30 May 2024
Performed by millions of Muslims throughout the year, Umrah is considered one of the most beautiful Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), providing a deeply spiritual and rewarding opportunity to connect with Allah (SWT). This ‘minor pilgrimage’ is a visit to the Holy Ka’aba that can be performed at any time during the year.
However, you need to prepare for Umrah and select the best time to do so. In this article, we’ll discuss how to prepare for Umrah, the best time to go for Umrah, and provide a comprehensive travel guide for this holy pilgrimage. So, Let's get started.
Umrah can be performed at any time of the year. However, as the Holy Hajj takes place around the time of Eid-ul-Azha (this year will be in June), it is best to perform your Umrah in the months following the Hajj. This year anytime between July and October would be the best. This is because, during this time, as Hajj formalities subside and fewer pilgrims visit Makkah, the prices for accommodation and hotels become reasonable.
You can learn about Umrah packages during these three to four months from Obokash.com
Before you visit Makkah for Umrah and prepare what to do, you must know the purpose of performing Umrah. The main purpose of performing Umrah is to connect with Allah (SWT), attain His blessings, and collect the rewards associated with the act of worship. Those who are unable to perform the Hajj due to financial or time obligations can perform Umrah. Though, doing the Hajj is mandatory for all Muslims at least once in their lifetimes. Also, the Hajj takes around five to six days to perform, while Umrah takes around three to six hours.
Umrah should be approached with complete dedication and focus. Before starting this spiritual journey to Makkah and Madinah, it's important to understand the necessary steps and prepare yourself accordingly.
Become familiar with the rituals of Umrah. You can find these rituals in many religious books or online YouTube videos. You can also ask your Umrah travel agent for materials on the rituals, if you avail one.
You should also try to learn and memorize the Duas and prayers essential for Umrah.Try reciting the Duas of each stage of Umrah multiple times a day. Travel companies like Obokash share guidebooks of Umrah as part of their Umrah Packages. You can learn the duas from there as well.
In addition to learning and reciting the duas and rituals, you should also observe a set of respectful and holy etiquettes such as Niyyah, wearing Ihram, Talbiyah, and showing respect for holy sites. If you have any questions or need guidance on etiquette, don't hesitate to contact travel agents like Obokash for assistance.
Your purpose or intent is the most important factor for the Umrah journey. Perform it solely for the pleasure of Allah (SWT), not to impress others. Avoid posting or promoting your travel on social media. The only person or place where you may need to inform is your workplace. Other than that, your close ones who need to know can be the other people to share the news with.
After you have learned about the rituals and ways of the Umrah and are determined to perform it with a pure heart and righteous intentions, you should become mentally prepared. You should also seek repentance from Allah (SWT) for any deeds you think were not moral before making the move to the minor pilgrimage.
Additionally, you can mentally prepare for the physical rituals of Umrah. Though not as long as Hajj, you should still be ready for the many hours of travel and performance.
You need a good amount of stability and energy to perform the Umrah as you would need to walk miles. And then there is the heat of the sun to make this 20-mile (approximate) journey a bit more strenuous.
Begin walking short distances and start exercising two to three months before your Umrah trip. Alter your eating and sleeping habits to adjust them to the tough Umrah trip. Start eating less and make changes to your sleeping routine.
Financial consideration is a crucial factor in your travel for Umrah. Start saving early so that you can spend on the Umrah travel and stay. Agencies like Obokash can help and guide in this matter. They have various packages to help you avail the right spending.
They have Economy, Standard, Superior, Deluxe, and Premium packages for various durations depending on the number of travelers. For instance, one package offered is a 15-day Umrah and Egypt package that ranges from BDT 2,15,000/- to BDT 6,10,000/-.
You can allot amounts of money to different subheads like travel, food, accommodation, clothing, accessories, etc.
The best way to fulfill your Umrah journey is by traveling with the assistance of a travel or tourism firm like obokash.com These firms facilitate your journey by providing packages varying prices that include:
You should also consult the travel firm for the documents needed for the journey and stay. They can help you with Visa processing, passport renewal, travel insurance and any other important document that you need for the travel.
The Umrah is a holy journey that makes us create a stronger bond with Allah (SWT). But going on the journey requires understanding the purpose of it and preparing for it well. It is not only a spiritual and mental journey but also a physical one, so you need to prepare ahead well. And to help you in this pilgrimage, travel operators like Othoba.com will stay beside you to guide you each step of the way. You can contact them to learn more about their services and packages.
10 Days Europe Tour Package from Bangladesh
Starts from BDT. 260000 per person
Starts from BDT. 235000 per person
Starts from BDT. 155000 per person
Starts from BDT. 160000 per person
Starts from BDT. 1 per person
Starts from BDT. 1 per person
