahram.