Are you planning to embark on the spiritual pilgrimage of Umrah from London? This revered journey has become very easy in today’s world, all thanks to the Umrah packages from London. This article will cover the essential travel tips for you to complete a hassle-free and convenient Umrah journey. Keep reading till the end to get the most out of it.
Plan Early and Choose the Right Time
A very important thing to do is to plan Umrah early. It depends on whether you are going with a family or alone. Umrah pilgrims should decide their month of departure well in advance so they can start preparation at the right time.
One can choose a peak season like the holy month of Ramadan or an off-peak season like the time right after Hajj. Ramadan is the time of the year when there is a huge crowd of Muslims in Haram. This is due to the high significance of performing Umrah in Ramadan. Every Muslim wishes to recite the Holy Quran and pray in front of the Kaaba in this month when the doors of heaven are wide open.
On the contrary, there is a smaller crowd in the House of Allah during the off-peak season. This time is best for those looking forward to more peace and fewer distractions while performing tawaaf and sa’i.
Another advantage of booking early is that you have better access to affordable Umrah packages from London. There is a significant difference in the weather of Saudi Arabia and the UK. Makkah is dry and hot most times of the year. Therefore, check the temperature of the country accurately before finalising your plan.
Selecting Umrah Packages from London
There are many Umrah deals in London that promise a hassle-free and convenient Umrah journey and stay in Saudi Arabia. You can look for the most suitable one depending on your budget and comfort demands. Also, select the one depending on whether you are going solo or with family. You also need to pay special attention to the package amenities if you are taking an elderly person with you.
The next important point to notice is to select a good package that offers considerable perks and essential amenities. These facilities must include an accommodation close to haram, flights and intercity transportation, meals during the stay and visa processing.
A closer accommodation is necessary to avoid spending time and energy on travelling and invest them in praying instead. Also, check if your chosen travel agency is ATOL/IATA certified or not for safety measures.
Prepare All Essential Documents
Make sure that all your documents are up to date. Important documents that you are going to need are a passport, ID card, vaccination certificates and flight tickets. Visa processing can be a time-consuming process, so it should be done at least a month before your intended date of departure.
If your passport is about to expire in less than 6 months, you must apply for its renewal. Otherwise, you will not be able to pass verification at the airport. London pilgrims should have a vaccination certificate for the Meningitis ACWY Vaccine. Do not forget to keep copies of all the essential documents, including your hotel booking details, to combat any unforeseen circumstances.
Pack Smartly for the Journey
Packing smartly is very important for a convenient journey. Take a look at the following items that you must keep in your luggage:
Ihram Clothing
Ihram clothing is different for men and women. Male pilgrims must carry two white unstitched pieces of cloth. On the other hand, women can wear any modest clothing that covers their heads and bodies. Covering hands and face is not compulsory, unlike old times when wearing an abaya was mandatory for every female pilgrim.
Religious Items
Praying in front of the Kaaba or reciting the holy Quran in the House of Allah is one of the most overwhelming emotions for a Muslim. Remember to pack a prayer mat, better if it is a lightweight one, to stay within the luggage weight limit. Also, a pocket-sized Quran, a small prayer book and a tasbih are going to be your best friends during the whole journey.
Toiletries
It is very important to follow hygiene measures to keep your body pure. Pack fragrance-free products, including a soap, shampoo and a sanitiser. Besides, bring essential medicines so that you do not have to rush to the pharmacy in case of a minor sickness. Make a small first-aid kit and keep medicines in it, ike paracetamol or brufen, etc.
Foot Wear
Pack comfortable shoes and sandals to ensure a relaxed Umrah. The rituals of tawaaf and sa’i require extensive walking. You need to circumambulate the Kaaba seven times to complete tawaaf. Sa’i is a ritual in which pilgrims cover the distance between the two green marks, or Safa and Marwah hills. In this part, men can walk swiftly or run as a part of the sunnah, while women have to walk between the two points.
Therefore, wearing uncomfortable footwear or having a hard shoe sole can give you a tough time ahead. It is better to walk in those shoes in your home so you can get comfortable in them.
Spiritual Preparation Before Departure
Umrah is all about strengthening your connection with the Creator. You should have a strong intention (or niyyah) of performing this sunnah. Learn important rituals of Umrah beforehand to avoid any confusion in real time. You should know the details of Ihram, tawaaf, sa’i and taqsir. Also, remember the prayers one needs to recite during the rituals.
Make sure to offer all five prayers a day and recite the holy Quran daily. It would be a great decision to attend Islamic lectures and religious seminars. This way, you will develop a deeper connection to Allah Almighty. If you are getting a chance to visit the House of Allah to fulfil the sunnah of Umrah, then cry your heart out to ask for forgiveness and repent for your sins to have a fresh start in your life.
Managing Finances During Umrah
Reliable Umrah packages from London offer complete guidelines to the pilgrims before leaving so that they can prepare themselves accordingly. Many pilgrims pay attention solely to the hotels, meals and transportation. It’s a good practice to focus on these details, but also cross-check every detail, as there might be some hidden charges in your Umrah deal.
While you stay in Makkah, do not rely only on cash or debit cards. You should carry both for a convenient experience. The national currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi riyal. It is better to exchange some dollars into riyals at the time you are at the airport. If not, then you can also avail the exchange facility within Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims also need to save some money for buying souvenirs, food, transport and some side expenses as well.
Umrah is an expedition full of blessings and rewards. London Muslims can embark on a hassle-free Umrah, all thanks to Umrah packages from London. Following the above travel tips can make your pilgrimage full of peace, ease and spiritual growth. Choose Muslims Holy Travel and take the first step towards a smooth and fulfilling Umrah journey.
