Umrah is a minor pilgrimage for Muslims. It is voluntary and is less time-sensitive than the mandatory pilgrimage. This pilgrimage has extensive rewards and benefits, allowing you to become closer to Allah Almighty. It gives you the perfect opportunity to revive your faith and ask forgiveness for all your mortal sins. Therefore, everyone wants to know the ideal timing for Umrah to ensure they have the most unforgettable spiritual retreat.
Every Muslim yearns to stand before the Holy Kaabah and praise the Almighty. This minor pilgrimage can be performed at any time of the year except for the Hajj days. Therefore, everyone becomes curious about choosing the ideal time to perform it.
If you are a UK citizen who wants to book Umrah packages from London, here is a comprehensive guide that will enable you to choose the best time for your pilgrimage. We will also discuss some helpful visa tips, accommodation options, and travel essentials for your guidance.
Perfect Time to Perform Umrah for the Most Rewards
You get the same rewards for your Umrah at all times of the year. But there is one time that indeed promises some additional rewards. This time is the sacred month of Ramadan. Performing Umrah during the month of fasting has extensive rewards. According to the Hadith of the Prophet (SAW), someone who conducts Umrah during Ramadan gets rewards equivalent to the mandatory pilgrimage, Hajj. Remember that it will not rid you of the obligation of performing Hajj if you are financially and physically capable.
Considering its high significance and additional rewards, every pilgrim tries to travel to KSA for Umrah during this sacred month. Therefore, it is the month in which the Umrah pilgrimage is most in demand. Umrah costs are the highest at this time around. So, if you have a reasonable budget and want to earn the maximum rewards and blessings, Ramadan will be the perfect time to perform Umrah.
Perfect Time to Perform Umrah on a Budget
If you want to perform an Umrah on a tight budget, Ramadan might not be a good option. As discussed, Ramadan is the busiest time for performing Umrah. Millions of pilgrims plan their trips during this sacred month. The increase in demand results in increased costs of everything. Therefore, if you want an affordable Umrah package, a cheap flight, and cost-effective accommodation, you must plan your trip during the off-season.
Off-season allows you a quieter time in the region, especially at the pilgrimage sites. Moreover, you get a chance to take advantage of numerous deals and discounts because of the decrease in demand during this time. It is usually quieter in the region after the Hajj season or the time between Hajj and Umrah. You can plan your spiritual retreat during this time.
Umrah Visa Tips for the UK Citizens
If you finally decide on the perfect time to perform an Umrah, you must apply for an Umrah visa. People worldwide must have an Umrah visa to travel to Saudi Arabia for the voluntary pilgrimage. There is an exception for certain countries. Citizens of these specified countries can also perform the pilgrimage on a tourist visa.
- As a UK citizen, you will have two visa options. You can either apply for an Umrah visa or a tourist eVisa.
- Apply for an Umrah visa through an authorized Umrah or Islamic travel agency.
- Collect and submit all your necessary documents to the agents.
- If you want to use the tourist eVisa, you must apply on the government’s official eVisa website.
Choosing the Perfect Accommodation
There are countless accommodation options near the pilgrimage sites and in the sacred cities of Makkah and Madinah. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect accommodation for your Umrah.
- Book the nearest hotel to stay closer to the pilgrimage sites.
- Look for cheaper hotels at a distance if you have a tight budget.
- Consider your requirements while choosing a suitable accommodation for a convenient experience.
- Browse and compare various accommodation options. You can look for hotels, apartments, guesthouses, and Airbnb.
- Check reviews of the accommodation you are choosing and book in advance.
Must-Have Travel Essentials During Umrah
Here is a concise list of travel essentials you must carry during your pilgrimage.
- You must have your Ihram clothing and comfortable footwear.
- Pack light clothes, as it is usually hot in Saudi Arabia.
- You must take copies of all your essential travel documents with you.
- Don’t forget to pack all your prescribed medicines (if any).
- Take your personal care items, especially if you have allergies or specific preferences.
- Ensure you have your gadgets for a convenient and memorable pilgrimage experience.
Final Words
Umrah is the ultimate spiritual retreat. It requires proper planning and preparation. If you are going to an Umrah for the first time, you might need a comprehensive guide. Now that you have read this blog, you might know the perfect timing for Umrah, the essential items to carry with you, choosing suitable accommodation, and much more. So, it is time to book your Umrah deals in 2024 and prepare for the trip if you haven’t already done so.
