Best tips to get affordable Umrah travel

Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual and transformative journey for Muslims. However, the cost associated with this pilgrimage can be a significant barrier for many. Fortunately, there are numerous strategies to ensure that your Umrah travel is both affordable and fulfilling. By following these tips, you can embark on this sacred journey without breaking the bank.

Plan Your Umrah During Off-Peak Seasons

Take Advantage of Lower Prices
One of the most effective ways to secure an affordable Umrah trip is to plan your travel during off-peak seasons. Prices for flights, accommodation, and even local services tend to drop significantly when there is less demand. The Islamic calendar is the key to identifying these periods. Avoiding peak times such as Ramadan and Hajj season can result in substantial savings.

Enjoy a More Peaceful Experience
Traveling during off-peak times not only saves money but also enhances your overall experience. With fewer pilgrims, you can perform Umrah rituals more comfortably and without the pressure of large crowds. This quieter period allows for a more reflective and spiritual journey, making your pilgrimage truly special.

Book Early for the Best Deals

Secure Lower Rates
Booking your flights and accommodations well in advance is another great way to reduce costs. Airlines and hotels often offer early bird discounts to those who plan ahead. By locking in your travel arrangements months before your departure, you can take advantage of these lower rates, ensuring a more budget-friendly trip.

Avoid Last-Minute Price Hikes
Procrastination can be costly. Waiting until the last minute to book your Umrah trip often means dealing with inflated prices. Early booking not only secures better rates but also gives you peace of mind, knowing that your travel plans are set and your budget intact.

Utilize Package Deals and Discounts

All-Inclusive Packages
Many travel agencies specialize in Umrah packages that bundle flights, accommodations, and other services at a discounted rate. These packages can be a convenient and cost-effective option. When selecting a package, compare the offerings from different providers to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.

Group Discounts
Traveling in a group can also lead to significant savings. Many travel agencies offer group discounts, making it more affordable for families or groups of friends to perform Umrah together. Additionally, traveling with companions can enhance the spiritual experience, providing mutual support and shared memories.

Opt for Budget Accommodations

Prioritize Proximity and Simplicity
While luxury hotels may be tempting, they come with a hefty price tag. Opting for more modest accommodations can drastically reduce your overall costs. Look for hotels that are clean, safe, and reasonably close to the Haram. The proximity will save you time and transportation costs, while the simplicity will keep your expenses down.

Utilize Online Reviews
Before booking, read online reviews to ensure that your chosen budget accommodation meets basic standards of comfort and cleanliness. Websites like TripAdvisor and Booking.com provide valuable insights from previous travelers. A little research can go a long way in finding affordable yet satisfactory lodging options.

Consider Flexible Travel Dates

Exploit Midweek Travel
Flexibility with your travel dates can lead to significant savings. Flights and accommodations are often cheaper during the middle of the week compared to weekends. By planning your trip with flexible dates, you can take advantage of these lower prices.

Use Fare Comparison Tools
Utilize fare comparison websites and tools like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights to find the best deals. These platforms allow you to compare prices across multiple airlines and booking sites, helping you to find the most economical options available.

Make Use of Loyalty Programs and Rewards

Leverage Frequent Flyer Miles
If you are a frequent traveler, make use of your accumulated frequent flyer miles or credit card reward points to reduce your travel costs. Many airlines and credit card companies offer programs that can be redeemed for flight discounts, free tickets, or upgrades.

Join Hotel Loyalty Programs
Similarly, joining hotel loyalty programs can provide you with benefits such as discounted rates, free nights, or complimentary services. Even if you don’t travel often, these programs can still offer valuable savings when planning your Umrah trip.

Budget for Local Transportation
While planning your budget, don’t forget to account for local transportation costs. Although taxis and private transfers are convenient, they can be expensive. Consider using public transportation or sharing rides with fellow pilgrims to save money.

Avoid Unnecessary Purchases
It's easy to get carried away with shopping for souvenirs and gifts. Set a budget for these expenses and stick to it. Focus on purchasing meaningful items without overspending. Being mindful of these additional costs can help keep your overall expenditure in check.

To Sum up:

Embarking on an affordable Umrah journey requires careful planning and smart choices. By traveling during off-peak seasons, booking early, utilizing package deals, opting for budget accommodations, being flexible with travel dates, leveraging loyalty programs, and being mindful of extra costs, you can significantly reduce your expenses. With these tips, you can focus on the spiritual essence of your pilgrimage without the stress of financial burden. May your journey be blessed and fulfilling.

Easy Umrah Guide Step By Step

Umrah:

                The Umrah is a sacred journey to Makkah which is performed by Muslims that can be done at any time of the year except for 5 days of Hajj. In the Arabic language, the word Umrah means "to visit a populated spot". In the Sharia, Umrah intends to perform Tawaf round the Kaaba and Sa'i between Al-Safa and Al-Marwah, after wearing Ihram, either from a Miqat like Qarnu ' l-Manāzil, Zu 'l-Hulafa, Ibrahīm Mursīa, Yalamlam, Zāt-I-'Irq, Juhfa, or a place in Hill. It is also called the 'lesser pilgrimage' or 'minor pilgrimage' and the Hajj is called 'major pilgrimage' but Hajj is mandatory for each physically fit Muslim who can manage the cost of it. The Umrah isn't mandatory but it is a great Sunnah of our Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

Nowadays, many UK travel agencies are offering different packages for Umrah but we should only trust on such agency which is protected by ATOL. We can get Cheap Umrah Packages 2024 from such travel agency.

Umrah consists of 4 parts: 

1- Ihram

2- Tawaf 

3- Sa’i

4- Halq/Taqsir 

Ihram:

          Ihram is an essential dress to perform Umrah. For the Ihram, Muslims must change garments and take a proper bath (ghusl). Ihram dress is different for men and women.

 Ihram for men: 

                       Men wear two unsewn white sheets in which one sheet is used to cover the upper body (it is called Ridaa) and the second sheet is used to cover the lower body (it is called Izaar).

Ihram for women:

                         Women do not wear the unsewn sheets rather women can wear the normal dress which they wear in the usual life but it is better for her to cover this dress by an Abbaya. The color of Abbaya is not mattered there but most women wear the black color or white color Abbayas.

 After wearing Ihram, Muslims should offer the two rakats of prayers. In the state Ihram, Pilgrim cannot use perfume or perfumed products. 

Pilgrims must recite these words for Umrah: 

                                     “Labbayk Allaahumma bi ‘Umrah” 

After the reciting of the above words, the pilgrim should recite the Talbiyah.

Talbiyah:

            “Labbaika Allaahumma labbaik, labbayka laa shareeka laka labbaik. Inna al-hamd wa’l-ni’mata laka wa’l-mulk, laa shareeka lak” 

Muslim men should recite it loudly and Muslim women should not recite it loudly. 

Tawaf:

           Muslim starts his/her Tawaf with the touch of Black Stone (Hajr e Aswad). In simple words, the Muslim should touch it with his right hand and then kiss it. If Muslim can't kiss it directly, he/she can touch it with his/her hand then kiss his/her hand. if Pilgrim can't even touch the Hajre Aswad with his/her hand then pilgrim should face his/her hand in the direction of the Hajre Aswad and say “Allahu Akbar”.

Actually, Tawf consists of seven circles around the Kaaba in the direction of anti-clockwise. The action of touching the Black stone would be repeated at every circle. 

During the Tawaf; Ramal step is prescribed for men and it isn’t prescribed for women. 

Ramal: 

          During Tawaf, men should complete their first three rounds of Tawaf with fast speed and they should complete their reaming last 4 rounds with normal speed. 

After the performing of Tawaf: Muslim should perform two rakaat of nafals in front of Maqam e Ibrahim but it is not necessary for women because they can perform it in any corner of Msajid al Haram due to the rush of men. 

Sa’i:

       Allah says in the Holy Quran:

   “Verily, As-Safa and Al-Marwah (two mountains in Mecca) are of the Symbols of Allah” (Surah Baqarah: 158) 

 The Pilgrims run between two hills of Safa and Marawa which is located in Al-Haram mosque. They run seven times between two hills. Muslims women should complete this part of Umrah with normal speed. The running track is marked by green lights. 

Halq/Taqsir:

             This is a last ritual of Umrah after that pilgrim leaves the state of Ihram. Halq means shaving the head entirely and it is preferable to men whereas Taqsir means cutting the hair shortly as one inch and it is preferable to women. 

Hopefully; this article may be helped to perform Umrah.

Why Friday Prayer Is important?

Friday is a very important day of the week for Muslims and in Arabic language, Friday is called Yawm al-Jummah. The meaning of Friday word is the Day of Assembly. At the day of Friday, Muslims gather in the mosque to pray in congregation. It starts with a sermon. There are many causes which make this day important than the other six days of the week.

Allah SWT says in the Holy Quran:

“O ye who believe!

When the call is declared to prayer on Friday, hasten earnestly to the Remembrance of Allah (SWT), and leave off business (and traffic): That is best for you if ye but knew!

And when the Prayer is finished, then may ye disperse through the land, and seek of the Bounty of Allah: and celebrate the Praises of Allah (SWT) often (and without stint): that ye may prosper.”

Surah 62 (al-Jumma), verse: 9-10

This verse shows us how Friday prayer is necessary for Muslims.

When the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) offered the Friday prayer the first time:

Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) offered the first Friday prayer at the time of migration from Makkah to Madina. There is a mosque at that place which is called al-Jummah Mosque and it is located southwest of Madina, near Wadi Ranuna, 900 meters north of Quba Mosque (first mosque in Islam) and 6 km from Masjid Nabvi.

Nowadays Millions of Muslims visit this holy site during the Hajj and Umrah. These are both spiritual journeys for every Muslims. Hajj is an obligatory part of Islam and it is prescribed for all Muslims who have the capability to perform it physically and financially. Umrah is a Sunnah in Islam and it is not obligatory for Muslims. Most of Muslims do not perform Hajj due to its rituals and expenses but they can easily perform Umrah. Many companies are working in this regard so that every Muslim can complete his spiritual journey (Umrah) with full intentions. People need travel agencies for Umrah visas, flight tickets, hotels, and transportations. People can get all the facilities in the Best Umrah Packages 2024 All Inclusive.

How Muslims should arrange for Jummah Prayer?

Muslims should perform these steps before praying the Jummah.

1: Cut the nails & cut the hair from private parts.

2: Do miswaak.

3: Take a bath (Ghosal) in the term of purifying.

4: Wear clean clothes.

5: Comb the hairs.

6: Use any scent and perfume.

Friday Prayer:

This prayer consists of 2 rakats prayers just like Morning Prayer, offered immediately after the sermon. This prayer is a replacement of Zuhr prayer.

Importance of Friday prayer:

There are many hadiths for the importance of Friday prayer:

1: The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) stated:

“The Jummah (Friday prayer) is the pilgrimage (Hajj) of the poor.”

2- The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) stated:

“Whoever misses 3 Jummah (Friday prayers), being indifferent to them, Allah seal his heart.”

3- The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) stated:

“A worshipper who washes fully on Friday then comes to Jummah prayer in the early time then listens to the Imam’s speeches and doesn’t do anything wrong. Allah will grant this worshipper the reward of 1-year fasting and prayer.”

4- Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) stated:

“Any Muslims who dies during the day or night of Friday will be protected by Allah (SWT) from the trial of the grave.”

5- Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) stated:

“In the day of Friday, there exists an hour that if a worshipper asks from Allah (SWT), anything he wishes in this hour, Allah (SWT) will grant it and doesn’t reject it, as long as he or she didn’t wishing for bad. ”

6-Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) stated:

“Friday has 12 hours, one of which is an hour where dua (pray) are granted for Muslim believers. This hour is thought to be in the afternoon, after Asr Sallat (prayer). ”

Friday prayer is so important prayer in Islam, therefore, many Muslims want to perform Jummah prayer in al-Haram Mosque and al-Nabvi Mosque. It is very easy for the inhabitants of Saudi Arabia that they can perform their Friday prayer in these holy mosques but it is not easy for non-inhabitants of Saudi Arabia. They should not feel sad at this moment because they can easily perform Friday prayers in these sacred mosques during the Umrah trip. Travel agency makes the Umrah trip memorable by giving Cheapest Umrah Packages.

Umrah In Ramadan Is Equivalent To Hajj - Umrah In Ramadan

Umrah:

Umrah is a holy journey to the city of Makkah, The performer of Umrah is called pilgrim. It can be performed at any time of the year because it is not mandatory. Umrah means “to visit a populated place” and according to Muslims, Makkah is the holiest place in the world and Madina is a second holiest place in the world.

 Umrah consists of 4 steps in which Ihram, Tawaf, Sai, and halq or taqsir.

The importance of Umrah for us is that Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) performed four Umrah and one annual Hajj in His whole life.

Ramadan:

Ramadan is a 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It has different names in different languages such as Ramzan, Ramazan, Ramathan and, etc. it simply means Sawm (Arabic’s language). Sawm means fasting from dawn until dusk. In the fasting condition, Muslim keeps up oneself far from food, drinking, smoking and any sexual relations. Sawm is an obligatory part of Islam.

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of Islamic Pillars. In this month, Allah gives an opportunity to every Muslim is that one reward is equal to 70 rewards. It is a great month because Allah says, it is my month. Taraweeh is a part of Ramadan which is performed after the Isha’s prayer.

Umrah in Ramadan:

This Hadith in the book of Muslim and Al-Bukhari:

Hazrat Ibn Abbaas (RA) reported,

When the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) returned after performing Hajj. He (PBUH) asked Ummu Sinan Al-Ansariyyah, Why did you not perform Hajj? 

She (Ansari woman) replied, “The father of so-and-so (i.e., her husband) had two camels and he went on pilgrimage on one of them, and the 2nd is used for the irrigation of our land”.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said:

An Umrah in Ramadan is akin to Hajj with me (in terms of reward).

This Hadith in the Book of Abu Dawood:

Hazrat Umm Maqil (RA) reported,

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said to her,

Perform Umrah in Ramadan, as it is equal to Hajj.

According to these Hadiths, every Muslim of the world wants, to get this reward. Therefore, there is a great crowded in Ramadan. Advice for everyone here is that you want to perform your Umrah in the Month of Ramadan then you should search the best travel agencies who will arrange Best Ramadan Umrah Packages for you.

Saudi Arabia Gazette Report:

According to the Saudi Gazette report, approximately 82% of the Saudis (residents of Saudi Arabia) prefer to perform Umrah in Ramadan. (This survey report published by local daily Al-Madina)

Best Tips for Umrah In Ramadan:

There are some basic tips for Umrah In Ramadan.

Maintain communication with roommates by having mobile because it will help in the case if you separate during Tawaf and Sai.

You should take oneself some electronics (extra batteries), mini Quran, and portal prayer mat.

You should make a point to use a place (hotel), to meet up point.

There can be a great rush of pilgrims in the area of Tawaf Place after the Asar prayer. After Maghrib prayer this maybe not right for you. You feel at this time, some tiredness or hunger due to fast. The best time for you to perform Tawaf during the Ramadan is morning. It is also the best time for Sai.

Those who perform the Umrah in Ramadan, They are very fortunate people. They can perform Umrah in the upcoming Ramadan with Umrah travel packages for March. May Allah gives a great opportunity (Umrah in Ramadan) to all Muslims because there are great rewards in Makkah and Madina during the Ramadan.

6 Important Beliefs In Islam

Belief is a state or propensity for psyche in which trust or confidence is set in some individual or thing, in other words, something that is acknowledged, viewed as true, or held as an opinion something accepted.

1: Belief in Allah as the only one God

2:  Belief in angels

3:  Belief in the holy books

4:  Belief in the Prophets...

5:  Belief in the Day of Judgment...

6: Belief in Predestination

1: Belief In Allah As The Only One God

 

Muslims use the name of Allah for supreme and unique God, who created and rules everything in world and universe.

All Muslims in the world have believed that God has always existed and will always exist.

The heart of faith for all Muslims of the world is obedience to God (Allah) will.

Allah is eternal, endless and Supreme, God (Allah) has always existed and will always exist

                God (Allah) knows everything and do anything but God (Allah) has no shape. Nobody can hear to God (Allah) and nobody can see to him (Allah).God (Allah is neither male nor female.

                All Muslims of this world believe that God (Allah) is one and alone. God (Allah) has no children, no parents, and no partners

When a person (non-Muslim) enters in the religion of Muslims which name is Islam then he believed in that God (Allah) is only one Lord and accept him as a servant.

2. Belief In Angels

 

Muslims believe in angels which created by Allah. They are creatures which created by light but human beings by mud. They do not believe that Satan is an angle but they believe Satan is a jinn which is other creation of God (Allah)

Angels are obedience and they follow all orders of Allah. They don’t drink and eat. They (angels) only do worship of God. Angles have great powers which are given them by God (Allah). Angles do different tasks.

Some of these angles are responsible for taking the souls out of the bodies from human beings when their times of death come. Two angles are responsible for testing people in the grave which names area Munkar and Nakeer.

Some important angles names are Jibra’eel, Mika’eel, Israfeel, and Izra’eel (Israel). The task of The Jibra’eel controls the communication of divine revelation to the Prophets. The task of Mika’eel controls the provision and maintenance of life. The task of Israfeel is responsible for announcing the last day which we called a judgment day. The task of Izra’eel controls the phenomenon of death.

3. Belief In The Holy Books

Muslims believe in four holy books which names are Zabur, Torah, Injil (Bible) and last book Holy Quran.

These books are revealed by God (Allah) to 4 prophets. First book Zabur was revealed by Allah to Hazrat Dawud (David). Second book Torah was revealed by Allah to Hazrat Musa (Moses). Third book Bible (Injeel) was revealed by Allah to Hazrat Essa (Jesus). But last book the Holy Quran was revealed by Allah to Hazrat Muhammad SAW.

All Muslims believed that the Zabur, Torah, and bible (books) are changed by people but the Quran is not changed. Allah self-responsible for this and therefore nobody can change it.

The Holy Quran revealed in stages to the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) over Twenty three(23) years.

Total chapters in holy Quran are 114 and are written in the Arabic language.

4. Belief In The Prophets

 

Prophets are the chosen from human beings by selection of God (Allah). God (Allah) communicated to mankind by prophets. The purpose of prophets was to preach the people that God (Allah) is the one and you would worship of Allah. You should obey every order of God (Allah). In the Holy Quran, two Arabic words are used for the prophet: Rasool and Nabi.

Rasool and Nabi are two terms of the prophet.

According to the Holy Quran, all messengers are prophets and all prophets are messengers.

The first Prophet is Adam AS and the last Prophet is Hazrat Muhammad SAW.

The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) believes in what has been sent down to him (Hazrat Muhammad SAW) from his Lord (Allah), and (so do) the believers.  Each one believes in Allah (God), His Angels, His Books, and His prophets. 

God (Allah) sent our prophets to every nation and they preached the people, worship God (Allah)

Allah says and indeed we have sent prophets before you (Peace Be Upon Him), of some of them we have related to you (Peace Be Upon Him) and of some, we have not related to you (Peace Be Upon Him) their story.

5. Belief In Judgment Day

 

When everything of this universe will be demolished then judgment day will come. Most of All religions of the world believe in it. Muslims believe in Day of Judgment when God (Allah) will decide who will go into heaven and hell.

According to Islam, the end of the day will come and this is the last day of this world. In this day all things will appear as daylight which was hidden and unseen from view.  On this judgment day, men will be rewarded for their good deeds and will be doomed for their bad deeds.

Belief in the last Day (judgment day) is one of the articles of faith, and faith will not be valid unless one believes in the Last Day (judgment day), as the Holy Quran states, “Truly pious are those who believe in Allah (God) and the Last Day (Judgment day).” (Sura Al-Baqarah, 2:177)

Islam teaches us to save our self from the fire of hell and prepare our self for Heaven.

” And it is Allah who originates creation (Human beings, angels, jins e.g.), then brings it back again, and it is easier for Him (Allah)” (Soora Ar-Room, 30:27

Belief in Last day prompts people to do religious deeds, fear God (Allah) and stay away from bad deeds.

6. Belief In Predestination

Muslims believe in this, that Allah is only one who has destined that is happening in our universe. Allah knows everything that will happen on earth and in heaven. All Muslims believe in two types of predestination, in which good and bad predestination. They believe also in this, all good or bad, all moments of happiness or sorrow and pain or pleasure in their lives, come from God (Allah).

God (Allah) is so wise and loving. He does not want to pain him rather he checks us that how much we believe on him. It is in our hand what we choose in right and wrong path.

Labbaik Hajj Umrah is one of the best travel agency in the UK which provides information to people in different aspects of Islam. Besides this, Labbaik Hajj Umrah helps people in planning their Holy journey by providing Hajj and Umrah Package All-Inclusive at very reasonable and fair rates.

Virtues And Blessings Of Ramadan

Allah Almighty has dependably demonstrated his generosity, love and leniency toward his creation yet there are some extraordinary months, days and times which have more significance. Ramadan is additionally one of those special months in which Allah showers his countless endowments. It is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar in which many Muslims perform Umrah by selecting Suitable Ramadan Umrah Package and this month is additionally the month when the Holy Quran was sent down from paradise to guide the Muslims. It is expressed in the Quran that:

'Ramadan is the month in which Quran was sent down the as a guide for humanity, likewise Clear Signs for direction and judgment among good and bad."

The gifts of Ramadan are not confined to fasting just, in light of the fact that the execution of a wide range of good deeds and love amid this month is likewise a wellspring of incredible Divine support. The revelation of the Holy Quran began amid this month and it is henceforth the obligation of each Muslim to peruse and attempt to learn and comprehend the significance of the Holy Quran and by that pick up a mindfulness and knowledge into the Divine privileged insights hold as sacred in that. It conveys light to the mind, peace and gives purity to the spirit. This period of Ramadan is extremely exceptional for Muslims over the world particularly in this time where we are frequently battling in light of keeping the Remembrance of Allah because of complexities of current life.

 

Ramadan in the light of Hadith:

Abu Hurairah (RA) announced that Allah's Messenger (PBUH) stated:

'At the point when there comes the period of Ramadan, the entryways of kindness are opened, and the doors of Hell are clossed and the devils are tied.'

In Ramadan the Ummah of Holy Prophet (PBUH) is welcome to get the benefits from Allah Almighty. Each breath taken has the reward of good deeds and Tasbeeh are compensated in awesome sum. A man who does not get the leniency and benevolence of Allah is most unlucky.The Holy Prophet (SAW) stated:

'O People! The month of Allah (SWT) has come with His kindnesses and endowments. This is the month that is the best of all months according to Allah (SWT). Its days are the best of days, its evenings are the best of evenings, its hours are the best of hours'.

Allah's has expressed:

"Fasting is a shield (or a screen or a shelter). In this way, the individual watching fasting ought to stay away from sexual connection with his wife and ought not carry on stupidly and impudently, and in the event that someone fights with him or abuse him, he should reveal to him twice, 'I am fasting."

The Prophet (PBUH) added:

"By Him in Whose Hands my spirit is, the smell turning out from the mouth of a fasting individual is better in sight of Allah than the smell of musk."

Allah says in regards to the individual who is fasting:

"He has left his food, drink and wants for my purpose. The fast is for Me. So I will reward (the fasting individual) for it and the reward of good deeds is duplicated ten time."

The favored month of Ramadan gives an extraordinary helpful time and open door for Tahajjud prayer, especially when the season of initiating the fast is positive. Allah Almighty gives awesome reward to all our great demonstrations of worship amid this Holy month. Therefore, we ought to do special efforts to pray and keep it up for whatever is left of the year to raise our level of spirituality.

Labbaik Hajj Umrah is approved UK firm which has a great scope of Umrah and Non-Shifting Hajj Packages. Labbaik Hajj Umrah writes about updates regarding Islam and provides people help in every matter of life.

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