Benefits of Performing Umrah in Ramadan

Ramadan is the 9th month of Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims express more humility, contemplation, and sanctity during this holy month. Every year, millions of Muslims visit Mecca to perform the sacred journey of Umrah. However, performing Umrah in Ramadan is a life-time achievement for every Muslim worldwide, regardless of his race, colour, or nationality. Moreover, this spiritual experience has a lot of spiritual benefits. We will discuss different advantages of making a holy journey to Mecca below:

1. Better Spiritual Rewards:

According to Islamic belief, the gates of heaven are open during Ramadan. Due to this amazing fact, Muslims complete additional good deeds, including reciting the Quran, giving the charity to the poor, etc. So, if you travel to Mecca to perform during this month, the level of your spirituality is increased. If your spirituality is increased, you can acquire countless spiritual benefits.

2. Seeking Forgiveness and Purification:

Ramadan is a time for seeking forgiveness and numerous blessings from Allah (SWT). Muslims can ask for forgiveness for their sins and clean their thoughts by performing Umrah during Ramadan, when the spiritual atmosphere in Mecca and Medina reaches its peak. This spiritual environment will enable you to complete your minor pilgrimage with seriousness. When you serious towards your acts, God will forgive your sins and renew your soul. IN SHA ALLAH!

3. Increased Acts of Worship:

Ramadan is a time for more worship, like longer prayers at night (Tarawih), reciting the Quran daily, and doing good things for other people. People who do Umrah during this month can join in with these extra religious activities at Mecca's important places. The combined result of these practices during a religious trip improves the overall spiritual experience.

4. Cultivating Patience and Self-Discipline:

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims learn to be patient, self-controlled, and caring about the poor. Undertaking Umrah while keeping the fast adds an extra layer of challenge and spiritual growth. Pilgrims learn to manage the physical and mental demands of Umrah, promoting a greater knowledge of self-control and resilience.

5. Connection with the Quran:

Fasting during Ramadan allows one to become nearer to the sacred book, the Quran, because it was revealed during this month. During Ramadan, pilgrims doing Umrah in Mecca are able to concentrate on the Quran's verses due to the sacredness of the site. The relationship between Umrah and the Quran strengthens the traveller's spiritual journey.

6. Unity and Brotherhood:

Many Muslims perform Umrah during Ramadan, hailing from all around the globe. Since Muslims do the sacred pilgrimage during this holy month, they will feel closer to each other. The devotion, prayers, and support they give each other create a special bond that goes beyond language barriers.

7. Cleansing of the Heart:

In addition to the physical rituals, the spiritual journey of Umrah during Ramadan is all about making the heart clean. When you combine the holy atmosphere of Mecca with the increased devotion of Ramadan, you get an experience that changes you. By making Umrah during the holy month of fasting, pilgrims can clean their hearts of bad feelings, sins, and attachments to this world. They return from the journey with a renewed sense of spiritual purity by considering this act.

Conclusion:

Performing Umrah during Ramadan is a holy journey that goes beyond the physical parts of the trip. It gives Muslims a chance to do deep acts of worship, ask Allah to forgive them, and get closer to him. 

When the holy rituals of Umrah are mixed with the good qualities of Ramadan, they weave a spiritual tapestry that changes a pilgrim's faith and character for good. Muslims are not only following their religious duty, but they are also starting a life-changing journey of faith and devotion. These things will lead traveller’s spiritual heights that reach far beyond the walls of Mecca.

 

5 Things you will only find in Medina City

 

Medina is the holiest city for Muslims after Mecca. You will definitely visit there after performing Umrah in Masjid al-Haram. Most pilgrims visit Medina after performing Umrah, but you can also see whenever you want. Muslims and non-Muslims both can visit Medina City.

But have you ever wondered why you are visiting Medina? Obviously, it’s the holy city and holds the significance of Masjid An-Nabwi – that would be your answer, right? Apart from visiting the historical places, you can also go shopping there. But Medina also offers some unique things and items you will not find anywhere. So, in this article, we will explore the 5 things you will only find in Medina City.

5 Things you will only find in Medina City:

1. Palm Dates

Palm dates are among the beautiful gifts of Saudi Arabia. It’s a famous item in the Middle East, North America, and South Asia. You obviously can’t return to your home without buying the dates in Saudi Arabia. Apart from Medina, it’s also available in Mecca. You would be surprised to hear that Saudi Arabia is the third largest country in palm dates production, with approximately 0.712 million tons per year.

The famous dates of palm trees in Medina are the Ajwa Dates. These dates have been categorized into different levels: first class, third class, luxury, etc. You can buy it easily under your budget, between SAR 50 and SAR 110. Apart from Ajwa, there are also other types of dates that you can buy, such as Kalas, Anbar, Safawi, Mabroom, Sukkari (Queen of Dates), etc.

Dates are nutritious, energizing, and primarily harvested in the spring season, so you should take advantage of performing Easter holidays Umrah. Which is approximately in the spring season – March or April and you can enjoy eating the dates in Medina.

2. Ittar (natural perfume oil)

Visiting the Arab countries and not finding the Ittar – is not possible. Ittar has different scents; some of them are rose, oud, musk, amber, etc. Ittar is like perfume oil extracted from natural flowers, spices, and herbs. Ittar is very famous in Saudi Arabia, and it’s the Sunnah to use Ittar on Friday.

•          Al-Haramain oud shop

•          Abdul Samad Al Qurashi

•          Al-Attar perfumes

•          The Medina Souq

3. Nabi Booti

Nabi booti is also known as Maryam booti or the leaves of Medina. The Anastatica Hierochuntica plant’s leaves are found in the Medina region. Nabi booti has some traditional beliefs and uses according to some resources. For instance, it can be used for fertility, pregnancy, and childbirth. You don’t need to work hard on this; you can easily find it in the local markets of Medina, located explicitly near Jabal Uhud. It can cost you around about 5-10 SAR.

4. Saudi traditional Souvenirs

A souvenir is any item that lets you remember about your travel. Medina souvenirs will definitely let you remember Saudi traditions. There are many souvenirs that you can find in Medina; some of them are:

•          Camel milk bottles

•          Daggers

•          Miniatures replicas of the Holy Kaaba and the Prophet’s Mosque

•          Islamic calligraphy art

•          Prayers beads

•          Decorative Quran stands

•          Handover carpets

•          Hand-painted ceramics

•          Prayer rugs

5. Sugar Booti

It’s another type of booti which is available in Medina. It’s a plant, Gymnema Sylvestre in Medina that has the booty used to manage blood sugar levels. While this plant is also available in other parts of the world but, it’s used in Medina City. Apart from Medina, it is mainly used in India for diabetes, malaria, and snakebites. But you should only buy this if you want. Remember that it’s a traditional way of controlling sugar levels, but in the modern era, there are several ways to maintain your blood sugar level.

Tips when doing shopping in Medina City:

• Make sure to plan your budget and do your shopping accordingly.
• Compare the quality and prices of items in different shops.
• Respectfully bargain with the sellers.
• Check out the authenticity and invoices of your items.
• You can travel through transport options when doing shopping.
• You can bring your own shopping bags.
• Explore the markets/souqs and be patient.

 

Final Suggestions

In other words, shopping can be fun and enjoyable if you take care of some points. Pilgrims mostly go shopping in Madinah after performing Umrah in Masjid al-Haram. So, you can also take advantage of this opportunity by booking your reservations through Labbaik Travel Agency. Moreover, you can make a list of buying items to save your money and cost both. May you have a good shopping experience in Madinah!