The Story Of Safa And Marwah

The Story Of Safa And Marwah

 

Running between Safa and Marwa is a key ritual in Umrah as well as Hajj pilgrimages. This shows the significance of these hills in Islam.

All pilgrims are required to run between the two hills seven times following the same ritual completed by Prophet Mohammad PBUH and his companions during the farewell Hajj.

An Act Of Motherly Love

The story of Safa and Marwa represents the struggle that Bibi Hajra (AS) faced while running between the hills of Safa and Marwah in search of water for her parched son Hazrat Ismail (AS).

Allah SWT blessed Bibi Hajra(AS) and Prophet Ibrahim (AS) with a son, Hazrat Ismail (AS) after a long time. One day, Allah SWT commanded Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) to leave his wife and only son between Safa and Marwa. Hazrat Ibrahim complied and left them with little provisions and a limited quantity of water.

Even though she was initially worried about being alone, when Bibi Hajara (AS) came to know that it was Allah’s will, she did not hesitate to comply. Shortly, the water ran out and as a result of thirst, Hazrat Ismail started crying. To console her child, Bibi Hajara (AS) started searching for water or food around the area.

She ran between Safa and Marwah hills 7 times under the hot sun and requested Allah SWT to save her baby’s life. At this time, by Allah’s command, Hazrat Jibraeel (AS) appeared and scratched the land with his wing following which water emerged from the barren ground. This allowed Bibi Hajra (AS) to feed herself and her son as well.

Bibi Hajara (AS) then created a small well with her hands to retain the water spring which is now called Zamzam. Hazrat Jibraeel (AS) also informed Bibi Hajra (AS) at that time that Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS) will construct the House of Allah SWT on the same location.

Allah granted the world gift of Zamzam to quench Hazrat Ismail’s thirst and as recognition of Bibi Hajra’sdevotion and motherly love, Allah ordered all the Pilgrims performing Umrah to complete seven runs between Safa and Marwa and this ritual will last till the day of judgment.

Male pilgrims are even ordered to run between two specific points where Bibi Hajra ran as well. This act of completing seven runs between Safa and Marwah is calledSa’i.

Significance Of Safa And Marwah

The story of Safa and Marwa represents Bibi Hajara’s (AS) complete faith in Allah SWT and her dedication to her son, Prophet Ismail (AS), in such harsh circumstances. Pilgrims going for Umrah must therefore remember this story and demonstrate their own dedication towards Allah by performing the Sa’I with full spiritual devotion.

Sa’I teaches us to always trust Allah and have faith in everything that is granted to us or is restricted from us as Allah can make everything possible if he wishes in sha Allah so we should never be in doubt about anything.

Details Of Sa’i

Duration–the total distance between Safa and Marwa is 1.96 miles or 3.15 kilometers. On average, it will take around 10 minutes ofwalking from one hill to another however, it varies with the speed of pilgrims as well as the number of duaas that pilgrims may want to say during the walk.

Duaas – There are no prescribed prayers which pilgrims must offer during Sa’I however there are some historically used duaas which you can recite as you perform Sa’i. These include the following:

رَبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ، تَجَاوَزْ عَمَّا تَعلَمْ، إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْأَعَزُّ الْأَكْرَمُ ( Rabb ighfirwarḥam, tajāwaz ‘ammāta’lam(u), innaka anta l-a’azzu l-akram ) – “O my Lord, forgive, have mercy, and pardon that which You know. Truly You are the Most Mighty, the Most Noble.”

and

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِيْ الدُنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَّفِيْ الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَّقِنَا عَذَابَ النَار ( Rabbanāātinā fi d-dunyāḥasanatanwa fi l-ākhiratiḥasanatanwaqinā ‘adhāba n-nār ) – “O our Lord, grant us the good of this world, the good of the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the fire.”

Steps – Performing Sa’i immediately after Tawaf is Sunnah but a break can be taken if needed. Before Sa’i, It is masnoon to do Istilam of Hajar al-Aswad one last time before starting Sa’i. To begin Sa’I, proceed to the hill of Safa reciting the following once only:

ِإِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ – Indeed, Safa and Marwa are from the Signs of Allah.

[Surah al-Baqarah, 2:158]

Followed by:

أَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللهُ بِهِ – I begin with that which Allah has begun with.

Upon reaching the hill of Safa, face the direction of the Kaaba and make duaas. After that, move towards Marwa. On your way, there will be two sets of green fluorescent lights – men should run at a medium pace between them every time they pass from the green-lighted area. Continue duaas during your walk.

We at Salah Travels work closely with all our customers to give them a memorable Umrah experience. We hope that the above guidelines will help you prepare for an excellent journey full of reflection and awakening.

Discover Umrah Package from USA with Salah Travels

How To Perform Hajj

How To Perform Hajj

 

Introduction

More than 2.5 million Muslims of all races, cultures and social classes travel to Makkah every year in Zil-Hajj for the pilgrimage of a lifetime and present themselves as equals in front of Allah (SWT) and complete the rituals of Hajj.

Hajj is one of the five founding pillars in Islam – these include:

    1. Imaan(Shahada)
    2. Namaz
    3. Zakat
    4. Roza
    5. Hajj

All Muslim brothers and sisters are required to perform Hajj once in a lifetime forms one of the five pillars of Islam however the following conditions apply:

    • It is mandatory for all adult Muslims only – children are permitted to perform Hajj however it is not compulsory for them

    • Also, all Muslims planning to perform Hajj need to be physically fit and capable

    • Lastly, Muslims need to be financially able and independent of debts

Steps Of Hajj

Following are the key steps and stages of Hajj pilgrimage:

    1. Preparing for Hajj
    2. Wearing Ihram
    3. Completing Tawaaf Al-Umrah
    4. Sa’I ofSafa and Marwah
    5. Trimming ( Taqseer ) or Shaving Hair ( Halq )
    6. Praying and Waiting for Hajj to begin
    7. Wearing Ihram again for Hajj
    8. Reaching Mina for Stay
    9. Day of Arafah
    10. Overnight stay at Muzdalifah
    11. Performing Ramiand Hady
    12. Trimming of Hair / Shaving Head
    13. Tawaf e-Ifadha and Sa’i
    14. Performing Rami Again
    15. Overnight stay at Mina
    16. Performing Rami third time
    17. Tawaf al-Wida before leaving Makkah

Here we will explain each of these steps in detail.

1. Preparing For Hajj

The first step to prepare for Hajj is t decide in your heart that you want to perform Hajj with no worldly intentions and solely for the sake of Allah

2. Wearing Ihram

Ihram is the prescribed garment for Muslims to be worn throughout Hajj or Umrah.

For men, Ihram comprises two seamless pieces of cloth, normally white in color used to cover the body. For feet, sandals can be worn but heels and ankles need to remain exposed. As per the Hanafi school of thought, the entire upper part of the feet needs to remain exposed.

No specific dress code is required for women. Their clothing needs to be clean, modest, comfortable, and covering the entire body including the head. Women can wear socks but need to keep their hands and face exposed.

In preparation for wearing the Ihram Muslims must also ensure the following general hygiene practices:

    • Clip / Trim your nails

    • Remove hair under armpits and below the navel area

    • Do Ghusl (Bath)

    • Do not apply perfume

Ihram essentially represents a spiritual state wherein all Muslims appear before Allah dressed same without any worldly distinctions. Following restrictions apply while in state of Ihram:

    • Do not smoke

    • Sexual relations with your partnerare prohibited

    • Do not shave hair or cut nails

    • Use of perfume or fragrant soapis not allowed

    • No fighting and arguments are allowed

    • Hunting, killing, or unjustifiably breaking anything is also not allowed

After wearing the Ihram, pilgrims need to perform two Rakahs of Salah before to enter into the state of Ihram. This task needs to be completedbefore crossing the Miquaat.

Next, pilgrims need to make Niyyah for Umrah at or close to the Miquaatand it is recommended to recite the words verbally. Following are the three recommended options for the Niyyah:

    • لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً – O Allah, here I am to perform Umrah

    • اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ الْعُمْرَةَ – O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah

    • اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِيْ وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّيْ – O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so accept it from me and make it easy for me

After completing the Niyyah, pilgrims must recite the Talbiyah at least once briefly pausing four times as follows:

لَبَّيْكَ اللهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ – لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ – إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ – لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ –- At Your service, Allah, at Your service. At Your service, You have no partner, at Your service. Truly all praise, favor and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner.

Once you utter the Talbiyah, your state of Ihram will start – you are now a Muhrim. Remember, any violation of Ihram rules will require Dumm or Sadaqah to expiate.

3. Completing Tawaaf Al-Umrah

As you travel into the Haram limits, continue with Dhikr and Durood upon the Prophet ﷺ. Following duaais recommendedas you enter Haram limits:

اَللَّهُمَّ هَذَا حَرَمُكَ وَأَمْنُكَ فَحَرِّمْنِي عَلَى النَّارِ، وَأَمِنِّي مِنْ عَذَابِكَ يَوْمَ تَبْعَثُ عِبَادَكَ، وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنْ أَوْلِيَائِكَ وَأَهْلِ طَاعَتِكَ – Allah, this is Your sanctuary and security, so make me unlawful to Hell-Fire, make me safe from Your punishment on the day You resurrect Your servants; and make me one of Your friends and one of the people who obey You.

Although pilgrims can enter from any of its doors, it is Sunnah to enter Masjid al-Haram from Bab al-Salam (the Gate of Peace). Enter with your right foot first and read the duaa for mosque entry as below:

.بِسْمِ اللهِ، اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ. اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَافْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِك – In the name of Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad ﷺ. O Allah, open for me the doors of Your Bounty.

After entering Masjid al-Haram, keep your eyes lowered until you reach the Mutaaf area and when you are ready, lift your gaze to view the Kaaba, raise your hands and make duaa with conviction that in sha Allah it will be answered.

To begin the Tawaaf, male pilgrims must uncover their right shoulder and pass the top sheet of their Ihram under their right armpit, allowing it to rest on their left shoulder. Next, all pilgrims must stand in line with the Hajr al-Aswad corner of the Kaaba. A green light on the wall of the Masjid opposite the Kaaba also indicates where the Tawaf starts from.

Make the Niyyah to perform Tawaf solely for Allah and begin the walk. In the first three rounds, men should preferably walk quickly unless there is congestion.

During your Tawaf, recite duaas and supplications of your choice – remember that duaas are accepted during Tawaf so make the most of this opportunity by demonstrating sincerity and devotion towards Allah

Rukn al-Yamani (the Yemeni Corner) is the corner preceding the Hajar al-Aswad. When you reach it, you should touch it with your right hand or both hands and say “Allāhuakbar (اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ)” if congestion permits. As youmove from Rukn al-Yamani to Hajr al-Aswad, continue reciting the following Dua:

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ- O our Lord, grant us the good of this world, the good of the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the fire.[Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:201]

Reaching Hajar al-Aswad again marks the completion of one round. Repeat the same process for 6 more rounds. Say “Allāhuakbar (اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ)” facing Hajr al-Aswad and continue with second as well as all subsequent rounds. Remember, you will be saying Allāhuakbar eight times in total throughout the Tawaf.

Complete the Tawaf in a single, continuous gounless there is Jamaat for prayer in which case, Tawaaf can be interrupted and then resumed from where it was left.

Once you finish the Tawaaf. Pray two Rakahs of Salah, preferably keeping Maqam Ibrahim between yourself and the Kaaba. However, if the area is very crowded, the prayer can be performed anywhere in Masjid al-Haram.

Next, drink your fill of Zamzam water reciting the following Dua after drinking the water:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَ رِزْقًا وَاسِعًا وَ شِفَاءً مِنْ كُلِّ دَاءٍ – O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is beneficial, provision that is abundant and a cure from every illness.

4.  Sa’i Ofsafa And Marwah

Performing Sa’i immediately after Tawaf is Sunnah but a break can be taken if needed. Before Sa’i, It is masnoon to do Istilam of Hajar al-Aswad one last time before starting Sa’i. To begin Sa’I, proceed to the hill of Safa reciting the following once only:

ِإِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ- Indeed, Safa and Marwa are from the Signs of Allah.

[Surah al-Baqarah, 2:158]

Followed by:

أَبْدَأُ بِمَا بَدَأَ اللهُ بِهِ – I begin with that which Allah has begun with.

Upon reaching the hill of Safa, face the direction of the Kaaba and make duaas. After that, move towards Marwa. On your way, there will be two sets of green fluorescent lights – men should run at a medium pace between them every time they pass from the green-lighted area. Continue duaas during your walk.

Upon reaching the hill of Marwa, face the direction of the Kaaba and make duaas again. This completes one lap of Sa’I and returning back to Safa will complete a second lap. The walk needs to be completed seven times so that it ends at the hill of Marwa.

Pilgrims should make a final Dua at this time and if possible, perform two Rakahs of Nafl Salah as well. Once done, you can exit Masjid al-Haram – step out with your left foot and recite the following Sunnah Dua:

بِسْمِ اللهِ وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَّامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللهِ، اللَّهُمَّ إَنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ- In the name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, I ask of you from Your bounty.

5.  Trimming ( Taqseer ) Or Shaving Hair (Halq)

Next, to complete the Umrah, pilgrims need to have their hair shaved (Halq) or trimmed (Taqsir) an inch at least before leaving the state of Ihram. Completely shaving the head for men is more virtuous whereas for women, only trimming is required.

6.  Praying And Waiting For Hajj To Begin

Upon completing Halq or Taqsir, pilgrims can remove the Ihram and wear regular clothes. All restrictions associated with Ihram will also end here. Muslims should rest and pray during this time as the main activities of Hajj will start on the 8th of Zil-Hajj.

7. Wearing Ihraam Again For Hajj

8th of Zil-Hajj, marks the beginning of Hajj and on that day, Muslims re-enter in state of Ihram following steps outlined in section 2 above.

8. Reaching Mina For Stay

Pilgrims will then transfer to valley of Mina near Makkah where they will be based for the next 5 days Upon arrival in their designated tent and continue duaas while also praying at prescribed times.

9. Day Of Arafah

Upon sunrise, pilgrims travel to the plain of Arafah, continuously reciting Istaghfar to seek Allah’s forgiveness. In Arafah, pilgrims pray shortened versions of Dhuhr and Asr prayers together. On the day of Arafah, the Hajj sermon is delivered in Masjid-e-Nimra which may or may not be audible throughout Arafah.

Regarding day of Arafah, according to Surah al-Maidah, it is the day when Allah (SWT) perfected His religion, completed His blessings upon Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and approved Islam as the way of life!

Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH) said:

“There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of ‘Arafah. He comes close to those (people standing on ‘Arafah), and then He reveals before His Angels saying, ‘What are these people seeking.” 

Hadith | Muslim

It is therefore highly recommended that all Muslims make lots of duaas and seek forgiveness and blessings from Allah (SWT)

10. Overnight Stay At Muzdalifah

Pilgrims continue to pray in Mina and upon sunset, they move to Muzdalifah located between Mina and Arafah where they spend the night under open sky. Upon reaching Muzdalifah pilgrims perform Maghrib and Isha prayers together with separate prayers call for each as per Sunnah.

In Muzdalifah, pilgrims also collect pebbles to perform Rami (the stoning of the devil) over the next three days – a total of 49 pebbles are required for the complete ritual however, it is recommended to pick up some extra pebbles as a precaution.

11. Performing Rami And Hady

The 10th of Zil-Hajj is the Day of Sacrifice (Qurbani). After praying Fajr, pilgrims return to Mina while continuing to recite Talbiyah. In Mina, pilgrims perform Qurbani and complete Day 1 of Rami (Stoning of Devil) while Muslims around the world celebrate Eid-ul-Adha and offer qurbani.

The stoning of the Jamarat (Devil) called Rami is when Hajj pilgrims throw pebbles at three symbolic stone structures in Mina across three days. The first stoning day occurs on the 10th of Zil-Hajj.

This act symbolizes the actions of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) when Iblees (Shaitaan) repeatedly tried to stop him from sacrificing his son Hazrat Ismail (AS) as commanded by Allah (SWT). Iblees appeared three times and every time, Hazrat Ibrahim threw stones at him as directed by Allah (SWT) and conveyed through Hazrat Jibraeel (AS).

Pilgrims perform Rami in days 10, 11 and 12 of Zil-Hajj as per below:

7 pebbles for the 10th of Zil-Hajj

21 pebbles for the 11th of Zil-Hajj

21 pebbles for the 12th of Zil-Hajj

On day 1, pilgrims head to Jamarat al-Aqaba, the largest pillar, and throw the seven pebbles at this concrete pillar only.

Upon each throw, pilgrims recite takbir:

“اللهُ أَكْبَرُ” – ( Allāhu ‘Akbar ) – Allah is The Greatest

12. Trimming Of Hair / Shaving Head

After offering qurbani, pilgrims shave or trim hair for males. Shaving the head completely is preferable as this was done by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). For women, they need to trim their hair equal to the length of a fingertip.

At this time, pilgrims can exit the state of Ihram and wear regular clothes. They should also apply perfume as it is sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

13. Tawaf E-Ifadha And Sa’i

Pilgrims now travel to Makkah and perform Tawaf al-Ifadha followed by complete run if Sa’I as part of the requirements for Hajj as both these steps are obligatory. Upon their completion, all lawful and Halaal activities prior to Ihram are permitted again.

After Tawaf e-Ifadha and Sa’I, pilgrims need to return to Mina and complete the rest of their stay and remaining rituals of Hajj.

14. Performing Rami Again

On 11 Zil-Hajj, pilgrims perform Rami (Stoning of Iblis) the second time. Main difference is that all three pillars are stoned with 7 pebbles each starting with the first one, followed by the second and lastly the third. For each stone, pilgrims need to say Takbir and make duaa at each pillar facing Haram.

15. Overnight Stay At Mina

After second Rami, pilgrims return to their camps in Mina and spend the rest of the day praying and making duaas

16. Performing Rami Third Time

On 12 Zil-Hajj, pilgrims repeat the Rami ritual same as for the second time wherein all three pillars are stoned.

17. Tawaf Al-Wida Before Leaving Makkah

After completing the third round of Rami, pilgrims can leave Mina for Makkah before sunset. If however, they are still in Mina at sunset, they need to spend another night in Mina. The permitted time for Rami  12 Zil-Hajj is Zawaal to next Dawn so it is recommended to complete the ritual before sunset as it is Sunnah as well.

If they leave Mina on 12 Zil-Hajj, pilgrims must perform Tawaf Al-Wida Wada of Kaaba in Makkah. Wearing Ihram is not required and Sa’I is also not required after Tawaf Al-Wida however two rakaat salah is mandatory behind Maqaam-e-Ibrahim.

With the Tawaf Al-Wida done, all rituals of Hajj are completed. For pilgrims who remain in Mina beyond sunset of 12 Zil-Hajj, they need to perform Rami again next day and then they can travel to Makkah to perform Tawaf Al-Wida after which, there Hajj will be complete as well,

Al Hamd O Lillah !!

We at Salah Travels work closely with all our customers to give them a memorable Hajj experience. We hope that the above guidelines will help you prepare for an excellent journey full of reflection and awakening.

Discover Cheap Hajj Packages from USA with Salah Travels.

What Is Miquaat?

What Is Miquaat?

Miquaat (Arabic: ميقات) is the boundary in Saudi Arabia beyond which it is necessary for all Muslim pilgrims to be in Ihram garment or they are not permitted to pass. If anyone crosses the boundary without being in state of Ihram then the animal sacrifice is mandatory as Dumm to expiate.

In total, five Miquaatsare defined. Initially, four were outlined in the following Hadith as narrated by Abdullah ibn Abbas:

Allah’s Messenger had fixed Dhul Hulayfah as the Miquaat for the people of Madinah; al-Juhfah for the people of Sham; and Qarn al-Manazil for the people of Najd; and Yalamlam for the people of Yemen. So, these (above mentioned) are the Mawaqit for all those living in those places, and besides them for those who come through those places with the intention of performing Hajj and Umrah and whoever lives within these places should assume Ihram from his dwelling place, and similarly the people of Makkah can assume Ihram from Makkah.

[Narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari]

Additionally, a fifth Miquaat was definedduring the reign of Umar Ibn al-Khattab, the second caliph after the conquest of Basra and Kufa. Abdullah ibn Umar I narrates:

When these two towns (Basra and Kufa) were captured, the people went to Umar and said, “O Chief of the faithful believers! The Prophet ﷺ fixed Qarn as the Miquaat for the people of Najd, it is beyond our way and it is difficult for us to pass through it.” He said, “Take as your Miquaat a place situated opposite to Qarn on your usual way. So, he fixed DhatIrq (as their Miquaat).

[Narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari]

Miquaat Names And Locations

1.  Dhul Hulayfah ( Abyar Ali )

This Miquaat is located 18 kilometers southwest of Masjid al-Nabawi ﷺ in Madinah and is 410 kilometers (255 miles) north of Makkah. This Miquaat is used by the people of Madinah and anyone outside of Madinah who wishes to travel from North to Makkah in order to perform Hajj or Umrah.

2.  Al-Juhfah ( Rabigh )

Located 182 Kilometers ( 113 Miles ) northwest of Makkah, Al-Juhfah is the Miquaat for pilgrims from North America, Europe including Turkey, sand everal African countries including Egypt, Algeria, and Sudan. Rabigh, a town north of Al-Juhfah is an alternate location to enter intoa state of Ihram.

3.  Qasr Al-Manzil( Al-Sayl )

Situated near Ta’if, Qarn al-Manazil is 80 kilometers (50 miles) east of Makkah and is the designated Miquaat for people from Najd and pilgrims traveling from U.A.E, Oman, Pakistan, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, etc.

4.  Dhat Irq

DhatIrq is the north-eastern Miquaat of Makkah, located 90 kilometers (56 miles) out. People from Iraq, Iran, China, and Russia use this Miquaat.

5.  Yalamlam ( Al-Sadiah )

Yalamlamis the southern Miquaat of Makkah situated 100 kilometers (62 miles) out. Geographically, this Miquaat is for pilgrims traveling to Makkah from southern regions such as Yemen, South Africa, Nigeria etc.

Additionally, areas between the boundaries of Miquaat and Haram are calledHil (Arabic: الحل). Hil includes Jeddah, Khulais, al-Janun, and Taneem.Pilgrims who live in these cities or who travel through Hil must enter into Ihram before crossing the Hil boundary. However, Ihram will not be required for anyone who travels to Haram from Hil without the intention of performing an Umrah.

Haram Boundaries

Any pilgrim who wishes to perform a second Umrah, must convert to the state of Ihram outside the Haram boundary and then reenter Makkah for Umrah. While the first choice for the majority of pilgrims is Masjid Aisha, other boundaries of Haram are as follows:

  • Taneem – Masjid Aisha, also known as Masjid Taneem, is 8 km (5 miles) from the Kaaba and 5 km (3 miles) outside Makkah
  • Adaat Laban – It is 11 km (7 miles) outside Makkah towards Yemen
  • Wadi Nakhla – Towards Iraq, 11 km (7 miles) out of Makkah
  • Arafat – Close to Masjid al-Nimrah, Arafat is also 11 km (7 miles ) outside Makkah
  • Ji’ranah – Masjid al-Ji’ranah, is roughly 14 km (9 miles) outside Makkah
  • Hudaibiyah – Masjid al-Hudaibiyah, is on the route from Makkah to Jeddah ad is 16 km (10 miles) from Makkah.

Pilgrims From Madinah

Pilgrims traveling to Makkah for Umrah can enter in state of Ihram either in Madinah or at the designated Miquaat which is Masjid DhulHulayfah.

Pilgrims From Jeddah

Some pilgrims enter intoIhram at Jeddah airport which is invalid. Anyonetraveling through Jeddah solely for the purpose of Umrah must travel to the nearest Miquaat al-Juhfah (Rabigh) for this purpose. Only Muslims living in Jeddah or travelers who traveled to Jeddah for other purposes and subsequently decide to perform Umrah may enter into Ihram at Jeddah.

Air Travellers

For all pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia by air, it is advisable to change into Ihram at the airport before departure of their flight as they may or may not be notified of Miquaat during flight so there is a risk that they may miss the crossing point, and hence may possibly violate the requirements of Ihram.

We at Salah Travels work closely with all our customers to give them a memorable Umrah experience. We hope that the above guidelines will help you prepare for an excellent journey full of reflection and awakening.

Discover Cheap Umrah Package from USA with Salah Travels.

Do’s and Dont’s Of Umrah

Do’s and Dont’s Of Umrah

Umrah is truly spiritual and for a lot of people, a once-in-a-lifetimejourneytherefore it is extremely important to be fully aware of what is permitted and what is prohibited duringyour  Umrah to extract optimal enlightenment from it.

We at Salah Travels have created a simple list of guidelines for all Muslim brothers and sisters which can help you prepare and perform Umrah better and in a more fulfilling way.

Before Departure

As you prepare to embark on your Umrah journey, you need to start preparing well ahead of time to ensure that you are physically and mentally ready

  • Start light physical activities to become more active to build your stamina as the journey will be physically demanding
  • Eat healthily and get sufficient sleep
  • Build your spiritual habits through increased Zikr, Duaas, Nawafel, and Salaat
  • Create a list of essentials that you need to carry with you for the journey
  • Have a light-weight backpack that you can carry easily throughout your Umrah
  • Learn about the steps and restrictions of Umrah – watch informative videos and listen to lectures created for this purpose
  • Get yourself medically checked to ensure that if you are missing any vaccinations, they can be administered in time
  • Compile all travel documents required – Salah Travels consultants can share a comprehensive list for this purpose
  • Resolve any personal conflicts or disagreements with others and seek their forgiveness if they think you have offended them in any way intentionally or unintentionally

During Umrah

Some of our guests experience international travel for the first time when they perform Umrah. This can be overwhelming and even more complicated by specific restrictions associated with Hajj and Umrah travel. To ensure a hassle-free travel experience:

  • Follow all prescribed steps for Umrah as per Sunnah and other obligations
  • Protect yourself and others while moving in and around Haram as the crowds can be heavy and rough at times
  • Eat properly throughout your journey to sustain energy – keep some dry food or energy bars in your carry bag to consume at odd times
  • Remain hydrated – drink Zamzam as frequently as you can to gain its endless benefits
  • Do not leave  your group at any time. If you do need to be separated, inform your group leader of your plans and whereabouts ahead of time and agree on a meeting spotthat is well-known to everyone
  • Consume minimum time in non-religious activities such as shopping, connecting with friends and family back home, or staying in your hotel to rest
  • Do not be disappointed by the lack of facilities or comforts versus what was promised to you at the time of booking – While we at Salah Travels make all efforts to deliver 100% against our commitments, there can be unexpected shortcomings beyond our control
  • Have patience, help others as much as possible, and you will feel happy and content
  • Take photos in your spare time only such as between prayers so that you can devote your maximum attention to religious activities only
  • Follow all rules, regulations, and instructions by the Saudi authorities, your hotel staff as well as your tour organizers. Also, remember the authorities can amend or introduce new rules as they see fit so be prepared for change
  • Wear suitable and comfortable clothing in line with the prevailing weather at the time of your visit
  • Remain culturally sensitive to other nationalities and their norms
  • Expect a language barrier but try to work around it. Our dual language group leaders will help as much as possible

Upon Your Return

While you may be excited to share your experiences with friends and family immediately upon your return, we would recommend:

  • Rest well to recover from the physical exhaustion first
  • Reflect on the journey and build on your experience to try and become a better Muslim and a better human being

Never forget that the primary purpose of Umrah is to get closer to Allah so take the opportunity to open your heart to him, praise him and his creations, thank him for his blessings and seek forgiveness for your mistakes.

We at Salah Travels work closely with all our customers to give them a memorable Umrah experience. We hope that the above guidelines will help you prepare for an excellent journey full of reflection and awakening.

Discover Umrah Packages from USA with Salah Travels.