Travelling with Umrah packages with flights, millions of pilgrims arrive in Makkah to perform the rites of this sunnah pilgrimage. While it is non-obligatory, the exceptional rewards and higher spiritual significance it holds for the pilgrims make it a pilgrimage holding great importance in Islam.
There are two types of Umrah that you need to know about:
Umrah-ul-Mufradah (also known as Voluntary Umrah)
Umrah-al-Tammatu (performed with Hajj rituals).
Voluntary Umrah (Umrah-ul-Mufradah):
Pilgrims can undertake Umrah-ul-Mufradah at any time of the year because it is a sunnah pilgrimage. However, the days of Hajj are excluded in this regard. Though not obligatory, Umrah-ul-Mufradah is a recommended pilgrimage for those having the financial and physical capability for it because it holds an equivalent reward to the Hajj pilgrimage.
The best time for Umrah travel includes the month of Ramadan as well as the winter months. However, at the same time, it’s the peak travel period for Umah rituals bringing higher travel and accommodation prices.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a relaxed time for the performance of Umrah-ul-Mufradah then summer months are an ideal option for you.
Procedure.
Assume the state of Ihram before crossing the Meeqat boundary. Determine a Meeqat place as per your region of travel to Makkah and then enter it.
After assuming Ihram, perform Wudu and proceed to the performance of Tawaf of the Holy Kaabah in Masjid-al-Haram. Tawaf includes seven anticlockwise rounds around the Holy Kaabah.
As your Tawaf rounds complete, go to Maqam-e-Ibrahim to offer two Rakat Salat-al-Tawaf, and drink Zamzam water.
Perform Sayee between the hills of Safa and Marwah within Masjid-al-Haram
premises. It consists of seven rounds such that the first round is from Safah towards Marwah while the seventh round ends at Marwah Hill.
Conclude your rituals for Umrah ul Mufradah by Halq (shaving the head for men) and Taqsir (trimming for women).
Rules of Umrah-ul-Mufradah:
Umrah-ul-Mufradah is a voluntary pilgrimage that is undertaken individually by the pilgrims.
If intending for Umrah-ul-Mufradah during the month of Dhul-Hijjah, perform it
before the rituals of Umrah-al-Tammatu begin i.e. before the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah.
If you are staying in Makkah until the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, it is considered Umrah-al-Tammatu and requires an animal sacrifice.
Primary rituals of Umrah include:
Ihram.
Tawaf.
Sayee.
Taqseer.
Tawaf-un-Nisa.
Nawaz-e-Tawaf-un-Nisa.
Visa requirements:
Umrah-ul-Mufradah can be performed on a specific Umrah visa by the pilgrims as well as by obtaining an Umrah permit on a work visa, family visa or visit visa to the kingdom. This visa type remains open for applications all around the year but excluding the days of Hajj.
The requirements for this visa type include:
Passport with a 6-month validity.
Vaccination certificate.
Travel itinerary.
Proof of pre-booked accommodation in the region.
Passport-sized photographs of the pilgrim.
Complete the visa application form.
Umrah in Conjunction with Hajj (Umrah-al-Tammatu):
Umrah-al-Tammatu is the one that is performed by the pilgrims intending for the Hajj pilgrimage. the time for the performance of Umrah-al-Tammatu is during the months of;
Shawwal.
Dhul Qadah.
Dhul-Hijjah.
Umrah-al-Tammatu must be performed by the pilgrims of Hajj in a group i.e. with fellow pilgrims.
Procedure:
Similar to the rituals of Umrah-ul-Mufradah, Umrah-al-Tammatu includes assuming Ihram, Tawaf, Sai, and Halq or Taqsir. However, the only, difference is that male pilgrims performing Umrah-al-Tammatu should only do Taqsir (trimming of the hair) as their Umrah rituals compete because shaving the head is reserved for Hajj rituals.
Rules of Umrah-al-Tammatu:
Umrah-al-Tammatu should be offered by the pilgrims in a group with other pilgrims.
Umrah-al-Tammatu can only be performed within the months of Shawwal, Dhul Qadah, and Dhul-Hijjah.
Pilgrims of Umrah-al-Tammatu cannot leave Makkah until the Hajj rituals are complete.
Umrah-al-Tammatu is not necessary for the pilgrims intending for voluntary Umrah or Makkah residents.
Taqsir replaces Halq for men in Umrah-al-Tammatu, as shaving is reserved for Hajj rituals.
Visa requirements:
Pilgrims travelling for Umrah-al-Tammatu do not require a specific Umrah visa for the rituals i.e. they can offer Umrah-al-Tammatu on their Hajj visa to the kingdom.
The requirements for a visa for Umrah-al-Tammatu are the same as the ones applicable for Umrah-ul-Mufradah. However, some differences lie because of the Hajj pilgrimage i.e. requirement of a Mahram for a female pilgrim, and other things (specific to your region of travel).
With the Best Travel Agency Umrah in USA, you can get visas for both Umrah types with proper guidance and assistance with the process.