Umrah is the sacred spiritual pilgrimage that Muslims make in the revered city of Mecca. Usually, pilgrims make a list of important things to do before Umrah, so as not to miss anything during their pilgrimage to the house of Allah. Umrah is practiced in Makkah because the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his vision to examine the Quran here. It is the most pious journey for pious Muslims after Hajj.

Travel is voluntary and can be done throughout the year. All Muslims aspire to take this spiritual journey once in a lifetime. The main purpose of the pilgrimage is to seek forgiveness from Allah and purification of deadly sins. There is a lot of prep work and things to do before Umrah that early pilgrims should be aware of. A little initiation can go a long way in making your journey to the House of Allah a memorable one.

How to prepare for Umrah?

 To ensure a fruitful journey, pilgrims can prepare by:

Understanding the rules of Ihram

  Sacred state that pilgrims must enter before they can perform Umrah is the most important of the various things to do before Umrah. There are various Ihram rites and rituals - slightly different for men and women - that pilgrims should know before going to Umrah.

       Understand the different Duas and Suras and their interpretation.

       Perform Salat al-Tawbah - a prayer of repentance asking Allah for forgiveness with a pure heart.

       Understand how to worship Salatul Janaza - the ceremony to pray for souls.

       Forgive and ask forgiveness from those who have been offended.

       Learn the history of Umrah and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

       Create a dua list for loved ones

 Performing these duos in the holiest of places is the best chance for them to be accepted. However, duos should be provided with pure intentions and a heart free of malice.Look at our umrah packages 2023.

Things to Do Before Umrah – Tips to Make it Memorable

Most people who are just starting out on the Umrah journey don't know what to do before Umrah. A few important things need to be done in advance to make the spiritual pilgrimage memorable.Look at our umrah packages 2023.

 Virtually explore the sacred sites of Makkah

After completing the Umrah, pilgrims can visit other revered sites in Medina and Mecca. There are many ziyarat or pilgrimage sites that are considered sacred and holy by Muslims. Some of them are:

• Saur Cave, also known as Ghar-e-Saur, is actually the place where the Holy Prophet together with Hazrat Abu Bakar spent three days and three nights. It was at the time of the journey from Mecca to Medina
• The Hira Caves, in Mount Nour, are of particular importance in the Islamic tradition. It was there that the Prophet received the message of Allah through the angel Jibreel.
• The house of Abu Jahal, although no longer exists, is still a place frequented by pilgrims. Abu Jahal, whose original name was Amr ibn Hisham, was a fierce opponent of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He was called the Pharaoh of Ummah by the Prophet.
• Ayesha Mosque acts as a Miqat where one can wear Ihram clothes to initiate Umrah or Hajj. Also known as Taneem Mosque, it is where Aisha, wife of Muhammad (PBUH), entered the Ihram to initiate Umrah.
• Jabl-e-Rehmat, also known as Mount of Mercy or Mount Arafat, is actually a hill in the Arafat Valley. It is located just outside Mecca and is the site where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave his last sermon after the Hajj.   

Booking in advance helps avoid last minute chaos

The pilgrimage is performed by millions of Muslims every year. Due to its great religious significance, there are seasons when it becomes really difficult to find rooms in hotels in Makkah.Look at our umrah packages 2023.

Focusing on fitness

It is important for pilgrims to successfully perform Umrah. In total, you have to make a route of at least 4.2 km on foot. So one of the most important things to do before Umrah is to start hiking and focus on breathing techniques. Walking such long distances in wet conditions takes a lot of stamina and determination.

Prepare Umrah for Women

 The preparation of Umrah for women is slightly different than for men. There are many guides on what to do before going booking umrah packages 2023 for women. Read them and talk to scholars for best practices. Some common but important things to keep in mind are

1. . Know how to dress appropriately. You will need two types of clothes - one to perform Umrah and another to wear on other days while you are still in Makkah. 12. Be aware of Ihram breaking activities.
2. Learn all about Umrah rules and rituals for women.
3. Know Masjid Ayesha as miqat for menstruating women.
4. Know all the legal requirements and paperwork if you travel without the mahram.

Preparing for Umrah involves focusing on your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. All the things to do before Umrah prepare you for an experience that will change your life

Pay Zakat

Zakat or charity is one of the important pillars of Islam. If you are preparing for Umrah, it is important to complete all the tasks expected and required for the future pilgrim. Helping those in need through charity, in the form of food and donations, is one of the important things to do when you intend to be invited to the house of Allah at the Kaaba, in Mecca.Look at our umrah packages 2023.

Prayer on the Umrah Journey:

If you pray alone, you can shorten Asr, Isha and Maghribsalah from four rak'ah to two rak'ah. However, that is not true of Maghrib and Fajr Salah. Pilgrims should continue to perform salah during Hajj or Umrah unless they are in the city for more than 15 days.

You can also combine prayers. The practice of combining two prayers in one prayer is called Jama'. This is valid in the Shafi'i, Maliki and Hanbali schools of thought. This does not apply to Hanafis.