The annual pilgrimage to Mecca known as the Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and as such must be performed by any self-respecting Muslim who is capable of doing so. As an additional opportunity to draw closer to Allah and experience a deeper spirituality, many Muslims also perform Umrah - a pilgrimage to Mecca that can be completed at any time of year, rather than just once per year. Indeed, it is estimated that more than 20 million Muslims take on this journey annually – with numbers continuing to rise every year. However, while the benefits of undertaking this spiritual journey are numerous and well-documented, it’s not necessarily something that comes naturally to everyone.
Many people will have reservations about how much or little preparation is required beforehand and how costly or logistically demanding it may prove to be in practice. In order to answer all the questions you may have about Umrah in general, we’ve compiled our top 7 tips below:
Plan in Advance
As with any major overseas trip, the first thing you should do is plan your journey in advance with umrah travel agency. Start by researching travel agents and tour operators that specialize in Umrah packages and can provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. When booking your flights, accommodation, and transport, bear in mind that areas that are close to the Holy Sanctuary may be very busy at certain times of the year. It’s therefore important to find out how far in advance you need to book your flights and hotels in order to get the best price.
Get Fit Beforehand
There’s no place for laziness on the journey to Mecca! Umrah requires that the pilgrim covers a lot of distance on foot during the course of their stay. Many of the Umrah packages that offer assistance with arranging everything from tickets to transport to accommodation will include a tour of the Holy Sanctuary, which can be as much as 14 miles away from Mecca. You, therefore, need to prepare your body for the rigors of this journey by ensuring you’re fit and healthy before you leave. Start an exercise regime now to get your cardiovascular fitness up to scratch and make sure you’re eating a healthy diet.
Find Out What to Pack and What to Leave Behind
As with any form of travel, there are certain items that you’ll need to pack, while others that you’ll be better off leaving behind. Depending on the Umrah package you’ve booked, you may be able to leave certain items at the hotel, so it’s important to get your head around what items you’ll need to bring with you. Essential items to bring with you include your medication (if you suffer from any persistent health issues), your passport and identification papers, money and debit/credit cards, and personal hygiene products (mostly the same as you would for any other type of travel), an extra pair of comfortable shoes for the journey to and from Mecca, and a change of clothes.
Don’t Forget the Basics: Medication, Toiletries, etc.
Most importantly, make sure you’ve got all the medication you need. If you suffer from any chronic illnesses or are on any long-term medications, it’s a good idea to bring a supply with you that will last throughout the duration of your trip. It’s also important to bring your toiletries with you. You’ll most likely be staying in shared accommodation during your Umrah trip, so it’s a good idea to bring along travel-sized toiletries and other personal hygiene products to avoid cluttering up shared space.
Make Sure You Have the Right Documents
It’s very important that you have all the correct documentation with you for your Umrah trip. This means having a valid passport for the country that you’re traveling from, proof of your identification, and/or your birth certificate. It’s also important that you’re aware of any travel bans and restrictions that are currently in place. These are implemented from time to time to protect the health and safety of passengers from certain countries due to outbreaks of infectious diseases.
Put Together a Travel Kit with Essentials For Your Journey
As well as packing your essentials, it’s a good idea to put together a travel kit with items that you might need during your journey. A good rule of thumb is to pack as light as possible while still making sure you have all the essentials that you need. A light bag with a few items of clothing, a light sleeping bag, a pillow, and some basic toiletries and medications should be sufficient.
Conclusion
Umrah is a wonderful opportunity to draw closer to Allah and experience a deeper spirituality. While many people do this journey as part of their Hajj pilgrimage, it can also be completed at any time of the year. In order to prepare for this journey, it’s important to start planning in advance, get fit beforehand, and make sure you have all the right documents and identification with you. It’s also a good idea to put together a travel kit with essentials for your journey.
