Important Umrah Visa Requirements

Umrah is not mandatory worship in Islam whereas Hajj, Sallah, Fast in Ramadan, and Zakkah are mandatory worships. Umrah is a Sunnah but it is great than the other Sunnahs because, in this, you visit the two holy mosques and several Ziyarah’s places. The process of visiting makes Umrah a great Sunnah.

Millions of Muslims want to perform it at least once in their lives. Many Muslims spend their whole lives in saving money to perform this Sunnah. They want to see those things and places which are related to the life of Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

There are some rules and regulation to perform Umrah because it is not a simple journey. The best way for every Muslim to complete this Sunnah is to contact with the travel agency. Travel agency helps the Muslims to get the Umrah Visa from the Embassy of Saudi Arabia and provides Cheap Umrah Packages which include cheap flights, hotels, and transport.

Some important information for Umrah performer:

Every pilgrim requires a Visa which is called Umrah Visa but its cost is different for pilgrims as it describes below.

The first-time pilgrim will pay a normal fee according to Saudi's rule. The second time pilgrim will pay 2000 Saudi Riyal for Umrah Visa if he/she has performed Umrah in the last 24 months (2 years).

Everyone should carefully fill the application form by using the black ink, he/she should attach two passport size photographs with white background.

Passport is a very important document for Visa and it is an official document which is issued by a government. For Umrah visa, pilgrims must have passport or residential proof which should be valid of 6 months.

Umrah visa is not issued to this a pilgrim who has a non-Muslim name then he/she will submit a certificate from a mosque or an Islamic center which will confirm that the applicant is a real Muslim.

Umrah visa will not be issued to a woman without a Mahram who’s under the 45 years old. It will be issued to such woman who’s above or equal the 45 years old, in this condition when her Mahram has no objection to performing Umrah alone or with the group. So in this way, a woman can perform Umrah in an organized group.

A vaccination certificate must be required to perform Umrah there because, during the Umrah, Millions of Muslims gather into a small place. It is checked at the airports of Madinah and Jeddah because these are only two terminals for all pilgrims who come to Saudia for Umrah and Hajj.

Note: A business visa holder cannot perform Umrah in Saudi Arab. Umrah Visa is valid for 30 days and its real meaning is not here that anyone can stay in Saudi Arab for 30 days but its real meaning is here that everyone has to depart within two weeks of the date of entry. Umrah Visa is not issued after the 15 days of Ramadan and this period will continue till the Hajj. Umrah Visa process will start from the first month of Muharram of Islamic Lunar Calendar.

Can A Person Perform More Than One Umrah In One Journey?

Umrah means a visit to the Kaaba. Muslims from the whole world want to perform Umrah at any time, as much as possible for them. Allah did not make it obligatory for Muslims. In these days, The journey has a little bit expensive from one country to another country due to increasing the rate of oil’s price and etc.

Verily, Muslims also want to perform Umrah with little expenses. There is good news for them that they can perform it by the help of best travel agencies. These agencies provide Cheap Umrah Packages, from which they can perform their Umrah easily.

Muslims want to perform multi Umrah only in one journey. Most of the Muslims ask a question that they can perform Umrah on behalf of a deceased person (parents and relatives).

The short reply to the above question is that Yes! Anyone can perform many Umrahs as he/she wishes.

Briefly note, for performing the multi Umrahs only in one journey:

One who comes to Makkah for the Umrah to perform more than one Umrah on the same/one journey then If he/she want to perform the 2nd or 3rd Umrah, then he/she must begin his/her 2nd Umrah from a point outside the Haram area.

There are three Miqats where he/she can start his/her 2nd and 3rd Umrah, this is only one way to perform the multi Umrahs on the same journey. Most of the Pilgrims choose the nearest mosque which is located in the place of Taneem.  

There is one example when our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) performed pilgrimage with his all wives (total number of wives were eleven). Hazrat Ayesha (RA) who was the third wife of Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), she was in her period and was unable to perform the Umrah on her arrival.

She told to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) about her condition, then Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) told her brother, to take her to the nearest point outside the Haram area. He took her to Taneem where she wore her Ihram again. She came back to perform the Umrah.

Now there is a mosque where Hazrat Ayesha (RA) wore Ihram which is Ayesha Mosque.

For the second Umrah:

After completing the first Umrah, you should leave the boundary of Haram for the second Umrah. You can wear Ihram again at the place of Ayesha Mosque which is nearest miqat for wearing the Ihram. It is not mandatory for you that you wear Ihram at nearest Miqat you can wear Ihram on any other Miqat.

If you travel to the Makkah only for Umrah from any other country, then your plain can be land on the airports of two cities (Madina and Jeddah).  If you reach in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah and Hajj, you must enter the Ihram.

There are two suggestions:

1-Before boarding the place.

2-Inside the plane before the plane flies over the miqat (most of the pilots announce this point).

Most of Muslims think that the boundary of Haram means Al-Haram Mosque but it is not right. The actual meaning of the boundary of Haram that is deemed holy land in Islam and it extends for several miles in all directions (East, West, South, and North) around the city of Makkah. The boundary of Haram is marked by signs placed on major roads.

A Hadith about the Umrah that Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) performed “4” Umrahs and “1” Hajj. He (PBUH) performed 4 Umrah in different years.

There is no doubt that Umrah removes the sins, as it is narrated by Abu Hurayrah (RA) that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous Umrah.”

When you wear the Ihram again for the second Umrah then you will perform Tawaf, Sai, and cut some of your hair or shave your head. So in this way, you can complete your second and third Umrah on behalf of someone else but it will only allow for those people who are unable to do it because of a long-lasting illness or a deceased person. It is not allowed as if your parents are healthy but can’t afford the journey, you can’t do the Umrah on their behalf.

History Of Hajjre Aswad | Brief Story About The Black Stone

According to Islamic tradition, Hajjre Aswad is a black stone which was brought down to earth from Heaven. It is the most sacred or holy stone on the earth.

A famous hadith about the black stone which is narrated from the Ibn-e-Abbas (RA), “The Black Stone was brought down from heavens and it was whiter than milk. But the sins of the sons of Adam (AS) made it black.”

Black stone or Hajjre Aswad is great Holy stone on our earth. Muslims from all over the world gather to perform their Umrah in the city of Makkah at any time of year, it is not difficult for everyone who wants to perform the Umrah because nowadays, travel agencies provide best Cheap Umrah Packages so that you can easily perform Umrah without taking any tension.

According to Islamic traditions: Black stone fell from the paradise as a guide for Hazrat Adam (AS) and Hazrat Eve (AS) to build an altar, which became the 1st temple on our earth. Hazrat Adam’s (AS) altar and stone were lost during Hazrat Noah’s (AS) great flood and forgotten. Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) later found the Hajjre Aswad at the real site of Adam’s (AS) altar when the angel Gabriel (AS) revealed it to him.

Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) ordered his son Hazrat Ismail (AS), to build a temple, the Kaaba, into which the Stone was to embed.

An another Hadith it was mention such as Hazrat Abdullah ibn Amr (RA) says, “I heard the Prophet of Allah (PBUH)” saying, ”Verily the Hajjre Aswad and the Maqam e Ibrahim are 2 precious stones from amongst the precious stones of Heaven. Allah Almighty took away its light. Had Allah not taken away its light then these 2 would have brightened up the east and west.”

Location of Hajjre Aswad (Black Stone):

Hajjre Aswad is located at the east corner of the House of Allah (Kaaba) in Al-Haram Mosque. During the Tawaf, Muslims stop at this place of Hajjre Aswad where it is fitted and kiss the stone saying “Bismillah-Allahu Akbar” and “Allahu Akbar”. In this way, Muslims walk seven times around the Kaaba and complete their important part of Hajj and Umrah.

Why do Muslim Kiss Hajjre Aswad:

The 2nd Caliph Hazrat Umar (RA) came to kiss the Black Stone, he said in front of all presented (assembled): “No doubt, I know that you are a stone and can neither harm anyone nor benefit anyone. Had I not seen the Prophet of Allah, Muhammad (PBUH) kissing you, I would not have kissed you.”

Hazrat Ali (RA) who is 4th and last Caliph responded to Umar (RA), saying, “This is stone can indeed benefit and harm.”

 Allah says in Holy Quran that He created human beings from the progeny of Hazrat Adam (AS) {First Prophet of Allah on the earth} and made them witness over themselves and asked them, ‘Am I not your creator?’ Upon this, all of them confirmed it. Thus Allah wrote this confirmation. And this stone has a pair of eyes, ears and a tongue and it opened its mouth upon the order of Allah Almighty, who put that confirmation in it and ordered to witness it to all those worshippers who come for Hajj.

When you go to perform Hajj then you should remind it, what is a great stone, who will confirm at Day of Judgment. If you contact the best travel agency for Hajj then it will provide you the best Cheap Hajj Package in which it provides many facilities with a scholar who will help you to perform your Hajj.

In Book of Tirmidhi, Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said:

By Allah! On the Day of Judgment, Allah will present the Hajjre Aswad in such a manner that it will have 2 eyes and a tongue to testify to the faith of all those who kissed it.

In the time of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), a dispute arose when the Quraish reconstructed the Kaaba. On this moment, Banu Abdu’d-Dar brought a pot full of blood and all of the tribes inserted their hands in it, to fight one another.

But Abu Umayya Ibn al-Mugheera, their elder asked Quraysh to agree on the judgment of 1st person to come through the Bani Shaibah gate and they all agreed on this suggestion. Muhammad (PBUH) was the first person who came through this gate.

Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) put the Hajjre Aswad in the middle of a piece of cloth and asked a representative of each tribe to hold one of the edges of the cloth and He (PBUH) picked this stone and fitted in the wall of Kaaba.

Best Tips And Preparations For Umrah For Everyone | Best Umrah Tips

Umrah is a holy journey that can be performed at any time of the year. Umrah is a lesser pilgrimage and goal of this journey is simple to gain rewards from Allah and receive forgiveness for sins committed in the past. It is not mandatory but prescribed, on the other side Hajj is compulsory worship.

When anyone has decided that he/she wants to make an Umrah trip then he/she should be prepared for it. There are some needs to be met before you actually go on this holy trip. There are some preparations that you require to do as you have to travel overseas for some days.

1: Recite the verses of the Holy Quran with translation and Tafseer.

2: You should try to understand the meaning of the Surahs and Duas that you recite in Salah.

3: You should ask your family and friends for forgiveness and forgive those who have done wrong with you, before leaving for Umrah.

If you are going to Umrah then you should contact a company that makes the best package according to your requirements. If you want to stay near the Al-Haram Mosque then you will require a 5-Star Umrah Package.

You should plan your trip at least 2 or 3 months before and you should avoid going for it during the month of Hajj.

If you go to any Umrah travel agency then it will need your 2 recent passport size photos, your passport (validity of at least six months). If you have not a visa then the agency will help you. It will arrange the ticket and flight as you wish. You will require meningitis certificate for Umrah.

There are only four important rites of Umrah.

Ihram

Tawaf

Sai

Halq and Taqsir

Ihram:

Ihram is an unstitched dress which is consisted of two simple white sheets, for a man, in which one covers the upper body and second covers the lower body. But for a woman, there is no unstitched cloth. A woman wears a normal dress but she covered herself with a burqa (abaya).

There are some rules for Ihram.

You should cut your nails and should remove unwanted body hairs.

You should take a bath with the intention of entering into Ihram.

You should make the intention of entering into Ihram

On the way to Umrah you should repeat:

“Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik

Labbaik La Shareeka Laka Labbaik

Innal-hmmda Wan-n’imata

Laka wal-mulk

La Shareeka Lak.”

Tawaf:

You should prepare for Tawaf. Tawaf means circumambulation of the Kaaba by walking. You should complete your tawaf by walking 2000 steps (approximately a mile). You should walk anticlockwise around the Kaaba 7-times. You should start your moving from the Black Stone (Hajr e Aswad) which is fitted in the wall of Kaaba.

You have to kiss or touch it and if you do not kiss or touch it by a large crowd then you can held up your hand to the Black Stone on each circle. You should also recite the Takbir prayer each time when the circle completes. After the Tawaf, you offer the 2-Rakts (nafls) in front of Maqam e Ibrahim.

This tradition goes back to the time of Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS), who walked around the Kaaba 7-times after they had rebuilt the Kaaba. You should make this exercise specifically to prepare yourself for Umrah.

Sai:

Sai means 7-times walk (fast) or run between the two hills which names are Safa and Marwa. The total distance between two hills is approximately 450 m (1480 ft) so that 7-times back and forth amount to roughly 3.15 km. you should practice for fast walking to cover the distance between Safa and Marwa.

Halq and Taqsir:

Man and woman who complete the above parts (Ihram, Tawaf, and Sai). A man completely shaves the hair whereas woman only clips the hair.

After complete the Umrah:

You should have some information about Ziyarh places which is included in your Cheap Umrah Packages 2022. If you want a guide then agency also provide a guide so that you can visit great historical and holy sites in cities of Makkah and Madina.

Brief Story Of Hazrat Abu Bakr Saddiq (RA)

Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) born in Makkah and he belonged to one of the respected families of Qureshi tribe (Bani Tamim). His family name was Abdullah, but he was commonly known as Abu Bakr because of his parents. His parents Uthman and Salma were also recognized by the names Abu Quhafah and Ummul Khair.

He was 2 years younger than the Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). He was the closest companion of Muhammad (PBUH) from his youth and remained till the end. He adopted the profession of trade. He was the 1st among the Sahaba (Companion) to accept Islam.

One day Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) was praying in the Kaaba, while some of the chiefs of Makkah were sitting in the yard of the Kaaba. Uqba ibn Abi Mu’it took a long piece of cloth and put it around Muhammad’s neck and twisted it hard in an attempt to choke the Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) to death. At that time, Abu Bakr was passing from here, he saw Uqba trying to strangle Muhammad to death.

Immediately Abu Bakr (RA) ran to the help of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), he pushed Uqba aside and took the cloth from around the neck of Prophet. The enemies of Islam came down upon Abu Bakr Saddiq (RA) and beat him unmercifully but Abu Bakr showed himself as a rock and he didn’t care about his life. He was very happy to save the life of the Messenger of Allah.

He freed many slaves, including Hazrat Bilal e Habshi (RA) and Hazrat Umayyah bin Qahaf (RA). Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) participated in all the battles in which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had to fight the Kuffar.

At the Battle of Badr, the son of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was fighting on the side of the Kuffar. After accepting Islam, Hazrat Abdur Rehman (RA) who was the son of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) said to his father, “O Father at Badr, you were twice under my sword, but my love for you held my hand back.” To this, Abu Bakr (RA) replied, “Son, if I had you only once under my sword, you would have been no more.”

At the time of Gazwa e Tabook, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) donated all his wealth to the war. When Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) asked him,” What have you left for your family?” Abu Bakr Saddiq (RA) answered, “Allah and His Rasool (SAW).”

Islam was growing fast in Makkah, the enemies of Islam were getting frustrated by this fast growth. Then chiefs of Makkah decided to kill the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Allah Almighty revealed to his Messenger the intentions of the polytheists and order him to migrate to Madina. So the Messenger quickly went to Abu Bakr’s house.

The Messenger (PBUH) informed Abu Bakr Saddiq (RA) that was ordered to migrate to Madina that night and that he has chosen him to have the honor of joining him on his migration. The polytheists were so eager to find the Prophet (PBUH) they were searching for him like mad hounds. Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) and Hazrat Abu Bakr Saddiq (RA) came to the mouth of the cave and this cave name is Saur.

When any Muslim visit this site during Umrah then He/she sees this amazing cave where Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) and Hazrat Abu Bakr Saddiq (RA) rested during the migration from Makkah to Madina. Therefore everyone needs to choose Cheap Umrah Package, so that, he/she visits this holy site.

 How the Abu Bakr earned the title of Saddiq:

After the event of Miraj, Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) told people about his travel of Miraj next morning, then polytheists asked about Mirah from Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), Abu Bakr (RA) replied: Muhammad (PBUH) was saying true. Thus Prophet (PBUH) gave him the title of Saddiq which means “the truthful”.

As a Caliph:

After the death of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), there was an election held for Caliph. In this election, Hazrat Abu Bakr Saddiq (RA) was chosen as a Caliph.

During the reign of Abu Bakr Saddiq (RA), Hazrat Umar (RA) advised him that is very necessary to accumulate the Holy Quran in one piece. Hazrat Abu Bakr Saddiq (RA) took action against the Iranian Empire.

Hazrat Abu Bakr Saddiq (RA) fell ill at this time and passed away on the 21st of jamadi- ul- Sani 13 A.H. His ruling time was 2 years and 3 months. He was dead when his age was 63. Hazrat Abu Bakr Saddiq (RA) was buried with the grave of Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

What is the Ihram and How to Wear Ihram??

What’s The Ihram?

The word Ihram literally means to make forbidden (haraam). When a pilgrim pronounces the intention of Hajj and Umrah and utters Talbiyah, certain permissible things become forbidden for him. The combination (Niyyah and Talbiyah) of this action is called Ihram.

If someone wears only “2” white sheets without declaring his intention and utter Talbiyah, he has not yet entered the state of Ihram. Which is the reason; he can still cover his head while offering two Rakats of Nafil,

Ihram’s Preparations:

Remove unwanted body hair, comb your hair, shape your beard, cut your nails and trim your mustache.

Purification:

Take a bath the intention of Ihram or you can perform wudu. There are two ways of purification:

1. Purification of the body by taking a shower or wudu.

2. Internal purification, sincerely repentance on your sins.

 Make a prayer,

                               “O Allah, I sincerely repent on my sin and seek your forgiveness.”

 Nafl Prayer:

If time is not undesirable then offer “2” rakats of nafl for Ihram by covering your head.

If you are going to Jeddah by plane, it is advantageous to get into the state of ihram inside the plane. Here is that main thing. Do everything at home or at the airport except Niyyah and Talbiyah.

Have your shower, pray "2" rakats of nafl yet you are still not in the state of ihram because you have not done the main thing yet, i.e., Niyah and Talbiyah which is done at or before the boundary called Miqat.

Travel through the airplane and sit down with the white sheets on. In a Hajj flight when you are near Miqat, the pilot will declare that this is the boundary to make your intention and to state Talbiyah. Those who do not change their clothes before should do so now and it isn't easy inside the plane.

The better's an idea to ask at the time of boarding if the arrival of Miqat will be announced by the pilot. 

If otherwise not announced then make your Niyah and say Talbiyah on your own approximately "1" hour before you reach Jeddah.

If anyone is flying with a group, follow the instructions of the group leader. Either you are flying individually or group-wise you will always get the complete guide with Umrah Packages 2022.

Intention And Talbiyah:

Now uncover your head and make your intention. Announce your intention by saying,

“O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah. Please make it easy for me and accept it from me. Ameen”

After this, say the words of Talbiyah “3” times and as often afterward as possible. In case, if you do not remember it then you can say in any other languages but Talbiah (Translation) is declared in a loud voice by men and in a low voice by women.

Du’a:

After the Niyah and Talbiyah, recite Darud Sharif and supplicating to Allah any Du’a in Arabic language or any other language.

Prohibitions Of Ihram:

After all these, you enter the state of Ihram. In this state, few things are forbidden for everyone.

List Of Forbidden Things:

1-covering head for men and covering face for women

2-shaving / cutting hair

3-cutting nails

4- Wearing perfume

5-Covering the middle bone of the upper part of feet

6-Wearing stitched clothes (men) and women can wear their ordinary clothes

7-Hutting and killing

8-Sex

When this holy journey starts, recite Talbiyah frequently on this way. Ihram is essential to perform the Umrah and Hajj. Anyone can perform the Umrah at any time of year by using the different Umrah Packages as Cheap Umrah Package, 3 stars Umrah packages, 4 stars Umrah packages and 5 stars Umrah packages.

The Rites Of Umrah:

1- Entering the state of Ihram

2- Tawaf-e-Kaaba

3- Sa’i between the hills of Safa and Marwah

4- Shaving (men) or Clipping of the hair (women)

After completing this, Umrah is done and restrictions of Ihram are finished.

Hajj Dates 2022

What is Hajj?

'Hajj' is the yearly journey to Makkah attempted by Muslims around the world. It is a holy pilgrimage that occurs once per year, where more than 2 to 3 million Muslims participate. As per the beliefs of Islam, Hajj is mandatory for every single Muslim believer who can manage the cost of Hajj Packages 2022. This is the reason numerous Muslims attach special spiritual importance to Hajj, saving money and arranging this trip throughout their lives.

Significance of Hajj in Islam

Experiencing the other main four pillars, Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam which signifies "to intend a journey" from eighth to twelfth of Dhul-Hijjah and to go to the holiest city (Makkah) to perform compulsory ceremonies of the journey to make up the centre of the Islamic belief.

As per Saudi Arabian Embassy, It's the biggest social occasion of individuals on earth. Amid this religious happening, Muslims get nearer to Allah by walking around the Kaaba multiple times which was the first house built only to worship Allah for a constant five days.

Holy Qur'an says in a short and important sentence:

"It is obligated on individuals for Allah to perform Hajj of his home, anyone who is able to undertake the journey to him." (2:196)

When is Hajj 2022

Hajj 2022 will begin in the evening of Thursday, 7th July 2022, and will end on the evening of Tuesday, July 12, 2022. While Hajj 2021 was at the evening of Saturday, July 17, 2021, and was finished at the evening of Thursday, July 22, 2021.

Hajj History

The history takes us to the traces of a period when Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) was ordered by Allah to leave his wife Hajra and his cherished child Ismail alone in the desert of Makkah at that point. Hajra ran desperately between the slopes of Safa and Marwa as infant Ismail was gravely in the thirst of water.

On her arrival, she saw her child scratching the ground with his leg and a sprinkle of water sprang forward underneath his foot. Afterward, Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) was told by Allah to manufacture Kaba on that site and to welcome individuals to perform the journey.

In 632 CE, our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) guided his followers from Makkah to Madinah, cleanse the Kaba by destroying all the pagan idols that were once surrounded the Kaba and re-constructed the building of Allah where now Muslims make prayers and perform Hajj and Umrah thorough Cheap Hajj and Cheap Umrah Packages 2022. When Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) taught the rituals of pilgrimage on his last Hajj, it turned into a fifth of Islam.