A Complete Umrah Guide: Cost, Rituals, and Tips

Mecca, 2024-Oct-15 — /Travel PR News/ — Derived from an Arabic word, Umrah means “visit to a populous place”. It is also occasionally translated as “visit to a particular place”. In Islam, it is an optional pilgrimage to the Masjid Al-Haram in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Being a lesser version of Hajj, it is one of the most widely performed acts of worship. Though it is optional, Muslims love embarking on this sacred journey to follow the sunnah of their beloved Prophet (PBUH).

Do you also want to walk the sacred path of the Prophet (PBUH)? Then you must know the nitty-gritty of this sacred worship. Remember, Umrah is a multi-step process that requires careful planning and detailed prepping. Having a complete understanding of its rituals and cost can help you avoid the hassle of this holy trip. Whether you are a first-time pilgrim or an experienced one, this guide will help you better understand the total expenses and complete procedure of Umrah.

How Much Does Umrah Cost from the UK?

Umrah cost varies widely depending on the type of flight, accommodation, season, and services included in a travel deal. For UK pilgrims, it usually ranges between £960–£2,880 per person. However, the cost of Umrah in Ramadan is typically higher than this average price range.

The reason is that Ramadan is the peak Umrah season in Saudi Arabia. From hotels to transport, everything becomes expensive during the 30 days of this blessed month.

Here is a breakdown of the major expenses that you might come across during your Umrah pilgrimage. Check them out and make a budget estimate:

Umrah Visa

It is a legal permit that allows you to enter Saudi Arabia and perform the sacred rites of Umrah. Generally, an Umrah visa fee ranges between £100 and £150 per person. Some extra charges can also apply depending on the service provider.

Flight Cost

Airfare contributes to a significant part of the total Umrah cost. The ticket prices of flights greatly fluctuate depending on the season. The rates are usually higher during Ramadan. On average, a round-trip flight ticket can cost you from £609 to £1142.

Accommodation

After flights, the accommodation costs are a concerning matter for pilgrims. The hotel prices in Mecca and Medina vary significantly. Usually, the budget options cost around £38 per night, while the deluxe lodgings an go up to £228 or more per night. The hotels that are close to Haram typically charge more as compared to the ones that are far away from the holy sites.

Inter & Intra City Transport

Once pilgrims are in Saudi Arabia, they need to travel within the city or to the nearby cities. For this, they look for some local transport. Private taxis, cars, or public buses are commonly available there. The private options are costlier than the public transport. A taxi typically charges around £70 to £120 for a one-way trip from Mecca to Medina. Whereas, a high-speed public train only costs you £30 for the same distance.

How to Perform Umrah?

After having a complete understanding of the Umrah cost, you must learn about its rituals. It is a multi-step process and has a series of rites. Here is a detailed look at each ritual:

1-      Wear Ihram

Entering the state of Ihram is a preparatory step. Make sure you perform a ghusl before wearing the prescribed garments of Ihram. Men wear two white, seamless clothes, while women wear modest clothing that covers their entire body except for the face and hands. Then you reach Miqat, a designated boundary, and say the Umrah dua “Labbayka Allahumma Umrah” (Here I am, O Allah, performing Umrah).

2-      Perform Tawaf

It is one of the major rituals of pilgrimage that is common in both Hajj and Umrah. During this sacred rite, you have to circle around the Holy Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction. This revered act symbolizes the unity of believers while worshipping Allah. Tawaf begins at the point of Black stone. Pilgrims try to touch or kiss this blessed stone if possible. During this ritual, they recite supplications and seek Allah’s forgiveness and mercy.

3-      Sa’i

After Tawaf comes Sa’i. It involves running or walking briskly between the hills of Safa and Marwah. This ritual commemorates the historical event of Hazrat Hajra when she was searching for water for her son Hazrat Ismael. Starting from Safa, pilgrims walk to Marwah and then back to Safa. This way, they complete the circuit seven times.

4-      Halq or Taqsir

These are the final rituals of Umrah. Halq (shaving the head) is for men or Taqsir (trimming a portion of the hair) is for both men and women. Men are allowed to choose between Halq or Taqsir. There is no compulsion for them. This act shows spiritual renewal and humility.

Some Vital Tips to Ensure a Hassle-Free Umrah Trip for Pilgrims

The following are some of the essential tips that can make your minor pilgrimage comfortable and memorable:

• Book flights and hotels in advance, especially when you are planning an Umrah during the peak seasons, such as Ramadan. This helps you avail early bird discounts and better accommodation options within your budget.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during your Umrah trip. The climate of Saudi Arabia is harsh and hot. Therefore, carry a bottle with you and consume an adequate amount of water from it. Tawaf and Sa’i require immense physical effort from pilgrims. Ensure you do not dehydrate during these sacred rituals.
• Wear comfortable footwear and carry breathable clothes with you that can help you survive the hot environment of Saudi Arabia.
• Learn the specific prayers and supplications for each ritual. Carry a small prayer booklet with you or download a Dua app on your mobile phone.
• Ensure a strong and secure mobile connection to stay in touch with your loved ones, especially in crowded areas.
• Consume a healthy diet and make sure that you are in good health before embarking on an Umrah. Carry the necessary medications and consult your healthcare professional if you have any medical issues.

Muslims Holy Travel, a leading Umrah tour operators in the UK, offers you a wide range of Group Umrah packages at affordable rates. They also ensure a 24/7 customer support service during your holy trip. Contact them today to embark on a hassle-free and budget-friendly Umrah journey.

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