You have longed for this moment all your life. You are finally about to witness the glorious Kabah. Do you feel awe-struck? Does it feel like you have not prepared enough for the journey? You are not alone as most of us feel the same way. We present you with a comprehensive guide on how to prepare for Umrah. Read more to understand how to get Allah’s blessings and reward by accomplishing this holy trip.

Prep yourself Spiritually

The Umrah preparation checklist begins with spiritual groundwork. Umrah is a great opportunity to purify your soul. When you book your Umrah trip or make an intention to do so, increase your prayer and worship to build a stronger connection with the Almighty. Read the Holy Quran more often. Perform virtuous acts like charity, voluntary fasting, and nafil prayers like Tahajjud. By engaging in such activities, you get closer to Allah. Moreover, Allah sees how dedicated you are to earning his pleasure.

Attain Physical and Mental Strenght

Umrah is a physically exerting worship. You travel to another country, face harsh weather, and perform strenuous rituals like Tawaf and Sayi. Therefore, it is important to build your stamina before you embark on the journey. Regular walk and exercise shall help with that. Also, take care of your diet so that you are physically fit and active. Before setting out for Umrah, get a medical checkup done to ensure your fitness. In case of some ailment, keep the medicines with you. Check the guidelines and get all the necessary vaccinations done.

Many people feel overwhelmed at the sight of massive crowds performing Umrah. Similarly, in places like Maqam-e-Ibrahim and Hatim, people rush to find a spot to perform prayer. Therefore, be prepared to expect such crowds and try to stay composed no matter what. Try to plan Tawaf or worship at a time when the Kabah might be less crowded for example in the last hour of night or Fajar.

Essential Items for Umrah Travel

The essential items for Umrah travel go a long way. Here are some of the most important ones.

Documents

Put all your important documents such as visa, passport, health insurance papers, and any other identification document in a safe place such as a waist pouch. Also, keep a notebook with you in which you can jot down prayers that people have requested you for. You can also get a print of essential prayers and supplications for Umrah and perform Allah’s dhikr whenever possible.

Accessories

This includes things like sunglasses, comfortable footwear, socks, sunblock, an umbrella, and others.

Comfortable Clothes

Keep weather-friendly clothes as temperatures are soaring high in Makkah and Madinah. However, if you are traveling in December-February, you can expect chilly weather, especially at night. So pack your clothes accordingly.

Ihram

Ihram is the plain white cloth pilgrims must wear before going to Umrah. It is the most important part of Umrah preparation.

Toiletries

Toiletries like facewash, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and towel are a must. Fragrance-free soap and shampoo and miswak are also important toiletries.

Mobile Charger and Other Essentials

Keep a mobile charger, adapter, and plug with you. A power bank is a very useful gadget on trips to ensure you do not run out of battery.

Prayer Essentials

A prayer mat, a small Quran, tasbeeh, and a booklet of duas and supplications are among the essential items for Umrah travel.

Medicines and First Aid Kit

Over-the-counter medicines such as painkillers, antacids, anti-allergy, analgesic,s and others are quite handy when traveling for Umrah. If you are a diabetic or hypertensive patient, keep the relevant medicines too.

Dry Food Items

When you are traveling for Umrah, you must keep dry food items like biscuits, crisps, nuts, granola bars, and others. An electric cooking kettle is also a useful thing to keep as you can boil eggs, and prepare tea, and instant noodles in it.

Plan for Financial Needs Meticulously

This is one of the most important aspects of preparation for Umrah. Allocate funds for various purposes like food, travel, inter-city transfers, visits to religious sites, shopping, etc. Make sure you keep sufficient currency notes and coins.

Final Words

Umrah is about submitting yourself to Allah. Therefore, you need to prepare for Umrah with complete dedication and attention. It is the most fulfilling and satisfying experience of your life. Therefore, make it as rewarding and blissful as possible by preparing well.