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.

After knowing such an amazing benefit, we should never miss this chance to get Umrah Package 2022.

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.

When Umrah Starts after Hajj 2022

Umrah is a spiritual journey for all Muslims and they want to perform it as soon as possible. Umrah is performed in the Masjid al Haram, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Millions of Muslims perform Umrah every year. It is Sunnah, therefore, there is no restriction to perform Umrah one or two times rather it can be performed multi times in one year but Hajj is only prescribed for one time in life.

Umrah can be performed at any time of year except for the days of Hajj, this condition is only applicable for those people who are GCC nationals, who have permanent residency or work permits and who are inhabitants of Saudi Arabia. When Umrah Starts after Hajj 2022 for such Muslims who are living and inhabitants of the UK, USA, Europe, Australia, Asia, and etc.

The residents of these areas can perform the Umrah after the month of Hajj which is up to July this year 2022. Even the pilgrims who go to visit during Ramadan must leave Saudi Arabia when Ramadan ends and can’t overstay this time. In simple words, leave on Eid or shortly after Eid.

After the Hajj season, people can get Cheap Umrah Packages 2022 All Inclusive which are cheaper as compared to Umrah during Ramadan.

Why the people can’t perform Umrah after Ramadan?

Umrah Visa is not issued after the 16th Ramadan and it is issued after the month of Hajj which is the last 12th the month of Islamic lunar calendar.

After the Hajj season, the Government of Saudi Arabia gives permission to the agencies and countries to open up the Umrah season. Normally, it takes a few weeks after the Hajj season for the Saudi government to start Umrah Visa process. Due to the massive influx of people in Hajj, renovating of hotels, local areas, parks, malls, and restaurants are required for new upcoming people for Umrah.

What is the Best Season for Muslims to perform Umrah after Hajj 2022?

Approximately, Hajj 2022 will start on the evening of Thursday, 7th July and ends on the evening of Tuesday, 12 July, so after that few months will be left to end 2022 and it is a very precious time for Umrah. If one of us contacts to a travel agent at this time and agent quotes a price prior to the Hajj then this price is not accurate but only is an estimate.

December is the best season for Umrah due to winter season and holidays. The climate of Saudi Arabia is so hot in summer season than European countries, UK, and etc. but in December the climate of Saudi Arabia is very pleasant as it does not happen in the UK, USA, and etc.

So it is the best season for the UK residents to perform Umrah this year 2022, in this month, everyone can get easily 5 Star December Umrah Packages 2022 with Flights easily, therefore, we should make a plan to perform Umrah this year because earlier booking is better after the Hajj.

Most agencies offer different types of packages such as 10 Days of December Umrah Packages, 5 Star December Holidays Umrah Package, and etc.

Umrah is never complete without true intentions, therefore, we should every time pray from Allah that Allah give us a chance to perform Umrah and Tawaf around the Kaaba at least one time. (Ameen)

Amazing Rewards of Performing Umrah

Umrah is a great Sunnah of Last Messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him). The method of this Sunnah is the same as the method of Hajj. Difference between Hajj and Umrah are in the number of rituals. Hajj is only performed in 5 days of Last Islamic Lunar Calendar while Umrah can be performed at any time of year except for the five days of Hajj. Obviously, Rewards of Umrah are endless and anyone can get these rewards if he/she performs Umrah with intensity, desire, love, and gratitude.

It is a spiritual voyage which can be started from any corner of the world but it ends at the House of Allah and this house is situated in the city of Makkah. After returning from this journey, everyone cannot earn rewards because rewards are only for Muslims and no rewards for non-Muslims.

Nowadays, almost all travel agencies offer Umrah Packages 2022 All Inclusive especially for this year, so that, Muslims can perform Umrah easily. In these packages, all-inclusive means Umrah Visa, flights, hotels, transport, and Umrah guide. Sometimes people understand that Umrah Packages and Umrah packages All Inclusive but it is not the same in reality.

There are remarkable rewards of Umrah:

1-            Being a guest of Allah

2-            Removal of Poverty

3-            Expiation of Sins

4-            Equivalent to Jihaad

Being a guest of Allah:

Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported that the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) stated:

“The guest of Allah are 3- The Ghazi (a warrior who fights in jihad), the Hajji (a pilgrim who performs Hajj), and the Mutamir (a pilgrim who performs Umrah).”

{Sunan an- Nasai}

Just imagine at this time, what a guest of Allah and what magnificent host is.  Verily, Allah’s grace and bounties are limitless. This is a magical moment for all pilgrims who are performing Umrah. If you are visiting and perform Umrah then you will also feel and realize the inner calmness, peace, and gratitude.

Removal of Poverty:

Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) stated:

“Perform Hajj and Umrah consecutively; for they remove poverty and sin as hollers remove impurity from iron.”

It is proved from above hadith that Umrah is a great source to remove the sins. According to Islamic scholars, Umrah is an essential journey for those Muslims who are financially and physically able to perform Umrah at least one time in lives.

If a person spends one thing in the way of Allah then Allah gives him ten things instead of one thing. As Hazrat Ayesha (RA) said:

“Whoever greeneries his home only for the obstinacy of Hajj & Umrah and dies, nothing will be obtainable to him not will he have any liability on the day of Reckoning and It will be said to him, enter into Paradise.”

Expiation of Sins:

Committing sins is the nature of mankind. Umrah gives a chance to removes our sins and cleanse our body and soul from the burden of past committed sins.

Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported that the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) stated:

“From one Umrah to another is the expiation for what comes in between and Hajj Al-Mabrur brings no reward less than Jannat.”

 (Sunan an-Nasai & Sunan ibn Majah)

In the light of this hadith, every Muslim can save himself/herself from the fire of Hell on the Day of Judgment by performing Umrah.

Today, it is easy for everyone to perform multi Umrah in life so that he/she can remove the sins. Best Muslim Travel Agencies are providing best Cheap Umrah Packages 2022 this year.

Equivalent to Jihaad for some Muslims:

Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported that the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) stated:

“Jihaad of the elderly, the young, the weak and the women, is Hajj and Umrah.”

(Sunan an-Nasai)

Jihad is a great act of Islam because, in this act, Muslim gets the reward of martyrdom. It is proved the form hadith that Muslims (old and weak men, women, and young) can get the reward of Jihaad without participating in any battle.

At another moment the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) stated:

“The warrior in the foundation of Allah, the pilgrim and the one who is performing Umrah are all the provision of Allah. He called them and they answer back and they will ask of His abdications and He will give it to them.”

These are the main rewards of Umrah but there are many rewards of Umrah who performs it.

May Allah gives all of us at least one chance to perform Umrah. (Ameen)

What is allowed and not allowed during Ramadan?

Ramadan is a great and holy month for Muslims. In this month, every Muslim can get Allah’s grace with a little effort. Muslims fast during this whole month. Ramadan is a ninth month of Islamic lunar calendar. 

Ramadan is a great month due to some reasons:

The first reason is that it is a month in which Allah revealed the first verse of the Holy Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

The second reason is that Allah says it is my month.

The third reason is that in this month, Hell’s doors are closed and Paradise’s doors are opened.

The fourth reason is that in this month, one reward equivalent to seventy rewards.

Fifth reason in this month, a night comes which is better than the nights of one thousand months in the term of rewards.

Sixth reason in this month, Umrah is equal to Hajj only in term of rewards.

The seventh reason is that fasting during the Ramadan is one of five pillars of Islam, therefore, it is very essential for every person.

Most of Muslims select this month to perform their Ramadan. If one can get seventy rewards beside one reward in this month then if he/she should perform his/her Umrah during the Ramadan, then he/she can get uncountable rewards which will be unlimited. Best travel agencies help to perform the Umrah by giving Ramadan Umrah Package.

According to the above information, Ramadan is a very sacred month and everyone wants to get all the rewards of this month. It is very necessary for everyone to know what is prohibited in this month and what is allowed in this month?

What is fast?

Fast means abstain yourself from drink, eat, and all bad deeds in this month. Time of fast starts from dawn and ends on the dusk. During this time, Muslims don’t eat and drink. If one abstains oneself from something such as eating and drinking but he/she does not abstain him/her from the bad deeds then his/her fast is invalid.

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is not obligatory for those persons who are not able to perform it.

The types of those persons who don’t observe it for any reason. They can leave the fasts of Ramadan.

 The types of these people are:

1: If someone is traveling.

2: If someone is sick

3: If someone is a woman and she is in the condition of menstruating or experiencing the post-childbirth bleeding.

4: A woman who may be weakened due to breastfeeding and pregnancy.

There are some actions that invalidate the Ramadan fast.

1: If a person eats or drinks during his/her fast by a mistake then his/her fast does not invalid.  But a person eats and drinks without any mistake then fast is surely invalid.

2: If anyone feels like vomiting, the fast still continuous but a person chooses to vomit for any reason then his/her fast will be invalid.

3: In the Ramadan, sexual activities are not allowed during the fast. If someone has sexual intercourse while he is observing fast, then his fast will be invalid.

4: In the fast, smoking is not allowed and if someone smoke during the fast then his/her fast will be invalid.

5: It is not allowed for every person to use the foul speech, arguing and slandering or backbiting.

There is special worship which is offered after the Isha prayers during the month of Ramadan. This Special worship is called Taraweeh. Muslims offer it with full intentions to get more rewards from Allah.