Umrah is a highly spiritual pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah. This is an opportunity to ask Allah for forgiveness and lighten one’s heavy heart. Every Muslim throughout the world wants to experience divine moments in the House of Allah. In today’s world, Umrah packages London and other travel deals have made the journey towards Makkah easy and hassle-free. With each passing year, a significant increase is seen in the number of Umrah pilgrims from London. If you live here and wish to fulfil this Sunnah soon, you are at the right place. In this article, we will take you from the start to the end of the pilgrimage from your home country to Makkah.
Keep reading till the end to know what to expect once you plan to fly from London to Jeddah for Umrah and equip yourself with maximum knowledge to commence one of the best journeys of your lifetime.
Let’s begin!
Preparation of Visa Documents and Application
A visa is the most important thing that you need for Umrah. It is better to apply for it approximately one to two months before your intended date of flight. This is because visa processing can be a lengthy procedure, as you need to upload accurate required documents. The step is followed by a consistent tracking of your application to finalise it.
Moreover, it is crucial to get your vaccination done and prepare your vaccination documents in time. The Saudi government administers these documents almost ten days before arriving in the country. Those residing in London should have a clear record of the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine.
Besides vaccination, your passport plays a key role and allows you to take a flight. Make sure that it has more than six months of validity. If you don’t have a passport yet, apply now to avoid any on-time hurdles. Also, keep checking the official Umrah website to keep an eye on new updates.
Preparing Spiritually Before Departure
Umrah has a strong relationship with the pilgrim’s spiritual preparation. The thing of utmost importance is having a niyyah or intention from one’s pure heart. Those who plan to embark on his journey with their family need to teach the important duas and steps of Umrah to their kids. Sitting together and discussing the rituals would help a bunch for this purpose.
Indulge yourself in dhikr and make sure to be consistent in all five prayers. This will bring you closer to Allah Almighty and strengthen your faith. Also, recite the holy Quran daily and read its meaning for a better understanding of Islam.
One can also head towards Islamic seminars and guidance sessions in London. Expert guidance can help you learn new things and get rid of misconceptions regarding religion. Learning and understanding everything about the Umrah journey will prepare you physically and mentally for the actual time.
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Travel Essentials for Pilgrims from London
Expect to confront excessive heat after you arrive in Jeddah, as there is a significant difference in temperature patterns between London and your destination. Thus, packing breathable and light clothing will be really helpful. Male pilgrims need to keep two unstitched white clothes for Ihram. On the other hand, female pilgrims can go for any modest clothing that properly covers their hair and body appropriately.
Keep a separate bag for the documents that you will need to show at the airport, including your visa, passport and vaccination proof. A few other important items to add to the checklist are medicines, a prayer mat and slippers.
Flight Experience and Talbiyah
Choosing the right airline matters a lot for a hassle-free flight. You can get a direct six to seven hours of direct flight from Heathrow or other airports in London to Jeddah, or you can have one or more stops in between. Some of the reliable airlines that offer swift and convenient travel from London are Saudi Airlines, British Airways, Wizz Air and more. You can take recommendations from any travel agency or those who have recently performed Umrah.
It is wise to choose Umrah packages London to have a stress-free and easy journey. Such travel deals not only book a reliable flight for individual pilgrims or families, but they also make the whole process smooth for them. Whether it is about visa processing or finding an accommodation near the House of Allah, everything is nicely done for you.
Talbiyah refers to making an intention of Umrah by saying Labbayk Allahumma bi-Umra, meaning “Here I am, O Lord, Here I am”. This is to be done at Miqaat. Female pilgrims need to say it softly, whereas saying it loudly is an obligation for men. If you are not going with an Islamic airline, then you need to keep an eye on maps to declare your intention for Umrah and enter the state of Ihram.
First Impression After Arriving in Saudi Arabia
Arriving in Saudi Arabia develops a sense of profound gratitude, peace and mixed emotions. Once you arrive in Jeddah, there is a proper check of your passport and other documents at Jeddah airport. The officer checks your visa, passport and vaccination record. The same thing is done in case you choose Madinah airport as your landing point. Also, a generous welcome from the hospitable staff makes you feel loved and respected.
Devotees travel from the Jeddah airport to their accommodations in Makkah which takes 35 minutes by train. Thus, every pilgrim experiences an overwhelming feeling as they step into the boundaries of Saudi Arabia; their heart starts racing fast as they get closer to the Kaaba.
Umrah Rituals in Masjid al-Haram
Umrah rituals start at Masjid al-Haram, the biggest mosque in the world. While choosing hotels to stay in Makkah, particularly focus on their distance from Haram. Instead of travelling for a long time in the scorching heat of Makkah, it is far better to prioritise a comfortable accommodation over a cheap and far one. In this way, one can invest this time in doing dhikr at the House of Allah.
The rituals of Umrah incorporate four main parts: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i and Taqseer or Halq. After entering the state of Ihram, they circumambulate seven times around the Kaaba. This process is known as Tawaf. It offers an immense opportunity to surrender to Allah and kiss or touch Hijr-e-Aswad which is known as the stone of heaven.
The next step is Sa’i which refers to walking seven times from the hills or Safa and Marwa. This mandatory step of Umrah symbolises the difficulties faced by Prophet Ibrahim’s wife Hajar during her search for water for her child, Ismail. The last ritual that ends the process of Umrah is shaving the head for men, called halq and trimming hair for women, called taqseer.
Practical Tips for Pilgrims from London
If you are planning an individual tour, then remember the special checkpoints and routes in the city. It is also important to learn about the country’s rules that can help you in several cases. Also, manage the cultural and language differences and follow the specific dressing code and values, especially in public places.
A very important point to remember is that you should carry enough cash or have a sufficient balance in your credit card that covers the essential expenses of meals, transport and shopping. Booking a suitable Umrah deal offers transport, including pick and drop at the airport, as well as travel to different Ziyarat sites.
Wrap Up
If you have reached here, then you are well aware of almost every aspect of the Umrah journey from London. Take this as your sign to book suitable Umrah packages London and commence your Umrah journey. Whether you choose Jeddah or Madinah as your landing point, your Umrah voyage is going to be smooth and untroubled. Choose Muslims Holy Travel and make the pilgrimage full of blessings and rewards.
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