What should I pack for Umrah?

Umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which holds significant religious importance in Islam. It is a voluntary act of worship that can be performed at any time of the year, independently of Umrah Packages, unlike the Hajj pilgrimage, which has specific dates in the Islamic lunar calendar.

 

When preparing for Umrah, it is important to pack wisely and consider the specific needs of the journey. Here is a list of essential items to pack for Umrah:

 

1. Ihram:

The white, seamless garments worn by pilgrims during Umrah. Pack at least two sets, one for wearing and a spare. Ihram is not just a physical dress code; it represents a spiritual state of devotion and humility. It serves as a reminder to pilgrims of their purpose and the significance of their journey, allowing them to focus on the worship and seeking closeness to Allah.

 

2. Prayer Mat:

A portable prayer mat will come in handy for performing prayers in various locations.

 

3. Comfortable Clothing:

Pack lightweight and loose-fitting garments suitable for the climate in Mecca and Medina. Ensure your clothing adheres to the modest dress code of Islam.

 

4. Footwear:

Bring comfortable and sturdy shoes for walking long distances, as well as sandals or slippers for use in the mosque.

 

5. Toiletries:

Include personal hygiene items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and other essentials.

 

6. Medications:

If you take any prescription medications, be sure to pack an adequate supply for the duration of your journey. Keep your medications in their original packaging, with clear labels that indicate your name, the medication name, dosage instructions, and the prescribing healthcare provider's information. It is also helpful to carry a copy of your prescriptions and any supporting medical documentation, especially for controlled substances or medications with special requirements.

 

7. Travel Documents:

Carry your passport, visa, identification cards, and copies of important documents in a secure and easily accessible place.

 

8. Money and Currency:

Carry sufficient local currency for expenses such as food, transportation, and shopping. Also, consider carrying a money belt or pouch for security.

 

9. Electronic Devices:

Bring a mobile phone, charger, and any other electronic devices you may need. Make sure to download useful apps such as prayer time reminders and translation tools.

 

10. Travel Adapter:

Depending on the type of power outlets in the destination country, you may need a travel adapter to charge your devices. A travel adapter, also known as a plug adapter or electrical adapter, is a device used to enable electrical connections between different types of power outlets and plugs when traveling to different countries or regions. It allows you to safely plug in and use your electronic devices from your home country in foreign locations with different socket configurations.

 

11. Water Bottle:

Stay hydrated by carrying a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the journey.

 

12. Personal Supplies:

Consider bringing a small bag for personal items like tissues, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and a small first aid kit.

 

Remember to pack light and only bring the essentials to make your journey more convenient and hassle-free. Pay attention to any specific guidelines provided by your travel agent or Umrah Package provider, as they may have additional recommendations or restrictions.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, packing for Umrah requires careful consideration to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free journey. By keeping certain essential items in mind, pilgrims can better prepare for the spiritual experience of Umrah.

 

When packing for Umrah, it is crucial to prioritize practicality, comfort, and adherence to Islamic customs. Items such as Ihram garments, comfortable footwear, a prayer rug, and a small bag for carrying personal belongings are essential. It is also important to pack appropriate clothing that adheres to modesty standards and is suitable for the varying weather conditions in Mecca and Medina.

 

Other important items to include in your Umrah packing list are necessary travel documents, such as passports, visas, identification cards, and copies of important documents. Additionally, bringing a travel adapter, a sufficient amount of local currency, and any necessary medications or personal care products ensures a smooth and convenient journey.

Where can I find a reputable Umrah tour operator?

Beginning the Umrah pilgrimage is a sacred journey that holds great spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. A trip to the holy cities of Makkah and Medina requires meticulous planning and organization, making it crucial to find a reputable Umrah tour operator. Umrah packages play a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth and meaningful pilgrimage experience. With countless operators offering Umrah packages, choosing the right one becomes an important task that demands careful consideration. Finding a reliable tour operator entails thorough research, seeking recommendations, and reviewing the credentials of various operators. By exploring online resources, travel forums, and social media platforms, pilgrims can gather insights from fellow travellers and assess the reputation of different tour operators offering Umrah Packages.

Seeking recommendations from friends, family, and local Islamic centres can provide invaluable advice based on personal experiences and knowledge of the industry. It is also essential to verify the credentials of the tour operators, ensuring they are licensed and affiliated with reputable organizations. Comparing Umrah packages, assessing customer support services, and carefully reviewing the terms and conditions are crucial steps to making an informed decision. By undertaking these measures, pilgrims can find a reputable Umrah tour operator offering reliable and comprehensive packages that meet their needs, allowing them to embark on their sacred journey with peace of mind.

 

Finding a reputable Umrah tour operator requires careful research and consideration. Here are some steps you can take to find a reliable operator:

 

Seek recommendations:

Ask friends, family, or fellow Muslims who have performed Umrah about their experiences and if they can recommend any tour operators. Personal recommendations can be valuable in determining the credibility of an operator.

 

Online research:

Conduct a thorough online search for Umrah tour operators. Look for companies with positive reviews, testimonials, and a good reputation. Consider checking travel forums, websites, and social media platforms where people share their experiences and provide feedback on different operators.

 

Verify credentials:

Ensure that the tour operator is licensed and accredited by the relevant authorities. Inquire about their certifications and affiliations with reputable organizations such as the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia. This information is usually available on their website or can be obtained by contacting them directly.

 

Compare packages:

Review the packages offered by different tour operators. Look for comprehensive packages that include visa processing, accommodation, transportation, and guided tours. Compare prices, itineraries, and inclusions to ensure you're getting the best value for your money.

 

Check customer support:

Assess the quality of customer support provided by the tour operator. Are they responsive to inquiries and provide clear and detailed information? A reliable operator should be easily reachable and address any concerns or questions you may have.

 

Consult with local Islamic centres:

Reach out to local Islamic centres, mosques, or community organizations. They often have information about reputable tour operators and may provide guidance based on their experience and knowledge of the industry.

 

Read the terms and conditions:

Carefully read and understand the terms and conditions provided by the tour operator. Pay attention to cancellation policies, refund procedures, and any hidden fees. A reputable operator should have transparent policies that protect your interests.

Read Also: Where can we get the best Umrah packages?

 

Verify authenticity:

Be cautious of fraudulent operators and scams. Verify the authenticity of the tour operator's website, contact details, and registration information. Avoid making payments through unofficial channels and always use secure payment methods.

 

Seek guidance from scholars:

If possible, consult with trusted religious scholars or knowledgeable individuals in your community. They can provide guidance and recommendations based on their expertise in Islamic matters and may have knowledge of reputable tour operators.

 

Remember, it's essential to exercise due diligence and carefully assess the credibility of any tour operator before making a booking. Performing Umrah is a significant spiritual journey, and choosing a reputable operator can contribute to a smooth and meaningful experience.

When is Laylatul Qadr 2022 and How do Muslims mark it

Muslims around the world are currently fasting for Ramadan and buying Ramadan Umrah Packages to perform Umrah in this holy month, meaning they cannot eat or drink anything during the hours of daylight. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam — the fundamental rules worshippers must follow — and carries great significance during the holy month.

At the end of the month, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, with festivities lasting up to three days. But before that comes one of the holiest days in the Muslim calendar — Laylatul Qadr, also written Laylat al-Qadr or Lailatul-Qadr. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

When is Laylatul Qadr 2022?

Laylatul Qadr takes place during the final 10 days of Ramadan. Ramadan is divided up into three 10-day splits, known as Ashras. Ashra means 10 in Arabic. Islamic teaching says that Allah first revealed the opening verses of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad on one of the odd-numbered nights of the last 10 nights of Ramadan.

It is unknown exactly which, but many Muslims choose to mark Laylatul Qadr on the 27th night of Ramadan. For those that observed the first night of Ramadan on 2 April, this means Laylatul Qadr will fall on the night of Friday 29 April. In London fasting is set to end at 8.29 pm on that date. Times will vary slightly depending on where you are in the country.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and marks the time when the Quran is said to have been revealed to Prophet Muhammad by God with a month-long fast. Its name literally means “scorching heat” in Arabic.

Muslims are required to spend 30 days abstaining from food and drink, including water, during daylight hours, as a means of celebrating and reflecting on their faith. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam along with the Shahadah (declaration of faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity) and the Hajj pilgrimage.

During Ramadan, there is an increased offering of the Salat, with Muslims giving thanks to Allah, while the fasting ritual allows them to understand the suffering of others. Those observing the fast are encouraged to read the Quran and the holy text is recited at the Tarawih, special nightly prayers that are held throughout the month.

 

What is the meaning behind it?

Laylatul Qadr is also known as the Night of Decree or the Night of Power. The last 10 nights of Ramadan are considered to be some of the best of the year, while the Qur’an says Laylatul Qadr is “better than a thousand months”.

It is the night on which the Angel Gabriel is believed to have been sent down from the heavens by God to recite the opening verses of the Islamic holy book to the Prophet Muhammad. As such, this is a night on which Muslims believe Allah bestows blessings, answers prayers and forgives sins.

How do Muslims mark it?

Prayer is the most important part of Laylatul Qadr. Many Muslims stay up all night to pray, which is known as Qiyam. Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) is believed to have said: “Whoever stays up and prays on Laylatul Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”

Thousands of Muslims will gather at the largest mosques after getting Umrah Packages 2022 and pray together on this night. Another important part of Laylatul Qadr is Dua, which is making supplications. As the Prophet Muhammad said: “Oh Allah, you are forgiving and you love to forgive, so forgive me.” Additional weight is also placed on good deeds during these final 10 nights of Ramadan.

When is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr is held immediately after Ramadan, meaning it is expected to fall on 2 May this year. Celebrations can last up to three days, depending on where you are in the world. Its name comes from an Arabic term that translates as the “feast of breaking the fast”, and although not a public holiday in the UK, it is in many Muslim countries.

Eid al-Fitr is one of two major festivals celebrated by Muslims each year, the other being Eid al-Adha, which falls later in the summer and honours Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah. It is seen as a spiritual celebration of Allah’s gift of strength and endurance.

It is also a time for charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr when people are expected to give and show kindness. Fasting is forbidden on the day of Eid, in contrast to the 30 days that came before. Eid celebrations will begin with prayers at dawn, which usually takes place at a mosque.

---

Originally published at https://inews.co.uk on April 24, 2022.

Self-registration of pilgrims biometrics begins in UK

Saudi Gazette report

LONDON — The third phase of implementing the smartphone application service for self-registration of Umrah pilgrims’ biometrics has begun in the United Kingdom.

The launching ceremony of the application titled Saudi Visa Bio was held in the presence of the deputy Saudi Ambassador to the UK Hassan Al-Gumaie.

Representatives of several Saudi ministries and government agencies also participated in the ceremony and these included the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Presidency of State Security, the National Cybersecurity Authority, and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAYA), in addition to officials of a number of Hajj and Umrah offices.

The new service will enable the British applicants for Hajj and Umrah visas for Hajj and Umrah Packages respectively to register their biometrics from their countries after installing the Saudi Visa Bio application on their smartphones and hence they need not go to visa issuance centres.

The biometrics matching process will be carried out at the time of the pilgrims’ arrival at the land, sea and airports in the Kingdom. This service is introduced in line with the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to offer the best possible services and facilities for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

It is noteworthy that Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal Bin Farhan launched on Oct. 6 the application for self-registration of the biometrics of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims through smartphones. With the launch of the new mechanism, Saudi Arabia has become the first country in the world that allows the registration of biometrics via smartphones for the issuance of electronic visas.

---

Originally published at https://www.saudigazette.com.sa on March 19, 2022.

Why Was The Mosque Al-Qiblatain Called Two Qiblas Mosque

Hajj and Umrah are the most sacred Journey in which millions of Muslims from all over the country come and perform Umrah and Hajj after receiving the Umrah and Hajj package. Hajj pilgrims should visit holy places like Masjid al jinn, Masjid Quba, Jannat ul baqi and Masjid al-Qiblatain.

Masjid al-Qiblatain, which is also known as the masjid with the two Qiblas is the masjid which is situated in Medina and is famous in Muslims due to the fact that the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) changed his direction from Masjid al-Aqsa, Jerusalem to Masjid al-Haram, Makkah for prayers, which he was leading, according to Allah’s guideline.

When this happened, more of the Companions of the Prophet (SAW) expressed happiness. After this occasion, the mosque was named as Masjid al-Qiblatein. The mosque had two distinctive arches (Qiblas).

One was towards Mecca and the other was toward Jerusalem. Recently, the old monument Qibla Jerusalem has been demolished during the rebuilding of this mosque. At this time there is only one Qibla left in this mosque, which is on the side of Mecca. On this occasion when the Qibla was converted, the moment proved to be an independent religious group for the Muslims.

The Jews, then again, began to grieve on the grounds that Muslims had built up a solid character following the lessons of our beloved Prophet Moosa (A.S). A few people from Jews went to the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) and requested to change the direction of Qibla into Jerusalem. They gave an offer to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) that they would acknowledge Islam after accepting only this demand (Qibla direction).

Following verses were revealed in Surah Al-Baqarah:

And if you brought to those who were given the Scripture every sign, they would not follow your qiblah. Nor will you be a follower of their qiblah. Nor would they be followers of one another's qiblah. So if you were to follow their desires after what has come to you of knowledge, indeed, you would then be among the wrongdoers. [2:145]

Prophet of Allah, Muhammad (PBUH) likewise said in this respects:

“The People of the Book don’t envy us for anything as much as they improve the situation the Friday given to us by Allah with which they are denied. Likewise, begrudge us for the qibla which Allah gave us yet not them, and also for the Ameen (recital after Surah Fatiha in salat) behind the Imam.”

The masjid is situated on the north-west side of Medina. And the road that leads to this mosque is called Khalid Bin Walid Road. It was at first took care of by Caliph Umar Ibn-e-Alkhatab. In the Ottoman Empire; it was maintained by Sultan Suleman who renovated it. The Qiblatain Masjid is one of the initial masjids ever.

Quba Masjid was the very first Masjid built in Islamic history. Masjid al-Nabawi (Prophet’s masjid) is likewise among the early masjids. Masjid has now a wonderful white building and numerous individuals, who visit Medina consistently to perform Hajj and Umrahs, visit this Masjid because of its historical magnitude.

Labbaik Hajj Umrah is one of the approved Hajj and Umrah Company which is listed among top companies of UK and serving people from many years with Cheap Umrah packages, Cheap Ramadan Umrah Package and Cheap Hajj Packages.

How Do You Get Various Umrah Packages London From UK

Various Umrah Packages from the UK:

We start it from scratch, what are Umrah Package & its types and where we can get it.
Before talking about Package types and what is Umrah Package, we light upon definition of "Package".

To know this specific word meaning, you just type a query- what is the definition of word "Package" and you will get result:

I hope you understand by this picture, what is a package?

What is Umrah Package?

Umrah Package is such a box, in which you can get a set of various facilities.
The set of these facilities consist of the main four things that are flights, hotels, transport and visa.

















If we start to understand deeply then we will know the first step of Umrah's ladder is a visa. which is a permit of any country to enter in.

After the step of first, flights is the second step of this ladder, if you are not resident of Saudi Arabia then you should try to get it.

Before going in details of flights, I want to clear that you have two options here in visa for Umrah.
1. Umrah Visa
2. Tourist Visa

Umrah Visa:

I think this picture may be proved best for you to know all the basic requirements of getting Umrah Visa from the UK.

Tourist Visa:

To get information for a Saudi tourist visa, look at this below picture.

Now we talk about the flight, I hope every person know what is flight but it is important for you to know the names of direct and indirect flights from the UK.

The third step of your destination ladder is the hotel. We use the word "Hotel" here. Because many of you don't will have any relative in this city or country and where you may temporarily stay for some days during Umrah activities.

Therefore, a hotel is the best option for staying anywhere for a short time period. May be not know exactly one of us what is the best hotel to stay there then we need here a travel agent who can organise our whole Umrah Package with providing best and reasonable prices.

There are many hotels in Makkah and Madinah and you can see the pics and read reviews about any hotel because nowadays, a lot of data is available on the internet, you will just put your required hotel's name in the search bar and press enter button. So in this way, you can easily collect data about any hotel, but taking advice to a travel agent for any hotel is the best way to get a perfect accommodation.

Transportation is an optional step, If you have a little knowledge of roads direction and public transport then you should avoid this facility but some travel agencies provide a transport service at cheap rates with Umrah Packages. If you book you package from such an agency then it will prove a time saver step for you.

How many types of Umrah Package?

Here, I make a list of various types of an Umrah Package that is based on season, months, and special events.
Let's come with me to see the various types.

Seasons
• Summer Umrah Package
• Winter Umrah Package
• Spring Umrah Package

Months

1. January Umrah Package
2. February Umrah Package
3. March Umrah Package
4. April Umrah Package
5. May Umrah Package
6. June Umrah Package
7. July Umrah Package
8. August Umrah Package
9. September Umrah Package
10. October Umrah Package
11. November Umrah Package
12. December Umrah Package

Special Event

• Ramadan Umrah Package
• Easter Umrah Package
• Christmas Umrah Package

These are the main categories of Umrah Package that we see almost on all websites.

Oh!
I forget to tell you that some sell their packages with the name of cities such as London Umrah Package, Birmingham Umrah Package, and Manchester Umrah Package etc.
Now, information has come to you through my article, if you have to any question in mind then you can directly contact me on below given details.

Contact No. 02038656950
WhatsApp No. 07598865272
Email: info@labbaikhajjumrah.co.uk
Address: 13 Station Road, London, SE25 5AH, United Kingdom

Why Muslims Select Ramadan For Umrah

I have decided to go for Umrah in the month of Ramadan next upcoming year. From the beginning, it was always my wish that I go for Umrah during the month of Ramadan and spend the fasting days of Ramadan in the house of Allah. There are many Ziyarah places to visit in Saudi Arabia.

What is Ramadan?

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“When Ramadan enters, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed and the devils are chained.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Ramadan is a holy month, and according to the Islamic lunar calendar, it is the ninth month. Ramadan is one of the four holy months in which God offers countless gifts. The date of the lunar calendar changes every year than the Gregorian calendar. The reason behind of this variation is that every month is begin by seeing the moon and the period of the moon visible at the sky consists of 29 or 30 days but 31st day never comes in the lunar calendar.

In the holy month of Ramadan, if Muslims are planning to do Umrah in upcoming Ramadan, Muslims should always get the Best Cheap Ramadan Umrah packages from trusted travel agencies.

What Is Umrah?

Umrah is a beautiful Sunnah of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). It is a physical and spiritual journey that a large number of Muslims make every year. Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) said, "Perform Umrah in the month of Ramadan, as it is equivalent to doing Hajj with me."  (Al- Bukhari)

Last Ten Days Of Ramadan

This month consists of three stages which are called “Ashras” and every stage is important for us. There is a special moment which makes this whole month special that comes in the last ten days of Ramadan.

This is Laylat al-Qadr as Muhammad (PBUH) said that Laylat al-Qadr occurs in the last ten days of Ramadan.

Laylat al-Qadr is a night name in the Arabic language but when we do it translates in English then this is called “Night of Power”. The only thing that makes it special is the revelation of the Qur'an upon the Prophet (PBUH).

Allah says in the Holy Quran about this night:

“Indeed, We sent the Quran down during the Night of Decree.
And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree?
The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.
The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter.
Peace it is until the emergence of dawn“

(Qur’an, Surah Al-Qadr)

The scholars conclude from this verse that doing any good in comparison to the worship of thousands of years and centuries is more rewarding at that night because in the verse Allah does not mention a fixed number of months. They are countless.

Itikaf

During the last ten days of Ramadan, some men and women perform i'tikaf (separation) in the mosque. They separate themselves from the materialistic world and devote all their time to drawing closer to God.

The worship of i'tikaf can be performed in only a mosque, and it is proved by the hadeeth. But there is a relaxation for just women that they can perform this worship at a specific place in the house. Some sects disagree, but some accept it.

Eid

At the end of this month (Ramadan), Muslims celebrate the festival of Eid al Fitr. If we translate in English then we can say it “The Festival of Ending the Fast”.

It is celebrated for three days and these days are counted in holidays of the year. During Eid-ul-Fitr, Muslims wear their best clothes, prepare food and sweets and spend the day with their family and friends but starting this festival (Eid) by offering the 2 rakats of prayers.

Most Muslims choose the last ten days for Umrah so that they can get maximum rewards. In fact, I have experienced that these days are the perfect season for Umrah.

I suggest its best month for Umrah after reading the article "Best Time to Avail Umrah."