Some people may soon be embarking on a spiritual journey of a lifetime, so I want to offer some advice for those who will soon be on Umrah’s beautiful journey. The following tips are some that I have received and thought about while abroad at sacred sites:
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DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Learn more about Mecca and Medina. Learn more about Umrah. While preparing for my trip, I found various books discussing Hajj and its advantages. However, I need help finding information about Umrah. Sure, the Hajj does mention Umrah Packages 2023 and has short chapters, but I need more than those excerpts to satisfy my craving. I finally found a good book about Umrah called “Umrah Ultimate Guide.”
I’m not advocating any particular book over another, but I recommend educating yourself about what you’re about to experience before you go. Also, make a copy of your passport and important documents and email them to yourself and your loved ones so you have a copy in case something goes wrong.
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COMPANY MADE FOR A MAN
If you go with other people, make sure they are good people. A company makes a person; the same is true when you are in sacred places. Staying in good company can have a lasting impact on your trip. For example, will the people traveling with you encourage you to pray Tahajjud in Haram and do more tawaf, or will they encourage you to eat the 4000-calorie meal from McDonald’s at 2 am so you have a food party and have a hard time waking up for the fajr?
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KNOW THE RULES OF IHRAM
There are simple rules that people can break without thinking. For example, be aware that you cannot use scented soap while in the Ihram, so try to get unscented soap before you leave. Another rule is that you cannot cover your head with an ihram (for men). So even if the weather is nice, don’t wrap that scarf around your body to protect yourself. Another issue is that covering your awrah while in the ihram state is important. Don’t expose yourself when wearing it, be careful insha’Allah. If you can, check out Shaykh Yasir Qadhi’s transcribed sermon, The Fiqh of Hajj and Practical Advice for Hajj, which contains helpful advice on Ihram.
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CLEANING THE BARBER
At the end of Umrah, it is customary for both men and women to cut their hair. For men, don’t just cut off a lock of hair. Instead, cut all your hair, even if you don’t want to shave. If you decide to shave (recommended), ensure the barber you visit uses brand-new disposable blades. The Saudi government requires it, and most barbers follow this rule, but be very careful and ask the barber to open the blade before you. You wouldn’t want a blood-borne disease like Hepatitis C passed to you through the dried blood of a customer before you. For women, it is not recommended to go topless and have your hair cut at the Kaaba. Instead, wait until you return to the hotel to take off your hijab and get a haircut. Don’t sacrifice your humility because you’re in a hurry.
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VASELINE
This advice is for men only. You don’t wear shorts or panties when in the state of Ihram. Your legs will be wobbly, and Vaseline can make all the difference.
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VISIT RAWDAH
The best time to visit Rawdah in Medina is at night. Rawdah is a piece of heaven found in Medina’s Masjid of the Prophet. It is covered with green carpet, so it is easy to recognize but difficult to exploit. So many people tried to pray in Rawdah while in Medina, and such huge crowds were jostling for a very small area. After talking to people who used to live in Medina, the best time to try visiting Rawdah (for men) is at night. If you wait a few hours after the isha or a few hours before the fajr, the rush in Rawdah will be less, and it will be much easier to pray and have a quiet moment of reflection in Rawdah without the hustle and bustle may be available at other times.
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VISIT MEDINA
The best time to visit these sites is in the morning, between sunrise and Dhuhr prayer. You can visit places like the site of the Battle of Uhud as well as the Masjid Quba, which was the first masjid built by the Prophet Muhammad. Don’t forget to pray two rakat at Masjid Quba and reap the rewards of Umrah while you’re there, insha’Allah!
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CONTACT HOME
If you have a Smartphone, you can download apps like Viber or MagicJack that offer free WiFi calls home in some hotel lobbies. Keep your phone on airplane mode and turn on WiFi so you don’t get charged outrageous roaming charges. Plus, if you have an iPhone, you can use iMessage to text other iPhone users while your phone is in airplane mode using free WiFi!
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TALK TO PEOPLE
Ask where they come from. I met people from countries that I didn’t expect to meet people from. There are people from all over the world. Mecca and Medina are gathering places for people from all over the world. Have you ever met people from Azerbaijan or Mauritius? Become enlightened about the beautiful brotherhood/sorority of our great faith.
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DUA
simple to say, but very important to do. Do du’a for yourself, for others, and the whole of Ummah. You are so lucky to be in such a spiritual place. Enjoy this great spiritual elevation and do many things, dua, insha’Allah!
ADDITIONAL TIPS
Tawaf
In Makkah, maximize the amount of tawaaf you can do, as this is the only place in the world where this form of ibadah can be practiced. However, you should be careful with your health and abilities.
COMFORTABLE CLOTHES
For comfort, wear light, breathable clothing (e.g., cotton) underneath your abaya/thobe.
LEARN SEERAH
You should read a Seerah book or listen to a book before going to Umrah. By doing so, you will be able to relive the life of Rasulullah ﷺ. Bring a book.
ZAM ZAM
Make sure we drink plenty of water Zam Zam. It is available in Masjid Al Haram and Masjid An-Nabawi. Read the signs on the faucet outside, as some are not Zam Zam. Hot and cold Zamzam is available
