Umrah

Before you leave for the Umrah journey, there are a few things that you need to know about it. First, one should spend time in remembrance of Allah almighty and his Messenger. One should embrace their loved ones, ask them for forgiveness and ask them to make dua.

The Umrah pilgrimage is an essential aspect of a Muslim's life. Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which has to be performed during the five days from the 9th-13th of Dhul Al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Muslim lunar calendar. 

In the sacred cities of Mecca and Medina, more than 750,000 people travel to perform the rituals of Umrah or Hajj every year or month. We can say that It is known to be every Muslim's dream to see the  Kaaba at least once in their lifetime. The experience you get by performing this pilgrimage leaves a long-lasting and life-changing impact. It gives you a spiritual change. Therefore, before going to Umrah, make many spiritual and mental preparations to help you in your journey to the Kabah.

Things to carry with you:

• Ihram

• Towel

• set of socks and slippers

• Umbrella

• If essential, a prayer mat

• Daily essentials (toothbrush, paste, soap, shampoo, tissues, etc.)

• First aid kit, essential medicines.

• Extra tools contain needles, scissors, and nail cutters.

Seek forgiveness 

Umrah is an expedition for the mind, body and soul. Therefore, it is relayed to personal and social life in Islam. Therefore, it brings a lot of joy and excitement to the families of pilgrims. Family, friends, and relatives gather around in their houses and help the person going for umrah in different manners. They help them to plan their pilgrimage and arrange all the necessities they would need for the pilgrimage, which creates an atmosphere of peace, Serenity, and harmony.

Before you begin your umrah journey, you should visit your neighbours, friends, mentors and teachers. They should seek forgiveness for any wrongs/ hurtful actions they could have done in the past. It is a good opportunity to clear your grudges and says farewell before the pilgrimage. Furthermore, it is recommended that you make duas for everyone you know while performing Umrah.

Pay Zakat

Zakat is a part of one of the best five pillars of Islam that makes you a complete Muslim. So If you are getting ready for Umrah, it is essential to perform all duties and obligations expected of and bound upon the pilgrim. Helping people who are in need through zakat is essential. It can be in the form of food and money. Donations are one of the essential deeds that are to be performed while one is going to be a guest at Kabah Makkah.

How to Manage things in Umrah with kids

 Widely regarded as one of the holiest Muslim pilgrimages following Hajj, Umrah is a peaceful spiritual journey. Pilgrims embark on a difficult journey to Mecca and Medina to seek Allah's forgiveness for their sins. However, practising Umrah packages 2023 with children is a challenging task. First, children, especially babies, require special care and attention. For pilgrims, especially female pilgrims, it can be difficult and stressful to focus on Allah while attending to the needs of children. Here are some valuable tips that you can use to make your Umrah journey spiritually fulfilling, even with children.

Tips for doing Umrah with children

 Umrah is a spiritual journey for adult Muslims, but children can accompany their parents. To perform Umrah with children, you need to follow some tips to help you adjust your perception and make your journey smooth and peaceful.

1. Observe your child's behaviour while driving

 Practising Umrah with a child is easy if the behaviour can be inferred from previous experience. It is important to note that different babies have different behavioural patterns. For example, now she can sleep peacefully while one baby is making noise in the crowd. In addition, resistance to wet weather is also important.

2. Introduce children to the concept of Umrah

 Umrah with the family is more fulfilling when the children are aware of the importance of Umrah. Parents can present children's books that provide religious education. Apart from that, practising Sai and Tawahu makes them more aware of the importance of travel.

3. Book accommodation and flights in advance

 Book a flight ticket that matches your child's nap time and enjoy a leisurely pilgrimage. So both children and parents can find peace. The best way to ensure that you can comfortably complete Umrah with your infant is to book accommodation close to Haram.

4. Get vaccinated

 Immunization is crucial when planning Umrahumrah with a baby under 6 months old. Here both parents and children must have the necessary and up-to-date vaccinations. In addition, it is advisable to decide on a procedure several weeks before travel to treat any fever.

5. Carry an Umrah stroller with your child

 Strollers are prohibited at Masjid Nabawi and Masjid Al-Haram, but strollers are allowed on-site. Parents who want to practice Umrah with their infant can choose a baby carrier or sling.

6. Change diapers before starting

 The distance from the women's restroom to the place of worship is long. Therefore, before making umrah with children, remember to change diapers.

7. Pack your essentials in a small bag

 Parents are encouraged to carry a bag with essentials such as baby wipes, diapers, small blankets, groceries, medicines, pacifiers and toys.

These are some tips parents can follow when deciding to embark on the sacred journey of Umrah with their children.

 Umrah rules for minors

For parents who wish to undertake Umrah with their kids, it is important to know the rules related to the pilgrimage. Firstly, the guardian must dress the child in clothes that comply with Ihram. Secondly, the parent must ensure that the child doesn't break the rules or refrain from doing prohibited things during Umrah. Also, the parent has to declare the intention that the child has stepped into the state of Ihram. Parents opting for Umrahumrah on the kid's behalf are also eligible to undertake Saee and Tawaffor the kid. They can carry or hold the kid during the rituals. If the child unintentionally breaks the rules, there is no need for penalties. But, if breaking the rules was intentional, then the guardian or parents has to offer Fidyah or Dam on behalf of the child.

Minimum age limit for Umrah 2023

Earlier, the rules and regulations regarding kids performing Umrah were that children who have crossed the wisdom age of 7 years can perform rah. Therefore, kids under 7 could accompany their parents on this spiritual pilgrimage. However, the Saudi Government has announced that pilgrims aged 12 and above can perform Umrah. Further, they should be vaccinated or have recovered from a past COVID-19 infection to become eligible for Umrah.