Performing Umrah is the dream of every Muslim. Known as the shorter form of Hajj, this holy journey is the perfect way to get closer to God. Umrah makes the worshippers clean of their sins and helps them lead their lives from a better perspective.
While it is not obligatory to go to Umrah every year, pilgrims can still go to make their faith stronger. People who wish to perform Umrah for the first time often face different challenges both mentally and physically. This blog will share some essential steps to help you prepare for Umrah for the first time.
Essential Tips for the First Umrah Trip
As it is said first impression is the last one, pilgrims also want to have their first impression a positive one while travelling to the holy cities. The excitement to go to Umrah is high but the fear is also equal for first-time travellers. This section will discuss some key steps on how you can prepare for your first Umrah journey and make it a memorable one for a longer time.
1. Learn About Umrah Rituals
The first step is to learn about the different rituals of Umrah. This holy trip has two main rituals which include circling the Holy Kaaba seven times (Tawaaf) and walking in between the two hills again seven times (Safaa and Marwa).
Since there will be endless hours of walking, it is best to start practising walking beforehand. Give yourself 30 minutes every day to walk and eat healthy foods to keep yourself energized for the holy journey. Moreover, you must opt for comfortable footwear such as shoes or sandals. This will help you put less strain on your feet when walking, preventing any sores.
To learn more about the rituals, pilgrims can watch Islamic videos on YouTube or consult religious scholars to seek proper guidance about how to perform every ritual correctly. Understand how to wear the Ihram before the Umrah and what you should avoid after wearing the Ihram.
2. Carry Your Documents
Another step is to carry your all important documents with you. After Covid 19, a new virus is rising in China, known as the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) which is a respiratory disorder. The Saudi Government has recently announced that pilgrims who wish to enter the Kingdom must carry a vaccination certificate for this virus, ensuring that they are free from this outbreak.
Moreover, pilgrims preparing for their first Umrah must carry their ID cards and passports with them. It is best to have your visa paper with you at all times in case there is a check, but this is a rare event.
Pilgrims travelling via travel agencies on different flight packages such as December Umrah packages need to ensure that their visa is valid for up to 6 months and that all the requirements have been met. This is quite necessary to avoid last-minute fuss.
It is always safer to keep several copies of your original documents in case any paper gets missing. Medical expenses are quite expensive in the Kingdom, especially in a private hospital. First-time pilgrims must have medical insurance to cover up all their health-related issues without making their pockets empty.
3. Opt for the Right Package
One key step to preparing for your first Umrah journey is finding the right package. While going in Ramadan is a different vibe overall, pilgrims can opt for off-season umrah packages such as December Umrah packages to perform their Umrah in peace with less crowd.
You must look for a reliable travel agency to book a reasonable Umrah deal. Make sure to check for reviews online and online repos of the company to avoid getting scammed. Communicate about your concern and what you want to add to your package to get exactly what you paid for. Be aware of any hidden charges and ask about them if suspicious.
People who want to go for the first time are unaware of the expenses in Saudi Arabia. Make sure that you don’t go beyond your wallet limit with the travel package. However, keep quality services as your main priority.
Pilgrims must lock dates that are according to their preferences. It is vital to re-check the status of your booking before making the payment and even before heading towards the airport. Verify that you have chosen the right dates and the right hotels to prevent any eleventh-hour panic attacks.
As it will be your first time, you can opt for an all-inclusive bundle which has everything to cater for your needs. This includes visa processing, hotels, transport, meals, and guided tours to Ziyarat spots. Always compare different travel agencies and their packages to see which fits your taste.
4. Memorize Certain Duas
While physical preparation is vital, it is best to prepare yourself spiritually as well. Pilgrims who will leave for their first Umrah trip often face situations where they are told to read specific duas only. Most of the pilgrims are found carrying a little book of prayers with them. Just to be clear, reciting only certain duas is not desirable and is a form of innovation.
Muslims can make any supplication or recite any verse from the Quran. First-time pilgrims can memorise small duas to recite during their rituals. They can ask their religious scholars or someone from their loved ones who have performed the Umrah before. Muslims must learn about the meaning behind the duas to make sure they are supplicating from their heart.
Moreover, pilgrims must prepare themselves by first seeking forgiveness from their loved ones for their wrongdoings with them. Umrah trip is not about seeking blessings for yourself only but you must make duas for your loved ones too.
5. Make Intention
The most important step that goes into the preparation for your first Umrah is intention. Today, people have the habit of posting everything on social media just to keep their followers updated. However, most of them don’t even care about your social life updates. Pilgrims must avoid putting up stories such as “Travelling for Umrah” on Instagram or Facebook. Make sure that the intention you made stays between you and your Lord. There is no need to announce your niyat to other people.
An intention is a testament that clarifies your purpose of doing a certain act of worship. It is important to make an intention from the purity of heart before leaving for Umrah. To stay aware of your intention, keep asking yourself why you left the house in the first place. Intention is one of the major aspects to prepare yourself on a spiritual level for this holy trip. Make sure to stay true to your intent and avoid indulging in bad moral deeds even after Umrah is completed.
Final Words
This blog has shared some essential tips to prepare for your first umrah trip. By following these strategies, pilgrims can feel less worried and fearful about making any wrong decision. While peak seasons are great to see the zealous atmosphere in Mecca, you can opt for December Umrah packages for a calm moment to perform this trip. Do you want to book the flight to Saudi Arabia in advance? Contact Muslims Holy Travel to get customized travel packages at an affordable rate.
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