What To Expect on Your Umrah Trip? Guide For First-Time Pilgrims

Many people travel to several places in their lifetime where they find something special to remember. For Muslims, it is Mecca and Medina; the two holiest sites in Islam. They either go for Hajj or Umrah to acquire proximity to the Creator, Allah.

Muslims who have already performed Umrah, know what to expect on their next trip. However, this holy journey can be overwhelming for first-time pilgrims. They can face health issues, get lost in the crowd, and might not feel confident about the right way to perform these rituals.

Most of all, situations change from time to time in the Haram and the Prophet’s Mosque. Often, there is construction going on, or new rules are being implemented. So, if you’re a first-time pilgrim and have reserved your Umrah package, then follow this article to understand what to expect during your journey.

Things To Expect on Your First Minor Pilgrimage

Although, anything can happen during your pilgrimage journey as Allah Knows best. However, we’ll cover the general patterns of the Umrah trip in this section so you already know what to expect and are mentally ready to face those scenarios. So, let’s begin:

Before Departure

1. You’ll need to pack your bags and get ready to reach the airport around 4 hours early. The reason is that pilgrims go through several procedures before boarding the plane. These include:

• Arriving at your respective terminal building for your flight.
• Checking in your luggage.
• Going through the security checkpoint.
• Retrieving your luggage.
• Finding your terminal gate.
• Boarding the plane.

• Most of your luggage will be transported to the sorting office after you submit your bags. You can only keep one or two small bags during the flight.

• While waiting at the terminal gate for the plane to arrive, you’ll need to change your Ihram. Most pilgrims change it in the nearby airport mosque so you can also do the same. Follow the Ihram guidelines so you don’t make mistakes in performing this obligation.

• As the plane arrives, you’ll get in the passengers’ line and take out your important documents such as the visa, ID card, and passport. The airport officials will check the papers and then allow you to board the plane.
  
  
• During the flight, the officials will inform you about crossing the Miqat point, where you’ll need to make an intention for Umrah. However, it is better to make it after changing into Ihram at the airport and pray the Nawafil before leaving.

• After arriving at the destination airport, you’ll receive your luggage and board the transport that you’ve already reserved through an Umrah travel agency. In case you chose not to, board a train, bus, or private cab available near the airport.

Arrival in Mecca

• After reaching the hotel, you’ll visit the lobby and show your booking documents to the management. You would need to consult the representative agent, in case you face any issue in checking in the hotel.

• The hotel room check-out time for residing guests is 4 pm. In case you arrive before this time, there is a possibility that the room might not be available. This happens either when the check-out gets delayed or due to room cleaning. As an alternative, the management can offer other rooms to stay. You can either wait for your room to become available or choose other rooms offered.

• After checking in the room, you’ll need to ensure that all the promised facilities are available. Then, you’ll do ablution or just wudu before heading out to the Haram Mosque to do Umrah.

1. It is best to change your mobile SIM card with the local one before leaving for Umrah. Several local companies sell SIM cards on counters near the hotels. You can buy your desired one and change it right there, so all the group members can easily communicate with each other.

1. If you’re doing Umrah during the crowded time and the prayer time is near, then first you’ll need to pray. Often, the area outside the Haram is also packed so it’s best to not reach inside the mosque. Instead, you can observe prayer at any suitable spot near the mosque along with the gathering and then start walking towards the Kaabah.

1.  The first look at Kaabah will be an emotional moment for you. Remember to pray for yourself, your loved ones, and the entire Muslim Nation as the prayers done in this instance hold great value.

1. After marking your arrival, you need to perform Umrah obligations as per the guidelines. If it’s peak season, you’ll face large crowds that can cause suffocation. Thus, you need to keep yourself hydrated at all times. Also, remember to keep some fruit, nuts, and ORS water to retain your energy as doing Umrah in severe heat can be hectic.

1. The Saudi government has placed several barricades inside the mosque due to security issues. So you can face many hurdles because of them. The barricades are moved several times each day so you might find navigating through the mosque, quite hard.

1. Often it happens that you might be left behind your group or fellow pilgrims during Umrah. To resolve this issue, you can choose a meeting spot where all the others can arrive after completing their obligations or regular prayers. Another way is to communicate through phone.

Arrival in Medina

1. After checking out from the hotel, its time to depart for Medina. Remember to pack before your transport arrives as this can cause a delay in travel time.

1. After arriving in Medina, all the other procedures will be quite similar to that in Mecca except a few. These include matters regarding the barricades, the Nusuk App, and paying respects at the Prophet’s Grave.     

1. Like the Haram Mosque, there are barricades placed inside the Medina Mosque as well. This is especially done due to security issues and to easily navigate pilgrims through the Prophet’s Grave and Riyad al Jannah. This makes the travel distance longer than usual so you’ll need to be ready for long walks.  

1. To visit the Prophet’s Grave, you’ll need to stand in a line that leads to the spot. Unlike before, you can’t keep sitting or standing near this place. Instead, you need to pay your respects while standing for a moment and then get out of the exit door along with the line.

• To visit Riyad al Jannah, pilgrims are now required to register their designated time and date on a mobile application called Nusuk. Thus, you need to book your slot before departure or anytime after that.

• At the designated time and date, you’ll reach the line that leads to Riyad al Jannah. The security officials there will check your registration before entrance. Remember, screenshots of your registration are not accepted. Instead, you will have to open the live Nusuk App on your phone and show all the details to the officials.     

Umrah is a sacred journey in which you can expect several unexpected issues. Therefore, preparation is key to making your journey as smooth as possible, and this article does the same. So, if you feel prepared then reserve lucrative Umrah packages offered by Muslims Holy Travel.