The modern travelling has made it so easy for women to travel and that is why they are now taking the Umrah journey on their own. It is a solid recommendation from all experienced travellers to plan your journey through a trustworthy travel agency because it will make your journey safe. Also, if you are a woman going to perform Umrah, you should utilise one of the women Umrah packages which many recognized travel agencies offer to make your journey comfortable and peaceful. However, there are so many things that you need to know before starting your Umrah journey. But in this article, you will learn some of the most important pieces of advice and suggestions that you need to follow to make your first Umrah trip pleasant.
The Need of a Mahram
There are scholars who say that adult women should have a Mahram with them if they have to perform Umrah. A Mahram should be a male member of their household. It can be her husband, her father, or her brother.
Also, there are religious scholars who argue that the compulsion of having a Mahram with a woman is valid for those women who are under 45. And the same scholars argue that women can take this journey with a group if they have no Mahram so they can take part in this religious practice.
You can discuss this matter with the scholar of the school of Islam you follow and plan your Umrah journey accordingly. Taking this journey with a group is recommended by almost every scholar if a woman does not have a Mahram and is of any age.
Ihram Clothes
While men have to wrap white cloths around their legs and their upper body, there is no such provision for women. However, it is necessary for women to dress modestly and simply. There is no specific color for women to wear, but it should not be a very eye-catching color that is attractive to people.
Also, it is not permissible for women to wear a dress with a little design on it, but it should not be very appealing and distracting to people. You can wear any kind of dress but the recommendation is to wear a loose dress and avoid skin-tight clothes. Your clothes should cover your entire body and it would be best if you wear an Abaya.
Cover Your Head
It is a requirement that you cover your head all the time during your Umrah journey. Most scholars say that the moment you make the intention for Umrah, you should cover your hair first. It is the most important thing that you should keep in mind. The men are required to keep their heads uncovered and upon completion of their Umrah, they should shave their heads.
This is not the rule for women, as they complete the Umrah, and they have to cut a very small portion of their hair. Some argue that it should be the size of a fingertip but you can confirm it with your local cleric.
Book Your Umrah Package
It is the most important part of your travel, and you should book your journey at least three to four months before you travel. Always look for the best women Umrah packages for your journey and select the one that is the most suitable for you.
You should employ a professional travel agency so you do not have to worry about what kind of hotel you will stay in or the itineraries you will get with your package. A good travel agency will brief you about all the things you will get for your journey because professional companies do not keep anything a secret.
Pack Smartly
Now you know that you do not have to wear Ihram like men and you have to wear normal clothes so it would be appropriate that you keep clothes so you can change them every day. Also, as mentioned before, your dresses should be loose and the color of your clothes should be very modest.
You can wear any kind of footwear as there is no specific rule for them. But you can wear anything comfortable and according to the weather you have to face. You should always keep in mind that you do not pack so many things that you are unable to move your bag. You need to pack only those things that are necessary for your journey.
Learn the Umrah Rituals
It is very important for you to learn each ritual before you reach your destination. First you have to make intent and it is important because without intent or Niyah, you will not be able to start your Umrah.
After intent, you have to fully understand the rituals and the Duas you have to recite while performing these rituals. The most important ritual is walking in circles around the Kaaba. You have to complete the circle seven times and recite Duas in a loud voice. Also, you have to walk between the mountains of Safa and Marwa seven times.
You can go to your local mosque for guidance about Duas and prayers or you can ask your travel agency to arrange an online training session for you. Many recognized travel agencies conduct training sessions for their clients so they can perform Umrah with ease.
Documents and Certificates
You are travelling for a long journey and there will be many instances where you will go through intense checking so you need to be properly equipped for anything. You need to keep all your important documents with you at all times.
If you are travelling with a Mahram, you need to have a certificate of that with you. Also, you should keep your visa and documents confirming your ID with you at all times. There is a new rule that requires you to get vaccinated for all the harmful diseases.
Also, you need to keep certificates of vaccination with you because at the immigration department at the Saudi airport, they will demand these certificates from you and your entry depends on it.
Conclusion
Umrah is a spiritual journey for any Muslim and taking this journey as a woman is a hard job but in this modern age of travelling, you should not have to worry. If you want to make your entire journey hassle-free, book your Umrah with Muslims Holy Travel today and get exciting deals for your accommodations. It is a name that has been in Hajj and Umrah travel for a very long time. Also, with their women Umrah packages, you can be part of a group to perform your Umrah with a bunch of incredible people.
