Why Ramadan Is Important For Muslims

There are 2 most holy months (Ramadan and Dhul hajj) in the Islamic calendar. Dhul Hajj is holy month because in this month Muslims all over the world go for Hajj such as Ramadan is important because Muslims fast in this month. For those who are not familiar with the most famous month of the Islamic calendar, they need to know about Ramadan.

What Is Ramadan

For Muslims, Ramadan is a holy month dedicated to prayer, recitation of the Holy Quran, fasting during the day.

Ramadan is a most sacred month due to revelation of the Quran that is a holy book for the Muslim.

Ramadan is one of the 9th months of the Islamic Calendar. Dates are related to the lunar calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar so they change every year.

Ramadan is the month of Fasting amid the light hours from dawn to sunset. This was expressed in 624 AD as a decision of Islam. Food is served before dawn and after sunset.

Before dawn, food is called sahur, after sunset, food is known as iftaar.

During summer months, the task of fasting is significantly more demanding because hot temperatures are imposed on the body for many more hours.

Fasting of the Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, the must-do demonstrations that constitute the Muslim life.

Muslims not only refrain from eating and drinking but, in addition, they keep themselves away from each act that is not allowed as smoke, abuse, etc. They spend more and more time praying from God.

What is the Reason for Fasting?

Islam is a religion that sees its followers help poor people and the poor throughout their lives.

While hungry and thirsty all through the fasting day, Muslims have a consistent reminder of the agony of the poor in less fortunate parts of the world.

Ramadan allows worshipers to focus their minds on worship, dedicate thanksgiving, seek thanks and help the poor.

In some Muslim nations, it's a wrong thing to neglect to observe the fasting.

Whether it is Ramadan or any month if you capable of performing Umrah then do not waste time and books your Umrah or Cheap Ramadan Umrah Package 2022 today and go to Kaaba to gather blessing of Allah.

What is Tawaf And Its 7 Types

Last year, I travelled with my family to Saudi Arab for Umrah. During the second ritual of umrah, we circumambulated seven times around Kaaba in the anti-clockwise direction to complete the Tawaaf. Kaaba is located in the Al-Haram Mosque. We did it in the holy month of Ramadan. In those days, there was a crowd of pilgrims in this Mosque.

It was a beautiful moment for my family and me as we were walking around Kebab. This moment is directly related to the spirit of the Muslims. Here, I should warn you that if you are going this year, you should get the Umrah Package and make a proper plan for Umrah. So you don't have to face any problems there.

What is Tawaf?

Tawaf means walking around the Kabba seven times. The moving process begins in the opposite direction of the clock. Each circuit begins and ends at the Hajre Aswad. Every person has a desire to keep himself/herself closer to stone (Hajre Aswad) for touching and kissing. Sometimes it is not possible to touch and kiss. Then the individual can point the stone with his/her right hand.

Virtues of Tawaf

Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) Reports:

The Prophet (PBUH) said: '120 mercies descend daily upon the House of Allah, 60 of which are for those who are performing Tawaf, 40 for those who are performing Salah, and 20 for those who gaze at the House of Allah.'

 Significance of Tawaf

The Tawaf is an act of devotion intended to bring the Muslim closer to Lord (Allah) spiritually. It is the only principal rite of Hajj and Umrah not associated directly with acts of worship performed by the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) in ancient times. 

Al-Bayt al-Ma’mur

One such argument is that when pilgrims perform Tawaf around the Kaaba, they are doing so in tandem with the angels that circumambulate al-Bayt al-Ma'mur (the Frequented House) in the celestial realm. Allah says:

History of Tawaf

In ancient days, People performed Tawaf but in the state of naked, whereas women also followed such a method to do it. Allah says about such people "to take adornment". This act is not acceptable until that time until it is not performed by wearing proper clothes.

7 Types of Tawaf

• Tawaf-ul-Qudom
• Tawaf al-Ziyarah
• Tawaf al-Wida
• Tawaf al-Umrah
• Tawaf al-Nafl
• Tawaf-ul-Nazr
• Tawaf-ul-Tahiyaah

Tawaf-ul-Qudoom 

It is performed on arrival the Makkah whether for Umrah, Hajj, Business or a visit. It is also known as “Welcome Tawaf”.

The performing of this Tawaf is a Sunnah for non-residents of Makkah.

Tawaf al-Ziyarah

It’s performed upon returning to Makkah on the dawn of 10th Zil Hajj to 12th Zil Hajj. It’s often called Tawaf-ul-Ziarah as it’s performed upon the visit (ziyara) to Kaaba after leaving Mina, and it’s also called Tawaf-ul-Hajj as it’s a part (pillar) of Hajj. Sometimes, it’s also referred to as Tawaf-ul-Ifadah, as the pilgrims ‘pour forth’ from Mina.

Tawaf al-Wida 

Hajj pilgrims perform this just before leaving Makkah after completing the Hajj. It is the final rite that is shown in Makkah before moving on to the next destination. 

Tawaf al-Umrah

It's a fundamental piece of the custom of Umrah; thus, this Tawaf takes a compulsory status for the individuals who come to Makkah for the aim of performing Umrah.

Tawaf al-Nafl

It is a voluntary Tawaf that may be performed anytime and as often as desired.

Tawaf-ul-Nazr 

This Tawaf is associated with the pledge made before God. If an individual promise (oath) that he’ll perform Tawaf if God fulfills his desire, then he’s obliged to come through and complete the ritual.

Tawaf-ul-Tahiyaah

It is performed by the individual who enters Haram—the sacred boundary of Makkah. After the completion of this ritual, the individual has to offer two prayers behind Maqam-e-Ibrahim.

We need to perform Tawaf, whether it is done during any moment (Hajj and Umrah, arrival and departure, etc.).

Hadith proven benefits of Zamzam water

Whether it's human's body composition or survival requirement, water is the most significant element. Our Lord made each and every living animal out of the water, but no other water in the world has the significance and value that sacred ZamZam holds. For Muslims, ZamZam water is revered and distinctive that they love to drink any time they get a chance.

Those fortunate individuals who get an opportunity to visit the holy land for the sacred purpose of Greatest Umrah and Hajj Packages bring ZamZam as gift thousands of miles back to their home to give a special gift to friends and loved ones.

In the world today, where people only believe in scientifically proven theories, Zamzam even beat this rivalry. Scientists from throughout the world research about this holy water and demonstrates that this water has therapeutic qualities due to its high content of Calcium and Magnesium Salts and also full of natural fluorides that encompass a germicidal action.

Strengthen the Heart and Calm the Soul:

After Prophet PBUH was a kid, two angels came to Him and took His heart out and washed it, then put it back. Al-Hafiz Al-Iraqi RA said The reason why angels open the chest of Muhammad SAW and washed it with holy Zamzam was supposed to create Him stronger so the Messenger of Allah can observe the realms of the earth and paradise, hell and heaven.

Zamzam water supplies strength to the heart and calms the individual's soul who takes it. It was proven in the hadith narrated by Abu Dharr RA that Prophet's heart had been washed with ZamZam.

Sprinkle on Head, Face and Chest:

The Islamic scholar's information Muslims to scatter some of ZamZam on his head, face and chest when drinks. It should be drunk by him for a goal that will benefit him. It was reported by Ibn e Abbas RA that, "O Allah, I request beneficial knowledge, healing from every disease and copious provision".

Al-Daynoori narrated that al-Humaydi said, "We had been with Sufyaan ibn Uyaynah, and he told us the hadith about the ZamZam water being drunk for whatever motive it is drunk for. He said, yes! Then the guy said,'Only now I drank a bucket of ZamZam water so you would inform me a hundred hadiths. Abu Sufyaan said to man, sit down when he sat down, he advised him one hundred hadiths.

Give Strength to Body:

ZamZam is full of nutrients that an individual could survive only on this holy water without even taking any other solid food. Prophet PBUH asked Abu Dharr, how long have you been there? "I have been here for seven times, he responded".

Then Allah's Messenger said, "What keeps you, nourish?" He explained, "Zamzam is the one thing I drink, but I got so fat I got folds in my stomach. I didn't feel any hunger or grogginess or weakness, nor do I become lean". The Holy Prophet SAW stated, "Verily, ZamZam is blessed; it is food that nourishes".

Etiquettes of drinking ZamZam:

Ibn e Abbas RA narrated that, "I gave the Messenger of Allah ZamZam water to drink while He SAWW was standing". The hadith means it is permissible to drink ZamZam while standing, showing the utmost respect.

Take ZamZam back home:

It's the frequent practice today when UK pilgrims book the December Umrah package, and they bring ZamZam back as a souvenir for family, friends and relatives. Fuqaha also recommended us to take ZamZam back to the house, because ZamZam is healing water for those who seek healing.

Hazrat Ayesha RA said she herself took ZamZam water house in bottles and stated, "Prophet PBUH took a pair of ZamZam with Him, and He SAWW used to pour and give to drink to the sick".

Step by Step Guide How to Perform Umrah

I wish I go to Umrah with my family. Therefore, I am collecting some information about it. I realize after that Umrah is not compulsory for us. It is included in the greatest Sunnah of our Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Many people think that Umrah is complete in two holy cities, whereas such is not valid. There is no need to go Madinah because Umrah is performed in Makkah.
I ask my friend, who recently performed Umrah with my own family. He tells me that Umrah is consists of only four parts, which are performed in Makkah. But Madinah is such an important city for us because it is a good chance for us to earn more and more rewards to visit the second holy mosque (Masjid al Nabvi).
He also tells me about Umrah packages due to which I can get the cheapest flights, transportation, and accommodations easily without facing any difficulties.

 Rites of Umrah

There are four Rites of Umrah
• Putting up of Ihram
• Tawaf
• Sa’yee
• Qasar / Halaq

Ihram

Ihraam is a specific dress for Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimage. It is different for Men and Women. Ihram of a man consists of two unstitched white sheets Whereas Women can wear the traditional dress for Ihram.

The procedure of Ihram:

• Take a bath (Ghusal) with the intent of Ihram.
• Wear Ihram sheets.
• Offer two Rakat of Nafal by cover your head.
• With your head, uncover declare your intention.

Prohibitions of Ihram

• Cutting Nails
• Haircut Or removing extra hair from any part of the body.
• Use of any Perfume on the body or the Clothes.
• Stitched Clothing.
• Sandals and flip flops must not be stitched either and should allow the ankle and back of the foot to be exposed.
• Covering Face or Head.
• Hunting of animals even of lice.
• Sexual activity

Tawaf

Tawaf is one of the Islamic rites of pilgrimage. During Umrah, all Muslims are going around the Kaaba seven times, in a counterclockwise direction; the first three Circles at a hurried pace on the outer part of the crowd, followed by four times close to the Kaaba at a Relaxed pace.

 Sa’yee

Sa’i means walking from Safa to Marwah and back seven times. These are the two famous hills that are located in Al-Masjid Al-Haraam (the Grand Mosque). The distance between Safa and Al-Marwah is about 400m. Muslim men should fast walk between the two hills, but it is recommended for women to complete it with normal speed.

This track is mention there with green lights. This rite is started from Safa and end at Marwah.
The Sa‘i between Safa and Al-Marwah is one of the pillars of Hajj and ‘Umrah (lesser pilgrimage); Allah The Exalted says (what means):{Indeed, As-Safa, and Al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs ‘Umrah – there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers good – then indeed, Allah is Appreciative and Knowing.} [Quran 2:158]

 Qasar / Halaq

After the Sa’yee, Umrah is not done yet when the pilgrim doesn’t shave the head or trim the hair.
Shaving the head entirely is recommended for males. While trimming the hairs is the best way for females to complete their Umrah.
To cut the hair, only one inch is included in the method of trimming.
After performing this last ritual, Umrah is completed for us.
I hope my getting information maybe useful for everyone who wants to perform Umrah.
Courtesy: Labbaik Hajj Umrah

Important Terms For Women To Perform Hajj and Umrah

Hajj and Umrah are both sacred journeys in Islam religion, there is a slight difference in both voyages. Umrah is a Sunnah and Hajj is a Fard. Umrah is totally performed only in Makkah whereas Hajj is performed in Makkah and its surrounding areas.

What is the meaning of Fard and Sunnah?

The word Fard means compulsory and it is performed at a specific time whereas the word Sunnah means non-compulsory and it can be performed at any time. 

Umrah can be performed at any time of year except for the five days of Hajj. If one is living in the UK then he/she cannot perform Umrah at any time because Umrah Visa is not issued from the 16^th of Ramadan to the month of Dhul Hijjah (Hajj month), therefore, according to this year 2021, Umrah Visa process will start from the 1st September. Individuals can get benefits from the best travel agency through Umrah Packages 2022 All Inclusive From UK, they can get cheapest flights, hotels, and transports in these packages.

Both sacred journeys are equally prescribed for men and women but there are some different rules for women to perform Hajj and Umrah.

A single woman can’t perform Hajj and Umrah alone, she will require a Mahram to complete both journeys.

A hadith which is narrated by Ibn Abbaas (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him) said:

“No woman should travel except with a mahram, and no man should enter upon her unless a mahram of hers is present.”

A man said:

“O Prophet of Allah, I want to go out with such and such an army and my wife wants to go for Hajj.”

He said:

“Go out (for Hajj) with her.”

(Sahih al Bukhari)

Hajj and Umrah Ministry of Saudi Arabia has made a rule for women to perform Umrah and Hajj with and without Mahram.

If a woman has reached at 45 years and above then she can perform Umrah without her Mahram in an organized group by submitting a permission letter from her Mahram in which it will be mentioned that she can travel alone.

Rituals of Hajj and Umrah are same for both men and women but its method is slightly different as the dress of Ihram is different for men and women. It is prescribed for men to wear two white color unsewn sheets whereas it does not happen for women. Women can wear a pair of socks, headscarf and usual dress for Ihram. It is prohibited for women to conceal their faces and hands in the state of Ihram.

It is not allowable for women to recite the Talbiyah loudly whereas it is essential for men to recite it loudly. Women should not raise their voices during the Dua (praying) and Salat (offering prayers). During the Tawaf of Hajj and Umrah, Ramal ritual is not prescribed for women rather it is prescribed for men.

Ramal means fast walking around the Kaaba during three circles of Tawaf. Women should complete the Tawaf of Hajj and Umrah with the usual speed and women should complete this ritual with keeping away themselves from the crowd of men. It is not essential for women to offer two rakats of nafls in front of Maqam e Ibrahim after the Tawaf, they can perform it in any area of Masjid al Haram where they find no crowd of men.

During the Sai ritual, individuals run between the green light areas, it is right for man but it is not right for women. Running between the Safa and Marwa is Sunnah for men for Sai because it was done by our Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and the Sahaabah (RA) after him. Companions of Prophet (PBUH) are called Sahaabah. However, women should complete this ritual with normal speed.

If a woman is under the age of 45 years then she will need a Mahram and it is a little bit difficult for everyone to travel with any other due to expenses of traveling are increasing day by day continuously, therefore, people can get 5 Star Cheapest Hajj Packages and Cheapest Umrah Packages with Flights from any travel agency which is providing Hajj and Umrah services. So every woman can perform the Hajj and Umrah with her Mahram easily.

May Allah give every one of us a chance to perform Hajj and Umrah with true intention.

Useful Umrah Tips with kids

Umrah word derived from Itimar which means a visit. Umrah can be called a Holy Journey as Hajj is a Holy Journey. Both journeys end at holy cities Makkah and Madinah where Muslims perform different rituals. Every human never leaves any moment to perform Umrah and Hajj at least once a time in life who believes in one Allah and last Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him). Umrah is not Fard (compulsory) whereas it is Sunnah and Hajj is Fard (compulsory). A Muslim can leave Hajj if he/she is not able to perform it physically and financially.

The expenses of Hajj is little high than the expenses of Umrah, therefore, Muslims can easily perform Umrah. Every Muslim will needs a good travel agency which will arrange the whole journey by giving Cheap Umrah Package With Flights. This package is suitable for everyone who wants to go alone or with family.

Most parents want to perform Umrah with kids whether their kids are infants or bigger.

There are some useful tips for Parents who want to perform Umrah with their kids.

1_

The parent should make a small hanging card for kids with their name, passport number, contact number, and address. If any parents lose their kids accidentally there then the parent can easily find their kids due to the hanging card.

2_

The parent should buy a safety harness for their kids so that they keep their kids attach with themselves especially during prayer times. If kids are infant then parents should buy baby carrier so that they can easily perform Umrah with their kids.

3_

Parents should buy a lightweight portable stroller for their kids so that parents should complete Umrah Journey easily. It is not be proved helpful during Tawaf but it is helpful during shopping and traveling from hotels towards holy mosques (Masjid al-Haram & Masjid al Nabvi).

4_

If children understand the importance of Umrah then the parent should provide books for Umrah kids which increase the knowledge of kids about the Umrah because books are best friends in the world.

5_

Parents should pack some extra Abayas and Ihrams for their children (boy and girl) while Ihram is not obligatory for children because it is prescribed for such kid who gets the age of puberty.

6_

The toy is the best source to make busy the baby, therefore, parents should pack some toys, so that, they would keep their children busy in the hotel or during traveling. 

Dolls of any shape are not allowed in Holy Mosques if guard’s mosque watches any action figure in the hands of children then the parent may be faced some penalty.

7_

Medicines are very necessary during any Journey, therefore, parents should pack some basic medicines.

The parent should get 5 Star Umrah Package All Inclusive if their children are traveling with them. In these packages, people can get nearest hotels with best facilities from two holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah. Muslims from the UK should perform Umrah with kids in the month of December because the weather of Saudi Arabia is not hot in this month as like it becomes hot in the months of April, May… and Sep. Verily, Umrah can be proved a good method for children to understand the Islamic knowledge.

Rituals Of Blessed Umrah Journey

Umrah is an undescribed spiritual journey as Hajj and these both journeys are ended at the House of Allah. The differences between the Hajj and Umrah are their level of importance and the method of observance. In Islam, Hajj worship is one of five parts, therefore it is the duty for Muslims who have the capability to perform Hajj (financially and physically) and whereas Umrah is only Sunnah.

Umrah is called as a minor pilgrimage and Hajj is called as a major pilgrimage. According to Sahi Hadiths, the rewards of Umrah is equal to rewards of Hajj in the month of Ramadan. Nobody wants to leave the opportunity of performing Umrah at any reason in his/her life if Allah Almighty gives him/her at least one chance. People can get Umrah Packages 2022 from any trustable travel agency this year if they really want to perform Umrah with best 3, 4, and 5-star services.

Umrah procedure:

1: Ihram-

Ihram is an essential dress for Umrah spiritual journey. Pilgrims should wear this dress before entering the city of Makkah.

This dress is different for a woman and a man. A man wears two unsewn white sheets whereas a woman can wear the normal dress which she wears in normal days of life.

2: Talbiyah-

Talbiyah is a prayer invoked by the Muslims as a conviction that they intend to perform the Umrah only for Allah Almighty. Muslims should stop the reciting of Talbiyah when they reach the al-Haram mosque.

3: Istilam-

This is such act in which pilgrim kisses the Hajre Aswad, touch it with his/her hands or says a prayer while the palm of his/her hands towards the Hajre Aswad and this act is called Istilam.

4: Tawaf-

Pilgrim starts his Tawaf after Istilam rather it is part of Tawaf. Tawaf consists of seven circles around the Kaaba. He/she repeats the act of kissing and touching the Hajre Aswad but it can be performed without touching and kissing due to rush. Islam gives permission that anyone can complete this ritual by raising hands at the point of Hajre Aswad due to the crowd of pilgrims. The direction of each circle will be anticlockwise.

After completing all circles, Muslims man should cover his right shoulder.

5: Multazam-

This is a sacred place between the Hajre Aswad and the door of Kaaba and it is a good place to pray.

6: Maqam Ibrahim-

Pilgrims should offer 2 rakats of prayer in front of Maqam Ibrahim after completing seven circles.

7: Safa and Marwa-

These are two mounts which are also situated in al-Haram mosque. Pilgrim runs seven times between Safa and Marwa and this act of running between two mounts is called Saee.

8: Cut Hair-

When pilgrim completes his/her act of Saee then he/she should cut the hairs. Men cut their hairs completely and shortly while women only cut their hairs for one inch.

After completing these rituals pilgrims leave the state of Ihram because their Umrah is done. In the Umrah Journey, the intention is very important if anyone has no intention to perform Umrah then his/her Umrah is not valid. Every worship is based on the intentions in Islam.