Performing Umrah with kids can be a rewarding and memorable experience for the entire family. However, there are a few things you need to know before embarking on this sacred journey. Umrah Companions wants to help you prepare, we will discuss everything you need to know about Umrah with kids. We will cover packing tips, preparation advice, precautions to take, and how to make the most of this spiritual journey with your children.
Before setting off on your trip to Makkah with the family it’s important to understand what to bring, safeguards to take, and ways to engage children on the sacred pilgrimage.

Teach Children About the Purpose of Umrah

The Umrah pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is an optional pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year, unlike Hajj which must take place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. Umrah is seen as a way for Muslims to cleanse their souls and increase their faith.
Talk to your children prior to the trip and educate them on the purpose and importance of Umrah. It is unlike any other vacation and with regular visits to the mosques, it is important children know how to behave and appreciate their experience. It is recommended to educate your children about certain supplications according to their age and level of understanding.

Seek Child-Friendly Umrah Package

Umrah Companions offers Umrah packages specially designed for families with children in mind. These packages offer a wide range of services that cater to the needs of traveling families including airport pick up and drop off, accommodations, private transportation, complimentary breakfast, and the option to book one of our kid-friendly excursions.
Choosing accommodations that are in close proximity to the Masjid Al-Ḥaram in Makkah and the Masjid al Nabawi in Madinah is important as lengthy travel and/or walks can be tiresome for children. Umrah Companions offers numerous hotel options just meters away from these holy sites.

Packing Tips for Umrah with Kids

The Umrah journey can be an enlightening and spiritual experience for children when planned and executed correctly. By understanding what is needed prior to the trip, families can create lasting memories while following in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad.

Essential Items

Depending on the time of year you choose to perform Umrah, the desert sun can be harsh on both you and your children. Make sure to pack hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and light clothing for everyone in the family. It is also important to bring reusable water bottles to carry around with you as water is not always readily available. Consider snacks that are easy to eat on the go and are able to withstand the heat.
Some might also consider bringing a stroller, especially one that lays flat to allow young children to sleep when shopping or sightseeing around Makkah and Madinah. Although strollers are prohibited in the mosques parents can rent wheelchairs that can be used as seating for children.

Clothing

Children should be prepared with clothing appropriate for hot days and warmer options for cool nights. While kids are not required to wear Ihram clothing, the loose lightweight garment is a good option to help keep them cool and not draw too much attention. Simple clothing is worn to express that all are equal before Allah, therefore having young children wear the traditional attire will help them be further immersed in the experience.
The temperatures in the evenings are significantly cooler in the desert climate, so be prepared with sweaters, jackets, and even blankets for the entire family.

Toys and Devices

Carry small toys or books to help keep young children busy during mosque visits. Keep in mind, dolls, action figures or toys resembling living animals or humans should be left at the hotel as they could be confiscated at the mosque gates.
Also, electronic devices like video games or tablets are not allowed inside the mosques but can be valuable tools that can both educate and occupy children throughout the remainder of the journey. Apple App Store and Google Play Store have Umrah and Hajj-related apps catered to children.
You can also download e-books or play Youtube videos to teach about the importance of Umrah in a fun and interactive way.

Develop a Safety Plan

Mosques and public areas can become very congested making getting separated from a child a great concern of parents. Creating a safety plan and ensuring each family member is familiar with this plan can give parents peace of mind and avoid a stressful situation.
Families should consider having children wear identification bracelets that include the names of both the child and the parents, your hotel information, and a phone number in which you can be contacted in both English and Arabic.
It is also a good idea to set a meeting point together as a family at each location you visit in the event of a separate.
Planning a pilgrimage to Makkah with your children can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only will you get to share in a spiritual journey together, but you will also create memories that will last a lifetime.
At Umrah Companions, we want to help make your family’s Umrah trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible. We have years of experience helping families prepare for their trips and are here to answer any questions you may have. Browse our family-friendly packages and book your Umrah trip today!