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Umrah is the lesser pilgrimage and is equal in reward to jihad in the way of Allah. It is a confirmed Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, as he performed Umrah four times. Umrah supplications are accepted and contribute to boosting energy, renewing physical and mental state, as well as purifying the heart. It is said that the Prophet, peace be upon him, stated regarding the virtues of Umrah, ‘Umrah to Umrah is atonement for what is between them, and there is no reward for an accepted Hajj but Paradise.
Preparing for Umrah mentally and physically is crucial to ensure it’s not just a bodily ritual but a meaningful experience. Despite its paramount importance and great reward, summoning intention, mental and physical preparation, and necessary arrangements will enhance the benefits of your journey both in this world and the Hereafter, God willing.
Summoning sincere intention for Allah:
Specify your intention for Umrah solely seeking forgiveness and renewing your faith. Avoid intentions such as vacationing, escaping work pressure, or shopping in Mecca, as they diminish the reward. Keep your intention strictly between you and Allah, avoiding sharing it with anyone. Also, refrain from sharing updates on social media indicating your Umrah journey. Similarly, abstain from planning photography or sharing pictures there, keeping them solely for personal remembrance of the spiritual atmosphere.
Frequent repentance and repentance from sins:
Before embarking on Umrah, immerse yourself in more faith by seeking forgiveness and resolving to repent from all sins. Perform the two units of repentance prayer, and redress any wrongdoings to their rightful owners, whether through insult or financial deceit. Renew your intention there again if Allah permits your safe arrival.
Spend on Umrah from lawful earnings:
Taking loans for Umrah is prohibited due to the suspicion of unlawful money. If you cannot gather Umrah funds through entirely lawful means, it’s better not to go. Instead, consider donating that money or wait until next year or until you have lawful funds available.
Prepare the prayers you desire in advance:
Many first-time Umrah pilgrims agree that their state completely changes, and they forget many prayers they wished to make. Hence, prepare for Umrah by writing down the prayers you desire, whether for yourself, your family, or loved ones, for this world or the Hereafter. Your prayers should not be limited to worldly requests but should also include seeking elevation to Paradise, seeing Allah, salvation from Hell, seeking guidance, and righteousness from Allah in all your affairs.
Know your basic expenses for Umrah:
In the current era, most tourism companies arrange everything for pilgrims, including the cost of sacrificing the animal, transportation, and accommodation. However, ensure beforehand that the company will cover all essential expenses there. Otherwise, prepare your expenses, considering your currency’s value compared to the Saudi Riyal, which might slightly affect costs. Hence, always try to carry extra money for emergencies.
Prepare yourself physically for long walks:
Tawaf and Sa’i together cover approximately 35 km or 20 miles on average. In addition to moving from accommodation to the Kaaba and the Prophet’s Mosque, you will walk long distances. If you’re not used to physical activity, your mental and spiritual state may be affected due to extreme physical fatigue. Therefore, try to change your habits before Umrah and follow a simple exercise routine like walking for 10-15 minutes daily. Also, consult your doctor if you have any chronic illnesses to ensure that your health allows for long walks. Otherwise, you might need to rent a wheelchair to assist you in performing the rituals without losing the spiritual state.
Know the essential items to take with you on your journey:
You may spend 10 days on Umrah, and if you intend Hajj with it, the journey may take a whole month. Therefore, always pay attention to important, comfortable, and practical items for the journey to avoid burdening yourself with unnecessary items. Here are the essential items to pack for Umrah:
- Primary documents including a passport valid for 6 months from the Umrah application date, required vaccination certificates, round-trip tickets, and if you recently converted to Islam and your documents still have your foreign name, you must have a certificate from a mosque or Islamic center, as well as proof of residence and visa application form.
- Essential medications for headache, diarrhea, constipation, and cold remedies.
- Perfume-free hygiene products such as toothpaste, soap, and shampoo.
- Don’t forget to pack dry or canned food items like tuna, beans, or packaged vegetables, as well as biscuits, dates, and others.
- Prepare an extra Ihram, and for women, an additional abaya or two.
- Make sure to bring a Qibla compass, prayer beads, prayer mat, and Quran, and it’s recommended to have a waist bag and an um brella since Mecca has a hot climate throughout the year.
By following these steps, you’ll be prepared for a successful Umrah journey, mentally, physically, and spiritually, returning from it with more enthusiasm and a desire for work, life, and worship, God willing.
