What is Umrah? 

Umrah Checklist: Umrah is often referred to as the ‘lesser’ or ‘minor pilgrimage. It is an act of worship undertaken by Muslims. It involves pilgrims travelling to the blessed city of Makkah; where the revered Kaaba stands as the epicentre of Islamic faith and the focal direction of worship, and performing a set of blessed rituals.

Umrah is a sacred journey that holds immense significance in the hearts of all Muslims. It is a beloved Sunnah that offers a unique opportunity to refresh one’s faith and cleanse one’s soul. Pilgrims seek forgiveness, make sincere du’a and aim to gain a closer connection to Allah.

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) encouraged us to perform Umrah at least once in our lifetime. He, himself (PBUH) performed it four times.

Find out more about Umrah here.

Umrah checklist

Getting ready to go for Umrah can be exciting, as we anticipate a beautiful journey of purification and the chance to renew our faith. However, it’s important to prepare thoroughly for such an important journey in order for a smooth trip and to gain maximum benefit, which can feel overwhelming. We’ve put together a list of things to remember before going for Umrah checklist:

• Book your flights and have your Umrah visa ready.
• Plan your travel thoroughly: If you are performing Umrah without using a travel agent/ package provider, make sure you have thoroughly planned your trip, including transportation, hotels and sites you wish to visit in Makkah and Madinah.
• Vaccinations: Make sure you’re aware of any vaccinations required before your travel and book these at your GP surgery.
• Spiritual preparation: Make the intention for performing Umrah as a means of gaining Allah’s love. Sincerely ask Allah for forgiveness for past sins, with the intention of never returning to them. Also visit friends and family and ask them for forgiveness.
• Have your affairs in order: In order to be truly free to benefit from Umrah, pay any outstanding debts and make sure you have fulfilled your obligations, such as paying Zakat.
• Ensure you understand the process of performing Umrah, as well as the rules and obligations of doing so. You can find out more here.
• Physical preparation: Umrah can be physically demanding and can require considerable walking, particularly in Makkah. To prepare yourself, try and go for daily walks before your trip and incorporate exercise into your routine. Also ensure you eat a balanced diet incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables in order to build up your immune system before travelling.

Umrah packing list

If you’re travelling to Umrah for the first time, it can be daunting thinking about what to pack and ensuring you have everything you might need for the blessed journey. We’ve put together a list of essential items to help make your trip run smoothly:

• Passport
• Visa
• Flight and hotel booking confirmations
• Vaccination certificates
• Marriage certificate (if travelling with your spouse)
• Travel itinerary
• Saudi Riyals
• Emergency contact numbers

• Tasbeeh and copy of the Holy Quran
• Prayer Mat
• Notebook and pen

• Appropriate clothing and footwear, including Ihram for men and modest clothes/ hijabs for women
• Comfortable and appropriate footwear
• Sunglasses and an umbrella

• A basic first-aid kit
• Large and small towels
• Cosmetics, including unscented body wash/ lotion
• Pocket tissues and fragrance-free wipes
• Hand sanitiser

• Empty water bottle for filling it with ZamZam as it is important to remain properly hydrated at all times.
• Travel adaptor
• Mobile phone charger

Umrah is a sacred journey, and ensuring you have everything you need is essential.