Umrah in Ramadan 2024: Best Tips To be Fully Prepared

Recognizing the holiness of this month and the immense blessings it bestows upon Muslims, planning an Umrah trip to Makkah and Madinah especially during Ramadan should be on everyone’s list, at least once in a lifetime. 

Rewards for Performing Umrah in Ramadan  

Al Bukhari (1782) and Muslim (1256) narrated that, Ibn ‘Abbas said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to a woman from among the Ansar – Ibn ‘Abbas mentioned her name, but I forgot it – “What kept you from performing Hajj with us?”  

She said, “We only have two camels and the father of her son, and her son had gone for Hajj on one camel, and he left us the other camel so that we could carry water on it.”  

He said, “When Ramadan comes, go for Umrah, for Umrah in (that month) is equivalent to Hajj.”  

This implies that the blessings obtained from Umrah during Ramadan are equivalent to the blessings of fulfilling the obligatory duty of Hajj. However, this does not excuse individuals from their obligation to perform Hajj. 

Considering it’s one of the peak seasons, one must be physically, mentally, and spiritually prepared way ahead of time. If you’re planning an Umrah trip, check out Umrahme’s Ramadan packages 2024 that offer both comfort and convenience at the best rates inclusive of stays, flights, and transfers. 

Read ahead to know the best tips to consider before and during performing Umrah, ensuring a fulfilling and smooth experience in Ramadan. 

Best Tips to Consider Before You Embark on Your Umrah Trip 

1. Physical preparation:

Consult with your doctor to ensure you are fit for travel and discuss any necessary vaccinations or medications.

While it gets too crowded during the holy month, one must have the ability and flexibility to manage performing Umrah amidst the influx of pilgrims.

Make sure to engage in regular walking and light exercise a month prior to your travel.
Adopt a balanced diet to strengthen your body and boost your immune system. Additionally, get sufficient sleep to maintain your energy levels during Umrah.

If you’re a solo female traveler planning an Umrah trip during Ramadan, here’s a useful guide for you.

2. Spiritual preparation:

Educate yourself on the essential rites of Umrah, special duas, and all information pertaining to Umrah and Ramadan. This way you are familiar with the necessary knowledge and make the most of your trip.

Check out our comprehensive guide on Umrah 2024 and learn about its history, significance, rituals, and more.

3. Understanding the rituals:

Understanding the rituals of Umrah is foundational to enhancing your spiritual experience, and there are some key rituals involved in this pilgrimage. Here’s an overview for you: 

• Ihram: The pilgrim enters a state of sanctity before performing Umrah, which involves wearing specific garments, also known as Ihram. Men wear two pieces of white unstitched cloth, while women dress modestly which meets the requirements of Islamic clothing. 
• Tawaf: The act of circling around the Ka’aba seven times. Tawaf should begin and end at the Black Stone. 
• Sa’i: Walking or running seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, reflecting the desperate search for water by Hajar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim, for her son, Ismail. 
• Halq/Taqseer: The cutting or shortening of hair. Men have the option to either completely shave their heads (Halq) or merely shorten (trim) their hair (Taqseer). Women are required to trim a small amount of their hair.

For a thorough understanding and step-by-step guidance on Umrah, dive into our dedicated Umrah post. 

4. Book early:

Finalize your Umrah booking well in advance to secure the best deals for travel and accommodation and avoid any last-minute hassles.   

5. Arranging Umrah visa:

• Saudi eVisa: Saudi tourist eVisa allows one to take part in leisure activities including performing Umrah. Citizens of 49 specified countries can easily obtain a Saudi eVisa by applying directly through the official Saudi eVisa website.
  
• Traditional Saudi Visa: To obtain a traditional Saudi visa tag, it is recommended to contact the Saudi diplomatic missions in your country. They can provide details on their working hours, appointment booking procedures, and the possibility of applying through approved travel agencies. 
• Umrah Visa with Umrahme: We make the Umrah visa process easier at Umrahme. Get in touch with us or WhatsApp us +971 523873550 for more details.

6. Hotels, meal plans, and flights:

Instead of booking hotels, flights, and other facilities individually and paying 5x more price, opt for Ramadan packages that offer all-inclusive options. Get the best Umrah deal at Umrahme’s Ramadan packages 2024, carefully curated to offer you an accessible, smooth, and affordable Umrah trip inclusive of 5-star hotel stays, flights, and private transfers. Book today.

7. Umrah packing checklist:

Packing for Umrah can be daunting, especially for first-time pilgrims. To ensure a hassle-free trip, it is crucial to pack the right essentials. Include items such as extra copy of travel documents, extra pair of Ihram, comfortable footwear, fragrance-free toiletries, and more.

Get the detailed Umrah packing list here.

8. Traveling with pregnant women or kids: 

This can be a challenging experience when travelling with kids or pregnant women without proper planning. Research the nearest clinic or hospital and save their contact details on your phone. If you’re traveling with a pregnant woman, consult a doctor to ensure she is fit to travel. Consider avoiding overcrowded areas and opting for electric scooters. 

Learn more about key Umrah trips when traveling with kids for a smooth journey.

Electric scooters can be rented at the designated area near WC3 at Masjid Al Haram. Check out this video for more details. 

To avoid kids getting lost, the Saudi government has offered free tracking bracelets for them. Smart machines are available near gate no. 3 in Masjid Al Haram, where you can seek assistance of the officials to print out the tracking tags and have the child wear one.

Best Tips to Consider While on Your Umrah Trip 

1. Hydration while performing Umrah:

In case you’re performing Umrah during the nighttime of Ramadan, drink plenty of water after breaking your fast. The climate in Makkah and Madinah can be quite challenging, particularly during the summer months. With high temperatures and dry air, it is essential to stay hydrated.

Carry a refillable water bottle and drink water frequently. Avoid excessive consumption of caffeinated or sugary beverages as they may lead to dehydration. Remember, water is your best companion in the desert climate.

2. Personal hygiene: 

Ensure the cleanliness of Ihram clothing and change clothes frequently. Carry hand sanitizers or wet wipes to clean your hands regularly, especially before iftar and suhoor.

Use unscented antibacterial sanitizer. Keep a small towel or tissues for personal use, as public facilities might have limited supplies.

3. Sun protection:

When performing Umrah, you will spend considerable time outdoors, exposed to the sun’s rays. Protect yourself from the scorching heat by wearing loose, lightweight, and breathable clothing that covers your body.

Pack an umbrella that can serve dual purpose like shielding you from the occasional rain or providing shade from the sun during the day. 

Opt for a wide-brimmed hat or a cap to shield your face and neck. Don’t forget to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to exposed areas of your skin, but it should be unscented. Sunglasses are also essential to protect your eyes from the sun.  

Check out other Top Tips for a Spiritual and Meaningful Umrah Experience 

4. Don’t overindulge:

When it comes to iftar or suhoor, avoid overindulging and strive for a balanced diet. While performing Umrah, remember to take short breaks and not exert yourself too much, as you have the rest of the day to perform other rituals. 

Read the other health tips laid out by Saudi’s Ministry of Health.

5. Take adequate rest:

Umrah involves various rituals, which can be physically demanding, particularly for the elderly or those with underlying health conditions.

One of the most advisable Umrah tips is to pace yourself and take breaks when needed. Find time for rest and relaxation to avoid exhaustion. Listen to your body’s signals and do not push yourself beyond your limits.

6. Navigating through the city:

Whether you’re at the Grand Mosque, local eateries, or popular shops. Also, be aware that many shops and restaurants remain closed during prayer times. So, plan your day considering these aspects.

Check out the other places you can explore in Makkah after completing Umrah. 

Other useful Umrah tips:

• Local connectivity: Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival to stay connected. 
• Respect cultural norms: Dress modestly and be mindful of cultural customs in the area. 
• Use transit times wisely: Utilize layover times for recitation, dhikr, or attending lectures. 
• Local currency: Carry both local currency and cards while being aware of general expenses. 
• Seek expert advice: If uncertain about religious rituals, seek guidance from scholars or knowledgeable locals. 
• Personal security: Ensure the safety of essential items by using options such as money belts if necessary. 
• Ziyarat after Umrah: Plan a trip to significant sites around Makkah post-Umrah.

Maximizing Your Umrah Experience in Ramadan

The Umrah journey doesn’t stop once you’ve completed the initial rites. While you’re still in the holy city, it’s important to maintain a spiritual mindset. During your non-Umrah hours, you can stay spiritually connected through various activities, such as: 

• Recitation: The recitation of the Quran is always recommended. This is a perfect time to delve deeper into its verses. 
• Dhikr: Occupy yourselves with lots of Dhikr such as ‘Subhan-Allah’, ‘Alhamdulillah’, and ‘Allahu Akbar’. 
• Additional prayers: Offer your daily prayers on time and utilize the opportunity to offer Sunnah and Nawafil prayers. 
• Educational content: You can also engage in reading Islamic books such as the biographies of prophets and sahabas that can help increase your knowledge. 
• Attending lectures: If language isn’t a barrier, try to attend local lectures and sermons.

Remember, your time in Makkah and Madinah is precious. Strive to make every moment count by spending it with lots of worship and reflection. 

Want to make this Ramadan special and unique? Travel to the holy cities and immerse yourself in the most enlightening experience in the House of Allah, breaking your fast with fellow brothers from around the world.

Umrahme has limited-time, exclusive Ramadan packages for you with the best price guaranteed. Don’t wait! Book today and make this Umrah trip the most memorable one yet. Let us take you there.