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How to Perform Umrah for Women

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This blog is to provide the readers with the clear understanding of the rules ordained by Islam for Women when they are planning on performing Umrah. The blog articles discusses the clothing requirements, visa requirements, Islamic requirements and the physical requirements that need to be met to successfully perform Umrah. All females irrespective of the age bracket that are planning on moving forward to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah needs to know the basic steps and procedures to perform Umrah correctly. Little girls are certainly excluded since they are innocent. One of our recommendations is to abide by the men that the women are going with. Basically, the majority of the steps are the same for man and woman. However, there are certain areas where there is a difference.
Let us update you of the main exceptions:

  • Ihram for Men is a stipulated method. however, for women it is not the case. Women only have to be properly covered.
  • Women who are having their menstrual cycles need to abstain from performing Umrah.
  • After the completion of Sa’yi, males have to shave off their heads. This is not the same case for women. Women are only told to cut their hair the length of a finger nail. This is to ensure that the women have also participated in that ritual.
  • Al-Idhtebaa’ and Al-Raml- which are for men only.
  • Talbeeyah- said loudly by men and in a low voice by women pilgrims.
These are the main differences in terms of the approach and method. However, the main activities and performing Umrah remains the same.

What Should Women Wear for Umrah

Ihram basically means covering the main organs. While you are performing the Umrah, it is obligatory to have a sanity and community sense. Hence, the women are allowed to wear decent cloths. The women are allowed to enter the state of Ihram by washing themselves and ensuring that they stay pure and holy during the entire Umrah activity. Any activity that makes the women unclean or impure is not recommended. Any practice like that will break the Umrah for the woman. During Umrah, women cannot wear any type of veil and gloves. These are not permissible under any means. Ihram for women during Umrah is more symbolic. This symbolism identifies the importance of cleanliness and holiness.
In fact, many of the latest Umrah packages from Pakistan and other parts of the Muslim countries now offer real time and even virtual classes for the women prior to taking up the journey to Mecca and Medinah.

Mahram in Islam for Women

Men can perform Umrah on their own. However, this is not the case for women. And there are significant rules and laws that stipulate and provide evidence as to why women should not perform Umrah alone

For your convenience the following is a list of mahram for women:

  •  Father, mother, grandparents, and great-grandparents
  • Brothers and sisters
  • Children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren
  • Uncles, aunts, great-uncles and great-aunts
  • Nephews, nieces, Grand nephews, Grand nieces, great-grand nephews and great-grand-nieces
  • Parent-in-laws
  • Son-in-laws and daughter-in-laws
  • Stepfathers and Step-mothers
  • Stepchildren
  • Rada – Also known as “milk-suckling mahram”

However, there are strict rules for men as well in terms of accompanying their women in Umrah. Men have been bestowed as the guardians of the women. So, during Umrah, the women need to make sure that they are close to their male counterparts and ensure that they are aware of the surroundings. In many of the cases where men take their respected elderly, we highly recommend that the five start services are rendered since the services provide a certain level of ease and comfort.

Importance of Mahram

The principle of mahram is important since it regulates everyday human interaction and clearly demarcates the boundaries of permissible human interaction and social activities. Umrah has millions of people from all across the world. And hence, there is a large stamped of people and activities going on at the same time. Hence, with the current influx of people and communities, it is highly recommend for women to carry along with their respective Mahram. Additionally, a single woman in any place is highly likely to be harassed by men. It is common human interaction. And with that comes Shaitan and all the evils. That is why it is always safe to be with a man that can provide and decrease the chances of any impurity or lawlessness. Honor and chastity of women are also save with their respective men that are leading them. Umrah is a family event and should be enjoyed as such.

Rules of Umrah for Women

  • As discussed above, the women performing Umrah need to be properly dressed and need to be with their Mahram. Additionally, women cannot apply for a Saudi Umrah Visa without being accompanied with a male passport. It will be rejected.
  • Women who are on their menstrual cycle should not participate in Umrah and needs to abstain from it. Women need to be pure and clean during the Umrah activities.
  • Muslims have the luxury of performing Umrah all year round, which is not true of Hajj. Therefore it is advised that women intending to perform Umrah plan their pilgrimage accordingly to avoid any inconveniences.
  • Women needs permission of their husband to wear Ihram. Objective is that nothing should violate the conjugal rights of the husband.
  • There is no special acceptance of Ihram. Women can even wear regular clothing.
  • Very unlike men, women can wear stitched clothing. Silk cannot be worn during Umrah.
  • Jewelry is not permissible during performance of Umrah.
  • Women do not need to cover her face for Umrah.
  • Make up is also not permissible during Umrah.
  • Though, there are certain rules if the menstrual cycles start during any activity of Umrah, it is highly recommended to not perform Umrah during the cyclic period. Women are recommended to abstain from this at all costs.

Article by: hajjumrahtravelpackages

How to Perform 'Umrah'

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What is Umrah?

In Arabic, the word ‘Umrah is derived from I‘timaar which means a visit. However, ‘Umrah in Islamic terminology, means paying a visit to Ka’bah, performing Tawaaf (circumambulation) around it, walking between Safaa and Marwah seven times. A performer of ‘Umrah puts off his Ihraam by having his hair shaved or cut. ‘Umrah can be performed along with Hajj and in other days as well.

‘Umrah can be performed during any time in the year, there is no fixed time for ‘Umrah.

The Pillars of `Umrah are four:

a) Ihraam: which is assumed at the Meeqaat.

b) Tawaaf: around the House.

c) Sa’y: walking between As-Safaa and Al-Marwah, which consists of seven circuits.

d) Tahal-lul: which means coming out of the state of Ihraam; becoming lawful what was previously prohibited during Ihraam.

During ‘Umrah, pilgrims do not go to Minaa, ‘Arafaat and Muzdalifah or throw pebbles on the Jamrahs (stone pillars representing devils) or offer animal sacrifice. These rites are only performed during Hajj.

How to perform ‘Umrah:

1. When the one who wants to perform ‘Umrah arrives at the Meeqaat, it is recommended for him (both man and woman) to take a bath if convenient, including menstruating women and those experiencing postnatal bleeding. The man perfumes his head and beard but not his Ihraam garments. There is no harm in what remains of it after Ihraam. There is nothing wrong if it is not possible to take a bath at Meeqaat.

2. Men are to change into their clothing of Ihraam while the women only need to make their intention at that time in the clothing they are already wearing. There is no specific clothing designated for women, except that they are prohibited from wearing the Niqaab (face-veil) and gloves. Instead, they may cover their hands with the lower part of their khimaar (head covering), while using the upper part of their jilbaab (outer garment) or a separate piece of fabric to cover their faces by drawing it down, if there is need to do so.
As for men, they must assume their Ihraam at the Meeqaat by wearing two pieces of fabric called the Izaar and the Ridaa’. The Ridaa’ covers the top half of the body, while the Izaar covers the lower half. No other clothing is allowed to be worn in addition to these – no underwear, no pants, no shirt, no turban, no hat, etc. are to be worn.

Then the pilgrim makes the intention at the Meeqaat to begin the rites of ‘Umrah by entering the state of Ihraam. The intention must be made in the heart, while the statement made afterward is: “Labayka ‘Umrah” or “Allahumma labbayka ‘Umrah”. This statement begins the rites of `Umrah. So the first pillar of `Umrah is the Ihraam. The intention is made in the heart, while the tongue recites the opening Talbiyyah. And if you wish, when uttering Talbiyyah, you may state a condition to Allah fearing that which may prevent you from completion of the ‘Umrah whether illness or fear – saying “in habasanee haabes fa mahillee haithu habastanee” (I come out of the state of Ihraam from the place You prevent me from continuing). So if you do that and are then prevented or become ill – then you may come out of Ihraam. Then repeat the Talbiyyah: “labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, laa shareeka lak” (“In response to your call O Allah I perform ‘Umrah, here I am O Allah. In response to Your call. You have no partner. In response to Your call. All Praise and Blessings, and the Ownership of all that You created is Yours (alone). You have no partner”)

Upon arriving at the sacred mosque in Makkah (Al-Masjid Al-Haraam), you should enter with your right foot and say: “Bismillaah, Allahumma Salli ‘Alaa Muhammad, Allahumma Ighfirli waftahli Abwaaba Rahmatik. (In the name of Allah! O Allah! Exalt the mention of your Messenger. O Allah! Forgive my sins, and open the gates of Your mercy for me).” You should enter in a manner expressing humility and gratitude to the blessings He, Almighty, conferred upon you.

3. Upon arriving at the Ka’bah, stop reciting the Talbiyyah, then approach the Black Stone, touch it with your right hand and kiss it. If this isn’t possible, you should face the Black Stone and point to it. Don’t push and shove, causing harm and being harmed by other people. When touching the Stone, the following is said: “Bismil-laah, Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest) or “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest).

A pilgrim must walk, keeping the Ka’bah on his left. When you reach the Yamaani corner touch it with your right hand, if possible, but do not kiss it, and say: “Bismil-laahi wa Allahu Akbar”. If this is difficult for you, then go on performing tawaaf without touching it, pointing at it or even saying “Allaahu Akbar” because this was not narrated from the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, on the other hand whenever you reach or are parallel to the black stone, touch it with your right hand, kiss it and say, “Bismillaah Allahu Akbar”, if it is not possible then it is enough to point at it and say, “Bismillaah, Allahu Akbar”.

During this Tawaaf it is preferred for a man to do two things:

a) Al-Idhtibaa’ from the beginning of Tawaaf until the end, which is placing the middle of one’s Redaa’ under the right arm and the ends of it over the left shoulder. When you are finished performing Tawaaf, you may return your Reda’ to its original state because the time for A-Idhtibaa’ is only during Tawaaf.

b) Ar-Raml during the first three circuits only. Ar-Raml means speeding up one’s pace with small steps.

Make supplication from your heart, for that which will benefit you. Recite whatever you wish, supplicate to Allah by asking for good, recite the Quran, anything you wish. There are no specific statements or supplications to be recited during the Tawaaf that are authentically established in the Sunnah. However it is recommended to say between the two corners during each circumbulance as it is reported from the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam: “…Our Lord, grant us good in this life and good in the hereafter and save us from the punishment of the Hellfire.” [Quran: 2:201]

4. When you complete seven circuits of Tawaaf, approach Maqaam Ibraaheem (Ibraaheem’s station) and recite this verse (which means): “And take you (people) the Maqaam (place) of Ibraheem as a place of Prayer…” [Quran: 2:125]

Then pray two short Rak’ahs, as close as conveniently possible, behind Maqaam Ibraheem. If it is not possible then you can pray them anywhere in the sacred mosque. It is preferred to recite during the first Rak’ah the chapter “Al-Kafiroon” [109] and during the second one the chapter of “Al-lkhlaas” [112].

Upon completing the two Rak’ahs, return to the Black Stone and touch it, if convenient

5. The next stage is to go to Safaa. Upon approaching the foot of Safaa, the following verse is recited (which means): “Verily, As-Safaa and Al-Marwah are from the symbols of Allah. So it is not a sin on him who performs Hajj or ‘Umrah of the house (ka ‘bah) to perform the going (tawaaf) between them. And whoever does good voluntarily, then verily, Allah is the All-Recognizer, All-Knower.” [Quran; 2:158]

6. Then climb unto mount Safaa until the Ka’bah is visible, if possible. Facing the Ka’bah the following is to be said 3 times, and between each time one is to make ones own supplication:

“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. Laa ilaaha il-lall-llaahu wadahu la shareeka lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu, wa huwa ‘alaa qulli shay’in qadeer. Laa ilaaha il-lall-llaahu wahdahu, anjaza wa’dahu, wa nasara ‘abdahu, wa hazamal ahzaaba wahdahu” (Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. None has the right to be worshipped except Allah alone, Who has no partner. To Him belongs the dominion, to Him belongs all praise, and He has power over everything. He fulfilled His promise, gave victory to His servant, and defeated the confederates alone.)

7. Then descend and go towards Marwah, running between the fluorescent green lights (for men only), upon reaching Marwah climb upon it if it is possible, and repeat the same procedure as when ascending Safaa except you are not to recite the above-mentioned verse, because it is recited when ascending Safaa for the first time only. This completes one circuit. Then one continues back to Safaa running between the fluorescent green lights (for men only) – thus completing two circuits.

There are no particular supplications to be recited between Safaa and Marwah. Seven circuits are to be completed ending the last one on Marwah.

Then one is to have his hair cut although shaving it is better. Women should shorten their hair by a finger-tips length from the end. The rights of ‘Umrah have now been completed.

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Article by: islamweb

Ziyarat – Holy Sites To Visit

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Ziyarat – Holy Sites To Visit

  • Ghar E Hira – First revelation of the Holy Quran was on this holy site, one of many holy sites in Makkah.
  • Ghar E Suhr (the cave where the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and Harzat Abu Bakr Siddiq rested in this place on the night of hijrah). A must for the ziyarat.
  • Birthplace of beloved Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) ,(now a library). One of the closest of holy sites to haram.
  • Jable E rehmat – Where first prophet Adam and his wife Hawa found one another after being placed on earth.
  • Jannatul Mualla – Graveyard in makkah, the resting place of many of the close family of RasulAllah Sallaahualayhi wasalam including his beloved mother, son, wife, uncles and grandfather.
  • Minah, Muzdalifah, Arafat – Places of the rukns of Hajj
  • Masjid E Nimra (arafat)
  • Makkah Museum – situated about 10 minutes drive away from Haram, on old Jeddah road.
  • Whether on haj or umra, holy sites to visit in and around Madina include:
  • Masjid E Quba – First Masjid built
  • Jannat Al Baqi – resting place of thousands of the companions and family of RasulAllah SallahuAlayhiwasalam.
  • Uhud – place of the battle of Uhud
  • Jabal E Uhud – resting place during battle
  • Masjid E Nabawi Library – located inside the Masjid Nabwi, on the west side wall
  • Badr (about 20 minutes from Madinah) (place of battle of badr)
  • Masjid E Juma (Place where Surah was revealed and first Jummah prayer was read)
  • Masjid E Qiblatain – Where Allah swt ordered for the qibla to change towards Makka

Article by:haj-umra-saudiarabia

Umrah visa’s validity limited to two weeks

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The Haj Ministry has decided to limit the validity of Umrah visas to only 14 days because of the ongoing work to expand the mataf — the circumambulation area.
According to a circular sent to Umrah agencies in the Kingdom and Saudi missions abroad two days ago, the new rule becomes effective Monday.
“Yes, we have received a circular from the Saudi Embassy in New Delhi informing us that Umrah pilgrims will only be given 14-day visas from Shaban 1,” said Mohammad Abdul Razzak, a travel agent in Hyderabad, India.
He said it would come as a shock to hundreds of Indian Muslims who visit Makkah and Madinah during Ramadan. “Naturally, everyone who visits Saudi Arabia for religious pilgrimage would want to stay in Makkah and Madinah for as long as they can,” he said. “However, we are told by our counterparts that it is very congested out there in Makkah and that the hotels are heavily booked for the coming two months.”
Rahman Azim, who works for an Umrah operator in Jeddah, said the rule is for all nationalities. “There is a good reason for the decision. It will lead to more people performing Umrah because of the constant movement of foreign pilgrims,” he said.
According to Azim, the new step is being described in travel circles as 14-14-14. “Once the Umrah visa is issued, it will remain in the system for 14 days, meaning it should be stamped within 14 days of the issuance,” he said. “Once it is stamped, the person should travel within 14 days, and then once the pilgrim is in the Kingdom, he should leave within 14 days.”
According to local Umrah tour operators, their quotas have also been slashed by 50 percent. “We were given half of what we used to get in the past,” said Nusrat Javed, an employee at a Makkah tour operator. “This has led us to cancel our hotel bookings which we had done in advance in anticipation of a surge in demand.”
Munir Rahman told Arab News from Lahore that he obtained a one-month Umrah visa last week. “But when we applied for an Umrah visa for my mother two days ago, we were told it would be valid only for two weeks,” he said.

Article by: arabnews

The Virtues of Umrah

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The Virtues of Umrah

In the Name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful
Allah (swt) says: And complete the Hajj and Umrah in the service of Allah… (Al Baqarah, 196)
Nabi (saw) has stated in a hadith: ‘The performance of Hajj and Umrah increase a person’s life span and eradicates poverty and sins just as rust is removed from the iron when placed in the furnace.’ (Targhib)
For this very same reason Imam An-Nawawi (rah) has written that if Allah (swt) grants the ability and guidance to a servant of His, it is Mustahab (preferred) to perform umrah frequently. (Sharah Manasik)
Hazrat Amar ibn Abassa (ra) relates: ‘Rasulullah (saw) stated that the best of deeds is the performance of Hajj or Umrah.’ (Musnad Ahmad)
It is also related in a hadith: ‘Umrah is the lesser Haj.’ (Duri Manzoor)
Abu Hurairah (ra) relates that Rasulullah (saw) stated: ‘One Umrah is expiation for the sins committed between that and the previous Umrah’ (Bukhari/Muslim)
Meaning that the performance of one Umrah is the means of forgiving the sins and faults that may have been committed by an individual between that Umrah and the previous one.
Allah (swt) has determined for his servants the fact that Hajj can only be performed at its specified time, in the particular days of Dhil Hijjah. It is not possible for one to perform the rites of Hajj outside this time in any way, shape or form. However, Allah (swt) has blessed His servants with the fact that, aside from the 5 days of Hajj, there is no restriction on the performance of Umrah throughout the year.
It is narrated from Abu Hurairah (ra) Rasulullah (saw) stated: ‘The performers of Hajj and Umrah are guests of Allah (swt), if they seek something from Him, He will grant them, if they seek forgiveness He will forgive them.’ (Ibn Majah)
In another hadith it is related: ‘The performers of Hajj & Umrah are the special guests of Allah (swt), whatever they ask for they are granted and what they pray for it is granted to them and what they spend of they are rewarded for it. They are granted a recompense of 1,000,000 dirhams for the sake of 1 dirham spent.’ (Targhib)
It is for this very reason that we should, in the spare time that we have, endeavour to take our families to the blessed House of Allah (swt) and perform Umrah, stay in the blessed vicinity of the Haramain Sharifain and make it a means of attaching ourselves to Allah (swt) and his Prophet (saw), which is the foundation of our deen.
It is with these trips that one’s attention is directed towards the Akhirah and children are given the motivation to do good deeds and strive to improve their understanding of deen.
It is however unfortunate that in this day and age, due to not being aware of the blessings of such actions as Umrah, we prefer to take our families to the seaside where there is nudity and immodesty. The viewing of which removes hayah (modesty & bashfulness) from our wives, children and loved ones.
My friends, take heed, that those for whom you are responsible, who you take to/allow to go to places of immodesty, it is a right upon you that you teach them correct manners and etiquettes, in accordance with the Qur’an & Sunnah. The propagation and calling towards avenues other that those which are permitted in Shariah is against the orders of Allah (swt) and the teachings of his final Messenger (saw).
Allamah Mahmood Aalosi Baghdadi (rah) has related a hadith in his book: ‘On the day of Qiyamah, a few people (on whom the decision of Jahannum will be manifest) will be in such a state that by looking at them, the others will say… ‘these were those who did great feats of worship, but their loved ones devoured their deeds.’ (Roohul Ma’ani)
May Allah (swt) protect our Iman and grant us the guidance to do good deeds, Aameen

Article by: blogspot

Come November, Umrah pilgrims can don tourist hats

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JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia is expected to launch “Umrah Plus” program in November, corresponding to the second month of 1437 AH, which will allow pilgrims to visit tourist sites in the Kingdom.
At present, foreign Umrah pilgrims are only allowed to visit Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah.
Saad Al-Qurashi, chairman of the transportation committee and a member of the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), said: “The idea of Umrah Plus enables pilgrims to contract with a tour company and develop an integrated tourism program based on their desires to visit tourist sites in the Kingdom after performing Umrah. There are many places that can be visited such as Madain Saleh in Tabuk and Al-Okhdood archaeological site in Najran.”
Al-Qurashi explained that the prices of tours would be according to the number of days selected by the pilgrim and that the licensed Umrah companies would be able to implement this program.
“The program will lead to more job opportunities for Saudi youth, and revive the trade and economic movement in the local market, especially in the hotel and tourism industry,” he said.
About the current Umrah season, he said: “This season is good with the presence of 500,000 pilgrims during Ramadan.”
It said that the Haj Ministry and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities had completed all arrangements in cooperation with the Ministries of Interior and the Municipal and Rural Affairs to facilitate the arrival of pilgrims at all tourist sites they wish to visit in coordination with the Umrah companies.

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Article by: arabnews

Umrah applicants’ biometrics before travel

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Visa applicants for Umrah will soon have to record their biometrics before traveling to the Kingdom.
Under the new rule, which comes as part of efforts to streamline the visa process and reduce waiting time at entry points, biometrics will be recorded at select agencies through registration centers in foreign countries.
The new system has been a subject of contention among Umrah tour operators in Pakistan, Egypt and Jordan, but has yet to be introduced in India, Bangladesh and other countries with a large number of Umrah applicants.
Tour operators have opposed the biometric system, saying it would delay Umrah visas and increase costs for applicants who live in remote areas since they would have to travel to larger cities before getting their permits.
The problem is particularly pressing in Pakistan, which sends nearly 700,00 Umrah pilgrims to the Kingdom every year.
Scores of local tour operators working under the umbrella of the Travel Agents Association of Pakistan have opposed the new system.
The Jordan Society of Tourism and Travel Agents, meanwhile, has suspended Umrah visas for the current season in protest against the new measure.
Its President Shaher Hamdan said that the society would continue with this suspension until biometric data collection procedures are facilitated and amended for pilgrims.
Tour operators in Egypt have firmly opposed the measure, saying it would be a huge burden on pilgrims living in remote areas.
“We don’t know the exact details yet, but we know that processing costs will double and that pilgrims will have to approach a specific agency in Cairo and Alexandria to submit visa application forms,” Hisham H. Ali, an Egyptian expat from Jeddah, told Arab News.
Egyptian tour operators and officials from the country’s tourism ministry held a meeting with Saudi diplomats on Wednesday and requested them to postpone biometric registration until adequate arrangements were made, according to one report.
Operators in India and Bangladesh have not received word of the measures thus far, but will only process visas for Umrah pilgrims from December.
“We have not received any information about biometric requirements,” Adeeb Mohammed, managing director of Links travel, an agency that processes thousands of Umrah applications in Hyderabad every year, told Arab News.
Sources at travel agencies in Dhaka also echoed similar views.
Arab News tried to get comments from Hatim Kadi, undersecretary at the Haj Ministry, to no avail.

Article by: arabnews.com

About Hajj and `Umrah

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1. What are Hajj and`Umrah and what are the differences between them?

Hajj and `Umrah are the pilgrimages of Islam. Hajj is usually referred to as the major pilgrimage or the Pilgrimage, and `Umrah as the lesser one. Both Hajj and `Umrah consist of a journey to Makkah that involves certain rituals such as ihram, circumambulating the Ka`bah, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah, and shaving or cutting the hair. The above are the basic rituals of `Umrah while Hajj has these and additional rituals, including spending days and nights in `Arafah, Mina, and Muzdalifah – areas neighboring the city of Makkah. Another difference between the major and minor pilgrimages is that there is a prescribed time for Hajj whereas `Umrah can be performed at any time in the year. In addition, Hajj and `Umrah differ regarding the ruling of each of them, as discussed below.

2. What is the ruling of Hajj and `Umrah?

Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam. Allah says in the Qur’an [And pilgrimage to the House is a duty unto Allah for mankind, for him who can find a way thither] (Aal `Imran 3:97). `Abdullah ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying “Islam has been built on five [pillars]: testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammed is the Messenger of Allah, performing the prayers, paying the zakah, making the pilgrimage to the House, and fasting in Ramadan.”

So Muslim scholars are unanimously agreed that Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime for those eligible. What makes people eligible is discussed below.

As for `Umrah, Muslim scholars disagree whether it is obligatory or merely a recommended Sunnah. However, it is better to perform it in order to be on the safe side. You can choose the mode of Hajj known as tamatu` in which both `Umrah and Hajj are performed. More information on tamatu` and the other modes of Hajj are provided later in this article.

3. Who is eligible to perform Hajj?

Hajj is obligatory on male and female Muslims who meet the following conditions:

a. Are Muslim 

The acts of worship are accepted only from Muslims. If non-Muslims pray, fast, or perform Hajj or `Umrah, their acts will never be accepted since the first and foremost requirement, that of being a Muslim, is absent.

b. Have reached puberty

Attaining the age of puberty is the second condition. Little boys and girls are not required to do Hajj or `Umrah. It is acceptable and rewardable to let them participate with their families in performing Hajj and `Umrah, but they are still required to do Hajj and `Umrah again when they reach the age of puberty, which can be verified by meeting one of the following criteria:

1. Having a wet dream

2. Ejaculating semen

3. Reaching the age of 15

4. Growing pubic hair

5. Menstruating

c. Are sane

Insane people are not required to perform the acts of worship until they regain their sanity.

d. Have the ability

As it is clear from the above verse, Hajj is only required from those able to do it. The ability mentioned here is in terms of three things:

1. Health

People who are ill and are not expected to recover or to be able to perform Hajj in the future, or who are too old to perform Hajj are excused from Hajj. However, if they are financially able, they have to send another person to perform Hajj on their behalf.

2. Financial ability

People should also be able to afford the costs of Hajj and to leave enough money for these they are responsible for. Muslims are not required to take loans to perform Hajj or `Umrah. Actually, Hajj is not obligatory on those who are in debt.

However, if someone has a long-term loan and they are required to pay only a certain amount each month, then their debt is only that which is due each month. If they pay off all the debt and then nothing is left with them to make Hajj, then Hajj is not obligatory on them. But if they only pay their monthly dues and then have enough money to make Hajj, then they should make Hajj because it is obligatory on them.

If someone is in debt and their creditor allows them to go for Hajj, then they can perform Hajj. If someone takes a loan (of course, without interest) to perform Hajj and makes Hajj, their Hajj is valid, although they were not required to perform it and Hajj was not obligatory on them.

3. Safety

If traveling to Hajj would risk someone’s life, such as if there were a war or the like, they are not required to perform Hajj because they are unable to do so safely.

4. What are the modes of Hajj?

There are three modes of Hajj: ifrad, tamatu` and qiran.

a. Ifrad involves performing the rituals of Hajj only.

b. Tamatu` involves a complete `Umrah and a complete Hajj, each separated from the other. This means that the `Umrah is performed first in the months of Hajj and after completing it, one goes out of the state of ihram. Afterwards, on Dhul-Hijjah 8, one initiates ihram once again for performing Hajj.

c. Qiran is a combination of `Umrah and Hajj, performed with no break between them. After performing `Umrah, one remains in the state of ihram until starting the rituals of Hajj on Dhul-Hijjah 8.

Importance of Umrah

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Umrah is a holiest passage of Muslims across to the Makkah. Literally, Umrah means to visit the place which is densely populated. As of the Hajj, the Umrah has immense value and rewards in Islam. For the content of pilgrims, there are many travel agencies who are giving the Umrah packages to them, to take their way ahead to the Makkah, more easily.
The Umrah is placed at a level of spiritual purity for the Muslims. It is neither directly or imperatively, an obligation for the Muslims, but it is a Sunnat-e-muwaqada for them. A holy act which their beloved Prophet, Muhammad PBUH, carried twice in His lifetime. It apparently resembles to the Hajj, which is because, every Hajj is accompanied by a prior Umrah. But it, unlike Hajj, may be performed anytime during the year.
The bounties of the Umrah are enormous, which may easily be traced in the Quran and of course, from the Traditions of the Holy Prophet PBUH. There are many virtues for the ones who perform Hajj or Umrah correctly. It is one of the best deeds as reported by Hazrat Abu Hurairah: the Prophet PBUH was asked about good deeds. He PBUH said, struggle to the utmost which is Jehad. He inquires again that what is next? He PBUH replied: the accepted Hajj and Umrah.
The Prophet PBUH said that, “The accepted hajj has no other reward, except Paradise.” [Bukhari] #1773 The Umrah is known to be an expiation of one’s sins. Hazrat Abu Hurairah, a close companion of the Prophet PBUH, reported a saying of the Prophet PBUH: “An Umrah is expiation for the sins committed between it and the next, and hajj, which is accepted will receive no other reward than Paradise.” [Muslim]. He further reported that Holy Prophet PBUH says that: “Whoever performs hajj/ Umrah to this House (Ka’aba) and does not approach his wife for sexual relations nor commits sins (while performing hajj, Umrah), he will come out as sinless as a newly-born child.” [Bukhari]
According to the saying of Ayesha, the mother of the loyal Muslims: I asked the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him)) “Messenger of Allah is there jihad for women” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Yes, there is jihad upon them, there is no fighting involved in it, Hajj and Umrah.” [Ibn Majah] #3013.
The rituals and blessings of the Umrah are endless for the Muslims. It is, the act which purifies the spirit, the soul of the Muslim. The immense credit of the Umrah, drag the Muslims from the corners of the globe to the Harram. The Umrah packages as offered by the diverse travel firms, are the easiest way today to reach the land of rewards.

Article by blog.umrahexperts.co.uk

British Hajj Travel Launches 5 Star Hajj Packages for Pilgrims in the UK

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Prime travel agency of the UK, British Hajj Travel Ltd. is famous for offering the best Hajj and Umrah deals to British pilgrims. The reputable travel company has been involved in this business for more than a decade now and in this tenure, thousands of people have availed its first-class services. Therefore, today British Hajj Travel maintains a huge base of loyal customers.

To cater to these and other customers, British Hajj has come up with some new and exciting packages, so its customers would not have to look anywhere else. Following this tradition, the authorized travel agency of the Ministry of Hajj in Saudi Arabia has now announced some five-star Hajj packages for its customers, who can never compromise on quality services.

The names of these 5-star Hajj packages are VIP Hajj Package and Platinum Hajj Package. Both packages offer first-rate services to the pilgrims and enable them to spend 13 days in the holy land.

The British Hajj Travel has kept the difference between the prices of the two five star Hajj packages, so things should remain more manageable for its customers.

Whereas, in Madinah, they will stay in 5-star hotels like Dar Al Iman, Dar Al Taqwa, Madinah Hilton, and Madina Oberoi hotels. Both VIP and Platinum Hajj Packages will allow the pilgrims to spend three nights in Makkah and 10 nights in Madinah, so they will get plenty of time to perform their religious duty. British Haj will also make sure that its customers will be transported in the best available air-conditioned coaches or private car, whichever the client demands from the traveling company.

Moreover, pilgrims will get to spend the night in Mina in VIP tents whether they have opted for the VIP Hajj Package or Platinum Hajj Package. During the holy journey, British Hajj will also arrange Qurbani for the pilgrims with the group. In brief, there is no match to the five stars Hajj packages of British Hajj, whether you compare them in terms of price or quality of service.

VIP Hajj Package  | Platinum Hajj Package  |  Gold Hajj Package