Umrah & Ziyarah

All you need to know about Rituals to perform in Umrah and Ziyarah Al Masjid An Nabawi

Umrah in a Nutshell

What is the Umrah?

Umrah is a form of worship where a Muslim, in the state of Ihram, engages in specific rituals. This includes circumambulating the Kaaba, running between Safa and Marwa, and shaving or trimming the head.

To enter the state of Ihram:

1. A Muslim goes to the specified place designated by Sharia.
2. They refrain from Ihram prohibitions.
3. Recite the Talbiyah: “Labbayka Allaahumma Labbayk, Labbayka La Shareeka Laka Labbayk. Innal Hamda Wan-ni’mata Laka Wal-Mulk, La Shareeka Lak” (Here I am at your service, O Allah, at Your service! At Your service! You have no partner! I am at Your service! Indeed, all praise and grace belong to You, and so does the supreme authority. You have no partner).

During circumambulation (Tawaf):

1. Go to the Haram.
2. Circumambulate counterclockwise with the Kaaba on the left.
3. Begin and end at the Black Stone.
4. After completing seven rounds, pray two Rakaah in a suitable place.

Having hair of the head shaven or trimmed:

After finishing Sa’i, men go to barbers to shave or trim their hair, while women cut about 1-2 cm from their hair ends. This completes Umrah and signals the end of Ihram. Pilgrims must avoid actions that may harm others in the Haram, like pushing, entering crowded areas, or changing the direction of circumambulation, and should follow the instructions of observers and security personnel.

Umrah in Ramadan

Umrah holds significant virtues and serves as a means to expiate sins, as stated by the Prophet (peace be upon him). Its importance is heightened during Ramadan.

Reward for performing Umrah in Ramadan

• The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that doing Umrah in Ramadan is like doing Hajj, or he mentioned it’s like doing Hajj with him.
• This applies every day and night in Ramadan.
• Pilgrims should do Umrah at their assigned time from the official app reservations.
• When driving for Umrah, just park your car in Makkah’s parking lots.Top of Form

Umrah Repetition

Performing more than one Umrah during the same trip

Performing multiple Umrahs during the same trip is allowed and considered a virtuous act. The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned that each Umrah serves as an expiation for sins committed between it and the previous one. It’s permissible to perform more than one Umrah in a year.

However, it’s essential to ensure that repeating Umrah doesn’t cause inconvenience to other pilgrims or violate any terms and conditions set by the official Umrah applications.

If one wishes to perform another Umrah during the same trip, they should first obtain permission from the relevant authorities. Then, they can proceed to a nearby place outside the Haram, like the mosque of Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) in Al Taneem, to enter into the state of Ihram before performing the Umrah.

Virtue of Umrah

Umrah is a special worship ritual where you enter a state of devotion, circle the Kaaba, walk between Safa and Marwa, and trim your hair. It’s highly esteemed by Allah and has many benefits:

• Allah commands us to perform Umrah along with Hajj, aiming for perfection and His pleasure.
• Umrah cleanses sins and helps alleviate poverty, just like Hajj.
• Each step taken during circumambulation earns good deeds and forgiveness of sins.
• Sa’i between Safa and Marwa earns Allah’s gratitude and rewards for the servant.

Makkah the Sanctuary of Allah

“Haram” means a special and sacred place, chosen by Allah, where certain actions are not allowed as a sign of respect. Makkah is one such sanctuary, distinct from other places, and it has been sacred since the beginning of time. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stressed its sanctity, saying it has been a special place designated by Allah since the creation of the heavens and the earth.

For individuals, being in Makkah is being in a place specifically honored by Allah. It’s where good deeds are more rewarded, and sins carry more weight. Makkah is special because it houses the Kaaba, the first House of Prayer for humanity, built and cared for by revered prophets like Ibrahim, Ismail, and Muhammad (peace be upon them).

Umrah Performing Time

The best time to perform Umrah depends on various factors:

1. Less Crowded Times: It’s advisable to choose times when there are fewer people, allowing pilgrims to perform Umrah rituals with ease and pray near the Haram without much congestion.
2. Special Merit in Ramadan: Performing Umrah in the month of Ramadan holds special significance. The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned that the performance of Umrah during Ramadan is considered equal to Hajj or, alternatively, equal to performing Hajj with him.
3. Reservations through Official Apps: Pilgrims should adhere to the time allotted to them according to their reservations on official Umrah apps. This helps manage the flow of pilgrims and ensures a smooth experience.
4. Avoidance during Hajj Season: Umrah is not allowed during the Hajj season for those who do not intend to combine it with Hajj. This is to prioritize the availability of Sacred sites for Hajj pilgrims, as they hold greater importance during that specific time.
5. Entry with Visa and Nusuk App: Individuals entering the Kingdom on any type of visa can perform Umrah in Makkah after making a reservation through the Nusuk app.

Considering these factors can help pilgrims plan their Umrah at a time that suits their convenience and aligns with the guidelines and significance associated with different periods.

Visa Options:

1. Visa through Package:You can get an Umrah visa by booking a package online through an approved service provider or visiting a local travel agency authorized for Umrah packages.

   View Package Providers

2. Authorized Visa OfficesYou can also apply for a visa through Tasheer Visa Facilitators’ services on the Tasheer website.
3. Embassy or ConsulateVisa Information:
   • Embassy/Consulate Cost: SAR 300 (approximately USD 80)
   • Application Fee: SAR 39.44 (around USD 10.50)
   • Medical Insurance Fees: Not included (cost determined by the provider)
   • Entry: The type of entry (multiple or single) is subject to the decision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
   • Validity: The multiple-entry visa is valid for one year from the date of issue and permits stays of up to 90 days.

   Requirements:

   • Individuals must be at least 18 years old for solo entry. Travelers below 18 years old can enter only when accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or adult sibling (over 18 years old).
   • Passports must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the entry date into Saudi Arabia.
   • To obtain an Embassy/Consulate/Tasheer visa, the following documents are necessary: proof of residence (in the country of residence), return ticket, proof of employment, financial solvency/bank statement, flight itinerary, identification, and residence address (where the stay in Saudi Arabia is planned).
4. Transit or Stopover VisaA transit/stopover visa lets travelers pass through Saudi Arabia for reasons like Umrah, visiting the Prophet’s Mosque, and attending tourism events. Note: Pilgrims should use the Nusuk App to schedule Umrah or Ziyarah appointments for Makkah or Al Madinah.

You can download the Nusuk app to book your Umrah and Ziyarah, available for iPhone, Android, and Huawei.

For more information, please click here