Umrah is a beautiful spiritual retreat that can change your perspective on life and bring you back to the right path. This pilgrimage is not just a physical journey but promises the ultimate spiritual renewal that gives you a chance to start your life with a new slate. Every Muslim yearns to experience this spiritual revival at least once in their life. If you are one of the fortunate Muslims getting a chance to be the guest of the Almighty, you might need an easy step-by-step Umrah guide to make sure that you have the smoothest and most unforgettable pilgrimage.
Every year, countless UK Muslims embark on this journey with proper planning with families or for the first time, and we are sure that you want to be among them. So, it is time to start planning your Umrah journey from the UK soon.
Book the Perfect Umrah Packages from the UK
The first thing that you will have to do as soon as you have decided that you are going for an Umrah will be to start looking for Umrah packages. First, you will have to look for a reliable, licensed Islamic travel agency in your area. After that, you can explore the types of Umrah packages 2026 that they offer and choose the one that suits you the best.
Consult your travel agency and make it clear if you are going for the pilgrimage with your family, kids, or as a first-time pilgrim. This will help them curate the perfect Umrah package for you that is best suited for your needs during your time in Makkah and Madinah.
Families can avail themselves of the group Umrah packages that are usually cheaper and provide shared services. You can also customise your Umrah package and add all the services that you will need during your time in Saudi Arabia. But before that, you must have a clear understanding of your budget and the maximum amount you can spend on the Umrah package, as they come in varying prices and types of services.
Prepare Yourself for Umrah
Umrah preparation is a comprehensive process that comprises several key components. You will have to take care of everything one by one to ensure that you have all the preparation done beforehand for a smooth pilgrimage journey. Let’s talk about all the factors that contribute to a successful Umrah preparation.
Learn the Basics of the Pilgrimage
You cannot perform the pilgrimage perfectly and with the right intentions if you are unaware of its significance or have limited information on the pilgrimage basics. Learn about the transformative power of this pilgrimage and how you can make the most of this chance at redemption. As a first-time pilgrim, you must familiarise yourself with the Umrah rituals, supplications, and acts of worship that you will be performing at the pilgrimage sites.
Explain Umrah and Its Rituals to the Kids
If you are travelling with kids, you will not only have to learn about Umrah yourself, but you will also have to teach your kids. Many interactive platforms and sources help children learn about the significance and rituals of Umrah. You can also tell your kids about the sacrificial and powerful stories of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) associated with the pilgrimage sites and rituals. This will build excitement in them and will help them understand the spiritual significance of this pilgrimage.
Pack Wisely
Packing is undoubtedly a crucial step in your Umrah planning. You need to have all your essentials at hand if you want to have the smoothest and convenient Umrah journey. Make sure that you pack Ihram clothing for all your family members, light clothing, comfortable shoes, prayer mats, essential gadgets, and light snacks for kids. Also, carry a first-aid box and all your prescribed medications with you to avoid any health emergencies.
Purify Your Intentions
Every act of worship starts with intentions. Allah Almighty judges us for our intentions, and when we are heading to his sacred house to revive our faith, we cannot begin it without purifying our intentions and hearts. You must remind everyone that this pilgrimage is for the sake of Allah Almighty, and you are doing this to prove your devotion and submission. There is no space for arrogance, impatience, or destructive behaviour during this journey.
How to Perform Umrah?
Umrah comprises four simple rituals. It is not time-specific like the Hajj, and you can perform all the rituals at your pace, especially when travelling with kids or the elderly. Let’s talk about the four rituals of Umrah.
Entering the State of Ihram
The first ritual of Umrah is entering the state of Ihram. Make sure that you purify yourself and enter this state before crossing the Miqat site.
Performing Tawaf
Performing Tawaf around the Holy Kaabah is the most surreal experience. After entering the state of Ihram, pilgrims arrive at the Kaabah to perform Tawaf, i.e., making seven circles around the sacred cubic structure in an anti-clockwise direction.
Performing Sa’i
After Tawaf, pilgrims must arrive at the sacred hills of Safa and Marwa for Sa’i. It comprises walking between the two hills seven times while supplicating.
Observing Halq/Taqsir
The final ritual of Umrah requires men to shave their heads or cut their hair to equal lengths, and women to cut a few inches of their hair too. All the pilgrims must also trim their nails.
Final Words
Umrah might be a minor pilgrimage, but it requires as much preparation as the obligatory pilgrimage. You must prepare yourself physically and spiritually for this journey, along with booking the perfect Umrah package and packing everything wisely. Get ready to experience this transformative journey soon!
