Deluxe Umrah Package 14 Nights / 15 Days

UMRAH :

Umrah, often referred to as the "lesser pilgrimage," is a significant Islamic practice undertaken by Muslims around the world. Unlike Hajj, which is obligatory once in a lifetime for those who can afford it, Umrah is a non-compulsory pilgrimage but holds great spiritual merit.

Here's a detailed description of the rituals involved in performing Umrah:

1. Ihram

• Intention (Niyyah): Like all acts of worship in Islam, Umrah begins with a sincere intention.
• Wearing Ihram: Pilgrims, regardless of gender, enter a state of consecration (Ihram) by wearing two pieces of seamless white cloth for men (one wrapped around the waist and one over the shoulders) and plain, modest clothing for women.

2. Tawaf

• Entering the Masjid al-Haram: Pilgrims enter the Sacred Mosque in Mecca with their right foot, reciting prayers and supplications.
• Circumambulation (Tawaf): Seven anticlockwise circuits around the Kaaba, starting from the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad). This symbolizes the unity of Muslims in worshiping Allah.

3. Sa'i

• Walking between Safa and Marwah: After Tawaf, pilgrims perform Sa'i, which involves walking back and forth seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. This commemorates Hagar's search for water for her son Ishmael and signifies perseverance and faith.

4. Trimming/Cutting Hair (Halq/Taqsir)

• Men: Generally, men either shave their heads completely (Halq) or trim their hair (Taqsir). Shaving is considered more meritorious.
• Women: Trim a small portion of their hair.

5. Tahallul

• Exiting the state of Ihram: After completing the Sa'i and cutting hair, pilgrims exit the state of Ihram, allowing them to resume normal activities that were restricted during Ihram.

Additional Recommendations:

• Prayers and Supplications: Throughout Umrah, pilgrims are encouraged to pray and recite Quranic verses and supplications.
• Visit to the Prophet's Mosque (optional): Many pilgrims also visit Medina to pay respects at the Prophet Muhammad's Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi).

Conclusion:

Umrah rituals are imbued with spiritual significance, emphasizing humility, unity, and the devotion of Muslims to Allah. Performing Umrah is seen as an opportunity for spiritual renewal and seeking forgiveness, drawing closer to Allah through acts of worship and reflection. It is a deeply personal and profound experience for Muslims who undertake it.

HAJJ:

Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it at least once in their lifetime. The rituals of Hajj are deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and commemorate the actions of Prophet Abraham and his family. Here's a detailed description of the main rituals of Hajj:

1. Ihram

• Intention (Niyyah): Just like Umrah, Hajj begins with a sincere intention.
• Wearing Ihram: Pilgrims enter the state of consecration (Ihram) by wearing two pieces of seamless white cloth for men (one wrapped around the waist and one over the shoulders) and plain, modest clothing for women. Ihram signifies purity and equality among pilgrims.

2. Tawaf al-Ifadah

• Arrival at Mina: Pilgrims proceed to Mina, a tent city near Mecca, where they spend the night.
• Tawaf al-Ifadah: On the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah (Eid al-Adha), pilgrims return to Mecca to perform Tawaf al-Ifadah, also known as the Tawaf of Hajj. They perform Tawaf around the Kaaba and Sa'i (walking between Safa and Marwah) if they have not already done so during Umrah.

3. Stay at Arafat

• Departure to Arafat: On the afternoon of the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, pilgrims leave Mina for Arafat, where they gather in prayer and supplication. Standing on the plains of Arafat is the most essential part of Hajj and is considered the pinnacle of the pilgrimage.

4. Muzdalifah

• Departure to Muzdalifah: After sunset on the 9th day, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah, where they pray Maghrib and Isha prayers combined and spend the night under the open sky, collecting pebbles for the next day's ritual.

5. Ramy al-Jamarat

• Stoning the Devil: On the 10th, 11th, and 12th days of Dhu al-Hijjah, pilgrims return to Mina to perform the ritual of Ramy al-Jamarat (stoning of the devil). They throw seven pebbles at each of the three pillars (Jamarat), symbolizing their rejection of temptation and their commitment to Allah.

6. Qurbani (Sacrifice)

• Eid al-Adha: On the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, Muslims worldwide also celebrate Eid al-Adha, commemorating Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son. Pilgrims offer an animal sacrifice, usually a sheep or goat, symbolizing their obedience to Allah and the sharing of blessings with others.

7. Halq or Taqsir

• Trimming or shaving of hair: After completing the stoning ritual, pilgrims may shave their heads (Halq) or trim their hair (Taqsir) to symbolize spiritual renewal and humility.

8. Tawaf al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf)

• Final Circumambulation: Before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform Tawaf al-Wada, a final circumambulation of the Kaaba, as a farewell act of worship and gratitude to Allah.

Conclusion:

Hajj is a journey of immense spiritual significance, unity, and equality, where Muslims from all walks of life come together to fulfill one of the fundamental pillars of their faith. The rituals of Hajj are designed to commemorate the trials of Prophet Abraham and his family, promote humility, and emphasize the universal values of Islam. Hajj serves as a profound reminder of the unity of Muslims worldwide and their submission to the will of Allah.