Introduction

Umrah is a popular pilgrimage for Muslims. They visit the Masjid al-Haram, situated in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is an act of worship in which they perform a set of blessed rituals.

Umrah is a Sunnah and can be performed at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which has specific dates according to the Islamic lunar calendar. It is one of the most beloved Sunnahs, as it refreshes a believer’s faith and draws him/her closer to Almighty Allah. It is an act of seeking forgiveness, attaining inner peace, and surrendering to Allah.

The best time to perform Umrah is during the holy month of Ramadan. Umrah in Ramadan is highly recommended, as it combines with fasting and prayers, making it even more rewarding. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Performing Umrah in Ramadan is equal to performing Hajj.”

Taraweeh and Qiyam-al-Layl are special prayers that make Umrah in Ramadan even more fulfilling and gratifying. The glorified view of the Kaaba, with millions of Muslims chanting the sacred verses of the Quran and engaging in dhikr to praise and worship Allah, seeking His forgiveness and inner peace, is the most cherished moment for a believer.

As it is said, Ibadah performed on the nights of Laylatul Qadr carries rewards greater than a thousand months. Seeking Allah’s blessings during these extraordinary nights while performing Umrah in the holy city of Mecca is a profoundly spiritual and divine experience for all Muslims.

 Benefits of Doing Umrah During Ramadan

●      Multiplied Rewards – Performing Umrah in Ramadan carries rewards equivalent to Hajj. 

●      Stronger Connection with The Almighty – Being in Mecca during this holy month makes our faith more strong

●      .A Chance for Repentance – Ramadan is known as the month of mercy, where Allah’s forgiveness is abundant. Performing Umrah during this sacred time allows a person to seek Allah’s pardon, and start fresh with a clean heart.

●      Blessings of Laylatul Qadr – The possibility of experiencing Laylatul Qadr in the holiest place on Earth is an opportunity like no other.

●      Building Patience and Discipline – Fasting while performing Umrah teaches self-control, endurance, and reliance on Allah.

●      Taraweeh and Night Prayers – Praying in Masjid al-Haram during Ramadan, especially during Taraweeh and Qiyam-al-Layl, brings an indescribable peace.

●      Unity of the Ummah – Standing side by side with people from all over the world reminds you of the beauty of Islamic brotherhood and 

 Best Time to Go During Ramadan

When planning on performing Umrah, most people choose between the first 20 days or the last 10 days. The first part is calmer, with fewer crowds, while the last 10 days are the most spiritually intense—especially with the powerful nights of Laylatul Qadr. Choosing when to go depends on what you want from the experience—peace and ease, or being there on the holiest nights of the month.

Early Ramadan (The first 20 days of the month)

✅ Pros:

●      The majority of crowd visits during the last 10 days make the rest of the month less crowded and allow for a more peaceful experience.

●      A smaller crowd also makes it easier to secure prayer spots and accommodations.

●      Due to lower demand, flight and hotel prices are much more affordable.

●      During the first two to three weeks, people are generally more energized, making it easier to keep up with the physical exertion.

❌ Cons:

●      You miss out on the spiritual significance of the last ten nights.

●      Fewer opportunities for Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Decree).

Last 10 Days of Ramadan

✅ Pros:

●      The last 10 days of Ramadan are the most spiritually significant, offering a greater opportunity for repentance and prayer, with increased rewards.

●      Higher chances of experiencing Laylatul Qadr (rewarded as 1,000 months of worship).

●      It is the only time in the year during which you can experience Tarawih and Qiyamal Layl in Mecca and Media

●      The entire atmosphere is filled with people praying, fasting, and deepening their spiritual connection with Allah. It is at this time that all visitors would feel the utmost devotion, and is an experience like no other.

❌ Cons:

●      Because of the huge significance of the last 10 days of Ramadan, people mostly plan on visiting during this period, leading to extreme overcrowding.

●      The excessive crowd may cause chaos, hampering the experience of Tawaf and Sa’i.

●      The high demand leads to soaring prices for flights and accommodations, which may strain your budget.

 Essential Preparations

Financial and Logistics Preparations

Booking Accommodation & Flights

●      To secure better prices, especially for the last ten nights of Ramadan, it is smart to book your accommodation three to six months in advance.

●      Try staying as close to Haram as possible to ensure easy access to prayers and rituals without the added strain of long walks or travel.

●       In case you cannot find any lodgings near the haram, try looking for hotels with reliable shuttle services to ensure you safely reach the haram. 

Managing Money in Mecca

●      Before traveling to Umrah exchange your currency for some Saudi Riyals (SAR) for immediate expenses upon arrival.

●      Make sure you carry your credit or debit cards with you and use them whenever possible to avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

●      Always store your money and valuables in a secure pouch to ensure safety, especially in crowded areas.

Spiritual Readiness

Umrah is a profound spiritual journey that requires you to be all in with your heart and soul.

●      Set a Pure Niyyah (Intention) – The first step is to have a clear and sincere Niyyah, as intention is the foundation of all acts of worship. Believe in the almighty, and perform Umrah solely for the sake of him.

●      Increase Worship and Supplications – The second step for your journey is to increase the amount of worship and supplications. Additional prayers, recitation of Qthe uran doing more dhikr, and making more dua heighten the spirituality and strengthen the connection between the believer and Creator.

●      Seek Forgiveness –  The third step is to seek forgiveness from your creator. Repentance and seeking forgiveness cleanse the heart and soul of the believer and enhance the sense of spiritual renewal, helping you perform the pilgrimage with humility.

Physical Preparation

Performing Umrah while fasting can be extremely physically exerting. Beat the heat by drinking plenty of Zamzam and other fluids during non-fasting hours. You also need to ensure that you eat balanced meals for Suhoor and Iftar that have both carbohydrates and proteins for energy and body recovery from all the exertion.  You must also carry dates or other to-go snacks, water, and ORS (oral rehydration salts) after Iftar to help sustain your energy for the rituals. You also need to carry at all times a basic medicine kit essentials like paracetamol, muscle relaxants, and any personal medications for managing fatigue and minor ailments.

Packing Essentials

Clothing and Personal Care

Everyone should bring comfortable sandals or slippers, sunglasses, and an umbrella. An extra pair of socks along with a lightweight jacket is also recommended in case the weather turns slightly chilly during winters.  While wearing Ihram, stay away from scented toiletries and personal care items. Instead, use wet wipes, and unscented soap. Carry a tiny towel, tissues, and a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste in your toiletry bag.

Electronics and Documents

You must have your passport, Umrah visa, travel insurance, and proof of vaccinations with you at all times. Carrying your phone, power bank, and extra charging cables is a good wau to stay connected and . Having a tiny notebook or a smartphone app for reciting the Quran and Duas can be useful.

Get a local Saudi SIM card for convenient internet access and communication to stay connected and navigate with ease. Additionally, identifying routes, locating significant locations, and effectively managing your itinerary might be aided by using Google Maps or apps tailored to Umrah.

 Safety Tips

●      Be mindful of crowds and avoid pushing in congested areas.

●      Walk at a steady pace and listen to your body if feeling dizzy or fatigued.

Performing Umrah Step By Step 

●      Entering ihram

Enter the ihram after taking a shower (ghusl). Ihram is a peace of seamless cloth generally in white color. This garment consists of two pieces ( for men). One piece is wrapped around the lower body and is called izar. After entering the ihram 2 rakaah of sunnah is offered before leaving for the meeqat in Mecca. At meeqat intention for umrah is made by saying “ Labbayek Allahhumma bi umrah “. After this the talbiyah is recited in line.

“Labbaik allahumma labbaik, labbayka la sharika laka labbayka, innal hamda wa-n-nimata laka wa-l-mulka la sharika lak.”

●      Tawaaf

Tawaf is the act of walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction, keeping it on your left side. It is performed with sincerity, devotion, and deep respect, reflecting a pilgrim’s submission to Allah.

●      Sayee between Safa and Marwah

Sa’ee refers to walking or lightly running seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, which are located to the north and south of the Kaaba. This ritual commemorates the devotion and perseverance of Hajar (AS) as she searched for water for her son, Prophet Ismail (AS)

●      Qasar / Halaq

Upon completing the seven circuits of Sa’ee, the final step of Umrah is cutting the hair. Men can either shave their heads completely or trim them, while women need to cut about an inch from the bottom. This act symbolizes renewal. With this final step, Umrah is officially complete.

8. Returning Home – Maintaining the Spiritual Momentu

Umrah during Ramadan is a deeply spiritual and transformative experience, but the real challenge begins after returning home.

To maintain the momentum of spiritual upliftment and positive habits from your journey, it’s important to continue increased acts of worship and integrate them into your daily routine.

Here are some tips to help keep the Ramadan spirit alive:

●      You may have prayed Tahajjud (night prayer) and other Sunnah prayers more regularly during Umrah. Try to keep this habit going. Even if you can’t pray daily, aim for a few times a week to stay spiritually connected.

●      During Umrah, you likely read the Quran more than usual. Continue this practice by reading a small portion daily, even if it's just one page or a few verses. Try to understand and reflect on the meanings and implement them in your daily life wherever possible.

●      Maintain the habit of regular remembrance (dhikr) such as:

○      SubhanAllah

○      Alhamdulillah

○      Allahu Akbar

○      And other tasbeehat after every prayer.

●      Continue fasting even after Ramadan on Mondays and Thursdays or on white days (13th, 14th, and 15th of each Islamic month), as recommended by the Prophet (PBUH). This helps retain the spiritual benefits of Ramadan while strengthening patience and self-control.

Conclusion

Performing Umrah in Ramadan is an experience that stays with you long after you return home. The long walks, the exhaustion, the quiet prayers in the middle of the night—it becomes part of something bigger than yourself. Standing before the Kaaba, surrounded by thousands yet feeling completely alone with Allah, is a feeling that words can’t fully capture.

May Allah grant us all a visit to the Holy Kaaba!

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