Which time is best for Umrah?

Introduction

As a highly skilled assistant specializing in digital marketing, I know that the decision to embark on a spiritual journey such as Umrah is not an easy one. It requires careful planning, preparation, and research to ensure that every aspect of the trip is perfect. One of the most important factors to consider is the timing of your Umrah journey. When is the best time to embark on this spiritual journey of a lifetime? Well, let me tell you - there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best time to go for Umrah will depend on a number of factors, including your personal preferences, budget, and the time of year.

Looking for the best Umrah Packages

If you're looking for the best Umrah Packages, then timing is everything. Choosing the right time to go can make all the difference in terms of the cost and availability of packages. Generally, the best time to go for Umrah is during the off-season, which is typically from November to February. During this time, the weather is cooler, and there are fewer crowds, which means that you can enjoy a more peaceful and comfortable journey. Additionally, Umrah Packages are often cheaper during this time, which is great news for those on a budget.

 

That being said, the best time to go for Umrah will also depend on your personal preferences. For example, if you prefer warmer weather and don't mind the crowds, then the peak season, which is from March to May and from September to October, maybe the best time for you. During this time, the weather is warmer, and there are many more people around, which can create a lively and exciting atmosphere. However, Umrah Packages may be more expensive during this time, so you'll need to budget accordingly.

 

In addition to the time of year, there are other factors to consider when choosing the best time to go for Umrah. For example, the Islamic calendar plays a significant role in determining the best time to go. The month of Ramadan is considered to be the most auspicious time for Umrah, as it is believed that the rewards for performing the pilgrimage during this month are multiplied. However, the crowds during Ramadan can be overwhelming, and Umrah Packages may be more expensive during this time.

So, which time is best for Umrah? Well, it ultimately depends on your personal preference, schedule, and budget. If you prefer a more peaceful and less crowded experience, the off-season months are your best bet, and you can easily find affordable Umrah packages during this time. On the other hand, if you want to experience the true spirit of Ramadan and don't mind the crowds, then performing Umrah during Ramadan may be the perfect choice for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best time to go to Umrah will depend on a number of factors, including your personal preferences, budget, and the time of year. If you're looking for the best Umrah Packages 2023, then it's important to choose the right time to go, so that you can enjoy a comfortable and affordable journey. Whether you choose to go during the off-season or the peak season, or during Ramadan or any other time of year, one thing is certain: Umrah is a spiritual journey that will stay with you for a lifetime, and the timing of your journey will only add to its significance.

Ramadan 2022 UK timetable with fasting times

The holy month of Ramadan is almost upon us, with Muslims around the world preparing to observe the fast which characterises the festival. A gruelling process at the best of times, the prolonged period of abstinence can also be confusing because fasting times are based on sunrise and sunset, and so change each day as Ramadan progresses.

This means that this year's fasting period will get longer each day, with the days gradually lengthening as summer approaches.

Here are the key dates and a guide to fasting times for worshippers around the UK throughout the holy month.

When does Ramadan 2022 start?

Like other Muslim festivals, the festival of Ramadan is based on the lunar calendar, which means its position in the more widely used Gregorian calendar moves slightly.

As the charity Muslim Aid explains: "The Islamic calendar follows the phases of the moon, commonly known as the lunar cycle. As a result, the Holy month of Ramadan falls approximately 10 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar."

The month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, which generally appears one night after the new moon.

This year, Ramadan is expected to start on Saturday 2 April, although it could come a day later if the moon isn't sighted.

It lasts between 29 and 30 days until the sighting of the next crescent moon marks the end of the holy month and the arrival of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar.

When are the Suhoor and Iftar?

During Ramadan, the Salat (daily prayers) take on increased significance, both because the holy month is considered a time of reflection and purification and also because they shape the hours of the fast.

The Salat

• Fajr: observed before sunrise
• Zuhr: observed afternoon
• Asr: observed in the late afternoon
• Maghrib: observed after sunset
• Isha: observed at night

Every day of Ramadan, Muslims eat the pre-fast meal called the Sahoor, which is taken before sunrise and culminates with the day's first prayer, the Fajr. The fast isn't broken until sunset with the Iftar meal, which precedes the Maghrib, the fourth prayer of the day.

Because the days will gradually increase in length, the fasting period becomes progressively more challenging as worshippers near the end of the holy month, and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

But while the fast will be almost two hours longer at the end of this year's Ramadan than its first day, there is the consolation that it falls almost two weeks earlier than last year's festival, with shorter days as a result.

Ramadan 2022 timetable for the UK

Both the Central London Mosque and the East London Mosque have compiled Ramadan timetables, which give worshippers in the capital all the information they need to observe the fast correctly.

Here are the key timings day-by-day for Fajr and Maghrib — when the fast begins and ends — in London for the Muslim holy month.

The start and end dates are contingent on the moon sighting which signifies when Ramadan begins, which was this year expected to be Monday 12 April, while the timings apply to London:

Because of the varying times of sunrise and sunset across the rest of the UK, it must be noted that there are variations in timing depending on location.

Fortunately, the charity Muslim Hands offers the following helpful guide to adjust the fasting timetable to apply to where you are:

• UK variations relative to London (Time Fast Begins, Time Fast Ends)
• Birmingham: (8 minutes later, 6 minutes later)
• Bradford: (9 minutes later, 8 minutes later)
• Cardiff: (13 minutes later, 12 minutes later)
• Glasgow: (22 minutes later, 40 minutes later)
• Leeds: (7 minutes later, 4 minutes later)
• Liverpool: (12 minutes later, 9 minutes later)
• Manchester: (10 minutes later, 7 minutes later)
• Middlesbrough: (8 minutes later, 14 minutes later)

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and marks the time when the Quran is said to have been revealed to Prophet Muhammad by God with a month-long fast.

Muslims are required to spend 30 days abstaining from food and drink, including water, during daylight hours, as a means of celebrating and reflecting on their faith.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam - the fundamental rules that all Muslims follow - along with the Shahadah (declaration of faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity) and the Hajj pilgrimage.

During Ramadan, there is an increased offering of the Salat, with Muslims giving thanks to Allah, while the fasting ritual allows them to understand the suffering of others. During this holy month, many Muslims perform Umrah with the best Ramadan Umrah Package.

Those observing the fast are encouraged to read the Quran and the holy text is recited at the Tarawih, special nightly prayers that are held throughout the month.

Ramadan literally means "scorching heat" in Arabic, and marks the month when the Quran is said to have been revealed to Prophet Muhammad by God via the archangel Gabriel in 610 AD.

When is Eid al-Fitr 2022?

Ramadan is expected to end on Sunday 1 May, which would mean Eid al-Fitr follows on Sunday 2 May.

Eid al-Fitr's name comes from an Arabic term that translates as the "feast of breaking the fast" and, although not a public holiday in the UK, it is in many Muslim countries.

In normal years, it is traditional for Muslims to gather together in a park to celebrate breaking their fast, with large-scale events and festival food (particularly sweet treats), prayer and stalls.

After Eid, some Muslims decide to fast for the six days that follow. This stems from the Islamic belief that a good deed in Islam is rewarded 10 times, thus fasting for 30 days during Ramadan and six days during Shawwal creates a year's worth of goodwill.

Originally published at https://inews.co.uk on March 28, 2022.

Top 6 Best Cheap Hotels In Madinah For Hajj & Umrah Stay

Choosing the right hotel is the most important thing for your Umrah or Hajj trip. If your accommodation is not comfortable or basic amenities are not offered, what will you do on the ground? Thus, pay particular attention while picking your resort for Umrah. However, not all our clients can manage luxury stay, for our budgeted Umrah pilgrims we’ve got some of the best cheap Umrah packages along with cheap hotels in Madinah with excellent facilities and services. If you’re looking for cheap hotels in Madinah, consider opting one of the following hotels.

 1. Madinah Hilton

One of the best affordable resort in Madinah, located at a convenient location steps from Masjid e Nabawi. The magnificent hotel provides complete renewal couple of steps away from many beautiful attractions such as Green Dome, Al Baqi Health Center. The world-renowned hotel is famous for its friendly staff and quality solutions.

 Guests will be offered all needed features such as free WiFi in public locations, safety deposit boxes, car park, and 24-hour room service along with a concierge to ensure guests the best comfort.The infamous hotel is a smart choice for travellers, where you can enjoy relaxed, and hassle-free remain throughout your Umrah trip.

 2. Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick Hotel

 

 Located close to the Prophet’s Mosque, Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick Hotel is in the centre of the commercial district. The hotel is an ideal choice when you’ve more ladies with you as it is nearest to the Ladies Prayer Entry. The near proximity of the hotel to the airport makes it the ideal staying option for travellers. Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick Hotel is the biggest hotel in Madinah, where guests can enjoy a wide assortment of services and facilities. Whether you are travelling as a person, group or with families, you’ll experience the best stay.

 3. Intercontinental Madinah Dar Al Iman

 With perfect spot, Intercontinental Dar Al Eiman Hotel is nestled superbly in the heart of Madinah’s city centre. Guests can enjoy easy accessibility to various locations from the hotel and close Masjid e Nabwi making comfortable remain for pilgrims. Stay in Intercontinental Madinah Dar Al Eiman to experience the high excellent room service including mini-bar, coffee/tea manufacturer, speedy online access, desk and television. Dar Al Eiman’s host of recreational offerings ensures you have plenty to do throughout your stay.

 4. Hotel Pullman Zamzam Madinah

Pullman Zamzam is located in the holy city of Medina and is just 150 meters from Bab al-Islam of Masjid al-Nabawi. Pullman Zamzam Madina offers free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. All 835 rooms and suites are combined with modern Arabic and French elegance, all rooms are air-conditioned and have free WiFi, a flat screen TV and tea / coffee making facilities. Some rooms offer seating and sofa beds. The shower is installed in the bathroom.

5. Crowne Plaza Hotel Madinah

 Situated on the King Faisal Street, hotel Crowne Plaza offers modern comfort and traditional hospitability from the Prophet’s city. The stunning resort overlooks the Haram of Prophet’s Mosque that provides ease to pilgrims as they may walk or take free of cost shuttle that takes them straight to the female and male entrance of Masjid e Nabwi. Hotel’s classic motifs complement modern and stylish yet tasteful layout in 506 spacious and comfy rooms and suites.

Rooms with a spiritual perspective of Haram Sharif overlook the magnificent courtyard of Prophet’s tomb. Guests can enjoy free WiFi in all rooms and public areas while cellar parking is especially suitable during the peak season of Hajj and Ramadan. Hotel’s concierge can help guests with information on places to see, best restaurants to eat and local shopping markets and lavish shopping malls in Madinah. Regardless of offering such lavish services and facilities to pilgrims or guest Crowne Plaza Madinah still fits in several budgets. Choose this stunning hotel for a comfortable stay during your sacred excursion.

 6. Shaza Al Madinah 

 One of the best resorts in Madinah where traditions meet modern flair. Shaza Al Madinah located only away from the Prophet’s Mosque and a perfect combination of poets, artists and calligraphers. That together form the heart of Shaza and supplies unmatchable hospitability to guests. The luxuriantly designed interior is filled with mood light created by specially designed Egyptian lanterns while the walls were embellished by Soraya Sanders, notorious for her conventional Arabic designs.

All the rooms comprised flat-screen TV, en-suite and mini-bar and built with the elegance that creates the air of peacefulness. Each room has custom Turkish tea collection and homemade bonbon. For the first time in Madinah, the luxurious hotel presents some distinctive features such as the Wellness Centre and the Kids Club. It has excellent dining concepts for culinary delights and a signature sofa. You can book any of these hotels according to your requirements, whether you are going to book cheap Hajj packages or Umrah packages. You will find all of these hotels at very reasonable prices even in the peak season as compared to other hotels in Madinah.

What is Ihram for Muslims in Hajj & Umrah

The word Ihram is derived from the Arabic language, which means forbid”. It refers to a state of purity the pilgrim is required to be in ihram dress to perform Hajj, Umrah or both before entering the perimeter of Makkah. After wearing the Ihram, the pilgrim must abide from such acts that are prohibited. An individual in the state of Ihram is known as a Muhrim, literally meaning “He/she who forbids himself/herself.”

Ihram for men consists of two pieces of cloth but two pieces for women are not required. For men, the colour of ihram clothing should be white, but it is not necessary for women. There is a misconception about the ihram dress. The right concept is two unstitched sheets are called Ihram for men while women can wear normal dresses for their Ihram clothes such as they use in normal lives, but cover the normal dress with an Abyaha is better for them.

There is a difference in the shape of Ihram but wearing rules are same and everyone must enter the state of Ihram before crossing the Miqat. Miqat is another topic but we here only say about this word Miqat that is a fixed place and these are five for upcoming pilgrims from the world. It is no essential to put Ihram after entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. People can wear it from Houses and at the airport. Mostly captains of Muslims Flights announce that now we are crossing the Miqat, therefore, put their Ihram but the announcement does not happen in non-Muslims flights. Entering the state of Ihram before crossing Miqaat is valid and compulsory for every man and woman.

Men and women must comb their hair, cut unwanted hair from their body and cut their nails, and it is necessary for men to trim their moustaches.  Taking the bath is a preferred method if there is no water available for bathing then it is necessary to do wudoo. The intention is a very important part of starting any work therefore here pilgrim should make the intention to enter Ihram and say "Labbaika `Umrah (O Allah, in response to Your Call I perform `Umrah)", and for Hajj say "Labbaika Hajjan (O Allah, in response to Your Call I perform `Hajj)".

In the state of Ihram, covering face and hands are prohibited for women by any mask or niqab and gloves. For men, cover their head and feet with any cap and shoes are prohibited.

Wearing perfume is not valid in the state of Ihram for both genders (men and women).

Hunting animals are also prohibited.

Do indulge himself/herself in any sexual activity is prohibited.

Cutting and shaving hair is not permitted after wearing the Ihram but it is permitted before assuming Ihram.

Pilgrims leave their lhram on Umrah after performing the ritual of Sa'i and they can leave it on 3rd day of Hajj (scarification day) in Hajj.

Is Easter a Good Opportunity To Perform Umrah

Easter Festival 2020

Maybe some people are thinking that “Is Easter a Good Opportunity to perform Umrah?”  I will try to explain each aspect that Easter is the best opportunity to perform Umrah, especially for Western and European countries.

It is a Sunnah (non-compulsory) worship, but performing its rituals is a great reward that we do not find anywhere else in the world. These are only gotten in Mecca because Umrah is performed in this city. So people always need some things to do whether or not they are Saudi residents.

First of all, I am trying to describe that do residents of Saudi Arabia requires to perform Umrah.

Before starting the description, I want to explain the Umrah rituals in short.

Umrah consists of 4 rituals.

• Ihram
• Tawaf
• Sa’i
• Halq/Taqsir

The rituals of Umrah

Ihram

Ihram is a formal dress that is different for men and women. Ihram for men consists of two non-veil white sheets, while for women it is not fixed. Women can wear their local clothing, but tightness is not acceptable in any garment.

The prohibition acts and rewards after wearing this dress are equal for both sexes.

Tawaf

Tawaf is such activity in which Muslims walk seven times around the Kaaba building in anti-clockwise direction by touching and kissing the Hajre Aswad.

Sa’i

During Sai's activity, people have to walk back and forth between the Safa and Marwa hills.

Halq/Taqsir (shaving the head & trimming the hairs)

It is the last part or ritual of the umrah after which people can wear their usual clothes. There are two ways to do this. In which, shaving is preferable for men and trimming hair for women.

Let’s come back to the actual point that what are needs for residents of Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah.

Locals just need free time off the job. If they are successful in getting holidays, they can perform it.  Because they do not need visas, flights, accommodation, but transportation is an integral part of any movement. 

The Saudi government has specifically offered a train service for transportation to Madinah to Mecca. Residents can travel by bus, Uber, taxi and other transportation services.

Now we describe the main title of this article “Is Easter a Good Opportunity to perform Umrah?”

We again say yes it is the best chance for Umrah but how?

There are 4 necessary points which are mentioned below.

• Holidays
• Weather
• Umrah Visa
• Umrah Package

Holidays

The celebration of Easter Holidays

As everyone knows that Saturday and Sunday both are weekend holiday’s days in the Western and European countries but it does not occur in Asian and African countries but some places are valid. Two holidays are not enough to perform the Umrah. While Umrah rituals can be done in only 4 to 5 hours but departing and arriving, and performing Umrah rituals and visiting the Ziyarah places can take more days than 2 days.

There is no doubt that the Christian community exists in great numbers than the other religious community in these countries. Therefore most rulers of these areas are Christians. These people celebrate two religious holidays Christmas and Easter.

Christmas comes on 25th December whereas Easter does not come to a fixed date but most of the time it comes between March and April.

But now Easter is coming on Sunday, 12th April. The Celebration of this religious event will continue for four days of April which will start on Friday, 10th April.

I think four holidays are enough to complete the Umrah trip.

Weather

The temperature of Saudi Arabia 

The choice of weather is very important to go on any journey. We cannot say April is a winter month because summer vacations to children start this month and this time it will begin on 14th April. The climate of Saudi Arabia has not matched the climate of Europe and the West because its climate is desert. 

The temperature of daytime is high (hot) but in the night, the temperature is cold. It may be a little bit difficult due to heat excessive. But don’t worry, all rituals of Umrah are performed in the Masjid al-Haram except the Ihram because it is worn at the Miqat places. For your information, the whole area of Masjid Al- Haram is air-conditioned.

Umrah Visa

Visa for Saudi Arabia

Visa is a very important document to enter in any country, you can say that it is a permit. For Umrah, you have needed it otherwise you are unable to perform it. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has changed the old process of visa by Umrah e visa.

Most people know that what Umrah e visa is. But it is not possible before implement of electronic visa method. While in the past, you require an agent. Now anyone can apply and get it at home, office, and anywhere.

 I don’t select this point for Umrah e visa rather I want to tell you that you can perform Umrah on Umrah e visa and tourist visa. The tourist visa is valid for one year and people can stay in Saudi Arabia for 3 months and their entry will valid for 3 times in a year.

Umrah Package

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The meaning of the word “Package” by Google- A set of proposals or terms offered or agreed as a whole. But here the word Package is describing as a combination of various facilities and requirements and these are Visa, Flights, Transports, Accommodations, and Guide.

This time, Ramadan will come on 24th April 2020 while Easter is coming on 12th April 2020. Everyone knows that Ramadan is a peak season to perform Umrah only to earn more and more rewards. These days rates of Flights, Hotels and Transports touch the sky.

It is the best chance to get the Umrah Packages at affordable rates before the month of Ramadan. Most agents sell it by name of Easter Umrah Packages.

I think my selecting topic is a good way to describe it that Easter offers the best opportunity to perform Umrah.

Stunning Rewards & Privileges of Performing Umrah in Islam

Umrah is one of the most wonderful Sunnah from the life of the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). Umrah accomplishes massive rewards and benefits in Islam as it is set at an unusual state of soul-cleansing for the Muslims. Umrah is a Sunnat-e-Muakkadah of our Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) which is not compulsory in Islam and can be performed at any time of the year.

These are the some surprising advantages of Umrah.

1. Being Allah’s guest

As described by Abu Hurairah (RA), Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) stated:

"The visitors of Allah are three: The Ghazi (the warrior who battles in Jihad), the Hajj (the traveler who performs Hajj) and the Mutamir (the explorer performing Umrah)."-Hadith No. 2626, Book of The Rites of Hajj, Sunan An-Nasa’i, Vol. 3.

It is such a benefit and a delightful reward to be the visitor of Allah and the Almighty is your host with all the kindness and elegance offering boundless prizes for your love. In this way, in the wake of performing Umrah the Muslims feel a specific degree of inward harmony, soul fulfillment and otherworldly restriction.

Being Allah's guest is great reward for every Muslim during the Umrah trip. In presesnt days, every Muslims can make his/her trip cheapest by getting the Umrah Packages With Flights from any travel agency.

2. Eradicate of Sins and Poverty

 Ibn Abbas (RA) recount: Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) stated, “Perform Hajj and Umrah consecutively; for they remove poverty and sin as bellows removes impurity from iron.”

It is probably a sudden reward for the Muslims that performing Umrah terminates poverty. However, the millions of Muslims from worldwide don't just go to get rid of sins & poverty in fact this reward privilege comes as a bonus, which is the actual advantage of the world hereafter.

3. Be the guest of Prophet's (P.B.U.H) homeland

Madina, the homeland of Prophet (P.B.U.H), is where the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) and his associates dealt with the Muslim Ummah's concerns and where the combination of the Holy Quran occurred. Hence, Madina is additionally a Holy city for the Muslims. As it is found adjacent to Makkah, the worshippers who go to perform Umrah likewise get the benefit to visit Madina and mark their presence at Masjid-e-Nabwi.

4. Similar to Jihad for specific Muslims

The reward of performing Umrah is proportional to Jihad for certain group of Muslims. As described by Abu Hurairah (RA), in a Hadith, Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) once said:

"Jihad of the old, the youthful, the powerless and the ladies, is Hajj and Umrah."

In addition to the five basic pillars of Islam, Jihad is additionally considered as the 6th and the most critical backbone of Islam and it accomplishes incredible prizes. The individual who passes on while being a participant in Jihad is viewed as straightforwardly enters in heaven with every one of the prizes and endowments.

Best Concept of Mahram for Hajj and Umrah

Hajj is the fifth pillar of the religion Islam. It's mandatory for every Muslim man and woman to do Hajj at least once in his or her lifetime but it is not recommended for such Muslims who haven’t the capability to perform it financially or physically. However, an Umrah is an optional sacred activity and it's not compulsory to perform an Umrah.

Expenses of Umrah are shorter than the expenses of Hajj, therefore most of Muslims who have not the capability to perform Hajj. They choose the Umrah trip for getting Allah’s grace but now this trip is a little bit hard for Muslims because everything of expenses is increasing day by day. Many Muslims thought that how to resolve this problem of expenses. The best answer is Umrah Packages 2022 With Flights in this regard. These packages resolve the problem of expensive flights, hotels, and transport.

It's frequently stated that Islam is a religion which matches the numerous requirements imposed on us by nature. Islam is such an ideal religion which offers complete protection and security to the weakest individuals in society. So far as women are concerned, Islam gives extreme respect to the woman as well as the religious provides the several rules and restrictions that are in the best interest of the women and ensures the protection of the dignity and the respect of the women.

Among those restrictions or supportive rules for women is that they aren't permitted to travel independently without the company of a Mahram.

The Concept of Mahram:

The Mehram is a male (man) with whom a woman is permitted to meet and trave. There are different individuals who are contained in the category of Mahram for the single woman, for example, husband, brother, son, father, grandfather, and etc.

Definition of Mahram:

A lady’s mahram is anyone whom she is permanently forbidden to marry, because of blood ties, breastfeeding or ties through marriage, some mehram are her brother, father, and son.

According to some Muslim scholars Hajj isn't mandatory for a woman who does not have a Mahram for Hajj or an Umrah trip even she has enough financial resources to bear the expenses of both spiritual journeys. According to scholars, the lady can choose a person (no Mahram) for Hajj and Umrah who will perform these journeys in place of her.

In accordance with the present the law that's implemented from the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a woman who is under the age of 45 cannot perform the Hajj or an Umrah alone without the company of a Mahram. At the time of submitting the applications for Hajj or an Umrah, complete information and the proof of the relationship between a lady and the Mahram is required to submit.

If a woman is equal to 45 or elder then she can travel for Hajj or an Umrah without the Mahram but she can only travel with the company of an organized group by submitting the no-objection certificate from her Mahram in this regard. For Hajj and Umrah trips, women will require the Mahram, whose age is equal to 17 or elder.

Note: We should follow the rules of Islam to perform the spiritual journeys of Hajj and Umrah. If a woman breaks this rule then she makes a sin.