Umrah is a sacred journey for muslims. It holds immense significance from the intent to the actual act of performing Umrah for muslims. This beloved worship brings muslims closer to Allah. Muslims feel their bond getting stronger with each step they take on this spiritual journey. In addition, the muslims also shed the burden of all sins and feel lighter after Umrah.
How to Prepare for Umrah: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Pilgrims
The feeling of excitement and calm when Muslims step on the land of the Prophet (PBUH) is priceless. This beloved sunnah offers Muslims a chance to refresh their faith and purify their souls. This journey has challenges, such as finding a good travel agency and an affordable Umrah package. However, millions of Muslims visit Makkah and Madina every year. As a U.S. citizen, you can easily book your Umrah package from New York through a trusted travel agency specializing in Islamic pilgrimages.
Travel Preparations
Thorough planning and necessary preparation are essential for this spiritual journey. The following is Umrah’s step-by-step guide.
Travel agency
Find a good travel agency that accommodates your needs. Communicate well with your agent. Select a package well suited to your needs and budget.
Packing
Pack weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes. This journey involves a lot of walking; therefore, comfortable shoes are important. It is also essential to pack a first aid kit for emergencies.
Vaccination
Researching the vaccination requirements will save you a lot of hassle. Acquiring a vaccination card will help you avoid problems at the airport.
Physical and Mental Health
Eating a well-balanced diet and staying hydrated while performing Umrah is essential. As the saying goes, a healthy mind keeps a healthy body; therefore, it is crucial to remain calm. During the peak season, check-ins and transportation can sometimes get late. Hence, it will be helpful to be patient and stay quiet.
Rawadha Visit
Praying at Rawadha requires booking. Therefore, it will be helpful to make those arrangements beforehand.
Itinerary
A well-planned itinerary is essential for a relaxed Umrah. People try to squeeze in as many ziarats as they can. Hence, they unintentionally compromise on some of the critical Umrah rites. Mark all your ziarat spots and plant your calendar accordingly.
Note Down Duas
It is easy to forget about the duas you want to make for yourself and your family. Writing all the duas on paper and remembering them beforehand helps a lot during this emotional journey.
Umrah Preparation
Intentions
Allah regards people’s intentions. Therefore, it is quintessential to keep your intentions pure and heart-malice-free. You should clearly intend to take on this journey purely for Allah.
Ghusal
Purifying your body and spirit before wearing the ihram is an unmissable sunnah. Therefore, it is essential to remove hair from private parts and clean yourself thoroughly.
Ihram
Pilgrims should enter ihram before crossing the Miqat. The exact location of this rite varies. For example, people coming from Jeddah should complete it before entering Makkah.
Recite Talbiyah
Recite Talbiyah right after you enter the ihram. There are booklets available in the market for all the mandatory duas.
Tawaf
Circumambulating around the kaaba is known as tawaf. You should head towards the kaaba after entering Masjid Al-Haram. Move counterclockwise starting from the corner of the black stone. Recite as much quran as possible, constantly remember Allah, and beg for His mercy and blessings. Conclude your tawaf with seven circuits and proceed to Maqam Ibrahim. Perform prayer there as it is the sunnah of tawaf.
Drink Zamzam
It is sunnah to drink Zamzam after completing tawaf. It is available within the vicinity of the Kabba.
Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah
Start from the hill of Safa, facing the Kaaba, and walk towards Marwah. Walk back and forth seven times, remembering the perseverance of Hajra(AS). You should constantly reflect on your faith and make Duas.
Tahalul
It is the act of trimming or shaving your head. Men should shave their heads, and women should trim an inch off a small portion of their hair. This action represents the conclusion of this sacred journey.
Travel Tips
This emotional journey requires a lot of planning and preparation, especially during peak season. People who want to go independently can apply for an Umrah visa. The online visa application process is extremely easy. However, they have to book accommodations in advance during peak season. Arranging transportation in advance will be helpful. For those seeking convenience and peace of mind, opting for a well-organized Umrah package can simplify the entire journey, covering everything from flights and hotels to ground transport.
Final Thoughts
Umrah is a personal and spiritual journey. People yearn to see the place where Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) set foot. Every step is meant to cleanse the sins and souls. Moreover, the soothing environment of Makkah and Madina leaves a lasting impact on the soul. This is a journey of rewards and strengthening your bond with Allah Almighty.
