The most holy city in the Islamic religion is Makkah which hosts the Islamic world in the Masjid al- Haram and the Kaaba, the heart of the Islamic world. Every year, millions of Muslims in the world undertake a pilgrimage to Umrah found at Makkah and the pilgrimage is significant to them spiritually. Unlike Hajj that does not have specific dates, Umrah can be carried out any time throughout the year. The list of items that you will do in Makkah are uncountable and there is a maximum possibility that you will be happy to make this holy trip unless otherwise, there are so many things that you could do in Makkah which will make this trip more exciting. This Hajar Travels guide will ease your Umrah journey in a spirit enriching and memorable manner as this will hold the most significant and fulfilling events that would make your journey memorable and moreover it should be a spirit enriching experience.
Performing Tawaf around the Kaaba
The most significant procedure during Umrah is tawaf and this procedure is performed by performing an anti-clockwise seven rounds around the Kaaba. It is a metaphorical way of serving Allah and the first compulsory duty in the Masjid al -Haram. The sense of belonging to the rest of the millions of Muslims will be quite high when a person visits the Kaaba. Spiritual implication of Tawaf is also quite significant, as Tawaf is one of the forms of worship that makes a worshiper get closer to Allah. Individual supplication and prayers are also among the activities several pilgrims engage themselves with during this ritual.
Experience a life changing tour to the centre of Islam through our unique Umrah Packages. The Kaaba with its classic Kiswah black clothes serve as a symbol of unity to the Muslim community all around the world. You are going to perform Tawaf during your stay in Umrah and it is an amazing experience how all these people can be united and flowing together under the same feelings of worshipping. At Hajar Travel, our services will give you professional assistance to ensure that you undertake a correct Tawaf so that your pilgrimage will boost your spirit and keep you safe. Let us turn your Umrah into the trip of a lifetime.
Visiting the Masjid al-Haram
Not only is Masjid al-Haram a mosque; it is the biggest and the holiest mosque in the world. It contains the Kaaba and the surroundings of the satellite are among the most sacred places on earth. The pilgrims/worshipers who undertake Umrah spend a lot of time in the mosque, where they perform other worship practices like prayer (Salah) and Dhikr (remembrance of Allah). The sound in the Masjid is spiritually inspirational as millions of Muslims converge on all parts of the world.
In addition to obvious worship through praying, the Masjid al-Haram provides an opportunity to meditate and feel very close to your religion. When you visit, you have a chance to see the huge courtyards and have your personal time of prayers. Hajar Travels will make sure that you visit the Masjid Al-Haram in comfort as well as in a satisfactory way as you will be advised about the best time to pray in addition to the sacred sites to visit.
Drinking Zamzam Water
The other important experience that has to be had by a pilgrim when he comes to the Makkah on the Umrah is the Zamzam water coming out in a well which is a part of the Masjid al-Haram. It is believed that this is a miracle water that was found by Allah and was presented to the mother of Prophet Ismail (Hagar) when she was in a desperate search for water in the desert. The Muslims believe that the use of Zamzam water to them is a blessing that cleans them spiritually.
And when you are visiting the Makkah, it is highly recommended that you drink the water of Zamzam after you have achieved Tawaf. Pilgrims also come along with small bottles of Zamzam water which they give to their relatives and friends back at home as a reminder of their pilgrimage. There is also a spiritual significance of this water which is instilled in the Muslim culture and one is reminded of the mercy and blessings of Allah in this water. Hajar Travels will help you to bring Zamzam water throughout your entire trip.
Praying in the Station of Ibrahim (Maqam Ibrahim)
The Maqam Ibrahim (the stone with the print on which Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) left a footprint is located close to the Kaaba, kept in the little glass building. It is this spot that Prophet Ibrahim is supposed to have stood during the building of the Kaaba. As part of your Umrah, you will be allowed to pray two Rakats (units of prayer) behind the Maqam Ibrahim and this is also a kind of Sunnah (tradition of the Prophet Muhammad) which you should fully follow.
Praying in this place is very important, it means contact that occurs with Prophet Ibrahim who is among the greatest prophets in Islam. Praying at Maqam Ibrahim is a moving religious experience that contributes more to your being aware of Islamic history. Hajar Travels fixes numerous times to visit and pray at Maqam Ibrahim when doing Umrah.
Visiting Mount Arafat and Mina
Even though visitation of mount Arafat and Mina constitutes part of pilgrimage; there is special number of pilgrims who conduct pilgrimage of Umrah who choose to visit the holy site of mount Arafat and Mina during their pilgrimage to Makkah. Prophet Muhammad is the one attributed with his Farewell Sermon in Mount Arafat. It is considered as the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage and very sacred in nature.
Besides their visit to Mount Arafat, pilgrims can opt to visit Mina where symbolic stoning of the devil takes place during the annual Hajj. During these visits, there is more attachment to the history and importance of sacred rituals of Islam. Guided tours to these places can be organized by Hajar Travels so that pilgrims could develop better understanding of its significance and join moments of reflection.
Shopping in the Markets of Makkah
You can spend time exploring the local markets, shopping and getting some souvenirs though the main aim of your trip to Makkah would be spiritual. Islamic items which include prayer rugs, Islamic books, perfumes and gracefully made souvenirs are available in the markets of Makkah. These are the objects which can remind you about your spiritual path and can be perfect gifts either to your family members or your friends.
There also exist modern shopping malls and shops in Makkah, where one can get everything ranging from clothes to luxury items. Either you are interested in exclusive gifts or simply in the lively atmosphere, the markets of Makkah represent a very good chance to buy the things that will remind you of the trip to the holy city. Hajar Travels will even guide on which shops to visit depending on your need to visit the place and be sure that you get the best of services from Hajar Travels.
Visiting the Cave of Hira
The Cave of Hira, situated on the Mountain of Light (Jabal al-Noor) is one of the places of great significance to Muslims because it was here that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was visited first by the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) to receive the first revelation of Allah. This cave is usually visited by the pilgrims who want to contemplate the deep experience where the Islamic religion began.
The climb to the Cave of Hira is not easy even though it has more than 1,000 steps to ascend; this is however justified by the reward at the end of it all. Being on the border of the cave, pilgrims ponder over Islam past and the sacrifices of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Anybody who wants to do Cave of hira pilgrimage can be facilitated by Hajar Travels so that you have professional guides that can take you there without necessarily endangering your life.
Offering Prayer at the Mosque of Taneem
TANEEM is another familiar pilgrims station which is MOUTJ OF. This mosque is located approximately 5 kilometers away in the direction of the Masjid al-Haram and it forms the official place where the majority of the pilgrims put into practice diverse procedures of clothing to get to a level of being in the state of Ihram (ritual purity) before performing Umrah. It is normal that the pilgrims come to the mosque so that they are able to pray and make supplications to ensure that they are ready in spirit to make the pilgrimage.
People who are going to do Umrah more than once in their visit to Makkah should enter the Ihram at the Mosque of Taneem each time they wish to do another Umrah. Hajar Travels promises to guide people during tours to the Mosque of Taneem and guarantees that you receive as far guidance as possible on your spiritual trip.
Enjoying the Spiritual Atmosphere of Makkah
Another truly inimitable aspect during Umrah is the spiritual ambience of the city of Makkah. Sitting in the courtyard of the Masjid al-Haram, walking through the busy streets or sitting peacefully in one of the numerous quiet corners of the city, Makkah offers the feeling of peace and communication with Allah.
The city houses are full of holy places and a lively population of Muslims, which offers you a homely and soulful experience so that you can feel associated with your religion. Making a visit to a peaceful city such as Makkah gives you time to pray, meditate and be reacquainted with your spiritual commitment.
Conclusion
Making Umrah is a religious journey that makes Muslims closer to their religions. There are countless places of worship and significant traditions in the city of Makkah that enable you to experience your religious roots and enhance devotion. You can carry out Tawaf around the Kaabah, visit the Cave of Hira, and so on; the number of things you can do in Makkah during Umrah is endless, and the memories will be memorable.
Every visitor makes this journey called pilgrimage, a holy journey to God and we aim at providing you with a hassle-free and spiritually fulfilling experience at Hajar Travels. We know how to make that happen, whether that be through the provision of expert advice, through the organization of tours or in the provision of recommendations on the best time that you should visit sacred sites. We are here to make your stay in Makkah really life changing.
