Best time to perform Umrah for UK citizens

Performing Umrah is a significant spiritual journey for Muslims worldwide, and for UK citizens, finding the best time to undertake this pilgrimage can enhance the experience profoundly. The right timing can influence everything from travel costs to the comfort of the pilgrimage. Let’s delve into why certain times of the year are particularly advantageous for UK citizens to perform Umrah.

1. Understanding the Significance of Umrah

Spiritual Benefits
Umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca that can be undertaken at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which has specific dates. This journey offers numerous spiritual benefits, including the opportunity to seek forgiveness, purify one's soul, and rejuvenate one’s faith. The act of Umrah is a chance for deep personal reflection and a strengthened connection with Allah.

Flexibility in Timing
Since Umrah is not bound by specific dates, it allows UK Muslims to choose a time that best suits their schedule and personal circumstances. This flexibility is crucial, as it enables pilgrims to plan their journey when it can be most spiritually and physically rewarding.

2. The Climate Factor: Weather and Comfort

Cooler Months: November to February
One of the primary considerations for UK citizens should be the climate in Saudi Arabia. The cooler months from November to February offer a more comfortable experience, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. Performing Tawaf (the act of walking around the Kaaba) and Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah) can be physically demanding, and cooler weather significantly reduces the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration.

Avoiding Peak Summer Heat
Conversely, the summer months from May to September can be extremely hot, with temperatures soaring above 40°C. Such conditions can be challenging and even hazardous, especially for elderly pilgrims or those with health conditions. Therefore, planning your Umrah during the cooler months ensures a safer and more pleasant experience.

3. Managing Costs: Affordable Travel

Off-Peak Travel Periods
Travel costs can vary significantly depending on the time of year. Traveling during off-peak periods, particularly outside of school holidays and major Islamic holidays, can lead to substantial savings. Travelling during off-peak seasons is critical for making an affordable Umrah trip from the UK. For UK citizens, the months of January, February, and late November to early December are typically less busy. Airlines and hotels often lower their prices during these times, making it an economically wise choice.

Financial Planning
Planning your Umrah during these off-peak periods allows for better financial planning. Lower costs mean that pilgrims can allocate their budget towards enhancing their spiritual experience, such as through guided tours of significant Islamic historical sites or charitable contributions.

4. Avoiding Crowds: A More Intimate Experience

Lesser Crowds for Better Accessibility
Performing Umrah when fewer people are in Mecca allows for a more intimate and reflective experience. During off-peak seasons, the holy sites are less crowded, making it easier to perform rituals without the stress of large crowds. This peaceful environment can enhance your spiritual connection and allow for more focused worship.

Personalized Attention
Furthermore, traveling during quieter periods means that you can receive more personalized attention from guides and service providers. This can be particularly beneficial for first-time pilgrims who may need additional guidance and support during their journey.

Aligning with Personal Schedules

Annual Leave and Family Commitments
For UK citizens, aligning Umrah with personal schedules is crucial. The flexibility of Umrah allows individuals to plan their pilgrimage during their annual leave or when family commitments are minimal. For instance, traveling during the February half-term or the Christmas break can be ideal for those who want to combine their spiritual journey with family time.

School Holidays
For families with school-aged children, planning Umrah during school holidays can be a practical choice. However, opting for shorter school breaks like the October half-term or Easter break can help avoid the peak travel rush, ensuring a more manageable and fulfilling experience.

Maximizing Spiritual Rewards:

Special Islamic Months

Month of Ramadan
The month of Ramadan holds a special place for Muslims worldwide. Performing Umrah during Ramadan is considered highly meritorious, with the spiritual rewards being multiplied. The atmosphere in Mecca during this holy month is unparalleled, as millions of Muslims gather for intense worship and community iftars. However, it’s important to note that this period is also one of the busiest times, so early planning and preparation are essential.

Islamic Lunar Calendar Considerations
Additionally, other significant Islamic months such as Rajab, Sha'ban, and Dhul Hijjah offer enhanced spiritual benefits. Performing Umrah during these months can be particularly rewarding and spiritually uplifting. Aligning your Umrah with these months can deepen your connection to your faith and offer a unique spiritual experience.

Practical Tips for Planning Umrah

Early Booking and Preparation
To ensure a smooth and stress-free pilgrimage, early booking is essential. Secure your flights, accommodations, and visas well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles. This is especially important during popular travel times like Ramadan or the winter holidays.

 Health and Well-being
Lastly, prioritize your health and well-being. Ensure you have the necessary vaccinations, and carry a first-aid kit and any prescribed medications. Staying hydrated, wearing comfortable clothing, and maintaining a balanced diet can help you stay physically fit during your journey.

Final Words:

Choosing the optimal time for performing Umrah can significantly enhance your spiritual journey. For UK citizens, the cooler months of November to February, off-peak travel periods, and special Islamic months offer the best conditions for a fulfilling and enriching Umrah experience. By considering factors such as climate, costs, crowds, and personal schedules, you can ensure that your pilgrimage is both spiritually rewarding and physically comfortable. Plan wisely, prepare thoroughly, and embark on your Umrah journey with peace of mind and a heart full of faith.

What is the Journey of Umrah for a Young Married Couple?

A family is always made up of a man and woman which is only possible after mary in Islam. But in the modern era, the couple (Husband and wife) likes to going the trip such as someone go to the city to city, country to country.

Pakistani Celebrities (Muneeb and Aiman) Performing Umrah

Marriage is the right path to combine the different sexes, people should start it from the Umrah trip instead of another in the world. So thereby they can realize the What is Islam?

In the world, the first human being was Adam and the woman was Haawa. And the two were the first couple in the world. The three major religions of the world - Islam, Christians, Jews - believe in it.

Travelling is the best way to examine any person and it is proved by Hadith. Then Umrah is the best way to start the marriage life.

According to a survey report the young couples of Europian, Western, Asian countries mostly visit the sacred cities ( Makkah and Madinah) after marriage by Umrah and Hajj journeys.

Both are holy journeys but there is main one difference that Umrah can be done at any time except for the specific days of Hajj whereas Hajj is only performed in five days of last Islamic lunar calendar.

The expenses of Umrah journey is less than the Hajj journey. Therefore Muslims couples can easily bear the expenses of this journey but it is a little bit hard for those people who belong to the middle class. Don't worry, nowadays middle class related Muslims can perform Umrah after getting Cheap Umrah Packages 2024.

People can make the journey of Umrah a memorable journey of life. There are many tourist destinations to explore Saudi Arabia's heritage as Saudi Arabia launches a new system due to its vision of 2030. And the new system is Saudi Arabia's tourist visa.

In past, Tourism is banned in Saudi Arabia but now Saudi King Salman has decided to open the gate of Kingdom for tourists. For non-Muslims, it is forbidden to enter holy cities (Mecca and Medina), but Muslims can travel to other cities along with the holy cities.

I think the good news for the young couple is that they spent the early days of their married life there.

Marriage is the right way to live the life of the world and Umrah is the best way to remove sins.

Most 3 Sacred Cities In Islam and Why

There are three sacred cities in Islam according to Islamic traditions which are Makkah, Madinah, and Jerusalem.

Makkah and Madinah are two cities of Saudi Arabia while Jerusalem is a city in Middle Eastern countries (Israel & Palestine).

These 3 cities are considered sacred for various reasons. A most common reason is that Masjid al-Haram is located in Makkah, Masjid al-Nabvi is situated in Madinah, and Masjid al-Aqsa is in Jerusalem on which all sects agree.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Do not undertake a journey to visit any Mosque, but three: this Mosque of mine, the Mosque of al-Haram and the Mosque of Aqsa”

These are the three main sacred places of Islam.

• Makkah
• Madinah
• Jerusalem

Makkah

It is the holiest city of Islam for Muslims for all Muslims. This city is located 70 km inland from Jeddah, in a narrow valley 909 ft above sea level, 340 km south of Madinah. Our Beloved Prophet (PBUH) was born in Makkah and Islam religion began in this city.

Here are discussed in some holy places in Makkah.

      1. Millions of people visit the Makkah city during the Hajj and Umrah.

(Nowadays, it is easy for Muslims to perform the Hajj and Umrah after getting Cheap Umrah Packages.)

2. Al-Haram Grand Mosque is situated in Makkah.

3. House of Allah (Kaaba) is situated in Masjid al-haram where Muslims perform the Tawaf ritual.

4. The well of ZamZam water is also placed in this Mosque (Its water is considered purified by the Muslims).

5. There is a Place near the Kaaba building where Muslims offer two rakkat of prayers and it is called Maqaam E Ibrahim.

6. There are two hills Safa and Marwah in this Grand Mosque where Muslims Perform their Sai Rituals during Hajj and Umrah.

7. Jamarat is the three stone Pillars(Jamarat al Wusta, Jamarat al Aqab, Jamarat al Ula), where pilgrims throw the stones on these pillars during Hajj because it is the compulsory ritual.

8. Jannat Ul Mala is a Holy graveyard which is situated in the valley to the east of Al haram mosque.

9. Masjid Ayesha(Masjid e Taneem) is constructed at this a place where Ummul Momineem assumed her Ihram for Umrah.

10. Masjid Al Jin is also located right at this place in Makkah where the holy Prophet (PBUH) drew a line for Abdullah Bin Masood (RA) to protect him.

11. Masjid Shajarah (Masjid of the Tree) is located opposite to the Masjid Al Jin. It is located at this place where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) called upon a tree and it came to him.

12. Cave of Hira lies about two miles from the Kaaba where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received the first revelations of the Holy Quran by Angel (Gabriel).

Madinah

Madinah is a second sacred city in Islam. It is situated in the Hejaz region of Western Saudi Arabia about 340km north of Makkah and 190 km from the Red Sea coast.

Here are discussed in some holy places in Madinah

1. Masjid-e-Nabwi is the first mosque established by the Prophet (PBUH) after his arrival in Madinah. It is the second of the largest mosques in the world.

 The grave of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his two companions- Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) & Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA) is in al-Nabavi Mosque.

3. There is another very special area in the mosque which is known as the Riadhul Jannah (Garden of Paradise) and its location is between the Sacred Chamber and the Pulpit.

4. Quba Mosque is one of the must-visit places in Madinah. It is the second-largest mosque in Madinah After the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Mosque.

5. Uhud mount is located in Makkah and the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) once said, “Uhud is a mountain that loves us and we love it.”

6. Masjid Al-Ahzaab (Masjid Al-Fath) is located at the western corner of Jabal Sala.

7. Al-Madinah Museum is located on King Abdul Aziz Road in Madinah. This is the first and the oldest museum in Madinah.

8. Wadi e Jin (Al Baida) is located about 41 kilometers from northwest of Madinah.

9.  Masjid Al-Qiblatain is located on the north-west of the city of Madinah, on Khalid bin al-Waleed road. It is famous for its Twins mihrabs and huge Prayer Hall. The verse of the Holy Quran about changing the Qibla direction revealed in this mosque.

10. Jannat-ul-Baqi is the Grave Yard of Madinah. It is located to the southeast of the Prophet's Mosque, which contains the graves of some of Muhammad,s (PBUH) family and friends.

11. It is the place where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) planted three hundred date palms to free Salman Farsi (RA) from slavery. Garden of Hazrat Salman Farsi (RA) is located near Masjid Quba.

Jerusalem

There is something special about this city. There are three notable religions, in particular, Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, which consider this city sacred. Jerusalem has the Mosque of Al-Aqsa (Arabic name for Jerusalem).

1. Jerusalem was the first Qibla of Muslims to perform their prayers.

2. It is Jerusalem that Muhammad (peace be upon him) visited during his night journey and ascension (called Isra and Miraj)

3. During staying in Jerusalem at night of Miraj, the Prophet met with previous prophets and led them in prayer.

4. The believers of religions Islam, Christian, and Judaism believe that this city was the Center of Monotheism where various Prophets taught that there is one God, and one God only. Therefore this city is holy across the Muslims, Christians, and Jewish.

Abu Darda reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said a prayer in the Sacred Mosque (in Mecca) is worth 100,000 prayers; a prayer in my mosque (in Medina) is worth 10,000 prayers; and prayer in Al-Aqsa Mosque is worth 1,000 prayers", more than in any other mosque.

What is umrah and how can we perform Umrah?

Umrah:-

In the Arabic language, the word Umrah is derived from Itimar (which refer to a visit). However, Umrah is an Islamic term which means making a visit to Kaaba, performing Tawaf (also known as circumambulation) around it and walking between Safa and Marwah seven times. Umrah is generally referred to a mini Hajj that can be performed at any time of the year. An Umrah performer puts off his Ihram by having his hair shaved or cut. Umrah can be performed along with Hajj and in other days as well.

Performing Umrah:-

Umrah expects Muslims to perform two key ceremonies, Tawaf and Saee. Tawaf is circling around the Kaaba (House of Allah). For men, it is prescribed to do the initial three circuits in a hurried speed, trailed by four rounds of an all the more comfortable pace. This is followed by Saee between Safa and Marwah in the Great Mosque of Mecca, a walk to commemorate Hagar's search for water for her son and God's mercy in answering prayers.

There are four pillars of Umrah:-

1:- Ihram                                                                                 2:- Tawaf

3:- Saee                                                                                   4:- Tahal-lul

1:- Ihram

Ihram relates to the uniform consisting of two white sheets to be worn by the male pilgrims on their pilgrimage to Kaaba. Ihram is compulsory for every Muslims. It must be noted that wearing Ihram is mandatory for all Muslims while performing Umrah in the sacred city of Makkah. When pilgrims gather in the Masjid-ul-Haram, all distinctions of class, culture, race, and most importantly the distinction of dress are abolished. Everyone stands equal before the eyes of Allah (SWT).

2:- Tawaf

Tawaf is circling around the Holy Kaabah seven times, which starts from Hajr-e-Aswad in a counter-clockwise direction. Each circle completes when a person returns back to Hajr-e-Aswad. If possible, a person should try to touch or kiss Hajr-e-Aswad, if it is not possible; then he can just point towards it with his right hand.

3:- Saee

Saee is one of the fundamental ceremonies of Hajj and Umrah and custom of walking forward and backward multiple times between two small hills of Safa and Marwa which are located contiguous the Kaaba in Masjid al-Haram.

4:- Tahal-lul

Which means coming out from the state of Ihram; it becomes lawful what was recently prohibited during Ihram. In Umrah, Pilgrims don't go to Muzdalifah, Arafat and Mina or throw rocks on the Jamrats (stone pillars representing Devil) or offer animal sacrifice. These rituals are just performed during Hajj.

Difference between Shifting and Non-Shifting Hajj Packages

What is Hajj?

It is on people for the sake of Allah to perform Pilgrimage of his house, anyone who is able to undertake the journey to him. (2:196)

In light of this verse, it is only mandatory for those persons who can bear all expenses of Hajj Package.

Hajj is one of five pillars of Islam but it is not applicable for all Muslims. The building of Islam consists of five pillars. Their names are respectively Shahada (Faith), Salah (Prayer), Zakat (Charity), Sawm (Fasting) and Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah). Therefore every Muslim in the world wants to perform Hajj. It starts from 8th to 12th Dahul Hijja and Dahul Hijja is the last month of Islamic lunar calendar.

Over the 2 million of  Muslims from all different corners of the world gather in Makkah to perform the Hajj because it is the best chance for everyone to seek forgiveness from Allah, wipe away sins and start life afresh (newborn). If you are lucky with those Muslims who will perform the Hajj then it is your responsibility to look for a best Hajj Package for yourself or for your family. There are two types of packages which are shifting or Non-shifting Hajj Packages.

Shifting Hajj Package:

In this package, the Hajjis are always moved from one apartment to another providing residence away from Haram during the top days of Hajj and then bringing them close to Haram Once Hajj days are over.

For example:

First Hajjis leave for Hajj from the UK, after reaching Jeddah, they are moved to apartments named Al-Aziziya situated in the suburbs of Makkah. In Aziziya apartment you can attend the Hajj workshops and training classes to prepare for Hajj. Hajjis stay in Al-Aziziya for around 5 to 6 days with a shuttle service to Haram.On seventh Dahul Hijja, the group is moved to Mina for 5 days of Hajj. After finishing the Hajj, hajjis return to the apartments and stay there for 3 more days.

Afterward, they are moved to the hotels near Haram and remain there for the number of days distributed to their group after which most of them depart for Madina.

Non-Shifting Hajj Package:

In this Cheap Hajj Package, Hajjis are always kept at a single location in Makkah and Madina close to Haram.

For example:

After reaching Jeddah, Hajjis are moved to the hotel in Makkah close Haram. They will stay in these hotels until they leave for Hajj on seventh or eighth Dahul Hijja. After completing Hajj, they come back to a similar hotel.

The residence stays available to the Hajjis at all times and they have the approach to rooms even in Hajj days. Hajjis stay in the hotel for two or three more days after Hajj and then depart for Madina and finally back home.

Services For Umrah Pilgrims

Jeddah — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman has coordinated that endeavours ought to be doubled to give the best administrations and services to Umrah travellers, guests and admirers amid the favoured month of Ramadan.

Chairing the week by week session of the Council of Ministers here on Tuesday, the King said the best plans ought to be set up at the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah, blessed destinations, on the streets, at the airports and seaports with the goal that Umrah traveller’s offer their customs and supplications in peace and ease.

The Council of Ministers assessed the arrangements and services to be given by the general population and private divisions to Umrah travellers and guests amid Ramadan because a great number of Muslims will get Ramadan Umrah Packages 2025 to perform Umrah this Ramadan, said Minister of State, Cabinet Member, and Acting Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Issam Bin Saad Bin Saeed.

At the start of the session, the King informed the Cabinet on the phone call made to King Mohammed VI of Morocco amid which he certified Saudi Arabia's remain with Morocco against any dangers to its security, strength and regional respectability.

The Cabinet said that Saudi Arabia remains with Morocco and backings it in each issue that ensures its security and solidness, including its choice to separate its relations with Iran.

The Cabinet repeated the requirement for coordinated efforts to stand up to the obstruction of the Iranian administration and its tools in the issues of Arab nations.

On local issues, the Cabinet approved the National Environment Strategy.

It affirmed the assignment of one week every year committed to the environment.

The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture will actualize, compose, and welcome people in general and private division organizations and natural relationship to take an interest in the environment week to be held every year in the first week of Spring.

The Cabinet complimented the Quality of Life 2020 program to accomplish the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

The SR130 billion program propelled by the Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA) means to give the suitable condition to enhance the way of life of people and families, help venture openings, expand financial exercises, make employment, and upgrade the status of Saudi urban areas in the positioning of the world's best urban communities.

Labbaik Hajj Umrah is an approved travel agency in the UK which provides updates regarding Hajj and Umrah. Labbaik’s Cheap Umrah and Cheap Hajj Packages are famous among people as all packages are available at reasonable prices and are easily accessible for general peoples.

General Advises About Umrah

Numerous people groups go to Umrah consistently. They originate from the different regions of the world. Muslims around the globe have an incredible interest for going by the Holy Places so the travel agencies keeping this in see make it simple for the Muslims from various regions of the world to perform Umrah. They all began offering different Umrah Packages All-Inclusive for Muslims.

While performing Umrah they confront numerous inconveniences so to defeat a portion of the issues looked by them I needed to give them some great bit of recommendations so they may do Umrah without breaking a sweat and all the more successfully and satisfy the greater part of its perspectives. The advices are as take after:

Do Some Homework:

Before you leave for Umrah do some homework. Like how to put on Ihram, Miqat places, all the dua of Umrah, how to perform Umrah. What's more, what ought to be our technique, how to carry on while doing Umrah, All parts of Umrah. Also, what is the correct method to do tawaf and Sai? If that you won't have the itemized record of this things then you can't perform Umrah all the more successfully you at that point need to request that the general population who perform it and what to do straightaway.

Converse with People and Ask For Forgiveness:

Before leaving for Umrah you should welcome the people groups around you and request that they forgive you If that you have harmed there feels and accomplish something bad to them. In the event that they won't forgive you then your Umrah won't be considered. So you should go and meet them and request them to forgive you.

Great Company:

if that you are going to Umrah you should run with the great organization of people who will urge you to offer the tahajudd as opposed to heading off to the eat. Furthermore, they additionally urge you to get up for Fajr supplication as opposed to the dozing for quite a while and they may likewise urge you to do additional Tawaf and Sai. Good company is very important for a man coming to Umrah. Since it isn't an luxury visit or a Holiday it is the prayer of Allah, and it is hard and tough to perform Umrah with the majority of its perspectives.

Instructions to wear Ihram:

Amid Umrah you must be in Ihram all the time so you ought to have an information how to tie the Ihram appropriately with the goal that it may not become loose. And everything after you wear Ihram like you can't trim nails in the wake of putting it on, you can't hairs subsequent to wearing that and you would be able to spray in the wake of putting it on and you have to use non-scented soap. What's more, significantly more you ought to have the detailed record of it.

Some Necessary things:

They should take an entire and exact pack along them a portion of the important things they should keep with them are the hairdresser instruments for trimming hairs before wearing Ihram and after Umrah, Vaseline on the grounds that after Tawaf and Sai foots begin to pain, A cell phone so they might have the ability to contact their homes and a few people while performing Umrah.

Some Important things to be remembered:

There are some essential things that a man should keep in his mind like caring of his password and other documents it’s better to hide them in the hotels to get save form a mishap. They ought not hurt people groups and refrain from physical connection and fights.

Going by the Places in Makkah and Medina:

A man should visit every one of the holy place in Makkah and medina a portion of the unique spots are as take after,

Cave of Thaur

Cave of Hira

Mount of Arafat

Roza Rasul

Rawadah

Mosques

All the cemetery

All the battlefields

Mounts

These are a few suggestions for the general people journey to Makkah. Along these lines, your Umrah will be successful and legitimate with much for ease. Many companies provide Cheap Umrah Packages 2024 at fair rates for the Muslims so that people can easily travel for Umrah within their budget. So, do not lose time and book your sacred journey today.