muslim woman travel to umrah

2024 Plan Your Own DIY Umrah: The Ultimate Guide

The most popular question is how to do a DIY Umrah. Do it yourself Umrah is extremely easy and popular. There are so many ways to plan and save when planning an Umrah on your own. 

For the past ten years, I have helped over a million readers go for Umrah by understanding the Umrah visa fees and procedures. 

In this blog post, I will share with you the best ways to plan your Umrah DIY, save money with the most cost-effective tips, find the best time to go, and much more.

I perform Umrah several times per year thanks to living in Saudi part-time and I keep with all the latest info. So I definitely know what I am writing about! 

I performed Umrah the first time I did Umrah on my own for under £300 in 2013. I know crazy! 

So when I talk about how to plan the most amazing DIY Umrah, I have a trick or two up my sleeve. No wonder they call me the “Umrah girl”.

Can you Plan Your Own Umrah DIY package?

I have been writing about Umrah for the past 10 years, and yes, you can certainly plan and book your own Umrah package and save thousands on fees for agents.

Planning your own Umrah package, especially for countries that can issue tourist visas and all other types expect Umrah visas to be approximately 30% cheaper than with an agent. 

This is, without a doubt, one of the cheapest ways is booking Umrah yourself by planning and organising everything.

Saudi Arabia as a country has started promoting tourism, and in part of this DIY Umrah to attract more people into the country. With millions already coming for pilgrimage, it is the perfect audience to explore other parts of the country as well.

Their 2030 Saudi vision sees them welcoming 30 million tourists into the country and establishing a tourism industry. I can testify that things I really changing.

This Ultimate DIY Umrah guide below is to help you prepare for what to expect in every aspect of the Umrah procedure.

But in short, you can plan and book your own Umrah visa, book your own Umrah hotels and create your own package. 

Below I will share with you the steps and how you can save thousands on your Umrah planning journey.

Blog Post Content #1 In Planning Your Own Umrah Package – Tips & Prices #2 What Visa Do You Need for Umrah? #3 DIY Umrah and Women Travelling Alone #4 The Best Flights and Hotels for Umrah Options #5 Transportation from Jeddah to Makkah and Medinah #6 Approximate costs of your DIY Umrah  #7 Practical Umrah Tips 

#1 In Planning Your Own Umrah Trip Package

Before I start planning an Umrah trip, or any other for that matter, I go through a series of questions and actually plan my whole trip to save as much money as possible. I have a full blog post on this and how / why I do it.  

I know the below might sound really simple and silly to you, but you will surprised how many people simply decide one morning they want to go to Umrah and have lost on deals and offers that could have saved them thousands.

Here are the most important questions to ask yourself when planning Umrah alone.

Decide you want to go for Umrah

Deciding you want to go for Umrah and starting to plan the whole Umrah process well in advance can save you hundreds, if not thousands, in pounds. Many people leave it until the last minute.

Then they wonder whether a DIY Umrah package will be cheaper or just booking with an Umrah agent because they don’t have the time to plan it.

If you are planning on going for Umrah, start saving at least six months in advance . Look out for the best promotions on flights and hotels. Hotels and airlines offer discounts of up to 40% every 3-4 months. 

I have a FREE Guide you can download here for the best time and how to plan DIY Umrah & save money 

What is your budget?

Once you decide you want to go for Umrah at least 3-6 months in advance, you start looking or the package cost. First, however, I always suggest looking at your budget and then the packages. 

We have an idea of always increasing the budget depending on the cost of umrah packages we see online. 

Here is a rough guide for you to keep in mind if you are planning an Umrah package for 2 people. We do have a full DIY Umrah packages examples for each month for you as well.

• UK Umrah DIY package for a 3 star hotel / budget airline from £500 per person
• UK Umrah DIY package for a 4/5 star hotel with budget airline from £800 per person
• UK Umrah package done yourself of a similar standard to 4/5star and airline from £1000 per person.
• For US Umrah packages, I would add around $500 more per person for each package and this is for the flights.

On average, my readers save 25% to 40% doing a DIY Umrah package than booking with an Umrah agent or planning in advance.

How many people are you travelling with and their ages

It is essential to know the people you will be travelling with and their requirements. For example, how many children do you have? Their ages and their mobility.

The same applies to elderly parents who might not be able to walk far to get to Haram. So you might have to think about upping your hotel budget for convenience for them.

Also very important when you are looking at DIY Umrah or Agent packages because agents charge for children even if they share a bed.  

We’ll talk about hotels further below, but many hotels nowadays accommodate up to 4 or 5 people in a room, which is especially good for families.

Note that there will be a surcharge in most cases, but it will be cheaper than standard Umrah packages, when splitting the cost, it will be less. 

• The Best Tips for Umrah with Kids From Over 7 Umrah
• The Best Tips for Umrah with a baby from an experienced mum

Which Airport should you land in Saudi Arabia 

It is important to know whether you will be visiting Medinah and Mekkah when doing Umrah. Sometimes, especially during busy periods, it is better to actually fly into Medina.

Medinah airport is smaller and closer to Masjid Al Nabawi; it usually takes less than 30 minutes to get from the airport to the Masjid, making it a more accessible destination to arrive at first. 

If you travel with kids or coming from afar it is also good to get into Medinah because then you can relax prior to going to Makkah.

• The Best Airport for Umrah 

When are you going to Umrah

It is vital to know when you will be going for Umrah. Umrah during school holidays is much more expensive. Also, Umrah during Ramadan and especially the last 10 nights, can be 20x more than going during the off-peak season. 

Now, let’s be clear. Saudi Arabia received 7 million pilgrims last year for Umrah, there is not much of an off-peak season. Low-cost airlines like Wizz Air which now flies cheaply for Umrah also make it busier. 

This means the prices of hotels also increase sadly. 

Your best option is to go a week or two after busy periods like Christmas, Ramadan and school holidays. Also just after Hajj opens it is a little less busy. 

Note: You cannot do Hajj & Saudi closes Makkah

• Can you go for Umrah after Ramadan? 

Do you have loyalty miles or points?

If you live in the USA, the UK, or any other country that helps you accumulate loyalty programs, you should consider saving money with them.

I have saved over $100,000 using loyalty points for Umrah and stayed in hotels costing over $4000 for only $400 in Ramadan. 

Loyalty points for hotels and flights for Umrah can really save you thousands, especially during peak season, so you are better learning how to use them and planning your holidays with them in mind.

I have a full book on how to use loyalty points and save yourself over 70% on hotels

If you want to find out how to collect miles and points for Umrah and Dream Destination travels check out my Loyalty Points guide. 

All international hotel chains are located in Makkah and Medinah. You can earn points throughout the year and redeem them when on Umrah. This is my strategy, and it saves me thousands every time.

This, of course, is the same for international airlines since pretty much every airline flies into Jeddah airport for Umrah. 

Here are some more articles you can read: 

• American Express Gold Card: Why I still believe it is the best card for Muslims who want to travel
• My travel credit card strategy
• Umrah Price comparison packages: Agents or DIY
• Best Airport for Arrival and Departure During Umrah

#2 What Visa Do You Need for Umrah 

In the past three years, Saudi Arabia has done so much in terms of opening the country to tourists and Umrah pilgrims. It is now so easy to go for Umrah on your own that sometimes my brain still catches up. 

From when I had to beg agents to give me an Umrah visa to now 10 years on it is as easy as an online application or visa on arrival. 

The Types of visas you can issue for Saudi Arabia

1. tourist visa.

This visa allows you to go on tourism and also perform Umrah. The visa is provided for 1 year and you can stay in the country for 90 days maximum. You can enter and exit as many times as you want. This tourist visa is open to several countries around the world and also those holding US, UK and Schengen visas. You can also issue this visa on arrival at immigration. 

• You can read all about the Saudi Tourist visa here. 

2. Visa Waiver for UK citizens

This is a new type of visa currently open to UK citizens and works similar to the US ESTA. It is a permission to enter the country, it is only for one-time entrance, and you can stay up to 6 months. This visa also allows you to perform Umrah.

• Read everything on the Visa Waiver Program here

3. Transit Visa with Saudi Airlines 

The transit visa allows you to perform Umrah and stay in the country for 3 days approximately. You must book your flights with Saudia and leave with the same airline. You can only issue this at the time of booking your flight. You can also get a free night’s accommodation in some cases. 

• Read everything on the Transit visa here. 

4. Umrah Visa 

If you are a passport holder of a country that cannot issue any of the above visas for Saudi Arabia to do Umrah, then you will need to go to an agent and get an Umrah visa. They have some more restrictions than the above types and can only be issued by agents in your home country. 

More information on the Umrah visa 

With all the above visas for Saudi Arabia which pretty much also allow you to perform Umrah, it has become very easy for so many countries to plan a DIY Umrah without the need for agents. 

#3 DIY Umrah and Women Travelling Alone

Solo Muslim Women can go for Umrah on their own without the need for a Mahram. By the law of the country, there is no restriction on what gender can issue a visa, hence, even solo female travellers can go. 

If you are a Muslim woman who is happy and travels alone, this is an option for you as well.

This is the law of the land, and I know Islam has some restrictions, so make sure you are comfortable and speak with your local imam. I am not a scholar. 

I have a full Youtube video of what Umrah solo looks like, even as a first-timer.

Many women have reported to go for Umrah alone and have been safe while enjoying it.

#4 The Best Flights and Hotels for Umrah Options

How to find the best deals on flights and hotels when doing a diy umrah.

I always start my search for flights with Skyscanner because you can check out flights with dates and months as well. Some flexibility can really save you money,

Wizz Air offers some of the cheapest flights to Saudi Arabia from several European cities if you are happy to go with a budget airline and are okay with paying extra for luggage. I mean, who can beat £100 return to Saudi? 

Every major international airline flies to Jeddah, and some fly to Medinah as well. If you are looking for prices from London to Jeddah, they are about £500 direct with Saudia via Gatwick off-peak, and you can find them cheaper if you take a stopover for around £350. 

Flights from the US for Umrah have also significantly decreased, and I have seen options to fly for less than $800 return trip from New York to Jeddah. 

We have package examples with flights from the US for Umrah as well as from the UK. 

Here are my favourite options for getting cheap flights. 

Booking flights during sales: Airlines have about 3-4 deals per year where you can find cheaper options, even by 40% from anywhere in the world. One big mistake people make is booking flights when they think they have to instead of looking at the time period. 

For example, deciding to go for Umrah in April, people will start booking flights in February or March. Had they decided to go in April, they could have booked over the Christmas sale and saved some cash on them. 

These sales usually occur during December, April, June, and September. They have validity for up to one year of travel in some cases, making it easy to plan your trips around the cheapest dates. 

I always find flights with Skyscanner as I love their monthly view and their yearly cheap flight option.

Know when to book your flights: If you have missed the sale period (oops!) you can still find a decent deal by monitoring your flights with Google Flights . I love this as I can see how volatile the flight prices are and how much they fluctuate. 

I have found some good deals for four to six weeks for international travel and even two weeks before travel. This, of course, is harder if you are not a risk-taker as prices can increase. 

People will usually book flights two months before travel, so you will start looking at routes at the same time as thousands of others, making the prices go up. If you wait for the surge in traffic and you monitor via Google Flights, you can avoid this. 

Use low-cost airlines and split tickets : Sometimes, not booking the entire ticket for Jeddah can save you money. If you are going during peak times, flights can be expensive from London to Jeddah. 

Look for options to book an open-jaw ticket to Medina and return from Jeddah. Many times this will save you money and hassle. 

Plus, now, with the Haramain train, it is easier and more convenient to travel between Makkah and Medinah.

Other times, I love using low-cost airlines that have become very handy. You can easily combine a holiday with them. 

For example, a flight from London to Jeddah with Pegasus Airlines can be cheaper to split in half (London-Istanbul, Istanbul – Jeddah) than booking into one flight. This is because of demand and supply. 

My all-time favourite tip is taking advantage of WizzAir’s cheap flights from Europe to Dammam and then from Dammam to Jeddah and Medinah with any of the many airlines. This way, I have saved hundreds, and also I have combined a post-Umrah holiday along the way. 

Loyalty Programs: If you collect miles, you can definitely use them for flights to Makkah and Medinah from anywhere in the world. Personally, I prefer to use cash if I am not redeeming for business class. Still, you could also upgrade your travel experience from economy to business. 

My best tip for the cheapest option of redeeming, especially if you have a large family, is to fly to a nearby country and then redeem for a business class to Jeddah. I love it when I end up first out of the plane to immigration and finish before the crowd! 

Travel Hack your Umrah and save up to 70% on 5-star hotels in Makkah and Medinah.

The updated 2.0 version of this book can save you thousands every year on your Umrah and general travels.

Best Hotel Options in Makkah and Medina

Makkah is opening so many new hotels that it makes me excited to go and review them all. My poor husband was so lovely last time since we went for a week, and we changed three different hotels so that  I could review them . 

Five-star hotels in Makkah are becoming cheaper now because there are more and more properties opening up competition, especially in non-peak season, bringing the prices down.

One question I get asked a lot about is where should you stay in Makkah. Which side is better traffic-wise and for the elderly and children while on Umrah? 

I have a full Youtube visa on this if you want to listen 

A few years back, the Clock Tower was the place to be; I personally never liked it as the traffic to the mall, and the hotels always made it very busy. 

The lifts to the hotels took ages, and people outside selling things made it even harder to move. Plus, the Haram construction on that site didn’t help the situation. 

However , if you want the best views of Haram, this is the place to be! 

I find that hotel options are personal preference, and you will find many comments under my video about people siding with or against me. 🙂

The best hotels for young children and the elderly 

The Intercontinental Dar Al Tawhid and the now Makkah Hotel and Towers (old  Hilton Hotel and Towers ). When we stayed in both properties, we were in the Haram in 5 minutes, and because it is in the courtyard, it is easy to move with a stroller or a wheelchair. 

My other preference, which I will use with my family, is the new Jabal Omar hotels, such as the Conrad Makkah , Hyatt Makkah , and Hilton Convention Makkah . You do have to cross the road for them, but it’s not a big issue, and you still get to Haram in about 5-7 minutes. 

I like these hotels because they are newer and offer the 4-star standard of European and American hotels. If you are paying money for convenience, you might as well pay for the comfort of a new hotel. 

Also, many new hotels are further away but are excellent value for money. Holiday Inn Azziziya is a new property; Ibis Makkah can be found for really cheap in Ramadan here and several others. Check out the post on budget hotels here.

These hotels can be found for as little as £40 per night! Yes, you do need to take their shuttle or order an Uber, but if you are on a budget and don’t mind the distance, you honestly can’t go wrong. 

I like using International chains because I feel safer and that I have more rights as a customer.

If I go and my stay is not as expected (don’t make false complaints), I can contact their International office and make an official complaint. 

How many times have I had people email me and say their Makkah and Medinah hotels were horrible or they lost money and nothing could be done. 

• Umrah with babies the best tips 
• Umrah with children the best tips

Hotel Sales in Makkah and Medinah

Same to airlines, hotels have sales every few months. Ensure you check in advance (see above when planning) which hotel you would like to stay in the sign-up for their newsletter. 

One hotel starts its sale; you can expect that every other one will follow in a week or so. Again, competition in the travel industry is fierce. 

Most of these sales have either non-refundable options or semi-flex, so make sure you are happy with your dates before booking, as you might not be able to cancel them. 

During a sale, you can find hotels in Makkah and Medina for as little as £70 per night at Hilton and around £90 for Hyatt. The majority of their rooms can also accommodate families with children, up to 4-5 adults or kids. 

The best advice on this is to actually call the hotel and make sure you ask them if they charge for children because sometimes the online system is rigid. 

Loyalty points and free nights for Umrah

Again, I rarely book via third-party sites unless it is one stay in a place with a significant discount. This is because my travel strategy includes staying in hotel chains to receive points that I can redeem for expensive properties worldwide. 

Like Makkah during Ramadan. This is how we saved over £2000 per night during our Hyatt stay in the last 10 nights of Ramadan for several years now in a row. I used all my points with Hyatt to stay there and save. 

Yes, this strategy takes years sometimes and persistence, but I prefer spending a little extra for benefits like complimentary breakfast, upgrades, and lounge access than saving £20 a room. Because I know I can receive good value for my spending. 

I always make sure my money goes further and return double of what I spent. I lived 8 months in hotels to earn points. 

If you want to find out more about using points for hotel stays and saving, you can check my Umrah Book for more information . 

Cashback on Hotels

If you don’t want to bother with points but still want to save money on your hotel stays I highly recommend using cashback websites like Topcashback to earn throughout the year and on your Makkah hotel of course. 

Many third-party online agents like Expedia , Hotels.com and Booking.com have loyalty programs where you can save money and combine cashback with their offers. 

When to Book Your Hotels for Umrah

I usually book my hotels during the sale period with semi-flex terms even if it is more expensive . I like the flexibility. It can be about 8 months in advance.

If, for some reason, the rates go down and it’s closer to time the time of my Umrah, I will cancel them and rebook the cheaper rate. 

Best hotels in Makkah Best budget hotels in Makkah Best hotels in Medinah

If you book on loyalty points, you are usually more flexible than booking non-refundable rates. So if you need to cancel, you can, and you can still show them to the agent with no problem. 

Overall I book my hotels for Umrah the same way I would book them for any other trip, just double-checking the prices and cancellation terms before I book, as some hotels in Ramadan are non-refundable.

I will book flights when the best price appears, and in most cases, they are non-refundable, so they will be confirmed flights.  

Here are some posts to read on the topic:

• Amex Gold: The Best card for Muslims to travel without interest
• Oman Air Business Class Redemption with Etihad Miles Jeddah to Muscat, the best deal ever!

#5 Transportation from Jeddah to Makkah and Medinah

I have an extensive Umrah transportation guide that can help you with the best options and prices available for every transport option for Umrah and for travel in Saudi Arabia.

But in short, I would like also to cover them here and make it easier for you. 

Jeddah to Makkah: The best way to arrive in Makkah from Jeddah is to take a taxi from the airport. You can negotiate with a driver once you exit the airport or order an Uber or Careem (the Middle Eastern version of Uber). As a techno girl, I prefer the latter options. The cost is approximately £50. 

Makkah to Medina: By far, the best option to travel between the Holy cities is to use the Haramain Train. 

It is easy, convenient and comfortable, plus it takes the least time. I don’t enjoy Saudi driving, so I try to avoid it as much as possible. You can book the train online, which costs £20 per person. Read more about it here. 

Taxi is another option , and there are plenty of choices of taxis outside the Conrad and Hyatt hotels. If you are a large family they usually make sense between the two cities or to Jeddah. You can negotiate with them the rate.

Ziara trips around Makkah, and you can do an hourly rate as well with taxis outside your hotel. Start low and find a price you are comfortable with, but around £20-30 is good for a few hours. You can also get Uber for this as well. 

In Medinah, they have a tour bus that can get you around to Ziara, and it’s a hop-on and off so you can get off and enjoy the sights before getting the next one. It is the same company that runs the ones in other cities around the world.  

Medinah to Jeddah: If your flight departs from Jeddah, you can take the train to Jeddah as the train stops just outside terminal 1 KAIA in Jeddah. 

TIP: I suggest arriving in Medinah and then departing from Jeddah. Medinah airport is smaller, so easier to get out of, and also, the train now makes it easy to reach Jeddah. On departure, Jeddah is closer and more convenient. 

Locations for Trains in Makkah and Medinah: 

• Haramain Train location in Makkah: Al Rasaifah, Ar Rusayfah, Makkah 24232, Saudi Arabia
• SAPTCO bus stop in Medinah: King Faisal Rd, Bani Khidrah, Crowne Plaza Hotel، Medina 42311, Saudi Arabia
• Haramain Train location in Medinah: Al Hadra, Medina 42368 8183, Saudi Arabia

Make sure you read our full Umrah transportation guide

#6 Approximate costs of your DIY Umrah 

We have created a Do-It-Yourself Umrah with examples you can click on and book on your own. This will help you realise the cost of doing Umrah yourself.

Read the post here:

Done for Your Umrah Packages

As I have mentioned above, I price and plan Umrah now in a similar way as I do our other holidays. 

I know the timing of when I have to send my Umrah visa (3-4 weeks in advance), and then I book my hotels and flights when I find the best deals.

I would suggest an average price for a week-long DIY Umrah is about £800 per person in a 4 or 5-star hotel. Depending on your location and preferences. 

You can see below some estimated costs, but note these are at the time of writing, so for accuracy, please click the links for individual hotels.

• Tourist visa fee cost: £120 / $150 
• Flights from New York to Jeddah for Umrah: $950 (one stopover in Istanbul)
• Flights from London to Jeddah for Umrah: £550 (direct off peak)  £200 (budget airline)

Hotels in Makkah for five nights 

Options for 4-5 star hotels with closest to Haram first

• Makkah Towers (0.3 miles) £600 / $780 for two people 
• Hyatt Makkah Jabal Omar (0.3 miles) £600 / $780 for two people 
• Jumeirah Hotel Makkah (0.3miles) £800 /$1000 for two people
• Hilton Convention hotel (0.4 miles) £530 / $650 for two people
• Sheraton Makkah Jabal Al Kaaba Hotel (0.5 miles) £330 / $430 for two people 
• M Hotel Makkah by Millennium (1.6 miles) £190 / $250 for two people 

Options for 3-star hotels closest to Haram First 

• Voco Makkah (1.1 miles) £250/ $400 for two people
• Ibis Styles Makkah (1.9 miles) £116 / $150 for two people 
• Three Points Musali Makkah (2.3 miles) £185 / $240 for two people 
• Four Points by Sheraton Makkah Al Naseem (4.2miles) £145 / $200 for two people 

Hotels in Medinah for five nights 

• Dar Al Iman Intercontinental (0.1 miles) £600/ $850
• Pullman Zamzam Madina (0.2 miles) £375 / $490
• Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick Hotel (0.3 miles) £600 / $780 
• Taiba Hotel Madinah (0.3 miles) £410 / $540 
• Crowne Plaza Madinah (0.3 miles) £334 / $ 420
• InterContinental Dar Al Hijra Madinah (0.5 miles) £355 / $460

Transportation from Jeddah to Makkah: £40 / $55 for two people on taxi or Uber 

Transportation from Makkah to Medinah: £70 / $90 for two people on the Haramain train (add double for return if needed)

Ziara tours depend on you and if you would like them but around £50 / $65 for two people  

Food also depends on your personal circumstances, we do spend about £10- £20 ($25) per day per person in the food court but I also buy from the supermarket and make sandwiches for afternoon snacks and fruits. 

In total performing, a Do-it-Yourself Umrah comes much cheaper than buying an Umrah package as you can make it as expensive or inexpensive as you wish. Plus, if you use some of the tips above, it can be very cost-effective. 

• Price Comparison (DIY) Do-It-Yourself Umrah VS Umrah Agent Packages

#7 Practical Umrah Tips

Nusuk app for umrah .

You will need to book a Rawdah slot for Medinah. They are very strict and won’t let you go otherwise. The slots open every hour, and you should check multiple times per day. They usually release availability about four weeks prior, but slots are booked very fast. I have a reel on Instagram with great tips for you.

If you have young kids a usually you don’t need separate appointment and those with wheelchair only need for the wheelchair person. This makes it easier as sometimes families cannot go togehter. I would also advice for you to go about 1 hour before your slot. There is a lot of waiting.

You need to have your visa number in order to register. You can do this on an international SIM as well.

For Umrah slots, you really don’t need it; they don’t check, but for men in Ihram, there have been rumours of being stopped and asked because usually only those on Umrah perform tawaf in the Kabah area. Many will wear ihram just for this. Women don’t get checked as you wear your abaya. 🙂

• The best apps for Umrah 

International Currency Using Credit Cards in Saudi for Umrah

You might be wondering what you should use for currency and whether it is better to exchange it prior to arriving from Umrah in, Saudi. Personally, I use Revolut for pretty much all my international transactions within a country as they don’t have foreign exchange fees for SAR.

Revolut works great for pretty much any country that is visiting Saudi and doesn’t have free foreign exchange fees. I will also take my cash out of Revolut. I do have the free plan, so I think it is around £200 cash per month I can use. I use the cash for a Taxi for Ziara and also a charity in Haram.

If you are in the UK you also have the option for Monzo bank etc. Personally I stick with Revolut and I just transfer the amounts needed for my small shopping expenses like supermarket, gift shops etc.

,For big purchases like hotels and flights I use my American Express card due to consumer protections. ,

If you are in the US many banks waive the transaction fees and give you extra points like Chase or Amex so you might better off changing to those providers for your trip.

If you are new to Revolut you can use my referral link for extra credit.

Zamzam water

One of the frequent questions is about ZamZam water and how you can take it. You have to buy it from the airport, though, so it is sealed and packed and ready for transportation.

I think it was about 20SAR for the 5 lit ones, and you buy it from the kiosk outside next to departures at Jeddah & Medinah airport. 

Suppose you are staying longer in Saudi Arabia as a tourist. In that case, you can also buy Zam Zam water from major supermarkets in the country.

If you are on a split ticket, you will have to put water into your suitcase, and it will be from your luggage allowance. And you risk transferring to another country and being taken away on split tickets. Split tickets are those booked like budget airlines or those with two separate bookings.

You can take a few bottles 0.5 lt of ZamZam in your suitcase, but make sure they don’t leak because they will be removed. So seal them properly. This will also count towards your baggage allowance. 

Mobile Phone SIM Umrah

If you don’t have International data for your phone, you can buy a local sim card; it costs £20 / $30 and comes with a local number and data. 

They have tourist SIM cards valid for a few weeks. You will need your passport to get them, and the Mobily office in the Jabal Omar development has excellent customer service.

You can also buy them just after you exit the luggage area at the airport. 

I also use an E-SIM provider called Holafly, which I can buy before entering the country. They are super easy to install and use and I have done so in many countries. You can use my referral link for 5% off your next e-sim

Inside the Haram 

Big cameras are not allowed in Haram, and your bags will be searched, but you can take a small backpack for your shoes, prayer mat and food for kids. You can have your mobile and take photos, though. 

Also, I would recommend you bring a bag for your shoes as well as a prayer mat.  I have linked several on my Amazon account for ease for Hajj & Umrah products I use.

Wheelchair for Elderly 

For children and the elderly, there are free wheelchairs you can use to transport them around so they don’t walk. You can also hire one of the guys to help with doing tawaf and Sa’i.

There are also electric scooters that you can rent to perform Tawaf and Sa’i this way.

Pram in the Haram

You can take your baby pram to Haram without a problem when you go for Umrah or prayers. You will have to use the ramps on each side of the mosque, and it takes you on the second mataf.

You can check this post here:

The Best Tips for Umrah with a Baby Tried and Tested tips for Umrah with Kids that work! What to Wear When Going for Umrah & Hajj as a Woman From Experience

Are you wondering the best time to book Umrah & save money?

I have created an 18-page guide to help you plan an Umrah at the best time. Sharing tips and tricks in one place to save you time & of course, money.

I love planning and organising my own Umrah trip package. It is easy and much cheaper. It allows me to enjoy what I value most: prayer in the Haram without feeling pressure and also flexibility in my dates.

I hope this ultimate guide on how to plan a DIY Umrah yourself will give you the confidence to try it for yourself if you haven’t done it already. 

If you have more tips for Muslim pilgrims or want to share your experiences, please do so below. 

May Allah invite us to his house soon because no matter how much planning, we can’t go if we don’t have the invitation.

Check out my book as well as the many articles with helpful information on Umrah we have on the website. 

Share with Friends

Monday 12th of February 2024

Salam Alaykoum, Do you know if there are still lockers for our luggage. The last day of our trip, we will come back to Makkah to spend the day there, but we are looking for a solution to store our luggage somewhere? Do you have any experience with this?

Muslim Travel Girl

Thursday 22nd of February 2024

No lockers, as far as I know. Only hotels luggage storage. They used to have

Monday 27th of November 2023

Asalaamolaiykom

Just came across your site whilst planning the journey for my team of 5.

Just wanted to thank you for laying everything out for us so clearly!...May Allah bless you and accept your efforts.

I will for sure be delegating some of this to my daughter to help me now :-) ...JazakAllah Khair sister!

Monday 22nd of May 2023

Assalamalaikum sister Elena, JazakAllah Khair for sharing your experiences and the wealth of knowledge Allah has bestowed upon you. I intend to take my mum for Umrah this year In Sha Allah. She would like to also do Qurbani while there (around Aug this year) in addition to seeing the various sites of Makkah Mukarramah (Muzdalifah, Namirah Mosque, Mina, Arafat, etc.). Are any of these possible to do while there for Umrah? We have never been there before and would like to make the most of our stay as visitors. JazakAllah in advance for your insights on the local rules / laws that you are aware of. Look forward to hearing from you soon.

Tuesday 23rd of May 2023

Yes you can go to those places, there are taxis you can take and they can take you to ziara places. No laws other than what we would normally do as muslims outside of these cities really. Be respectful to fellow Muslims and the guards. Enjoy your Umrah :)

Monday 8th of May 2023

As salaam u alaikum sister, I intend to travel from Manchester at around 22nd/23rd July 2023 for a 2 week Umrah followed by a trip to Mumbai from Jeddah before returning to Manchester. My question is that because of the Hajj season ending in July and then following a closure of all facilities before Umrah season reopens, will be be allowed to enter Jeddah for Umrah on the 22nd or 23rd of July? Would we be able to apply for our e-visas now itself in May for this? JazakAllah khair.

Wednesday 10th of May 2023

So we don't have a date for opening again, however, based on last year they should open around 20th of July. Again this is an estimation and not specific. I have an article on thisCan You Go for Umrah After Ramadan 2023?

Friday 3rd of March 2023

Al Salam Alikum I have booked a flight (2 adults and 2 kids) to Jedah. The flight arrives at 12 mid night in Jedah. Can we stay the night in Jedah. The next day in the morning wash, say the neyah, put the ihram then go miqaat and then go to Makkah?

Saturday 11th of March 2023

I dont believe you can, i am not a scholar so you better ask your local Imam but you can still be in Ihram and rest before Umrah.

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Umrah Travel Guide for Solo Female Pilgrims

Saudi Arabia’s recent progression in easing restrictions on solo female travelers has ushered in a wave of transformative changes, reflecting a progressive era in its rich history. Now, more than ever, women can experience the spiritual journey of performing Umrah independently without a Mahram.

With the right knowledge and Umrah preparation, you too can seize this blessed opportunity. This comprehensive guide aims to assist you in every step of your journey – from securing an Umrah Visa, to booking your hotel, preparing for Umrah, and many more.

Let’s delve into the detailed world of Umrah travel, tailored especially for solo female pilgrims, to ensure a smooth, spiritually enriching Umrah experience.

Visa and Booking Information

Understanding the visa process is a significant first step in preparing for your Umrah journey. The recent introduction of Saudi Arabia’s eVisa system has made this aspect much simpler, with the Nusuk platform provid ing a s eamless application process.   

The eVisa provides a one-year, multiple-entry permit, allowing tourists to stay in the country for up to 90 days. It’s ideal for tourism activities such as events, family visits, leisure, and Umrah (excluding Hajj), but doesn’t cover pursuits like studying.

Additionally, international visitors from 63 eligible countries can easily apply for this eVisa through the user-friendly online portal. For more information on Saudi visas, you can check out our post here.  

Once you’re on the Nusuk website, select the ‘Apply for Visa’ option. Follow through and you will be able to find out the eligibility and application process.

For a better understanding, here’s a walkthrough of the process:

• 4 visa options are available: eVisa Online, Visa on Arrival, Visa through Package, and Transit or Stopover Visa.
• eVisa Price: SAR 494.21 (Subject to change – r efer to the N usuk web site for exact pricing )  
• Application Fee: Subject to change
• Medical Insurance Fee: Subject to change
• Entry: Multiple Entry
• Validity: The multiple-entry visa is valid for a year from its issue date and allows for stays of up to 90 days.
• Passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended entry date into Saudi Arabia.
• 3 visa options are available: eVisa Online, Visa through Package, Transit or Stopover Visa.
• eVisa Price: SAR 300 (Subject to change – r efer to the Nusu k web site for exact pricing)
• Medical Insurance Fees: Not included (price determined based on the provider)
• Entry: Multiple entry or single entry depending on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• They do not have the eVisa option. Available options are Visa through Package, Authorized Visa Offices, Embassy or Consulate, and Transit or Stopover Visa.

While Umrahme does not directly offer visa services, we can assist in arranging it for you. Get in touch with us today.    

Download the Nusuk app on your iPhone , Android , or Huawei device to book your Umrah visa, Rawdah visits, and Ziyarah appointments.  

Your All-In-One Umrah Journey with Umrahme

Once you have received your eVisa for Umrah, it’s time to move on to the exciting part–booking your journey. At Umrahme, we offer comprehensive packages covering your hotels, flights, and transfers. Tailor your trip by deciding whether to visit just Makkah or include Madinah in your spiritual journey.

Check out our blog on the best time to visit Makkah and Madinah.  

• Hotels: Whether you seek the magnificence of a 5-star hotel, the comfort of a 4-star stay, or the affordability of 3-star accommodation, our curated options ensure you find the perfect resting place during your pilgrimage.
• Flights: For pilgrims traveling by air, we recommend booking a flight to Jeddah International Airport, as it’s the primary gateway and closest to reaching Makkah. With our wide network of flight partnerships, we guarantee a smooth travel experience to and from the sacred sites.
• Transfers: Say goodbye to the hassle of finding transport during your trip. Our airport transfer, intercity transfer and local transfer services ensure a seamless transition from one place to another.

Every pilgrim’s need is unique, and our goal is to offer tailored packages that suit individual preferences. With Umrahme , not only do you get everything under one roof, but you also secure the best deals available. Unlock massive savings with our best deals – book your Umrah package today !

Best Hotels for Female Solo Travelers Near Masjid al-Haram

Traveling solo means your comfort is key. To ensure a comfortable, enriching, and hassle-free experience, it is recommended to book accommodations close to Masjid al-Haram.   

The ideal choice would be hotels that offer an inspiring Ka’aba view. The added advantage of proximity means you won’t have to worry about commuting back and forth. This makes them perfect for you as a solo traveler, allowing you more time to focus on your spiritual journey.  

The top 5 hotels near Masjid Al Haram with Ka’aba view: 

• Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower  
• Jabal Omar Marriott Hotel Makkah  
• Raffles Makkah Palace Hotel  
• Dar Al Tawhid Intercontinental  
• Hilton Suites Makkah  

For more information on these hotels, you can check out our post here .  

The top 5 hotels near Al-Masjid an-Nabawī in Madinah:  

• The Oberoi Madinah  
• Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick Hotel  
• Dar Al Taqwa Hotel Madinah  
• Shahd Al Madinah  
• Pullman Zamzam Madinah    

Looking for the best places to eat in Makkah? Check out our post Best 10 Restaurants in Makkah  

Umrah Preparation for Ladies  

Once visa and booking details are sorted, it’s time to prepare yourself for the sacred journey ahead.     

Umrah Packing Essentials  

Packing for Umrah requires careful thinking. Here’s a quick list of essentials to pack:  

• Travel documents  
• Ihram clothing  
• Extra clothes  
• Personal hygiene products  
• Medication and First aid kit  
• Comfortable footwear  
• Extra hijabs  
• Electronic devices and accessories  

To help you cover every detail, read our Umrah packing checklist blog, ensuring you’re perfectly prepared for the pilgrimage.  

Keeping Documents Handy  

Always keep your documents such as passport, ID, visa print-out, and hotel reservation handy. It can save a lot of time and hassle during your travel.  

Plan Before Departure  

Before setting off, make sure all preparations are finalized. Consider an early check-in for your flight, double-check your hotel’s check-in and check-out schedules, and keep copies of your visa documents readily accessible.  

Should any issues arise or if you have last-minute inquiries, feel free to reach us via WhatsApp . We’re here to assist and ensure your Umrah journey goes smoothly.

1 2 Essential Tips for Solo Female Pilgrims Performing Umrah  

Performing Umrah is a blessing and an unforgettable experience. For ladies, apart from the general rituals, certain specifics need to be taken into account.  

• No mahram needed: The Saudi Arabian government has decreed that female travelers can now enter the kingdom without the accompaniment of a mahram.
• Ihram attire: As a woman, your Ihram can consist of loose, modest clothing in line with Islamic guidelines. Pack at least two sets of Ihram to ensure you have a spare. Opt for lightweight and breathable fabric, as you will be wearing it throughout your journey.
• Wearing the Ihram: Wear your Ihram at the airport prior to departure if traveling by air. Ensure to put it on before crossing the designated Miqat. Make sure to do ghusl before leaving home.
• Performing the Umrah rituals : From performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, completing Sa’i between Safa and Marwa, to shortening the hair, all procedures remain the same for both genders. Here’s a list of duas you can recite while performing Umrah – Guide to Umrah Dua, Supplications, and Adhkar. Watch the step-by-step Umrah rituals for first–time pilgrims here
• Prayer place: Women can pray anywhere in the Masjid Al Haram, but for peace and comfort, choose less crowded areas. There are even designated sections for women.
• Secure your belongings: Keep your valuable belongings in a safe place while performing Umrah. You can keep your passport and extra cash in the safety vault provided by the hotel.
• Stay hydrated: You can carry an empty disposable water bottle along with you and fill it in with Zamzam water at the Masjid. Keep hydrating yourself while performing Umrah.
• Stay connected: Carry a local sim card to stay connected. Many remote areas may not have coverage, so inform people about your travel plans.
• Get your Rawdah permit: If you’re planning to visit Madinah, after Umrah, make sure to book your appointment on the Nusuk app prior to your visit to Rawdah Sharif.
• Spiritual preparedness: The most essential tip is to prepare your mind, body, and soul for this beautiful spiritual journey. Read ahead to know how you can have a meaningful Umrah and keep the spirit alive .
• Emergency numbers: Keep a list of emergency numbers. This should include local police, healthcare services, and your country’s embassy number in Saudi Arabia. Police : 999 Ambulance : 997 For traffic accidents : 993 Civil defense : 998 Highway Patrol : 996  Tourism call center : 930
• Understand local customs: Respect Saudi’s culture and traditions. For example, dress code, prayer times when places close, interactions between men and women, etc.  

In conclusion, u ndertaking the Umrah pilgrimage as a solo female traveler is indeed a unique experience, requiring both preparation and understanding.  

At Umrahme, our carefully tailored packages address your unique needs, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the spiritual essence of your journey. We invite you to explore our offerings and secure the best deals available.   

Make this spiritual journey a memory to cherish – book your Umrah package with us today !  

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A guide on how to perform umrah for ladies: spiritual journey and rituals.

Umrah , the holy pilgrimage to the sacred city of Makkah, is a profound spiritual experience for Muslims around the world. It is known as Minor Hajj and a sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This pilgrimage holds great significance, offering an opportunity for believers to cleanse their souls, seek forgiveness, and draw closer to Allah. While Umrah is a deeply personal journey, men and women must understand and follow the prescribed rituals and etiquette. In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through the step-by-step process of performing Umrah for ladies, highlighting the spiritual significance of each ritual.

Disclosure: All are paid links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

• 1 Preparation and Intention (Niyyah)
• 2 Tawaaf-ul-Qudum (Arrival Tawaaf)
• 3 Sa’i between Safa and Marwah
• 5 Tawaaf-ul-Wada (Farewell Tawaaf)
• 6 Are You On Pinterest? Click To Save These For Later Read!

Preparation and Intention (Niyyah)

To be well-prepared one should not miss to carry Umrah essentials . Before embarking on the journey to Makkah, ladies must be in a state of physical and spiritual purity. Perform Ghusl (ritual bath), wear clean and modest clothing as Ihram, and make a sincere intention (niyyah) for Umrah. The intention should be pure and heartfelt, aligning your focus solely on seeking Allah’s pleasure. Then keep reciting Talbiyah till reaching Masjid al-Haram for Tawaf-e-Kaaba.

Tawaaf-ul-Qudum (Arrival Tawaaf)

Upon reaching the holy city of Makkah, the first and integral ritual of performing Umrah is Tawaaf. Stop reciting Talbiyah before starting Tawaf. The seven rounds of circumambulation around the Ka’bah are performed by walking anti-clockwise while reciting supplications and praises. Ladies should ensure they walk respectfully and at a moderate pace, showing reverence to the House of Allah. And remember the starting point of Tawaf is Hajar-e-Aswad (The Black Stone).

Once done with Tawaf perform two Rakats of Nafl salah preferably behind the Maqam-e-Ibrahim.

Sa’i between Safa and Marwah

After Tawaaf, proceed to perform Sa’i, walking back and forth seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. This symbolic reenactment of Hajar’s search for water signifies faith, perseverance, and devotion. Ladies should engage in Sa’i with humility and reflection, reciting prayers and supplications.

After completing Sa’i it is recommended to drink plenty of Zamzam water.

Upon completing Sa’i, ladies should trim a small portion of their hair (usually a fingertip’s length. This act of Tahallul symbolizes humility and submission to Allah’s will.

Tawaaf-ul-Wada (Farewell Tawaaf)

Before departing Makkah, perform Tawaaf-ul-Wada, or the Farewell Tawaaf. This is a final act of circumambulation around the Ka’bah to bid farewell to the sacred city. Express gratitude for the opportunity to perform Umrah and make heartfelt supplications for your journey ahead.

Furthermore, make a dua list for each Umrah step so that you don’t miss the opportunity to grant your duas or supplications throughout the spiritual journey.

The performance of Umrah is a profound and transformative journey for Muslim women. It is a sacred opportunity to draw closer to Allah, seek forgiveness, and rejuvenate the spirit. By following these rituals and guidelines, ladies can ensure that their Umrah experience is meaningful, spiritually enriching, and reflective of their devotion to their faith. As you embark on this journey of a lifetime, remember that your sincerity, humility, and devotion are the keys to a successful and spiritually uplifting Umrah. May your pilgrimage be accepted, and may you return home with a heart full of blessings and a soul purified by the divine experience of Umrah.

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Last update on 2024-06-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Nafisa Habib

Nafisa Habib loves nature and often got fascinated by old beautiful architecture. Here she is with My Own Way To Travel to share her adventures on the road. To her nothing is so interesting than exploring new destinations around. And knowing a new culture and meeting new peoples on the road? Oh, yeah she just loves that too.

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How To Perform Umrah For Women: Rituals, Restrictions And Guidelines

Umrah is a sacred pilgrimage that Muslims can perform throughout the year to gain spiritual strength and attain peace. In Islamic culture, it is only second to Hajj and comes with a set of rules for men and women. Each pilgrim is obliged to follow the instruction strictly or the pilgrimage remains incomplete. Therefore, it is important to know how to perform Umrah for women and be thorough with regulations applicable to them.

While there are some restrictions on both genders, there are fewer regulations for men. Men can roam freely around the Grand Mosque and perform prayers loudly to praise Allah. Women, on the other hand, are advised to recite their prayers softly. Also, they must be accompanied by a male guardian or a mahram.

Dress code for women during Umrah

Before starting the pilgrimage, every pilgrim must assume Ihram. Ihram for women is a little different from men in terms of the kind of clothing. Women are allowed to wear their regular clothes as long as no piece of styling attracts attention from the surrounding.

Most women prefer to wear an abaya, a white coloured tunic that covers them from head to toe. It leaves only their face and hands uncovered. White is not compulsory but preferable because it symbolises equality before the almighty and protects the body from the extreme hot weather of Saudi Arabia.

Suggested Read: Ihram For Women During Umrah : Attire, Rituals And Restrictions

Step-by-step Umrah Guide for women

Similar to Hajj, Umrah has a series of steps that a pilgrim must follow to make the sacred journey a success. Each of the stages of Umrah brings the pilgrim closer to Allah and his blessings. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform Umrah for women:

• Before entering the Al-Masjid Al-Haram , women must wear Ihram and perform Niyyah and Talbiyah. Niyyah is the intention to perform the service to God, while Talbiyah is a prayer in praise of Him.
• To become a pilgrim (Muhrim) , a woman must cleanse her body, clip nails, wear an abaya, perform two Rakats of Salah al-Haram with heads covered, pronounce approaches to Miqat and keep reciting Talbiyah throughout the process.
• After Talbiyah comes the ritual of Tawaf, where women circle the Kaaba. During each of the seven circles, the pilgrim recites a prescribed Du’aa. Unlike men, women do not have to run for the first three circles. They have to walk at a slow pace throughout this ritual. After the seventh round, Tawaf is complete, and pilgrims go behind the station of Ibrahim (Maqam Ibrahim) to perform Salat.

• After drinking Zamzam water , women move to Multazam to offer du’aa to Allah.
• The pilgrims then move out of the Al Masjid Al-Haram to perform Sa’iy , followed by completion of seven laps between Safa and Marwah by walking at a normal pace.
• Pilgrims climb the hill of Safa , face the Kaaba with utmost devotion and pray to Allah.
• After descending from Safa , women move towards the hill of Marwah and perform dua in praise of Allah while facing the Kaaba.
• Pilgrims gather at the Grand Mosque and offer Raka of Nafl. After that, they come out with their left foot out first and offer dua.
• The final step of completing the journey ends at Mina, where women clip strands or locks of their hair. It is called Taqseer and marks complete surrender to Allah.

Do’s and Don’ts for Umrah for Women

A few regulations and guidelines that every woman must keep in mind during the pilgrimage are:

• They must trim their nails and hair before performing Umrah.
• They can wear stitched clothing.
• They must shave body hair before the journey starts.
• They must take a purifying bath before the prayer starts.
• They should keep spare clothing in case the first one gets dirty.
• If travelling without a mahram, women must protect their chastity and pray in the area designated for females.

Prohibitions for ladies performing Umrah

• Same for men – chasing, killing and torturing desert animals are prohibited during Umrah. Swearing, fighting or backbiting is also not permissible.
• Women must refrain from establishing any physical relation with their spouse. The same rule applies to men as well.
• Women on their periods must not take part in the journey of Umrah.
• They must not move freely without the companionship of mahram.
• Women cannot marry anyone during the pilgrimage.
• Except for the face and hands, women must not show any part of their body.
• Jewellery is permissible but not encouraged during the pilgrimage.
• Women must not wear perfume or scent.
• Makeup is prohibited for women during the sacred journey.
• They must avoid wearing glittery clothes to avoid attracting attention from males in the surrounding area.

Visa Regulations for Umrah without Mahram

According to the new set of rules established by the Government of Saudi Arabia, women can perform Umrah alone only if they are above 45 and travelling in a group. Else, every woman and a girl must have a mahram, a male companion picked among the family or relatives, escorting them throughout the pilgrimage. For Umrah without a mahram , women can only apply for a visa while travelling with a group. Not just that, they have to present a notarised ‘No Object Certificate’ from their family stating that they have allowed a woman or women of their house to travel with a tourist group.

Umrah being a significant pilgrimage in Islam, should be carried out with utmost sincerity. Women around the world should stick strictly to the guidelines provided by the authorities and religious scholars. One should remain highly dedicated to the rituals and values of Umrah to benefit immensely from the holy journey.

Umrah For Women FAQs

What should women do before starting the pilgrimage, what is the outfit that women wear before starting the pilgrimage, what should women do before becoming a pilgrim.

To become a pilgrim (Muhrim), a woman must cleanse her body, clip nails, wear an abaya, perform two Rakats of Salah al-Haram with heads covered, pronounce approaches to Miqat and keep reciting Talbiyah throughout the process.

What are the women supposed to do after Talbiyah?

Unlike men, women do not have to run for the first three circles. They have to walk at a slow pace throughout this ritual. After the seventh round, Tawaf is complete, and pilgrims go behind the station of Ibrahim (Maqam Ibrahim) to perform Salat.

What does Taqseer for women mean during umrah?

Taqseer is the final step of completing the journey that ends at Mina, where women clip strands or locks of their hair. It marks complete surrender to Allah.

What are the mahram rules for women?

A woman should carry out the religious journey with a trustable male companion such as husband or guardian.

Can women carry out umrah without Mahram?

Only the women above 45 years of age can travel without a Mahram under strict guidelines.

Dr Omar Ayoub

Dr. Omar Ayoub is a tech enthusiast and a part time researcher and accounts authorship of several international publications. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from USA and has an experience of more than 10 years in Saudi Arabia working in tourism, hospitality, education, technology and retail sector. His interests include traveling, writing, and exploring trending technologies.

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Step-By-Step Umrah Guide

Bismi Llahir Rahmanir Rahim

Please listen to all of our video lessons for the full details of each step. 

1.  Prepare one’s body  for  iḥrām  with the  sunna  acts.

• take a  ghusl , trim nails, brush or comb hair, remove armpit and pubic hair, trim one’s mustache (for men), perfume one’s body (for men), wear new or washed, white, unsewn clothing and special slippers (for men), and pray two  rakaʿāt

2.  Enter into a state of  iḥrām  by making the intention to perform  ʿumrah  in the heart (or aloud)  AND  immediately pronouncing the  talbiya  at least once aloud (but in a lowered voice for women).

• must be done before passing the designated boundary ( mīqāt ) for the one who lives outside of it  OR  at the Ḥill for the one who is currently in Makkah or lives in the Ḥill
• all  iḥrām  violations now come into effect

3.  Pronounce the  talbiya  often , especially when one changes from state to state. After chanting it three times, end with  ṣalawāt  on the Prophet ﷺ.

4.  Take a purificatory shower ( ghusl )  before entering Makkah, if able.

5.  Go immediately to al-Masjid al-Ḥarām  upon arriving at Makkah after one settles into the hotel room.

6.  Enter through any door , although entering through Bāb al-Salām is preferable.  Enter with the right foot and make the intention for  naflʿitikāf .

• one should be in a state of humility, fearing Allah, whilst reciting the  talbiya , completely aware of the tremendous rank of the place one is in, and making much  dhikr , such as ‘Allahu Akbar’ and ‘La ilaha illa Llah,’ and reciting  ṣalawāt  on the Prophet ﷺ
• one should be easy-going with the over crowdedness and not complain, think badly of others, or be in a bad mood

7. When the Ka’ba is entirely visible,  raise one’s gaze to the Kaʿba and greet it  with ‘Allahu Akbar’ three times and ‘La ilha illa Llah’. Any supplication made upon sight of the Kaʿba is answered.

8.  Expose the right shoulder  by tucking one’s upper piece of cloth underneath the right armpit and leave it exposed for all rounds of the  ṭawāf  ( sunna  for men only).

9.  Start at the Black Stone  (al-Ḥajr al-Aswād) and  make the intention for the  ʿumrah ṭawāf .  At this point, one stops chanting the talbiya for the rest of the  ʿumrah .

10.  Greet the Black Stone  from afar by raising one’s two hands like in the beginning of the prayer, saying  bismiLlah wa Llahu akbar , and kissing the hands.

11.  Perform 7 rounds of  ṭawāf   in an anti-clockwise direction, starting with the Black Stone and ending with it.   Greet the Black Stone at the completion of each round.

• this equals 8 greetings in total: one at the start of the first round and one for completing each subsequent round, which are 7

12.  Keep one’s heart and tongue busy with supplications and invocations during the  ṭawāf .  If one is able, one touches the Yemenī corner with one’s right hand or both hands in each round.

13.  Walk in a hastened pace, swinging one’s shoulders, for the first three rounds  and in a regular pace for the next four rounds ( sunna  for men only). Women walk at a regular pace for all rounds.

14.  Perform two  rakaʿāt  of  wājib  prayer for completing the  ṭawāf  in a time that is not disliked behind the  maqām  of Prophet Ibrāhīm (peace be upon him) or any place possible in al-Masjid al-Ḥarām. Men should make sure to cover back their shoulder before praying.

15.  Hang oneself against the Multazam if able.  One places the chest, stomach, and right cheek against it after finishing from the  ṭawāf .

16.  Drink  zamzam  water  to one’s fill.

17.  Greet the Black Stone for the ninth time  if one passes it before doing the  saʿy .

18.  Perform 7 circuits of the  saʿy  starting at Ṣafā and ending at Marwa.

• keep one’s heart and tongue busy with supplications and invocations during the  saʿy , and greet the Kaʿba each time one ascends upon the mounts of Ṣafā and Marwa by saying ‘Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Llah,’ whilst raising one’s hands up towards the sky outstretched

19.  Jog between the green lines  each time one passes it ( sunna  for men only).

20.  Pray two  rakaʿāt  of  nafl  prayer  for completing the  saʿy  anywhere in the mosque.

21.  Shave one’s entire head  (for men only)  or   trim the tips of one’s entire head  (for women) from the hair whose roots grow above the ears. After shaving or trimming the hair, one exits the state of  iḥrām  and the  ʿumrah  is complete.

Download the PDF version here.

Check out our FREE Umrah course for more details about the rulings related to umrah, as well as practical advice.

References:

ارشاد الشاري إلى مناسك الملا علي القاري

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Naielah Ackbarali

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Sisters, Make the Most of Your Umra with These Free Lessons

Ustadha Naielah Ackbarali has compiled and recorded a set of free valuable and comprehensive lessons for Muslim sisters who are going on Umra.

Ustadha Naielah Ackbarali has launched a website, Umrah For Women, for sisters who wish to go on Umra but wish to know more about the conditions and rites surrounding the act.

She has recorded a set of seven video-lessons and compiled a further list of additional resources according to the fiqh of the Hanafi madhhab, all for free.

A Letter to Our Sisters from Ustadha Naiela

In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate.

Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatuLlahi wa barakatuhu.

Dear Sister of Faith,

Congratulations on being invited by Allah Most High to perform a blessed umrah inshaAllah. We pray that Allah Most High accepts your umrah and makes it a means to deepen your relationship with Him Most High.

Allah Most High says: And I have not created jinn and mankind except to worship Me. (51:56)

The Prophet ﷺ said: “From one umrah to another is expiation for what comes in between, and ‘al-hajj al-mabrur’ brings no reward less than Paradise.” (Nasa’i)

Undoubtedly, the umrah is a tremendous spiritual opportunity that is filled with special secrets for a heart that is open to its delightful prospects. In today’s times, traveling for umrah has become quite easy and accessible for almost every Muslim. While visiting these holy lands opens a door for more spiritual development, these fruits can only ripen when a pilgrim knows how to utilize her time in a beneficial manner while in Makkah and Madina.

AlhamduliLlah, over the years we’ve been blessed to travel several times to Makkah and Madina, and what we’ve observed is that many pilgrims spend most of their trip trying to figure out how to maneuver through the haramayn or carelessly leave learning how to perform the umrah until the last minute. Some buy umrah guides to casually read, but the truth is that this knowledge must also be coupled with a teacher explaining the rulings in order to affirm a correct understanding of its details.

With the intention to serve the ummah and assist our sisters in the deen in embarking on their spiritual journey, by Allah’s grace we’ve created free umrah videos that cover the fiqh rulings related to the umrah according to the Hanafi madhhab, as well as included the spiritual significance behind many of the umrah rites and modern-day practical tips for women.

We encourage sisters to please take this opportunity of listening to these lessons seriously. The sins committed in Makkah and Madina are multiplied. Carelessly performing the umrah or ‘guessing’ about what one should do is completely unacceptable and irresponsible. Save yourself from making senseless mistakes and save your heart from staying in these holy places in a state of heedlessness.

The first six recordings detail the umrah rites and the last recording discusses how to visit the Prophet ﷺ in Madina. In order to help make things easier, we advise the following:

• Follow the lesson outline stated on the site. Avoid skipping around and haphazardly streaming through the videos. This could possibly create more confusion and misunderstanding of the rulings.
• Listen to the recordings more than once BEFORE leaving your home country. Do not wait until last minute to learn about the umrah. Giving yourself adequate time to move through the material will ensure more presence of heart during your trip. You can download the recordings and save them to your devices inshaAllah. The total time for all recordings is approximately 5 hours. The lessons were purposely kept short in order to make it more appealing and easier for listeners inshaAllah.
• Read the additional resources. The bulk of the knowledge which is needed for the umrah is included in the videos, but we also provided extra reading material to further explain certain points inshaAllah. We also have a QUESTIONS section on the site that answer the most common questions from sisters inshaAllah.

Please excuse any mistakes and wrong that we may have committed while creating this project. We pray that Allah accepts it and that it will be a means to increase the ummah in love and reverence for Allah’s great symbols (sha’aa’ir) and the haramayn.

We humbly request your duas. May Allah accept them and your umrah.

Jazak Allah khayran.

Your Muslim Sister,

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Home » Hanafi Fiqh » DarulIftaBirmingham » Can a woman travel abroad without a Mahram, but with a group of trustworthy women

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Can a woman travel abroad without a Mahram, but with a group of trustworthy women

Answered by  Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Question:

Can a woman travel abroad without a Mahram, but with a group of trustworthy women

Answer:

The reason why Islam takes these measures is to protect women from any sort of harm e.g. physical attacks from immoral people or thieves who might rob them where they will be defenceless to stop them.

When it is unlawful for women to travel then how would she be allowed to travel to another country for studying, which is not compulsory on her?

In a nutshell, it will be necessary for you not to travel without a Mahram even though you are travelling with other women, as the ahadith above are clear that a woman is not allowed to travel without a Mahram even though she is being accompanied by trustworthy women.

The only solution you have left is that one of your Mahram accompanies you to the place of study. 

Only Allah Knows Best

Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham.

This answer was collected from DarulIftaBirmingham.co.uk , which is run under the supervision of Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah from the United Kingdom.

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‘We out here’: Muslim women who travel

The Traveling Muslimahs was recently featured on the Today show and currently has 100 active travel members, ranging from ages 35 to 65.

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The growing popularity of international travel among African Americans often referred to as “the Black Travel movement,” has led to a burgeoning industry of travel groups and social networks that center the experience of Black globetrotters. In so doing, the movement promotes travel stories that combat the age-old stereotype that American-born Black folks rarely travel beyond the Caribbean or the continental United States. Although many travel reflections highlight fun or tracing one’s ancestral roots, the Black Travel Movement also confronts current and historical racial enmity in the United States by creating a lens in which travelers can imagine the possibility of exploration, work or life beyond America. Like many literary artists and jazz musicians of yesteryear, Black folks are finding solace and joy by traveling abroad and exploring other cultures.

Representation matters. Thus, Black-owned travel companies have begun catering to the specific travel needs of Black women. In so doing, they respond to the need for cultural and spiritually centered adventures that honor the full spectrum of Blackness. For example, more women are traveling solo or in groups, normalizing travel blogs and photographs on social media platforms that highlight the global adventures of women. The blogosphere has seen an uptick in articles and personal narratives of Black women actively choosing to inspire others by sharing a glimpse of their lives beyond the Western world. But what about Black Muslim women?

It’s often difficult to find Muslim women among the increasing number of Black travelers who seem to be living their best life. Traveling as a Black Muslim woman whose ethnicity and religion differs from the perceived norm in many societies can offer unique challenges that can include transcending religious beliefs that women should not travel without male companions, physical and verbal discrimination, refusal of service, and even instances of violence. But there is safety and comfort in numbers. With this in mind, Muslim women carry on a tradition of creating space for themselves by establishing travel groups, blogs and social networks that support Muslim women travel enthusiasts in search of cultural and spiritual travel companions.

Traveling Muslimahs, for example, offers global adventures and spiritual journeys tailored for Muslim women. The company was formed by Munazza Muhammad, a Philadelphia native, who set out to challenge the idea that Muslim women were reluctant to travel by documenting and sharing images of a spiritually centered trip. The response to her photos on social media after completing Umrah was overwhelmingly positive and led many admirers to share their own dreams of making Hajj and traveling to other countries. Muhammad notes, “I was familiar with Black travel groups, groups for women, and Muslim travel companies, but few that catered to Muslim women.” Thus, shortly after sharing her own travel reflections, in March 2017 Muhammad created a business plan and began preparing for the group’s first trip — a ski getaway for Muslim women in Vermont. Trips for the all-women’s travel group has since expanded outside of the United States as more Muslimahs have joined.

Thus far, the Traveling Muslimahs have traveled to Canada, Dubai, Mexico, Morocco, and Spain. The group centers around sisterhood, halal fun, immersion in local culture, in addition to learning about the history of Islam through travel. It also recently completed its first trip to Iceland with over 30 women. One of the group’s core travel goals is to explore the top 20 grand masjids around the world, from the Blue Mosque Selangor in Malaysia to the Imam Mosque of Isfahan–the oldest standing masjid in Iran. In addition, the company allows members to accumulate points with each trip. These points can be used to defray the expense of making Islamic pilgrimages (umrah or hajj) if traveling as part of the group.

Traveling Muslimahs joins other Muslimah-owned and operated companies that encourage travel and self-care/self-reflection for Muslim women.  Enliven Your Soul , a self-discovery travel group created by  Zarinah El-Amin  Naeem, an author and cultural anthropologist, who describes herself as a “transformative travel expert,” aims to assist women with self-discovery, mentorship and the capacity to think globally through travel abroad.  Hira Retreats- Mind, Body Retreats for Women , run by  Mubarakah Ibrahim , a health and fitness expert, infuses physical and mental wellness into adventures designed to promote learning and self-care among women in addition to trips devoted to Muslim couples interested in crafting a renewed sense of intimacy and communication. Collectively, these companies encourage women to explore, embrace adventure and empower themselves through travel. Media outlets are now catching up by increasing their efforts to feature Muslim women travelers and companies highlighting the intersections between spirituality, wellness and global exploration.

The Traveling Muslimahs was recently featured on the  Today  show and currently has 100 active travel members, ranging from ages 35 to 65. The group welcomes all Muslim women interested in learning more about the world through travel, though its highest membership and participation is among Black Muslim women.

Despite persistent assumptions that women who wear hijab are oppressed, and travel blogs highlighting the complexities of “traveling while Black” in destinations where Black skin is an anomaly, Black Muslim women are eagerly exploring the world. Muhammad notes, “People treat us like celebrities, they ask to take photos and often tell us how beautiful we are abroad or within the U.S. …anywhere we go, we get positive attention as a group. This may differ when we are alone, but when we are together, the idea of who and what Muslim women are changes.” These welcoming responses to their presence have reaffirmed the group’s belief in human kindness and the importance of learning about the world. As well, their positive reception has revealed to the travelers that the world often differs from how it is portrayed through sensationalized, daily news cycles.

Traveling provides a unique opportunity for self-discovery and a pathway to both spiritual and intellectual growth. The Qur’an reminds us:

“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you nations and tribes that you may know one another.” (49:13)

For Munazza Muhammad, this verse serves as a spiritual reminder for Muslims to bravely explore the world. Her account of her own personal transformation provides a salient reminder of the importance of travel:

“I was born and raised in Philadelphia, it’s home but if I never leave what I know, I would only have a narrow view of the world. Seeing the world provides an education outside of books. Traveling opens up your mind, it’s a way of life, encouraging you to become more accepting of other people and cultures. I believe hate grows when you’re unfamiliar. Travel removes the myths we’ve learned about ourselves and others.”

By Rashida James-Saadiya

This article was originally published here by our friends at Sapelo Square.

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How to perform Umrah For Ladies – Detailed Step By Step Guide

If you’re a woman and want to perform Umrah, there are a few things you need to know first. Here is an overview of How to perform Umrah For Ladies . Insha’Allah, this will help make your experience as smooth as possible. 

Importantly, we’ll also discuss some basic tips for staying safe while in Saudi Arabia. Hopefully this post answers any questions you may have and empowers you to take the necessary steps for a successful Umrah journey. Allah SWT knows best!

Table of Contents

What is Umrah

Umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia that can be completed at any time of year. It is much smaller in scale than the Hajj, which takes place annually and is obligatory for all able-bodied Muslims. Umrah, on the other hand, is optional but highly recommended for every Muslim who is physically and financially able to do it.

The literal meaning of Umrah is “to visit a populated place.” In Islamic terminology, it refers to visiting the Holy Ka’bah in Mecca.

Benefits and Importance of Performing Umrah

Umrah is not obligatory but it is a Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He is reported to have said:

‘Perform Hajj and ‘Umrah consecutively; for they remove poverty and sin as the bellows removes impurity from iron.”’

Reference  :  Sunan an-Nasa’i 2630

This Hadith shows us the great rewards of performing Umrah. Not only does it cleanse us from sin but it also helps remove poverty. How amazing is that?

The beauty of Umrah is that it can be done at any time of year, unlike Hajj which falls on specific dates. This makes it a lot more accessible to people and is one of the reasons why it’s so popular.

How to perform Umrah For Ladies – Umrah Steps by Steps Guide for Women

If you want to know that How to perform Umrah For Ladies correctly The Complete guide are as follows.

There are four Fardth (mandatory steps) of Umrah:

1) Putting up of ihram (outside from baoundary of Miqat)

3) Sa’yee

4) Qasar/ Halaq

Ihram is the name of the special state in which a Muslim must dress and behave when undertaking Umrah or Hajj.

Procedure of Ihram for women

Hajj and Umrah ihram for women is very different as compared to men. Following are the steps which should be followed by women to come in state of ihram:

• Take a bath or do Wudu .
• Women can wear any ordinary dress while in the state of Ihram. There is no specific dress code for them. However, they should make sure that they are covered properly and do not show any skin but are forbitten to cover their face. They are not allowed to wear niqab that cover their face. But they can use baseball cap with niqab that covers their face.
• Offer two Rakat of Nafal
• Last one is make intention of Ihram. You can make intention in your heart or can recite Talbiyah .After that you are in the state of Ihram and you cannot cut your nails, hairs or wear perfume.

Dua for Niyyah of ihram :

اَللَّهُمَّ اِنِّيْ اُرِيْدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِيْ وَ تَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّيْ

“O ALLAH! I intend to perform Umrah, please make it easy for me and accept it from me”

Note: Make sure to make niyyah outside from the boundary of “ Miqat “. Those who cross the boundary without niyyah are liable to pay fidyah .

Restrictions of Ihram For Women

When in the state of Ihram, women must adhere to the following rules:

• They are not allowed to cover their face, except with a baseball cap.
• They cannot wear nikab (veils that cover the face).
• They must be covered properly.
• They cannot wear any type of perfume while in Ihram.
• They are also not allowed to cut their nails or hair while in this state.
• They are not allowed to engage in sexual activity.
• They are not allowed to quarrel or argue with others.
• They are not allowed to kill small insects or do heartless things.
• They are not allowed to use foul language.

The word  Tawaf  is derived from the Arabic word  Tauf , which means to go round or to circle something. In Islamic terminology, it means going round the House of Allah, which is Ka‘bah. Tawaf is the basically an act of circling the Ka’bah. After getting in state of ihram you have to come in Masjid-al-Haram and perform Tawaf around Kaaba. seven times counter clockwise.

As Masjid -al-Haram is most respectable place, so there are etiquettes and manners to enter in it. Following are the etiquettes of entering in Masjid-al-Haram:

• First you recite dua of entering in Mosque:

اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ

Oh Allah, open the gates of Your mercy for me.

• Read “Talbia” Until you see Baitullah.

اللّهُ أكبر اللّهُ أكبر, لا إلَهَ الا اللّه, اللّهُ أكبر اللّهُ اكبر, و لِلّه الحمدَ

ALLAH is the Greatest, ALLAH is the Greatest, there is no God, but ALLAH, ALLAH is the Greatest, ALLAH is the Greatest, to Him belongs all Praise.)

• When you see Bait Ullah, this is the most beautiful and blessing moment that can’t be explain in words. Keep you eyes fix on Bait Ullah and Recite Sura Al-Fatiha then raise your hands and make sincere Dua, either in Arabic or in your own language.
• Offer Two Rakat of Nafal on account of “ Tahiyya-tul-Masjid “( A Pray of Greeting the Mosque).

Procedure of Tawaf for Women

Performing the Tawaf can be confusing, especially if it’s your first time. There are specific instructions that need to be followed in order to complete this sacred ritual correctly.

We’re here to help make the process easier. Follow our simple guide on how to perform the Tawaf for women and you’ll be circling the Kaaba like a pro in no time.

The following is the procedure for women to perform the Tawaf:

• Start at the Black Stone , either kiss it if you can, if not, touch it with you right hand, if not, face the black stone and point it with your right hand and say:

(بسم الله، الله الكبر ولله الحمد)

Now start walking normally in counter clockwise direcion. You should try to keep the Kaaba on your left side all the time and recite dua in you own language or this dua

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ

I am present, O Allah, I am present, there is no partner unto You. I am present. Definitely praise and glory is yours (for You). The Kingdom is also Yours. There is no partner for You

• Once you reach the Yamani corner , either touch it with your right hand if unable just continue without touching it and recite this dua while walking from Yamni coner to Black stone.

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَة ً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَة ً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّار

(Our Lord, grant us good in this life and good in the hereafter and save us from the punishment of the Hellfire.[ Quran; 2:201])

• After reaching the Black Stone your one circle complete,
• Follow it for all seven circles.
• At the End of seven circle, you will offer two rakat of nafal close to “ Maqam-e-Ibrahim ” if unable then offer nafal just behind it.
• After that you will go to “ zamzam water ” which is also situated in basement of Haram, to drink it while standing position and say

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمَاً نَافِعَاًً وَرِزْقَاً وَاسِعَاًَ وَشِفَاءً مِنْ كُلِّ دَاءٍ

O Allah! I implore for the beneficial knowledge, vast provisions and cure from every disease. ”

3. Sa’yee

After completing the Tawaf, pilgrims head to the Masjid al-Haram to perform Sa’yee. This involves walking back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah which are situated to the North and South of Kabah seven times . This ritual is symbolic of Hagar’s (AS) search for water to quench the thirst of Isma’il (AS) when they were stranded in the dessert.

Procedure of Sa’yee for Women

To perform Sa’yee, women should follow these simple steps:

• Before Sa’yee, you should reach on point of Safa and recite these duas:

إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَآئِرِ اللَّهِ فَمَنْ حَجَّ الْبَيْتَ أَوِ اعْتَمَرَ فَلاَ جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ أَنْ يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا وَمَنْ تَطَوَّعَ خَيْراً فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِيْم

Verily, As‐Safaa and Al‐Marwah are from the symbols of Allaah. So it is not a sin on him who performs Hajj or ‘Umrah of the house (ka ‘bah) to perform the going (tawaaf) between them. And whoever does good voluntarily, then verily, Allaah is the All‐Recognizer, All‐Knower. [ Quran; 2:158] )

نَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللَّهُ بِه

(I begin with what Allaah began with.)

• Then ascend upon Mount Safaa, face the Qiblah, raise your hands and recite 3 times:

اللّهُ أكبر, اللّهُ أكبر, اللّهُ أكبر

(Allaah is the Greatest, Allaah is the Greatest, Allaah is the Greatest.)

لا إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيْكَ لَه، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَ لَهُ الْحَمْدُ يُحْيِي وَ يُمِيْتُ وَ هُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيْر؛ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيْكَ لَه، أَنْجَزَ وَعْدَهُ وَ نَصَرَ عَبْدَهُ وَ هَزَمَ الأَحْزَابَ وَ حْدَه

(There is nothing worthy of worship except Allah, Alone. He has no partner, To Him belongs the kingdom, & all praise belongs to Him, & He has power above all things, There is nothing worthy of worship except Allah, He fulfilled His promise, Granted victory to His servant, And alone He defeated the allied army.)

• Start at Safa and walk towards Marwah, when you reache Marwah, your one trip will complete.
• When you reach Marwah, turn around and walk back to Safa.
• Repeat this process six more times, making sure to walk between Safa and Marwah in a straight line and recite duas in you own language or this dua
• At the End, your seventh trip will finish on Marwah, offer two rakat of nafal on Marwa.

4. Qasar/ Halaq

After completing Sa’yee, pilgrims now move on to the last stage of Umrah, Qasar or Halaq. This involves cutting a small amount of hair from your head. Women must cut their hair to the length of a fingertip. This is done to signify humility and equality in front of Allah (SWT).

Now you Umrah have completed, May Allah SWT accept your Hajj and Umrah. Ameen!

Can a woman perform Umrah alone without mehram

This is popular question amongst Muslim women, as many are uncertain whether they can complete the Umrah without a mahram. A mahram is defined as a man who it is forbidden for a woman to marry, such as her father, brother or son. To put it simply, women must travel with their mahram or husband to perform Umrah.

In fact, the importance of a mahram has been stated by the Prophet ﷺ in a hadith narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas (ra):

“The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “No man must not be alone with a woman except in the presence of her (Mahram). No woman should travel except in company of a (Mahram).” A man said: “O Messenger of Allah! I have been enrolled for such and such expedition, and my wife left for Hajj.” He (ﷺ) said to him, “Go and perform Hajj with your wife.” Reference :  Riyad as-Salihin 990

Can a woman perform umrah with her mother

It is necessary for the girl to travel along with her own Mahram. Being along with the mother will make no difference.

According to the blessed Shari’ah, it is Haraam for a woman to travel a Shari’ah-declared distance, without her husband or Mahram. Whether it is a journey of Hajj and ‘Umrah or for any other purpose, the same ruling applies.

Visa Regulations for Umrah without Mahram?

In 2021, the ministry officially allowed women of all ages to make the pilgrimage without “mahram,” on the condition that they must be part of a group.

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Women can now undertake Islamic pilgrimages without a male guardian in Saudi Arabia, but that doesn’t mean they’re traveling alone – communities are an important part of the religious experience

July 25, 2023 at 8:52am

Saudi Arabia has changed its decadeslong rule that mandated single women be accompanied by a male relative when performing an Islamic pilgrimage, facilitating the participation of thousands of single Muslim women in the Hajj in 2023.

The new rules don’t apply just during the Hajj. Women can also perform the Umrah , known as the “lesser pilgrimage,” or other routine pilgrimages such as ziyarat that can be undertaken any time of the year to Islamic holy sites, without a “mahram,” or male guardian.

The fact that women can now travel unaccompanied is part of a campaign by the political leadership of Saudi Arabia to improve the rights of women in the kingdom, which Western societies view as oppressive .

My research looks at issues of identity and “ covenantal pluralism ,” which refers to the mutual obligations that different faith communities have toward one another to support the pursuit of each one’s spiritual truth. I focus on the geographical area that encompasses the Indian Ocean, and I argue that these changes need to be viewed within a larger historical context and as they relate to Muslim women’s engagement with the sacred sites of Islam.

Saudi Arabia and the West

There is no Quranic injunction against women’s traveling alone. Nevertheless, in some patriarchal societies where sexual harassment is common , restrictions are put on women irrespective of religious affiliation. Currently, Islamic medieval-era injunctions are applied in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

However, Saudi Arabia is an exception. Conservative Sunni Muslim countries often see the kingdom, the birthplace of Islam, as the bulwark against Western secularization. Medieval Islamic laws , such as capital punishment for apostasy, are used to give an appearance of authoritative piety in present times.

Indeed, the cities of Mecca and Medina are visible manifestations of piety. To enter the holy cities is to be transported into a ritual space of sacred time based on the Muslim call to prayer, in which pilgrims from around the world unite in the idealized Prophetic vision of a nation of faith. It is not a world of punctual appointments set by a work schedule. Rather, worshippers serve God through devotion in prayer in accordance with the ancient Islamic prayer timings set by the rhythm of the Sun and Moon.

Colonization created a dichotomy within the world where Islam was often seen to be the opposite of the values of the West . Keeping women segregated from male worshippers, and viewing that separation as an expression of piety, is part of the rejection of Western norms while legitimizing the Islamic credentials of the Saudis both domestically and internationally.

Insider perspectives

Generally in mosques around the world, women and men worship separately. To some it may appear to violate the norms of Western egalitarianism, but it’s an ancient practice meant to encourage a spiritual intimacy and fellowship.

Until now, single women who did not have a male relative to escort them to the Two Holy Mosques – Al Masjid Al Haram in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina – would join an organized tour group of women. Their accommodations, meals, sermons and prayers would be organized together.

Interestingly, the holiest site in Islam – the mosque in Mecca – is circular, and historically men and women have worshipped openly together with few, if any, barriers.

These barriers, erected for women in Saudi Arabia in the 20th century, are being removed in accordance with the older prophetic tradition of women’s independence . For example, the first wife of the Prophet, Khatija, was an independent businesswoman who initially hired the Prophet as an employee for her trading caravans.

What is also important to consider is that whereas the Hajj is the preeminent Muslim pilgrimage, additional sacred sites exist for Shiite pilgrimage in countries such as Iran, Iraq and Syria. In these countries there is no mahram rule, though the threat of violence in Iraq and Syria means that both male and female pilgrims who visit from abroad come in groups.

Community and camaraderie

Islamic pilgrimages are global gatherings of Muslims organized into groups, communities and families in which the individual’s identity is a dynamic one. The ultimate truth in Islam is the unity of God, and a Muslim pilgrimage is a manifestation of that unity through integration and service to the community. In this integration, the individual ego is subsumed through a communal religious experience , which can be ecstatic.

Additionally, Islam is a religion of right action in which individuals find realization by integrating into the community. The communal model of pilgrimage helps them go through a physically demanding schedule of ritual observance and creates camaraderie, that continues beyond the pilgrimage.

The changes to the mahram rule allowed single Muslim women to join the Hajj pilgrimage in 2023. Over 4,000 women from India performed the Hajj without a male guardian. Nonetheless, community participation remains important, and most women do not actually travel alone. A majority of women join groups that share the same language, rituals and cuisine to facilitate navigation of the foreign world of Muslim religious tourism.

Iqbal Akhtar , Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Florida International University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article .

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The Distance A Woman Can Travel Without A Mahram | By Shaikh Ibn Bāz

What is the distance at which the Sharee’ah allows a woman to travel without a Mahram? How do we harmonise between those narrations that mention a limit of three days distance, and another that mentions two days distance, yet another that states one day? How many kilometres is a journey of a day in our times?

The Imām, Al-‘Allāmah, ‘Abdul-‘Azeez Ibn Bāz answered:

The principle here is: What is termed a journey at which point it is not permitted for a woman to travel except which a Mahram?

Everything that is considered a journey, then it is not allowed for a woman to embark upon it except with a mahram, due to the saying of the Prophet (ﷺ):  “A woman is not to travel except with a mahram.”  In a narration,  “For a journey of a day and a night except with a mahram.”  In a narration,     “For a journey of a day.”  In a narration,  “For a journey of a night except with a mahram.”  In another,  “For a journey of three days except with a mahram.” And in another narration,  “For a journey of half a day.” So the scholars have stated that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) would respond in accordance to the questioner asking the question. So a questioner would ask,  “If a woman wishes to travel for the length of a day, is that allowed for her?”  So the Messenger (ﷺ) would respond,  “She is not to travel the distance of day’s journey except with a mahram.”  Another would ask,  “Can she travel for the journey of a night?”  Another would ask,  “Can she travel for a journey of three days?”  So Prophet (ﷺ) would answer in accordance to the question asked.

It can also be understood that he would answer in accordance with the Revelation sent to him in those situations. Then Allah (ﷻ) reduced the hardship concerning travel. So Allah permitted women to go out in what is not termed a journey. And He did not permit her to go out in that which was considered a journey unless she is accompanied by a mahram.

The point is that his (ﷺ) statements could be in accordance with the questions asked. It could also be that Allah forbade the woman from going out for the distance of half a day except with a mahram, then after that, He (the Most High) forbade her from a distance of a day and a night except with a mahram. Then after that, He forbade her from going out for a distance of three days (and so on) – all this due to a far-reaching wisdom.

But all this is understood on the basis of what is considered a journey. And a journey is that which agrees with the evidence. In that regard, there are narrations reported in the two Saheehs (Bukhari and Muslim) that place no limits and restrictions on the matter, where the Prophet (ﷺ) stated,  “A woman is not to travel except with a Mahram.”  So he stated that without any restriction (of days or nights) as occurs in this narration in the Saheeh (of Al-Bukhāri) from the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him). This one narration harmonises between all the other narrations. Everything that is referred to, or considered to be a journey, then a woman is not allowed to embark on it except with a Mahram. And least of that is half a day, so she cannot embark upon it because this may expose her to evil, corruption and treacherous conduct.

It is not necessary for her to hazard a journey without a  mahram. A mahram is her husband and other than him, from those she is forbidden to marry permanently due to blood relations, such as her brother, her father, or a brother through breastfeeding from the same wet nurse. Likewise her paternal uncle through breastfeeding (as they are forbidden for her to marry) and so on.

A day and night’s travel is approximately 80 kilometres (or) 75 kilometres approximately. Half a day is therefore 40km approximately. That is because a day and night are 24 hours, so half of that is 12 hours making it 40km or so. So it is upon her that she keeps herself away from that which approaches this.

As for normal moving around within the city or town, and to the limits of the city, then she does not require a mahram if she is in the company of other women or she is in a safe locality; in a safe and secure township where she does not fear anything, then there is no problem in her moving about the area, to fulfill her needs. It can be from one house to another, even if is a kilometre or two kilometres, three or four (for that matter). All of this does not harm so long as there is widespread safety, and no danger or suspicion, yes.

The Imām, Al-‘Allāmah ‘Abdul-‘Azeez Ibn Bāz (may Allah have mercy upon him).

Source: https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/12405

Mindmap illustration showing the mahrams (male chaperones) of a woman for travel and sittings

Hadeeth on the topic:.

قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏”‏ لاَ تُسَافِرِ الْمَرْأَةُ إِلاَّ مَعَ ذِي مَحْرَمٍ، وَلاَ يَدْخُلُ عَلَيْهَا رَجُلٌ إِلاَّ وَمَعَهَا مَحْرَمٌ ‏”‏‏.‏ فَقَالَ رَجُلٌ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ أَنْ أَخْرُجَ فِي جَيْشِ كَذَا وَكَذَا، وَامْرَأَتِي تُرِيدُ الْحَجَّ‏.‏ فَقَالَ ‏”‏ اخْرُجْ مَعَهَا ‏”

Bukhari no. 186

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “A woman is not to travel except with a mahram. A man is not to enter the company of a woman unless her mahram is with her.” A man said, “O Messenger of Allah! I wanted to out with the expedition of so-and-so, but my wife wants to perform Hajj.” The Prophet said, “Go with her.”

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Very beneficial.

Jazakallah khair Ustadh for this clarification with evidence. Although I knew this principle, the evidence was just vague.The evidence here is much clearer and explained very clearly without ambiguity. May Allah (ta’aala) reward you for your efforts.

Alhamdulillah. Jazakallaahu khairan.

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Woman traveling without Mahram for necessity

If a woman has migrated to a land to save her religion, honour, and life, and stays alone, but she has the nationality and passport of the land where she migrated from and the passport needs to be renewed, can she travel back to that land for this purpose and then return back without a Mahram to the new land if she does not have a trustworthy Mahram to accompany her)? If not, then what is the solution for this? Also please advise, if her non Muslim family members ask her to visit them during her visit to that old land (from where she fleed to save her religion, honour, and life), is she allowed to do so? If yes, how long is she allowed to stay with them? Please advise.

If she does not find a Mahram to accompany her, it is more appropriate for her to find a means to renew her passport without traveling, such as sending it by mail, for example. If this is not possible and she needs to travel without a Mahram, then there is no harm on her to travel provided that she takes precautions to be safe during her travel. Some scholars gave concession for a woman to travel with safe company in every permissible travel.

The Hanbali scholar Ibn Muflih said in Al-Furoo’ :

“ Our Shaykh said, ‘Every woman is permitted to make Hajj without a Mahram if she is safe (in her travel).’ He also said, ‘This applies to every travel of obedience.’ This is what he said. Al-Karaabeesi quoted this from Ash-Shaafi’i in regard to an optional Hajj. Some of his companions said the same thing about the optional Hajj and about every travel that is not obligatory, such as a travel for visiting or for trade. The Maaliki scholar Al-Baaji also said this in regard to an old woman who is not desired for sexual intercourse. Abul-Khattaab mentioned the narration by Al-Marwathi and then said, ‘The apparent meaning is that she is permitted to travel without a Mahram.’ This is what our shaykh said in regard to an old woman who attends the congregational prayer. ”

The fact that she migrated from that country before in order to preserve her religion and honor does not prevent her from traveling to that country for her need if she feels secure, provided that she does not stay there, except if the reason for which she had migrated from her country no longer exists, as has been stated by some scholars.

There is no harm in her visiting her family.

Allah knows best.

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Is it permissible for her daughters to do ‘umrah without a mahram?

Publication : 05-09-2015

Views : 15374

Praise be to Allah.

It is permissible for you to travel for ‘umrah with your brother’s sons because they are mahrams for you. 

With regard to your daughters, if they have reached the age of puberty, then it is not permissible for them to travel without a mahram, because of the report narrated by al-Bukhaari (1729) and Muslim (2391) from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “No woman should travel unless she has a mahram with her, and no man should enter upon her unless she has a mahram with her.” A man said: O Messenger of Allah, I want to go out with such-and-such a campaign, and my wife wants to go for Hajj. He said: “Go for Hajj with her.” 

It makes no difference whether a woman wants to travel for Hajj or ‘umrah, or for some other purpose. In all cases it is stipulated that she should have a mahram with her, because of the general meaning of the hadiths and, in fact, because of what is mentioned in this hadith about the woman setting out for Hajj, and the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) instructed her husband to go out with her for Hajj and to forget about jihad. 

If a woman does not have a mahram, ‘umrah and Hajj are not obligatory for her. 

If she goes out without a mahram, she is sinning thereby. 

Please see also the answer to question no. 25841 .

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When is Hajj 2024? More about the spiritual journey for Muslims that leads to Eid al-Adha

• Hajj, or pilgrimage, is one of the basic foundations of Muslim beliefs and is one of the five pillars of Islam.
• Hajj takes place in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

With the final month of the Islamic calendar, Dhul Hijjah , on its way, some Muslims will prepare to make their way to Saudi Arabia to perform an obligatory spiritual journey called Hajj, or pilgrimage. 

The month of Dhul Hijjah is anticipated to begin on the night of June 6, with the sighting of the crescent moon. 

So, what is Hajj? When does it start? Here is what to know. 

When is Hajj? 

With the period of Hajj to begin on the eighth day of Dhul Hijjah and end on the twelfth day, it is predicted to start on June 14 and end on June 19, lasting five to six days. 

What is Hajj?

Hajj, or pilgrimage, is one of the basic foundations of Muslim beliefs and is one of the five pillars of Islam, according to Islamic Relief . It takes place at Holy sites in Saudi Arabia. 

The five pillars of Islam include: 

• Profession of faith (Shahadah)
• Prayer (Salah)
• Charity (Zakat)
• Fasting (Sawm)
• Pilgrimage (Hajj)

Hajj is required to be done once in a lifetime, but Muslims have the option to go more than once if they have the means. 

The history of Hajj traces back thousands of years ago to the Prophet Abraham who built the Kaa’ba. Later, Prophet Muhammad began the pilgrimage in 628 CE during Dhul Hijjah. 

What is that Kaa’ba?

The Kaa’ba, known as the ‘Baitullah’ or the House of God, is ultimately a mosque — Muslims do not worship it.

It was built by Prophet Abraham and his son Prophet Ishmael. It was later used by polytheistic Pagan Arabs until Islam came and Prophet Muhammad made it a holy site, initiating the Islamic duty of pilgrimage. 

Today, as Muslims observe their five daily obligatory prayers, they specifically pray in the direction of the Kaa’ba in any part of the world. 

Who goes to Hajj?

Hajj is obligatory, but it is only required for adult Muslims with the financial capacity to travel and who are healthy to perform it, both physically and emotionally. 

Approximately 2-3 million Muslims participate in Hajj every year. Anyone performing Hajj is called a pilgrim. 

Where is Hajj done?

Hajj takes place in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. 

How do Muslims prepare for Hajj? What happens at Hajj?

Hajj is a special, spiritual time for pilgrims, as some of them have spent their lives waiting for this time to come. Many Muslims may have spent years saving money to finally attend Hajj or waiting for a permit from Saudi authorities, according to AP . 

To perform Hajj correctly, pilgrims must follow step-by-step rules to fulfill this journey, according to Islamic Relief . This includes maintaining a state of intention — to please God and fulfill the religious duty — and entering a state of Ihram, or spiritual state, to perform Hajj. 

To maintain a state of Ihram, pilgrims must refrain from wrongdoings, and be mindful of their words and actions. Pilgrims must refrain from smoking, engaging in sexual relations, swearing, shaving hair, and cutting nails. 

Ihram includes wearing the proper clothing for Hajj.

Men wear a two-piece white cloth wrapped around the waist and over the shoulder, and women observe the rules of hijab, which requires the head covering and loose clothing covering the body from head to toe. Footwear must be in the form of sandals. Because Hajj brings unity to the Muslim community, rich and poor, all pilgrims must dress simply without any stitching on the garments. 

Though Ihram is simple, it must be followed and adhered to. 

Next, pilgrims enter Mecca to begin their pilgrimage.

This begins with Tawaf, which is walking around the Kaa’ba counterclockwise seven times. Then, pilgrims will perform S’ai, which is walking or running between the hills of Safa and Marwah, which reenacts the struggle of Prophet Abraham’s wife, Hagar, searching for water for her son, Ishmael. Both of these actions take place in Mecca’s Grand Mosque, known as Masjid al-Haram. 

Permitted to leave a state of Ihram, men will shave their heads while women cut a fingertip’s length lock of hair, then maintain a state of Ihram again. Pilgrims will camp in an area called Mina and later head to Mount Arafat, 12 miles outside central Mecca, on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah (known as Yawm al-Arafah), where they will stand in supplication and ask God for forgiveness.

Then, pilgrims will travel to Muzdalifa, where they will pick up pebbles to stone the devil in the Valley of Mina, where it is believed that Ibrahim was tempted to neglect God’s command to sacrifice his son. 

When is Eid al-Adha?

Eid al-Adha, the second major holiday for Muslims, translates to ‘Festival of Sacrifice’, as this day commemorates the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, for God. But God stopped him and sent him a ram to sacrifice instead.

Eid al-Adha will take place during Hajj. It is expected to begin on the night of June 15 and will be celebrated worldwide on June 16.

On this day, Muslims will attend a community prayer in the morning, often in a mosque or Islamic center, donate to those in need, and will spend the day with friends and family, eating and enjoying each other’s company.

Pilgrims attending Hajj will offer Qurbani, which is the sacrifice of a permitted animal, to reflect Ibrahim sacrificing a ram sent to him by God after his willingness to sacrifice his son. Goat, cow, lamb and camel are some of the animals permitted to be sacrificed. It is mandatory for a portion of the meat to be donated to the needy.

Hajj concludes with repeated steps of Tawaf, the stoning of the devil in Mina, and shaving and cutting of the hair once more, which signifies a Muslim’s renewal. 

A more detailed description of these steps can be found on Islamic Relief’s website , which is verified by Islamic scholars. 

What purpose does Hajj serve?

Not only does performing Hajj fulfill one of five religious duties, but it also demonstrates the struggles Prophet Abraham and his family went through in Mecca and serves as a reminder to Muslims of Prophet Abraham’s devotion to God.

The completion of Hajj wipes a Muslim’s sins, builds spirituality, demonstrates submission to God, and brings unity to those in attendance.

Is pilgrimage allowed only during Hajj? 

Hajj, the major pilgrimage, can only be done between the 8th and 12th day during Dhul Hijjah and is to be completed in five to six days. However, there is a minor pilgrimage called Umrah, which in most cases can be completed in a day.

Umrah is not obligatory but is highly encouraged for those who have the financial capacity and are in good health. It has fewer steps than Hajj and can be done at any time of the year.

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .