Millions of Muslims go annually to the holy cities of Makkah and Medina to carry out the rituals of the Hajj and Umrah. Islamic travel umrah packages 2023 birmingham and a wide variety of affordable hajj plans have made this pilgrimage more accessible and affordable for Muslims. The Hajj is the last and most important of the five pillars of Islam, the fundamental beliefs and practices that every practicing Muslim should uphold. This journey is an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience for the vast majority of individuals.
1. Research
Learn about the fascinating history behind each stop along the way and the sacred locations you'll see before setting off on this incredible adventure.
2. Arrange for time off
If you require between three weeks and a month off from work or other commitments to conduct Hajj, you should talk to your boss about making that happen.
3. Plan the finances and start the preparations
Finally, recognize that Hajj is an investment and begin saving. You should look for a good travel agency to help you save money.
It is recommended to book a Hajj package via a travel agency that provides a variety of Hajj "packages" and may assist with other Hajj-related matters (i.e., immigration, leading a group through the Hajj, etc.).
4. Initiate inquiries into applicable regulations
To be able to do Hajj, you will require various official papers.
A visa is required for entry into Saudi Arabia. Learn important details like how long before the application deadline you need to apply, what paperwork is required, etc. Verify that your passport has not yet expired. Don't leave the country without completing this and other necessary documents to prove your legal status there.
Get the ball rolling immediately by contacting the Saudi Arabian embassy in your area to find out what is needed and to gather the required documents. If you like, you may consult a travel agency (some who offer Hajj packages also help arrange immigration matters for those customers taking their Hajj package). You should choose a Hajj or Ramadan Umrah Packages 2023 that fits your needs.
5. Start studying any Hajj Guide
Several publications provide detailed instructions for doing the Hajj. Among them is Sarwar Alam Raz's A Handbook of Umra & Hajj.
Be familiar with the Hajj rites, when they are performed, what should be avoided, what should be done, and the reasons for each ritual.
6. Maintain your physical fitness
Hajj is a rigorous test of one's physical and mental fortitude, one of the five pillars of Islam. Some of the rites of Hajj include walking from Safa to Marwa when it is quite hot and jogging between the two places.
If you want to be in good physical shape for Hajj, Allah willing, you should start now by controlling what you eat and walking 30 minutes a day or engaging in any other form of Islamically allowed exercise you love.
7. Reach out to previous Hajj pilgrims and schedule a meeting
Set up a scheduled meeting with someone who has completed Hajj via phone or in person. Ask them to bring their Ihram and any other items they used during Hajj if you intend on seeing them in person.
Take advantage of this opportunity to pick their brains for useful information and insights you won't find in any guidebook.
