Frequently Asked Questions ???

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Umrah is a spiritual journey undertaken by millions of Muslims every year to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Umrah can be performed at any time of the year. Despite it being less obligatory than Hajj, planning for an Umrah trip requires a significant amount of time, effort, and resources. Here's a guide on how to plan your Umrah trip:

• Determine the Time: While Umrah can be completed at any time of the year, you should consider your schedule, the climate in Saudi Arabia, and the crowd size at different times of the year.

• Make a Budget: Take into account the costs of travel tickets, accommodation, meals, and other expenses. If you're employing an Umrah operator, make sure all the costs involved are clear to avoid any hidden charges.

• Choose an Umrah Package: Many travel agencies offer Umrah packages that include flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, and sometimes even visa processing. Ensure that the package fits well within your budget and meets your needs.

• Apply for a Visa: All travelers to Saudi Arabia need a visa. You need to submit the required documents and pay the necessary fees. Some travel agencies will handle this process as part of their package.

• Book Your Flight: Once your visa has been approved, you can book your flights. Try to book your flights early to get better deals.

• Reserve Accommodation: Depending on your budget, you can choose from various types of accommodations available near the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. The closer the accommodation is to the mosque, the more expensive it will be.

• Learn the Rituals: Umrah includes rituals like wearing Ihram, making Tawaf around Kaaba, and Sa'i between Safa and Marwah hills. Ensure you learn these rites properly before you perform Umrah.

• Prepare Physically: Umrah involves physical exertion, including walking a fair distance. Start exercising regularly a few weeks before the journey, especially if you're not in the habit of daily exercise.

• Pack Essential Items: Pack your travel documents, Ihram clothing, prayer mats, a copy of the Holy Quran, and other necessary items. It's also advisable to pack simple first-aid items and suitable clothes for Saudi Arabia's weather.

• Get Vaccinated: Because Umrah involves huge crowds from different parts of the world, it is recommended to ensure all vaccinations are up to date. The Saudi government may also have specific vaccination requirements.

• Understand the Transportation: Plan how you’ll get from the airport to your accommodations and understand the transportation system in Mecca.

• Plan for After Umrah Activities: If you plan to stay after completing your Umrah, research other places to visit, like the city of Medina.

Remember, a well-planned trip will enable you to concentrate more on your spiritual journey, making your Umrah a satisfying and unforgettable experience.

 Muslims circle the Kaaba during Hajj and Umrah as a form of worship, replicating the actions of Prophet Muhammad. This ritual, called Tawaf, symbolizes the unity of believers as they move harmoniously together. It also represents the idea of life revolving around a single divine purpose. 

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. a religious pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is mandatory for all financially and physically capable Muslims to undertake at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage symbolizes the unity of humankind as pilgrims shed signs of material status, wearing simple white garments. The rites of Hajj.

why hajj is important in Islam>

Hajj holds great significance in Islam. It signifies servitude and submission to the wish of Allah and demonstrates unity amongst Muslims. It's one of the Five Pillars of Islam, obligatory for every Muslim who has the financial capability and physical strength to undertake the journey. Hajj also signifies the essence of equality and brotherhood in Islam, where Muslims from all races and backgrounds come together.

The Prophet Mohammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said about Hajj, whoever performs Hajj for the sake of pleasing Allah and abstains from sin.

• Determine the Time: While Umrah can be completed at any time of the year, you should consider your schedule, the climate in Saudi Arabia, and the crowd size at different times of the year.

• Get Ready and Set Intention: Preparing for Hajj involves purifying your mind and setting your intention to perform Hajj for the sake of Allah. This includes fulfilling any obligations seeking forgiveness and freeing oneself from worldly distractions.

• Adopt the state of Ihram: Adopting the state of Ihram involves cleansing oneself, and wearing the prescribed Ihram clothing which is two white seamless cloths for men and a simple white dress for women. This also involves the declaration of intent to perform the Hajj and refraining from certain actions such as cutting hair arguing and wearing perfume.

• Perform Tawaf seven times: Arrive in Mecca and perform the first Tawaf by circling the Kaaba seven times in an anticlockwise direction

• Visit Safa and Marwa: After Tawaf, perform by walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa.

• Trim or Shave Hair: After sacrifice, men shave their heads and women cut a lock of hair.

• Re-adopt the state of Ihram: This refers to re-dressing in the simple white cloth (Ihram) and setting your intention to perform Hajj, signifying a reentry into a holy state of purity and devotion.

• Arrival at Mina: Arrival at Mina: Dhul Hijjah, travel to Mina, and spend the day in prayer.

• Arafah Day: travel to Arafat for Wuquf, stand in the plains of Arafat, and make prayers and supplications.

• Spend the nighttime at Muzdalifah: After sunset, proceed to Muzdalifah where you'll pray and collect pebbles for the Jamaraat.

• Rami (pelting of the devil): Rami is a Hajj ritual where pilgrims throw stones at three pillars in Mina, symbolizing the stoning of the devil, as a rejection of evil and sin.

• Qurbani: Perform a sacrificial ritual (Qurbani) if required, by sacrificing an animal such as a sheep or goat.

• Shave Head: Upon sunset on the 12th of Dhul Hijjah, male pilgrims are required to shave their heads entirely. This act signifies spiritual renewal and submission to God, marking a key ritual in the Hajj journey.

• Perform Tawaf al-Ifadha: Return to Mecca and perform a final Tawaf and Sa'ey to complete the Hajj pilgrimage.

• Rami (pelting of the devil again): Rami is a Hajj ritual in which pilgrims throw pebbles at three large pillars, symbolizing the rejection of evil and the devil.

• Farewell Tawaf al-Wida: Before departing Mecca, perform a Farewell Tawaf as the final step of the Hajj.

 Yes, it is allowed to perform Umrah on behalf of someone who has passed away, but there must be a valid reason for the person not being able to perform Umrah themselves and assigning someone else to do it on their behalf. In a Hadees, it is mentioned that a woman approached the Prophet (P.B.H.U) and asked if she could perform Umrah on behalf of her elderly father, who was unable to sit firmly in the saddle. The Prophet (P.B.H.U) granted her permission, affirming that it is permissible. This highlights the flexibility in Islamic teachings regarding performing Umrah on behalf of others, specifically those who are physically unable to undertake the journey. 

 Tawaf is a special act of worship for Muslims, where they circle the Kaaba, a sacred site in Mecca, seven times. It is part of the Hajj and Umrah journeys and demonstrates their love and dedication to Allah. Tawaf can also be done on behalf of those who are not capable or physically to the haram sarif Abdullah Bin Umar Razi Allah Anhu narrates:

I heard the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ say that if you go around the Kaaba seven times and pray two units of prayer, it is like you have set a slave free. Every time you step forward, ten good deeds will be recorded for you, ten bad deeds will be erased, and you will be raised ten levels. 

The Arabic word ‘Umrah’ has been derived from ‘i’timar’, which is defined as a visit In Islamic terminology. Umrah is a non-compulsory Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be undertaken at any time of the year. It involves performing certain religious rituals like Tawaf (circumambulation of Kaaba) and Sa'i (running between the hills of Safa and Marwah). Unlike Hajj it is not obligatory but is highly recommended in Islam.

• Step 1: Preparing for Departure: First, make sure you are clean and pure before you go. Take a shower, cut your nails, and wear simple white clothes. This is to show that everyone is equal in the eyes of God.

• Step 2: Start Your Journey: When you get to Mecca, go to the Miqaat a special place for those starting their Umrah. Here, make your intention known: “I am doing Umrah, God, please accept it from me.” This is known as “Ihram”.

• Step 3: The Tawaf: Next, you will walk around the Kaaba, a special black stone in a big square building in Mecca. You must do this seven times. This is known as Tawaf.
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  Dua During Tawaf: Rabbana Atina Fid Dunya Hasanah, wa fil akhirati hasanah, wa qina Azab annar.

• Step 4: The Sa’i: Then, go to two hills named Safa and Marwa, which are near the Ka’bah. Walk or run between them seven times. This is called Sa’i

            Dua: Inna s-safa wa l-marwata min sha’a’iri llah

• Step 5: Shaving or Cutting the Hair: After Sa’i, men must shave or cut their hair from the head, while women just need to cut a little bit. This shows that the Umrah is finished, and you can now wear your normal clothes.

• Step 6: Praying: Don't forget to pray daily in the Grand Mosque and read the Quran as much as you can for the rest of your stay in Mecca. You can also perform other recommended prayers there.

• Step 7: Last Day: On the last day, visit the hills of Safa and Marwa again, perform Tawaf one more time, and say goodbye to the Ka’bah. This is known as “Tawaf al-Wada’” or the Farewell Tawaf.

That’s it! You’ve completed your Umrah. It might seem like a big task but taking it one step at a time makes it easier. Remember, the most important part of Umrah is to feel close to God and to ask for His blessing and forgiveness.

 Riaz Ul Jannah, also known as the Garden of Paradise, holds a distinguished place in the heart of every Muslim globally. Muslims from all over the world aspire to offer their prayers in this blessed and sacred spot. To control the number of people gathering and ensure everyone's safety, the Saudi authorities have decided to offer advance appointments for those who wish to pray in Riaz Ul Jannah. This app has now been upgraded to enable its users to make appointments to pray at Riaz Ul Jannah.

Here is a brief guide on how you can make an appointment using the Nusuk app:

1) Get the Nusuk App on your mobile device. This app is available on the iPhone as well as for Android so you can download it easily

2) Choose the language you prefer. Once location access is granted you will be asked to choose a language.

3) Click on the option that says "New User" If you have already an account you can log in if not then you can tap on the new user

4) Select your status: Citizen, Gulf, or Visitor. Select your status where you belong

5) put on detail Make sure every detail is put and very carefully and recheck

6) select the praying slot

7) Get your permit Make sure to capture a screenshot and retain the app. Before uninstalling, remember to pray at the esteemed Rawdah.

8) Display the permit to the person overseeing the matter. Arrive 30 minutes before because the person overseeing the matter 

 Umrah and Hajj are the two most common pilgrimages for every Muslim. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam but Umrah is an additional journey to Mecca with a special ritual. Although it is not required of any Muslim, it is a strongly encouraged act of worship known as ibadat.

Yes, women are allowed to perform Hajj and Umrah without the need for a mahram. Saudi Arabia has lifted its ban on women who are not to travel alone during the Hajj and Umrah. Before, women were required to have a male relative accompany them during the Islamic pilgrimage. This policy change, introduced in 2023, has allowed thousands of women to participate in Hajj Umrah and other usual pilgrimages. Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, declared that it is no longer compulsory for a woman pilgrim to be accompanied by a mahram (blood relative) when traveling to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj or Umrah. It is a respectable step taken by the government of Saudi Arabia to enhance the rights of women. 

Yes, taking a bath or even changing the Ihram for cleanliness's sake is allowable. The queries frequently come about if someone under the Ihram state could bathe or modify the Ihram and such a scenario happens frequently.

Is allowed for bath and even exchanging Ihram

Sheikh Ibn Uthaymin once fatwa expressed that it is allowable for a Muslim to take a bath, as proven by the actions of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), who Ghusl in the state of Ihram does.

Evidence:

Islam places such great importance on being clean, and to sustain this, anything that assists one in remaining clean is allowed. Especially during Ihram during which we are in a perpetual state of worship, it would be optimal to take a bath if you sense yourself or your Ihram clothes are becoming dirty