The holy pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia known as Umrah is one of the most rewarding and spiritual experiences a Muslim can go on in their lifetime. Muslims from all over the globe come together to visit the Kaaba-the holiest place in Islam-and perform various religious rituals and prayers. However, there are many other activities that Muslims can do during their Umrah trip in order to make the most of their experience with family Umrah packages.
Here are thirteen of those activities that you should consider when embarking on your religious journey.
1. Visit the Grand Mosque
The first and most obvious activity to do during your Umrah trip is to visit the Grand Mosque. This is where the Kaaba is located and it is considered the holiest place in all of Islam. There are a number of rituals and prayers that need to be performed at the mosque, so make sure you familiarize yourself with them before your trip. Family Umrah packages will help you take each step.
2. Circumambulate the Kaaba
One of the key rituals of Umrah is circumambulation, which involves walking around the Kaaba seven times counter-clockwise. This symbolizes the act of following in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and shows submission to Allah.
3. Pray at the Maqam Ibrahim
Having family Umrah packages, you will be able to visit Maqam Ibrahim. The Maqam Ibrahim is the station of Abraham and it is located just outside of the Grand Mosque. It is considered to be a very holy place and pilgrims often pray here during their Umrah trip.
4. Drink Zamzam Water
Zamzam water is a holy water that is said to have healing properties. It can be found near the Maqam Ibrahim and it is tradition for Muslims to drink some before they leave Mecca.
5. Visit the Mountain of Light
The Mountain of Light, or Jabal al-Noor, is located just outside of Mecca. It is where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his first revelation from Allah. Although it is not required to visit the mountain, it is a popular spot for pilgrims to go and pray.
6. Visit the Cave of Hira
The Cave of Hira is located on the Mountain of Light and it is where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his first revelation from Allah. It is considered to be a very holy place and many pilgrims choose to visit it during their Umrah trip.
7. Stroll down Al-Safa and Al-Marwah
Al-Safa and Al-Marwah are two mountains located in Mecca that have significant meaning in Islam. Muslims are required to walk or run between them seven times as part of the Umrah ritual.
8. Get Your Hair Cut or Shaved
One of the final rituals of Umrah is to have your hair cut or shaved. This symbolizes the act of letting go of your material possessions and focusing on your spiritual journey.
9. Purchase Souvenirs
Although it may seem like a materialistic thing to do, purchasing souvenirs is actually a very important part of the Umrah experience. It allows you to remember your pilgrimage and share your experience with others when you return home. Make sure you purchase souvenirs from reputable stores, though, as there are many counterfeit items out there.
10. Network with Other Muslims
Another great way to make the most out of your Umrah trip is to network with other Muslims. There are many different nationalities and backgrounds represented among pilgrims, so this is a great opportunity to meet new people and learn about their culture. Mecca is also a great place to find new friends who share your faith.
11. Seek Religious Guidance
Last but not least, one of the most important things you can do during your Umrah trip is to seek religious guidance. This is your chance to learn more about Islam and its teachings from experts in the field. Make sure you take advantage of all the resources available to you and ask as many questions as you want.
12. Make a Dua
Lastly, make sure you take the time to pray for yourself and others. This is your opportunity to ask Allah for guidance and blessings in all aspects of your life. The Duas (prayers) offered during Umrah are especially powerful, so make sure you take advantage of them.
13. Reflect on Your Experience
After completing your Umrah trip, take some time to reflect on your experience. What were the highlights of your pilgrimage? What did you learn about Islam and yourself? How do you plan to apply the teachings you learned to your life back home? Taking the time to reflect on your experience is an important part of the learning process and will help you grow as a Muslim.
The Bottom Line
Make the most out of your Umrah trip by following these thirteen tips with family Umrah packages! Familiarize yourself with the rituals and prayers beforehand, and make sure to visit the Grand Mosque, the Mountain of Light, and other holy sites. Purchase souvenirs from reputable stores, network with other Muslims, and seek religious guidance from experts. Most importantly, make sure to pray for yourself and others. Allah hears and responds to all prayers, so don’t hesitate to ask for what you need.