Hajj and Umrah for disabled pilgrims

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Hajj and Umrah are physically demanding and should be done only by those who meet the physical and financial requirements. The Holy Quran clearly states that Hajj is obligatory to only those who are physically and financially able. Umrah is similar to Hajj and poses a lot of physical challenges. Many Muslims have some physical or medical disability but still wish to perform Hajj and Umrah. If adequate preparations are made they can fulfill their religious obligation. These preparations can be discussed with us before the booking so that we can notify the local handlers about the requirements of the pilgrim.
At the airport there are several facilities for the disabled. The Hajj and Umrah flights land at the Jeddah and Medina airport and all kinds of necessary arrangements like wheel chairs, escalators and ramps are available so that the disabled pilgrims can move about easily. All these facilities are free of charge but your travel agent should notify the airport management about your needs. Wheel chair assistance can also be requested to the airline and they are happy to provide wheelchair assistance on the basis of passengers mobility, starting from passenger can walk to the seat to “passenger needs to be lifted to the seat”.
Local transport of all kinds is available in Makkah and Medina during the Hajj and Umrah season. Buses are not equipped to handle wheel chairs. Disabled pilgrims must ensure that their travel agents have made arrangements with private transportation and taxi firms in Makkah and Medina so that they can properly be dealt with. Making necessary arrangements in advance will ensure that the disabled pilgrims can perform their religious duty with full concentration.
Accommodation during Hajj and Umrah is usually at hotels. Hotels in general are equipped for the disabled with lifts and wheel chairs. Certain hotels can also be requested to provide passenger with rooms that have toilets designed specially for the special people. It is also recommended that the hotels you choose when accompanied by a special person is as close to the Haramain as possible. This will save you loads of time and effort during your visits to the hotel. The Grand Mosque in Makkah is well equipped for the disabled. It has escalators and ramps to enable wheel chairs to move easily from one level to another. Wheel chairs are provided free of charge and can be acquired from the management at any time. If the pilgrim is accompanied by someone to push the wheel chair then it is good otherwise you can ask someone to push your wheel chair, the pusher may charge for his service. Although wheelchair is easily available as stated above, it is best to take a fold-able one with you right from home. This will save you time looking for one or requesting for one.
It is the wish of every Muslim whether disabled or not, to perform Hajj and Umrah. Some people can bear the financial cost of Hajj but are unable to meet the physical requirements. These people can also appoint someone else who is physically fit to perform Hajj in their place. This facility is provided to the Muslims by Allah (SWT) so that every Muslim can perform their obligation. If a disabled Muslim still wishes to perform Hajj and Umrah, they can do so by making prior arrangements with their travel agents.
We as an agent specialize in making these arrangements on the basis of individual and family circumstances. Please let us know the details of disability of the passenger and leave the rest to us.

Article by: umrahpackagesuk.co.uk

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Packing List and Tips for Hajj & Umrah

When you travel for the holy land of Mecca & Madina is great journey that is not only far off but is also a journey that reminds us of after life and our duties to the people behind us.
According to Islam you should clear all your liabilities and pay off all your dues before the spiritual journey. You are also bound by Islam to write a Will before you leave.
Download a Sample of Islamic will for you and print it.
Following is a check list of items to be carried for the pilgrimage you may need more things it is always better to prepare the list so at last moment you do not forget any items which you might need.

  1. Ahram
  2. Towel
  3. An Umbrella
  4. Pair of Sleepers
  5. Tooth Brush, Tooth Paste mouth wash if necessary
  6. Shampoo & Soap
  7. Few packs of biscuits and other dry food items
  8. Packet of tissues and Toilet Tissue Roll
  9. Alarm Clock
  10. Basic Medicines Disprin, Ponstan, Strepsils, Cough Syrup, Immodium
  11. Face and hands washing soap, Detergent of cloth washing Soap
  12. One or 2 Cups and glasses
  13. Few pairs of socks
  14. Nail Cutter
  15. Scissors
  16. A small Knife for cutting fruits (Keep this in your big luggage not in hand Luggage)
  17. Camera and Sufficient batteries take extra batteries (Keep this in your big luggage not in hand Luggage)
  18. A prayer mat if needed.
  19. One or two Extra Travel Bags this is for when you go to some place for a longer period or for bringing gifts on way bak.
  20. Some Extra Packed Juices of soft drinks they are available but its better to have one or two in your bag as well.
  21. Face cream or cold cream or Patroleum Jelly Its very hot but due to Air-conditioning its also very dry.
  22. A Travel Iron
  23. Tea Bags and Water Heater for making tea

Some of the other things you need to make sure you know.

  • Attend the hajj seminars and workshops conducted by your Hajj tour company (tour-operator)
  • Make sure you have all the travel documents necessary before you leave for Hajj These Items are
  • Your Passport
  • Your Identity Card
  • Your Airline Ticket
  • Hotel Vouchers
  • Transport Vouchers or tickets
  • Although most airlines flying out from Jeddah allow hajj passengers to carry zam zam water on board in addition to the maximum weight allowance it is better to find out when you arrive at airport when you arrive about carrying zam zam
  • Allow some flexibility in your departure schedule as it may not be possible for you to depart on scheduled dates due to some unforeseen circumstances  particularly for women if the have to delay tawaf of hajj (tawaf-ziyarah) due to menstrual cycle
  • For women they may want to should consult with their doctor and take proper medications to delay or differ the menstruation cycle during the Hajj or Umrah
  • All the flights to Jeddah airport cross the miqat before they land in Jeddah therefore you must be in the state of Ihram when landing in Jeddah airport
  • If you are traveling direct to Jeddah, you will assume Ihram before you board the plane other wise you enter Ihram at any transit stop enroute to Jeddah.  Your group leader will advise you about it.  You will have lots of help from your fellow hajjis, or your group leader who accompany’s your group.

Some of the other things you need to make sure you know.

  • Develop an understanding, the respect and love for the prophet Muhammad (s) and his mission for mankind
  • Develop humility and the highest degree of patience.
  • Dont shout Do not liter at airports or spill water in Toilets or try to impose to other that you are VIP In Allah’s house everyone is VIP.  Some of these old humble poor people around you may be a lot closer to Allah than your royal highness.
  • So become a kinder, gentler person at during hajj and umrah and try to keep the same spirit forever.
  • Once you are there, do not yell, do not be overly demanding or rude with your Hajj group leader or staff performing
  • Always Say Please and wait for your turn
  • Reduce your expectations regardless of what you may have paid for your hajj package and of what you were promised for this journey.  Even if you felt cheated and if you did not complain and remain patient Allah surely will compensate you insha Allah
  • This journey is may be different from any other journey you may have ever taken.  Tour operators and their associates however, may try to fulfill their promises, but may not able to do so because situations will arise in which they have no control over
  • Once inside Saudi Arabia, expect delays from the airport to your hotel and do not look or feel frustrated, angry and take it out on your group leader.  He has no control over the local entrants no matter what you paid.
  • Perform 2 rakats of Salaat-al-Tawbah (repentance of the past bad deeds).  Be conscious of doing good deeds always. Understand tawheed and behaviour in it.
  • Follow the sunnah of the Prophet Muhummad (P.B.U.H)
  • Be regular in five daily prayers while you are on this journey and also when you return
  • Read Quran with meaning to understand and practice sincerely
  • People from all over the world and different backgrounds will be there. Do not engage in meaningless arguments and quarrels.  Give others preference over yourselves.  Seek forgiveness immediately should you hurt or offend anyone.
  • If you wish to express your dissatisfaction write a detailed letter to your tour operator and make suggestions on how to improve services.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOUR HOME

  • Plan to do hajj with the intention of obeying Allah ‘s command while avoiding riya
  • Pray two rakahs salah and seek help from Allah and pray for a safe journey.  Ask Allah for His help and protection from the harm of evil.  At the departure gate, take taqwa with you and leave behind your heartfelt duas’ for your family so that they may remain in Allah’s protection
  • Check all your travel documents (i.e. passport, airline tickets and all relevant coupons, verify with airline yourself)
  • Make extra copies of your passport, visa, tickets and the traveler’s cheques.  Take one set with you and place it in a separate location along with a couple of identification photos.  Leave an extra set of documents at home.
  • Take only one good bag/suitcase
  • Take one with wheels so that you can pull it.  Tie some good rope firmly b/c in some cases, the baggage may fall and burst open scattering the contents
  • Make a few personalized identification tags or marks that you can spot from a distance
  • Your carry on bag should contain survival items for 2 to 3 days, just in case your main bag gets lost
  • When loading and unloading to and from bus or taxi, be sure to check your baggage.  Make sure that what you pack belongs to you
  • If you break away from the group, you are on your own, don’t put the blame on your tour operator for leaving you behind
  • Get to know your travel companies and your group leader before hand, in order to understand the schedule and one anthers expectations
  • Learn Arabic: at least a few words and phrases will be helpful.  Most of the locals understand some English and other eastern languages rather well

MONEY MATTERS

  • Traveller’s cheques are not recomended as they hard to cash since you won’t be carrying your passport, which will be taken from you just before boarding in Jeddah or at madinah airport.  You will receive your passport upon your return at Jeddah airport for the flight back to your home country
  • Carry US Dollars or Pounds or Euros larger bills of 100 or 50 dollar bills or pounds.  You can exchange Dollars every where in Saudi Arabia into Riyals

  • Do not carry all your money with you; place your money at different locations on yourself.  This is a precautionary measure.
  • Take approximately 1000.00 dollars per adult for miscellaneous expanses or emergency needs.  This amount is in addition to all other hajj related expenses

REFUNDS

  • Should be obtained at the airport before returning home or any unused travel coupons attached to your passport

 Special Note: In case your tour operator has arranged for private buses for transportation during the entire trip, you should be refunded for all your transport vouchers attached in your passport before you leave Jeddah Airport.  Ask your tour operator about it.  Nobody can cash it for any reason or pretence except you.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME FOR THE AIRPORT

  • Call the airport beforehand to find out the status of your departure flight.
  • Be on time at the airport as instructed by your group leader. If you miss your flight, you are responsible for costs incurred
  • Leave your home early enough to arrive to the airport on time for your flight. Consider the weather, road conditions, and traffic laws
  • Check all your travel documents once again before you leave your home

DURING THE FLIGHT

  • Use the washroom as soon as you feel the need. Do not wait too long
  • If you are in Ihram, do not use cologne/perfume products available on the flight
  • When you come out of the washroom, make sure you leave it very clean, with no water on the floor, or used tissues in the sink or wash basins

JEDDAH AIRPORT – HAJJ TERMINAL

  • Upon arrival, your group will be received the staff of ministry of Hajj. They will help you process the travel documents
  • You will be waiting in the arrival halls until your turn comes.  These halls have no facilities except washrooms, wudu areas and drinking water. It is going to be approximately a 4-6 hour wait, depending on the date and time of arrival. Eat the snacks you have packed in your carry-on.

AFTER CUSTOMS

  • Your baggage is your responsibility. Work on a baggage supervision plan with your group. Stay together.
  • Next – you will show your passport for the removal of the Hajj fee. Cashiers cheques, and bus travel vouchers will be stapled to your passport. Before you move on, check these items and your passport for accuracy
  • Your group will then move into the waiting area platforms, opposite of the terminal halls. There will be restaurants, banks, ministry offices, prayer areas and airport malls where you can buy hajj related items. By this time, you may be exhausted and hungry
  • Always keep your passport in your possession. Go to the bank (cubicles) and convert your money into Saudi Riyals. Eat and rest, sitting watching your luggage.  You may shop for your needs in these malls.
  • Your group leader will collect passports to make arrangements for the bus to Makkah or Medina according to your travel itinerary
  • When the bus arrives at the platform, enter your bus and sit in your seat.  Luggage will be handled by the airport porter and loaded into the bus.
  • All your passports are with the bus driver.
  • Before the bus leaves the terminal platform, a passenger count will be taken by cross referencing with the passports by Ministry staff or driver and your group leader
  • According to your travel itinerary, the bus will travel to Medina or Makkah. Upon arrival, before entering the city, you will pass through a reception centre, where your passports will be registered in the data centre and your Muallim’s office.  If you leave your bus to go to the washroom or any other reason, make sure you note your bus number and isle number so you may return to your respective bus
  • When you enter Medina, the bus goes to the Muallim’s office where your passports will be deposited and receipts will be given to your group leader. Every Hajji will receive a wrist-band and the Muallim’s address card.
  • Next, your bus will go to your hotel for accommodations according to your Hajj package.

YOUR ACTIVITIES IN MAKKAH

  • Once you have unloaded your luggage, assigned your rooms, rested and refreshed, you are ready to do Umrah.
  • Your group leader or accompanied religious scholar will brief you on how to perform Umrah. You will then be lead to the Masjid Al-Haram.
  • When you get to the 1st sight of the Ka’aba, Stop, and make takbir and recite dua
  • Complete a one tawaaf of Umra with Idtibah and Ramal and Sa’ee
  • Men will cut their hair at a barbershop near the doors of Marwah while the ladies will be waiting near the door of Marwah
  • After that, you will go to your hotel rooms and help in cutting the ladies’ hair (approx. 1 inch of hair in length)
  • After this, come out of Ihram, take shower and change into regular clothes. At this point, your Umrah is complete
  • From now until the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, you are free to do any activity
  • During your stay in Makkah:
    • Attend 5 daily prayers in Haram –Ka’aba
    • Do as many nafil tawaaf as possible
    • Do extra Umrah’s if you wish
    • Consult your religious scholar at all times for any/all religious matters
  • According to your itinerary, if your are visiting Medina before Hajj, follow the instructions of the group leader about packing luggage for traveling and departure to Medina either by Saudi Air or by bus

VISIT TO MEDINA

  • After arriving to your hotel room, freshen up, eat some food if hungry and leave for Masjid-e-Nabawi.
  • In the masjid, pray 2 rak’ah Tahayyah-tul-Masjid and recite durood on the Prophet (saw).
  • Walking with humility & respect, join the existing line, walking towards the grave site (rowdka) which will be on your left side.  As you come closer, facing the screen, say a sincere Salaam to the Prophet Muhammad (saw) “As Salaam Alaikum ya Rasulullah”
  • Do not raise your hands in front of the grave site for a du’aa
  • Avoid all forms of shirk (4:48)
  • Next, move onwards to your right and say your salam to Hadrat Abu Bakr (R) and then to Hadrat Umar (R)
  • Next to the marked pillars area called Riyaz-ul-Jannah and prays at least 2 nawafil and without hurting or disturbing anyone. Pray and make your dua’a here, sincerely for this is a high place of acceptance.  This is part of Jannah as it is narrated in a hadith
  • Spend as much time as possible in this masjid to do Salah, durood-e-Ibrahim, dhikr of Allah (swt) and study the Quran.  Additionally, you may offer salaam (if possible after every salah) and durood.
  • Your group leader will arrange a guided tour of the historical and religious sites in and around Medina that include a visit to Masjid Quba

START OF HAJJ

  • Pack your small carry-on bag, provisions for 5 days and nights. You will be staying in crowded dusty camps. Mentally prepare yourself for such an experience for which you have traveled so far to get mercy and blessings from Allah (swt)

8th OF DHUL HIJJA – HAJJ STARTS TODAY

  • If you are in Makkah, take a shower and put on Ihram and make the intention for Hajj and say Talbiya as you did for Umrah, observing the restrictions of Ihraam.
  • Those coming from Mina, enter the state of Ihraam in Medina or Dul Hulaifa making intention for Hajj. Say Talbiya and start observing Ihram restrictions.
  • All hujjaj in ihram from Medina, Makkah or from anywhere proceed to Mina arriving before noon on 8th of Dhul HIjjah.  You will stay over night in Mina.
  • During your stay in Mina, do Ibaadat – avoiding all worldly conversations
  • Be helpful to the needy

9th OF DHUL HIJJA – DAY OF ARAFAH

  • After Fajr prayer, proceed to the tents in within the boundary of Arafat with your group
  • Remember to stay with your group at all times
  • Remember that you came all the way here for today’s event – i.e.  The day of Hajj you will stay here from noon to sunset during which you pray Zuhr, Asr shortened and combined with one adhan and two aqama
  • Some pilgrims may do these prayers at their respective times. Do not get into arguments. Follow your imam.
  • After Zuhr and Asr prayers, eat lunch get some rest and start waqoof Arafat.
  • Today is the climax of Hajj for the Hujjaj. It is the day you came here for physicality and spirituality. You must do some taubaa and istigfar, reciting words of Tawheed. This the day of the largest gathering of all Hujjaj, when everyone is and should be begging from the one and same Master his Majesty, Allah (swt)
  • All will stand in the same location, with the same address, uttering the same words, asking for the same requests and following the protocol He invited to come there and to ask questions. You must produce Khuzoo, Kushroo, Taqwa and Rija’a (hope) – expect only good from Allah (swt) regardless of how meager but must be sincere).
  • He answers all prayers. Today is the best day for acceptance of your dua’a
  • The biggest loser amongst us is one who does not ask for nor has Rija’a (hope)
  • Observe the waqoof from late afternoon to sun down. Remember to pray for your parents, family, relatives, friends and those who helped and assisted you to prepare for this important journey

LEAVE ARAFAT FOR MUZDALIFAH

  • Follow the group leaders instructions
  • Upon arrival in Muzdalifah, after sunset, first pray Maghrib and Isha Salah. Combined and shortened.
  • Combine 49-70 pebbles to throw at Jamarat on 10, 11, 12 & 13th.
  • Stay in Muzdalifah. Pray Fajr early at the starting time and engage in dua until day break
  • After sun rise, leave for Mina tents with your group

10th OF DHUL HIJJAH

  • This is the day of Sacrifice
  • First, go to Jamarat site with your group, throw stones at the last Jamarat only and return to the tent.
  • If you have purchased Qurbani vouchers, assume Qurbani is done. Shave your head.
  • Discard Ihram, take shower and come out of Ihram. Put on regular clothes.
  • After that, go to Makkah, with your group leader. Perform tawaf of Hajj followed by Sa’ee and return to Mina and spend one night in Mina.

On 11th, 12th throw pebbles on the three Jamarat – 7 pebbles each, any time after zuhr salaat until late evening.
If you are in a hurry, you can return to Makkah on the evening of the 12th day.
Otherwise, stay until the 13th. Leave Mina after throwing pebbles after Zuhr salat.  When you have returned to Makkah, perform a farewell tawaf before returning to your country.
If you have not yet visited Medina, this is the time to go to Medina after farewell tawaf.
Your hajj trip has come to an end. May Allah accept your Hajj

Article by: travel-culture.com

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Saudi high-speed railway to dramatically improve Haj, Umrah travel

Saudi Arabia’s new high-speed railway is expected to transport more than three million passengers a year and rising numbers of Haj and Umrah pilgrims, an official statement of the Haramain Highspeed Railway project said.
“It will bring about a dramatic improvement in the Kingdom’s transport system,” the statement said.
ASuccessfulexperimental operation of the railway was held last month. “It will be launched next year,” the statement said without giving a specific date for the inauguration.

An unnamed railway project official was quoted by Saudi Gazette as saying that the trains would transport 20,000 passengers every hour. There will be trains between Makkah and Jeddah every 10 minutes while trains between Makkah and Madinah would be available every 30 minutes.
In addition to stations in Makkah and Madinah, the 480-km railway has five stations located in Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport and King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh.

The railway will operate seven trains per hour to and from Jeddah, two trains between Makkah and Madinah and four between Makkah and Rabigh. Each of the 35 electric trains, which were manufactured by Talgo, a Spanish manufacturer of intercity, will have 13 carriages and will run at a speed of 300km per hour.

“There will be a two-line railway between Jeddah and Makkah with a length of 78-km, reducing the distance between the two cities to less than half an hour,” the statement said.

The unnamed project official also said that the project, which is estimated to cost SR63 billion, would achieve 90 percent of its revenue in 12 years.

 In addition to separate arrival and departure lounges, a mosque, a helipad, a civil defense center, a lounge for VIP passengers, shops and restaurants at every stop, the project also includes construction of 140 bridges and 860 rainwater drainage systems.
Article by: arabianbusiness.com

Mataf bridge to be removed after 3 months

MADINAH: The process of dismantling the Mataf bridge encircling the Kaaba will begin after three months and will be completed by Ramadan to make room for 105,000 pilgrims to perform tawaf in one hour. Before the expansion, only 48,000 pilgrims could perform tawaf in one hour.
The final stages of the project are now underway.

Around 15,000 laborers are working to expand the Mataf area to prepare it for around six million Umrah visitors expected this year.
The third expansion phase is expected to ensure the movement of at least 1.6 million Umrah visitors, while around 6,000 workers and technical advisers are expected to be employed in the expansion process.

This is in addition to the seasonal workers employed by the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques. This project is the biggest in the history of the Grand Mosque expansion.

When the expansion began the number of columns on the ground floor decreased by 30 percent. This is to provide those performing tawaf comfort to create more space.
The project includes the reconstruction of the old Haram area in the first expansion phase and the expansion of the adjacent area by 50 meters instead of just 20 meters on the surface.

Article by: arabnews.com

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Over 5.8 million Umrah visas issued this year

JEDDAH: The Foreign Ministry has issued 5,808,675 Umrah visas until the month of Ramadan this Hijri year through 110 embassies of the Kingdom across the world.
Meanwhile, a Jeddah airport official said that things were moving smoothy and that all facilities and manpower were ready for departure of passengers for the Eid Al-Fitr holiday and return of Umrah pilgrims to their countries.
Prince Khaled bin Saud bin Khalid, assistant foreign minister, said the government, under the guidance of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, has helped in providing all sorts of facilities to Muslims from around the world to enable them to perform Umrah at ease.
The prince said that 500,000 pilgrims reach for Umrah at one time, thanks to the group system made possible with the help of the Ministries of Foreign, Interior and Haj.
Abdul Hameed Aba Al-Urri, director general of King Abdul Aziz International Airport of Jeddah, told Arab News that the airport was coordinating with the Haj and Umrah lounges, aviation companies and the Ministry of Haj.
There are approximately 120 Umrah flights from Haj and Umrah lounges daily.
A pilgrim, Fayez Nooruddin, 45, said that the services at the airport were very good. “But we were surprised by the cancelation of my and my family’s reservation by the Saudi Arabian Airlines. I didn’t get any explanation from the airline about this.”
Naimah Al-Eidani, a 55-year-old Tunisian passenger, expressed her satisfaction at the facilities and management at the airport. “There is no mismanagement at the airport. We completed the formalities easily,” she said.

Article by: arabnews.com

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History and Importance of Maqam-e-Ibrahim

Maqam-e-Ibrahim also was known as the Station of Ibrahim is the large stone block on which Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) stood while building the upper walls of the Holy Ka’aba. It is believed that this rock was sent from heaven to Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) along with three other rocks one of which is the Sacred Black Stone, also known as Hijr-e-Aswad. The second one is the rock of the children of Israel and the third one is Maqam-e-Ibrahim.
The block was moved further when the construction of one part was completed and in this way, all the upper portion of Ka’aba was constructed.  When the construction was completed, the block was left there on the eastern side of the Holy Kaaba.
One of the miracles of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S), which many of us might be unaware of, is that when He stood on that rock, it became soft and his feet dived into the rock which resulted in making the impression of his feet on the rock.  After several hundred years, those impressions are still on that rock
Sa’eed bin Jubair (RA) reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “The stone is the station of Ibrahim. Allah made it soft and made it a mercy. Ibrahim would stand on it and Ismail would hand the stones up to him.”
During the khilafat of Hazrat Umer (RA), he got it moved from the eastern side of holy Ka’aba to the front of Ka’aba just close to the door of the sanctuary. It was done so that the Muslims may not face any difficulty while performing tawaf as it used to come in their way. The present place where it is located now is the place where Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) offered two rakah prayers after finishing the construction of Ka’aba. During Tawaf at the time of Hajj and Umrah, it is desirable if the Muslims offer two rakah prayers behind Maqam-e-Ibrahim. A person may offer pa rayer from a distance so that no trouble is caused to other Muslims performing tawaf. It is mandatory to offer prayer after finishing tawaf or the tawaf will not be accepted.  Allah said in the Holy Quran in Surah al-Baqarah:

“Remember We made the house a place of assembly for men and a place of safety; and take ye the station of Abraham as a place of prayer; and We covenanted with Abraham and Isma’il, that they should sanctify. My House for those who compass it round, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer).” [2:125]

Article by: umrahpackagesuk.co.uk

4 Amazing Rewards of Performing Umrah That Every Muslim Needs to Know

Umrah is one of the most beautiful Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). This is a particular act of worship that now millions of Muslims do throughout the year. It is done with intensity, love, desire and gratitude. Umrah is a spiritual journey to the house of Allah and in return there are rewards for the travelers. The journey will be one of the most beloved journeys of your life. This is guaranteed. It is such a blessed journey that
Masjid+Al+Haram+(1)

Reward 1 – Being a guest of Allah!

Abu Hurairah (RA) said: Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said, “The guests of Allah are three: The Ghazi (i.e. the warrior who fights in Jihad), the Hajj (i.e. the pilgrim who performs Hajj) and the Mu’tamir (i.e. the pilgrim performing Umrah).” – Hadith No. 2626, Book of The Rites of Hajj, Sunan An-Nasa’i, Vol. 3.
Just imagine what a guest of Allah will enjoy! On the other hand simply contemplate that Allah is the host. And what a magnificant  host. His grace and bounties are limitless. This is a magical moment to be in the company of Allah and his rewards. Once you visit and perform Umrah you will also realize and feel the inner gratitude, calmness and peace. May Allah reward this gift to all.
The rational is simple. You have come so far to visit Him and have left so many things behind. Money, family and friends only to ask forgiveness. And for that, Allah will ensure He is the host of such a pilgrimage.

Reward 2 – Removal of Poverty

Ibn Abbas (RA) said: Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said, “Perform Hajj and Umrah consecutively; for they remove poverty and sin as bellows removes impurity from iron.”
And on many accounts and experiences of people that perform Umrah, they keep on telling us that this is certainly a wonderful reward and it comes unexpected. Millions of muslims do not perform Umrah just to eliminate poverty. However, this is a blessing of Allah. People who witness and perform Umrah have found their financial problems crumble and a sound financial model kicks in. What a beautiful gift for all mandkind!

Reward 2 – Removal of Poverty

Ibn Abbas (RA) said: Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said, “Perform Hajj and Umrah consecutively; for they remove poverty and sin as bellows removes impurity from iron.”
And on many accounts and experiences of people that perform Umrah, they keep on telling us that this is certainly a wonderful reward and it comes unexpected. Millions of muslims do not perform Umrah just to eliminate poverty. However, this is a blessing of Allah. People who witness and perform Umrah have found their financial problems crumble and a sound financial model kicks in. What a beautiful gift for all mandkind!

Reward 4 Equivalent to Jihad for some Muslims

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (RA) that Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said, “Jihad of the elderly, the young, the weak and the women, is Hajj and Umrah.” – Hadith No. 2627, Book of The Rites of Hajj, Sunan An-Nasa’i, Vol. 3.
For this Jihad is one of the greatest feasts and actions of Man. Jihad is of many types. However, the importance of Jihad has been told and retold. Muslims of great honor and wisdom wish and beg for martydom and await a chance of Jihad. The reward of Jihad is shahadat. This is the magnitude and significance of Jihad.
So imagine what it will be like if this reward is equivalent to Jihad itself. This is the beauty of Islam. See through this hadith that Allah is giving this reward to the people who are not strong. And gives them hope and precious rewards.

Umrah is a blessing of Allah. And millions of Muslims need to perform Umrah to enjoy the inner satisfaction and calmness that comes with performing Umrah.

Article by: hajjumrahtravelpackages.com

Umrah stay cannot exceed 15 days, says Haj Ministry

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The Haj Ministry has informed 145 Umrah service-providing companies that the maximum stay on an Umrah visa in the kingdom is 15 days.

Abdullah Marghalani, the ministry’s undersecretary for Umrah affairs, told Makkah daily on Wednesday that the instructions were conveyed in writing to all companies.

“Earlier we used to inform the companies of these instructions verbally but now we have conveyed them officially in written form,” he said.

Marghalani, who is also director of the ministry’s branch in Jeddah, said earlier Umrah companies used to turn a blind eye to pilgrims who might extend their stay in the Kingdom to 30 days.

He warned companies that do not abide by the new rules could face sanctions including not receiving any Umrah visas in the future.

He said: “The procedure is aimed at facilitating the entry of new batches of Umrah pilgrims and extending new visa quotas to the companies after the passage of 15 days.”

Marghalani noted a large number of Umrah pilgrims were able to arrive in the kingdom following the implementation of the 15-day stay rule.

“A number of Islamic countries have reacted positively to the new system and have expanded their visa granting procedures,” he said.

He said according to the ministry’s calculations, pilgrims on Umrah visas usually stay eight to 10 days. “Sometimes it is much less than this,” he added.

Marghalani said Umrah companies could be issued with more Umrah visas after 15 days instead of a month, as was the case in the past.

Ahmed Bajaiefer, member of the Haj and Umrah committee of the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, hailed the decision.

Article by: english.alarabiya.net

Difference in Ihram for Men and Women

Getting into the state of Ihram does not merely mean putting on the clothes; rather it includes getting your body and mind into the specified sacred state with an intention of performing Hajj or Umrah. A Muslim must enter into the state of ihram before he enters the boundary of Miqat.
The Ihram of men is far different from the ihram of women. Ihram of men consists of a two pieced white or any other colour cloth that must not be stitched. One is wrapped around the waist and is tied with the help of a belt or pin. This sheet must be above the ankles.  The other sheet is used to cover the upper body excluding the head, covering both the shoulders and the body. The right shoulder is exposed only at the time of performing tawaaf. It is prohibited for men to cover their head while in the condition of Ihram.  Men can use any shoes as footwear but it should not cover the ankles or toes therefore socks and covered shoes are also not allowed for men in the state of Ihram.
For women, there is no clear prescription. Their ihram consists of stitched clothes that can be white or any other colour It should be in loose fitting covering your body completely including your head. However the hands and the face must be exposed. It is forbidden for both men and women to cover their face and hands during ihram. Women can wear any type of shoes unlike men.
It is restricted for both men and women to wear perfume of any kind or used perfumed soaps while in state of ihram.
It must be noted that you can change your ihram for cleaning purposes if you want to. Some people have the misconception that you cannot change the Ihram clothing after making the intention of it. You can change it as often as you like because in case of hot weather, it may get untidy.
Ihram is a serious matter of concern for all the pilgrims and assistance must be sought to get over any kind of confusions or misunderstanding. Several seminars for the sake of guiding the pilgrims are held in the season of Hajj or Umrah which are recommended not to be missed. Moreover, you may perhaps meet the religious scholars to steer you aright in any queries you might have in your mind. May Allah guide us the best!

Article by: umrahpackagesuk.co.uk

Want To Perform Umrah Then Here Are Important Search Terms for Umrah:

New Umrah seasons begins

JEDDAH: The first group of Umrah pilgrims has arrived from Malaysia through Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah, Haj Minister Bandar Hajjar said, adding that top priority is given to the security of pilgrims, Arab News reported.
The embassies of Saudi Arabia do not charge any fee for issuance of Haj and Umrah visas and the Kingdom spends billions of riyals every year to facilitate the pilgrimage, the minister was quoted as saying by local media on Sunday.
Hajjar said his ministry has activated all technical and electronic systems to facilitate procedures and offer services adequately and quickly to the pilgrims arriving from different parts of the world.
He confirmed that the implementation of the electronic path for Umrah services comes at the top of the electronic services.
The system helps in obtaining a visa, in addition to the bundle of other services, which raised the number of Umrah pilgrims to 6 million last year and decreased the number of violators to one in every 1,000. 
Hajjar said the ministry takes care of Umrah pilgrims from the moment they reach the Kingdom’s ports. 
The ministry has devised a comprehensive operational plan for the new Umrah season, which began this month and will end in July. A total of 41 companies are involved in Haj and Umrah services with 3,500 agents outside the Kingdom, working in 81 countries, he said.
The ministry has received global awards because of various technical aspects and reached positive results that rose with the level of Umrah companies’ performance, in addition to eliminating fake companies.

Umrah Packages  | Hajj Packages | Ramadan Umrah Packages | December Umrah Packages

Article by: newsmedialive.com

How to Expire Previous Sins by Doing The Umrah

Introduction

It is encouraged to perform Umrah more than once in the lifetime with the goal that it can go about as a washing of sins from the last time one performed Umrah.

Steps

  • Making the intention of Umrah
  • Assuming Ihram
  • Making Tawaaf
  • Saee
  • Tahal lul

Some Common Errors

  • Ignoring the rules of Ihram
  • Backbiting during Umrah
  • Avoid the rules of Tawaaf
  • Assuming the monuments in Mina as the actual Sattan
  • Throwing particles, i.e., shoe, sandals, bottles, heavy stones, etc, on the Sattan pillars.

Tips

  • Learn the accurate procedure of the Umrah
  • Do not consider that if Umrah in Ramadan amounts same worth in reward as of Hajj, it actually, reimburses the Hajj.

Complete Sourace

According to Sahih Muslim and Bukhari: Umrah is reparation for the transgressions conferred in the middle of it and an alternate Umrah. The demonstration of Umrah is known to purge one’s spirit from past committed sins. It is encouraged to do Umrah more than once in your lifetime with the goal that it can go about as a washing of the wrongdoings from the last time one performed Umrah. The ideals of Umrah ‫‏like Hajj, the demonstration of the Umrah is amongst the best deeds one can perform when satisfying Allah (swt). In the favored month of Ramadan, the prize of performing Umrah is equivalent to that of performing Hajj with the Prophet (peace be upon him). Another awesome righteousness of Umrah is that if one passes away in their voyage of Umrah, the prize for them is Jannah. While embarking for Umrah, the expectation or Niyah, checks first. Cleaning up to wear Ahram and offering of two rak’at Nafal immovable your aim to perform Umrah. Make Ghusl before you set off from home. Whichever Salah, is expected at the time, guarantee it has been offered in full before setting off. Perused two Rakaats of Traveling Salah before setting off. At the point when going out of your home or the hotel, do recite the Dua of traveling.

The demonstration of Umrah is known as the cleans one’s spirit from past sins conferred by him. Hajj and Umrah are journeys to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, taken up by the Muslims. Hajj structures the fifth pillar of Islam, which a Muslim should attempt at least once in his lifetime, while Umrah is viewed as a minor pilgrimage that can be taken up anytime. There is a progression of ceremonies that needs to be taken to finish Umrah effectively. Umrah based on these four columns, Ahraam, Tawa’af, Sa’ee and trimming/ shaving of the head.

After assuming the Ihram, the pilgrim head towards the Makkah. Entering in the Makkah, they take their way towards the Kaaba, which is the sacred house of Allah. Making circumambulations/ rounds around the Kaaba, starting from the black stone/ Hajr e Aswad, the pilgrim performs the first step of the Umrah. After seven rounds, they perform the Saee. Each stage is trailed by the other. The Harram is considered to be the House of Allah. Since making the aim for Umrah to touching base back to your spot, each step is simply brimming with the endowments of Allah. Muslims around the World have a sharp desire to come and perform the Umrah in their lives.

Article by: blog.umrahexperts.co.uk

Want To Perform Umrah Then Here Are Important Search Terms for Umrah:

Mahram Rules for Women performing Hajj and Umrah

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Praise be to Allah (SWT).
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is obligatory on every capable Muslim to perform Hajj once in his or her lifetime. Capabilities mean that he must be able to afford Hajj both physically and financially.
”In it are clear signs, the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds. (Quran 3:97)
According to the above Quranic reference, Muslims who are able to find a way (means are able to afford the journey and accommodation in Makkah and all other related expenses and are able to physically endure the travel) must perform Hajj. Umrah, on the other hand can be performed any number of times during one’s lifetime and is optional. Men and women from all over the world wish to perform Hajj and Umrah once in their lifetime.
Islam is a religion based on mercy and compassion. The teachings of Islam protect the weak and the vulnerable. It has specific intention of protecting the honour of women, their dignity and reputation which is why The Prophet (SAWS) forbade women to travel alone and without someone to protect them. The true intention of this prohibition is safety and protection, women are allowed to travel in a safe company accompanied by elders and reputable Muslim men and women.
The first thing is that who is a Mahram. A Mahram is a male relative with whom she is permanently forbidden to marry because of blood ties, breastfeeding or ties through marriage. This includes several relations other than her husband, father, brother, son, grandfather, grandson, uncle, nephew, father-in-law, son-in-law, stepfather, stepson and any male with whom she has shared a mother’s milk are Mahram for a woman according to Islamic Shari’ah.
There are mixed opinions about women going to Hajj and Umrah with or without a Mahram. Some scholars are of the view that Hajj is not obligatory for a Muslim woman if she does not have a Mahram, even if she can afford the journey. Some scholars believe that women who do not possess Mahram and are able to afford the expenses, and then they should sponsor someone else to do Hajj in their place.
According to the current Saudi rules and regulations a women under the age of 45 years cannot go for Umrah unless she is accompanied with her Mahram. Complete details of the relationship between the two should be provided with the applications. If a woman is 45 years old or older then she can go without a Mahram only if she is travelling with an organized group or family and she submits a notarized No Objection Certificate from her Mahram. There are certain instances when it is not allowed for a women to even leave Kingdom of Saudi Arabia without a Mahram. The rue of thumb in this case is, how their visa is issued. If the visa is issued with a mahram’s name on it, then she can not leave Saudi without that Mahram. This can happen in instances where flights are scheduled differently or the lady in question and her Mahram are planning to leave for two separate destinations. So, please consult us before booking your flights and making your package arrangements before travelling. The minimum age for a mahram is 17 years to accompany any blood relative lady. If your Mahram is not in the country of your departure, you can book indirect flights to get together at a certain point before entering Saudi. Please remember again, that you need t leave together as well. The visa process in such cases is also complex. We ahve covered that in a separate post here.
There is also a prevailing unscrupulous arrangement some agents are engaged in and that is “arranging a mahram”. This includes stapling the lady with a family completely unknown to her. This can not only result in legal trouble, but also can ruin the very essence of the ibadah one is going for. So please avoid trying to dupe the regulations and stick to legal and shariah guidelines always. You can always call us on 0203 743 8188 for more information. Our agents will be happy to assist you with more information on the subject and discuss your specific requirements with you. We can also make special arrangements or recommendations if your Mahram is in a different country.

Article by: umrahpackagesuk