Umrah, also known as the minor pilgrimage, carries an immense spiritual significance for the Muslims around the world. Unlike Hajj, which is an obligatory ritual and can only be performed at specific time of the year, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year. There are certain rules that determine whether you are eligible for Umrah or not.
A few years back there was his rule that women cannot perform Umrah without their Mehram. They were obliged to come with any mehram member of their family whether it be their husband, father, brother or son but now these restrictions have been removed as many women were facing this issue that they did not have any mehram to travel with. With the change in this policy, a list of new guidelines and regulations has been introduced to make the experience more safe and smooth. These guidelines are communicated by the Islamic travel agency along with the Umrah Packagesfrom UK to the female pilgrims for their safety.
Rituals of Umrah
Umrah is a beloved Sunnah which includes several rituals and we as pilgrims are obliged to fulfill them. These rituals are mentioned below.
1. Ihram
This is the state of spiritual purity and one is obliged to perform ghusal and make an intention to perform Umrah to seek the forgiveness of Allah Almighty and experience his closeness and mercy.
2. Tawaf
Tawaf is the practice during which the pilgrims circumambulate around the holy Ka’aba and complete this circuit seven times. This ritual is a significant sign that Allah Almighty is our origin and we belong to the Allah Almighty.
3. Sa’i
The practice of walking between the hills of Safa and Marwahis known as Sa’i. This ritual teaches us to be patient and show perseverance and have faith in the mercy of Allah Almighty.
4. Halq or Taqsir
The practice of shaving or trimming the hair to signify the completion of Umrah and break out of the state of Ihram is known asHalq or Taqsir. This practice symbolizes the spiritual and intellectual renewal of a pilgrim after performing Umrah.
Umrah is not a mandatory practice but it is highly recommended and offers immense spiritual rewards.
New Umrah guidelines for Women
There are several new guidelines that have been introduced by Saudi Arabia in order to ensure that Umrah is more convenient and accessible for women. These changes ensure the safety and comfort of the female pilgrims. Some of these guidelines are mentioned in this guide.
· Women can perform Umrah without a Mahram
One of the major changes that has occurred is that women are not allowed to perform Umrah without a male guardian. According to the previous policy, women under 45 were obliged to travel with the male guardian, however the latest permit allows women of all ages to perform Umrah independently. If you are someone who does not have any Mahram to travel with then this is the year to book for Umrah. The Islamic travel agency is offering Exclusive Easter Umrah Packages and also provide you guidance about some of the key points if you are a solo female travelling for Umrah. Some of these key points are,
- Women must be part of an organized group.
- The group must be registered with a licensed Umrah operator.
- Women traveling alone must provide an unwavering reason and obtain the approval prior to their booking.
· Women-Only Groups
In order to cater to the growing number of the female pilgrims, the Islamic travel agency also provides women-only Umrah packages. These packages include female guides along with the female only transportation and accommodation in order to ensure the comfort and safety of the female pilgrims.
· Enhanced safety measures
The Saudi government has implemented several safety measures to protect the female pilgrims. These measures are briefly described below.
- Increased security presence in and around the Haram.
- Security that is totally dedicated to females.
- Separate prayer areas and facilities for women.
· Dress Code for Women
During Umrah, women are required to dress modestly. The Ihram for women consists of loose-fitted clothes, which cover the entire body, except for their face and hands. Some of the attributes of the women’s Ihram are given below.
- Clothing should be plain and free or adornments.
- The face should remain uncovered.
- The footwear should be simple and comfortable and most preferably must be walking shoes or joggers.
Tips for a Smooth Umrah Experience:
In order have an overall smooth and hassle-free Umrah experience, you must follow the tips given below.
- Book your flights, accommodation and transportation well in advance to get the best deals and prices.
- Stay informed and keep up-to-date with the latest guidelines and regulations.
- Bring comfortable clothing and footwear and don’t forget the items like prayer mats, zamzam water containers and personal hygiene products.
- Stay hydrated and eat nutritious meals and follow all the health and safety protocols.
The new Umrah guidelines for women reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to making the pilgrimage more accessible safe and comfortable for all. By staying informed and planning ahead you can make the best of your Umrah pilgrimage.
