The holy month of Ramzan or Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is an opportunity to purify their mind, body and soul by a month long fast and prayers to Allah.Dedicate themselves to self-sacrifice like observing abstinence from drinks, foods and physical needs. We ask Allah for forgiveness for what we did wrong.
May Allah’s blessings shine upon us and our loved ones in this month and every other month. Ramadan Kareem!
May we always be blessed with the love and protection of Allah. Wish you all a Happy Ramadan.
May we always be in Allah’s loving hands. Ramadan Mubarak.
Wishing that Allah always blesses our family with smiles, happiness and togetherness, Ramadan Mubarak.
Ramadan Mubarak 2020
May the Allah shower his blessings on us during this Ramadan and always.
Ramadan Kareem! May Allah give us all the prosperity and success. May Allah bless us with wealth and happiness and gives us a healthy life.
Wishing you a happy Ramadan. May God bless your path with knowledge and light that will help to enlighten your heart!
May Allah ease our hardships and shower us with loads of peace and prosperity during this holy month of Ramadan. Have a blessed time!
Ramadan Mubarak 2020:
Dear Friend, Ramadan Mubarak. I wish you all happiness and prosperity. May all our prayers be answered soon.
Appreciate the blessings of Allah in every sphere of our life as you fast and exercise self-discipline during this holy month of Ramadan! Best wishes to you and your family!
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. Muslims perform Hajj in the month of zil-hajj at the holy city of Makkah. It is mandatory for all Muslims once in their life time, who are financially stable and physically fit. On contrary Performing Umrah is not mandatory it is Sunnah. Muslims can perform umrah in any month of the Islamic year execpt days of Hajj.
Rituals of Umrah:
The basic rites of umrah are putting Ihram, after taking bath. After entering the great mosque pilgrim recite Talbiyaah (“Labbayk, Allahumma Labbayk. Labbayk. La shareeka laka. Labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-n’imata laka wal-mulk. La shareeka lak.“) till starting the Tawaf. Tawaf must be start after kissing the Black stone or if one cannot kiss so just raise his/her hands toward black stone and kiss them. Circumambulate Kabaah seven times for Tawaf. After Tawaf offer Two Rakat Prayers near the Station of Ibrahim (A.S). Pilgrim will quench their thirst with ZamZam and then go for Sa’ee on Safa and Marwa. Sa’ee is going back and forth for seven times between the two mountains. It starts from Mount Safa and ends on Mount Marwah. When the pilgrims done with sa’ee they shave their head or trim their hairs and put off their Ihram because they are done with their Umrah.
Forms of Hajj:
The three forms of Hajj are Tamattu’, Ifraad and Qiran.
Tamattu’: In this form of Hajj, pilgrim wears Ihram only for Umrah in the month of Hajj. It means on the arrival of pilgrim in Makkah, he/she perform Tawaf and Sa’ee for Umrah. After Sa’ee the pilgrim cut their nails, trims their hairs or shaves their head and put off the Ihram. On the eight day of Zil-Hajj (The day of Tarwiya), pilgrim put their Ihram only for Hajj and perform their Hajj.
Ifraad: Ifraad is another form of Hajj in which the pilgrim wears Ihram only for Hajj. When pilgrims arrive in Makkah they perform tawaf and sa’ee for Hajj. Pilgrims does not shave or trim their hairs because they are still in the state of Ihram. They remain in the state of Ihram until they stone Jamrah on Eid day.
Qiran: It means that the pilgrim wears Ihram for Hajj and Umrah both. Obligations for Qiran are same as performing Ifraad. Expect slaughter is mandatory for the pilgrims who perform Qiran but one who performs Ifraad is exempted from this.
On the day of Tarwiyah Mutamatti’ wears their Ihram for Hajj. All the pilgrims, who wear Ihram for qiran, ifraad and Tamattu’ leave for Mina to perform the prayer of Duhar. Pilgrim spends their night in Mina and leave Mina after they perform their Fajar Prayer.
The Day of Arafaat (9th Zil-Hajj):
Pilgrims go to Mosque Nimrah where they attend the sermon of Hajj. They offer the join prayer of Duhar and Asar at the time of Duhar. After prayer pilgrim proceed towards Jabal-e-Rehmat at Arafaat and remain their till sunset. Pilgrims leave Arafaat after sunset and move toward Muzdalifa. In Muzdalifa, pilgrims offer the prayer of Magrib and Isha at the time of Isha. They stay in Muzdalifa until they perform the prayers of Fajar.
Youm An-Nahr (10th Zil-Hajj):
On 10th Zil-Hajj pilgrims offer the prayer of Fajar in Muzdalifah and stop their till the day considerably lighten. Before the sunrise they again proceed to Mina to Stone Jamrat Al-Aqaba with seven pebbles. After that pilgrims slaughter animals, shave or trim their hairs and make At-tahallul Al-asghar (partial release from Ihram). Pilgrims come back to Makkah to perform Tawaf Al-Ifada. Those who wear ihram for Tamattu’ have to perform Sa’ee as well and the other two forms (Ifraad and Qiran) are exempted from this obligation. After Tawaf pilgrim accomplished At-Tahallul Al-Akbar (Full release from Ihram). Pilgrims return to Mina and spend their night in Mina.
The days of Tashriq (11th 12th and 13th Zil-Hajj):
First day of Tashriq spent in Mina by pilgrims till midday. Later on that day the pilgrim go and stone all three stoning sites with seven bean size stones. Pilgrims spend their 2nd and 3rd day of Tashriq in the same manner. After stoning come back to Makkah and stay there. But when you intended to go your home do Tawaf-e-Wida and offer Two Rakat prayer. Remember that Tawaq-e-Wida is mandatory to complete your Hajj.
May ALLAH grant us the chance to visit His Holy House, Aameen. Musafir Services is offering best Hajj and Umrah Packages 2020 from Hyderabad India. Therefore if you are planning to perform Hajj or Umrah this Islamic year so give us a chance to make your Holy journey hassle free.
MAKKAH – Daily obligatory Five prayers,Taraweeh Special prayers,Iftar Meal & Itikaf (the ritual of staying in a mosque solely for the purpose of worship and meditation) at the Grand Mosque in Makkah & the Prophet’s Mosque In Madinah during the upcoming month of Ramadan has been suspended.
Coronavirus precautionary measure
This was announced by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques on its Twitter account on Monday. it said, has come as part of precautionary measures to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19).
Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the presidency, also confirmed the suspension of the daily five obligatory prayers, taraweeh special prayers, and iftar meal during the holy fasting month to safeguard the health of worshipers and visitors.
Only presidency officials & sterilization workers will pray at Holy mosques during the blessed month
He said that the five daily prayers and taraweeh prayers at the Two Holy Mosques will be performed only by the presidency officials and sterilization workers during the blessed month.
Saudi Gazette reported that Taraweeh prayers will be shortened to 10 rakats, Sheikh Al-Sudais said adding that the qunut prayer will be brief and focused on praying to God to end the epidemic.
Islam’s oldest and mostly visited Holy site, Makkah & Madina located in Saudi Arabia, is an important location for Muslims all around the world.
This is where the Holy book of Islam The Quran is revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).
ABOUT UMRAH
The Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca performed by Many Muslims that can be undertaken at any time of the year in between Muharram to Ramzan, in contrast to the Ḥajj, which has specific dates in the Islamic lunar calendar; in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah. In Arabic, Umrah means “to visit a populated place” In the Sharia, Umrah means to perform Tawaf around the Ka‘bah and Sa’i between Safa and Marwah. This both should only be done after assuming Ihram (a sacred state). Ihram must be observed once traveling by the land and passing through a Miqat like Zu ‘l-Hulafa, Juhfa, Qarnu ‘l-Manāzil, Yalamlam, Zāt-i-‘Irq, Ibrahīm Mursīa, or a place in al-Hill.
Different conditions exist for air travelers, who must observe Ihram once entering a specific hodood of the city of Mecca. It is sometimes called the ‘minor pilgrimage’ or ‘lesser pilgrimage’. The Umrah is not compulsory but highly recommended.
Differences between the Hajj and Umrah
Both are the Islamic pilgrimages, the main difference is their level of importance and the method of observance.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is obligatory for every Muslim once in their lifetime, provided they are physically fit and financially capable.
Hajj is performed over specific days during a designated Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. However, Umrah can be performed at any time.
Although both share common rituals, Umrah can be performed in less than a few hours where for Hajj more time required with additional rituals.
What is Ihram!
The literal meaning of Ihram is to make haraam (forbidden). When a haji pronounces the Niyyah (intention) of Umrah and utters Talbiyah, certain halaal (permissible) things become haraam for him.
This combined action (Niyyah and Talbiyah) is called Ihram. The two pieces of cloths that a haji wears are figuratively known as Ihram. But the real Ihram is Niyyah and Talbiyah. If a believer wears these two pieces of cloths and do not declare his intention and utter Talbiyah then he/she does not become a Muhrim.
Coronavirus Out break : Saudi Arabia bans all Umrah pilgrimage Travelling to Makkah & Madina.
As Saudi Arabia issues a temporary ban on Umrah pilgrimages to the holy cities of Makkah and Madina for Saudi citizens and the kingdom’s residents due to concerns over coronavirus, Middle East Eye explains what the lesser known pilgrimage is all about.
What is Umrah?
Umrah is the name given to a pilgrimage Makkah, a shorter version of annual Hajj gathering. The word “Umrah” in Arabic means “visiting a populated place”.
Umrah offers an opportunity for Muslims to refresh their faith, seek forgiveness & pray for their needs. One who performs it is said to be cleansed of their all sins.
What are the main differences between Umrah and Hajj?
Umrah is voluntary but Hajj is compulsory for those who are physically well and financially can afford it.
Hajj is one of Islam’s five pillars, and Muslims who are able to, must perform it at least once in their lifetime.
Millions of Muslims travel to Islam’s holiest site, Makkah’s Masjid al-Haraam, to perform Umrah.
Umrah can be performed throughout the year, but Hajj is performed only at a specific time,The last month in the Islamic lunar calendar between the 8th and the 13th of Dhul Hijah.
Umrah is almost a spiritual “quick-fix” and can be completed in under two hours, depending on how busy it is. Hajj is a more intense experience over several days.
Hajj is one of the largest annual gatherings of people in the world, with more than two million pilgrims visited each year from around 188 countries. Umrah, which is known as the “smaller” pilgrimage, might be performed by several million pilgrims each year, most probably due to it being cheaper and quicker to complete.
The focal point for both pilgrimages is the Kaaba, the black boxed structure located in Makkah’s large mosque complex known as Masjid al-Haraam. It is also in the direction of the Kaaba that Muslims face when offering their five times daily prayers, wherever they are in the world.
Both Umrah and Hajj share the same set of core devotional acts, although there is a more extensive set of rituals expected during Hajj.
How can pilgrims travel to Umrah?
Worshipers from outside Saudi Arabia usually travel in by Plane and need to apply for a special Umrah visa that is valid for a month. They must also have a meningitis vaccination, along with the right paperwork to prove it.
Travellers from neighbouring countries may cross borders by Bus/car, but will also need a visa.
For Saudis and those already living and working within the country, no special documentation is needed.
Muslims of any age can perform Umrah and Hajj, and there are no restrictions on how many times someone can make the journey in their lifetime.
But women under the age of 45 must be accompanied by a mahram, a male family member or relative,Mahram Should be above the age of 20. Women over 45 Years are permitted to travel with tour groups, without the need of a mahram.
Surrounding the Masjid al-Haraam complex are a range of hotels – from budget-friendly to seven-star establishments.
For those staying further away, most hotels offer a free shuttle bus service to the holy site, anticipating the arrival of pilgrims.
Pilgrims complete the tawaaf, circulation around the Kaaba, while making supplications to God
When can pilgrims go on Umrah?
It can be performed at any time of the year, apart from the days when Hajj takes place.
Most pilgrims go during the holy month of Ramadan, or in the two Islamic lunar months leading up to it, Rajab and Sha’ban, which are also considered to be sacred.
Muslims believe that there is increased mercy and acceptance of prayers during these holy months, when there is also a greater reward for acts of worship.
Are there any rules during Umrah?
A pilgrim has to be in a state of Ihraam, which derives from the Arabic word harama, which means forbidden.
The naming reflects the belief that pilgrims, during Umrah (and Hajj) need to enter a spiritual state of almost human perfection. There can be no quarrelling, cursing or bad language. No animal can be harmed – even the killing of an insect will break the state of Ihraam and nullify Umrah.
Pilgrims cannot cut, shave or pluck any hair, cut their nails, wear make-up or perfume or use any additional products. To do any of these would invalidate Ihraam according to Islamic jurisprudence.
The next step is to recite their intention to go on Umrah aloud. This is usually done when an individual reaches the Meeqat (entry points to Makkah marking the start of observing the Ihraam). The pilgrims then offer a prayer and must stick to the rules above until they complete their pilgrimage.
What do people wear during Umrah?
Ihraam also dictates what pilgrims wear. It symbolises the equality of all of mankind before God. It signifies that no gender, nationality, or status can make one person superior to another.
For men, it is two sheets of unstitched white cloth, one covering the lower half of the body tied around the waist, and the other is draped around the upper half of the body and shoulders. No undergarments or additional clothing are worn with the Ihraam.
For footwear, men wear Slippers and must keep their head uncovered.
Women can wear any long, loose-fitting garment that is simply designed. Many opt for a plain black abaya – a long-sleeved loose dress that covers the entire body – and a simple hijab, or head covering. The face cannot be covered.
Muslim worshippers dressed in their Ihraam. Men cover their bodies with two pieces of white unstitched cloth; women can wear a loose abaya
How do you perform Umrah?
(i) Recite your intentions: While walking towards the Kaaba, pilgrims follow the practice of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad, and recite the Talbiya, announcing their arrival and stating the oneness of God.
Labbayka llāhumma labbayk, labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk, inna l-ḥamda wa n-ni’mata, laka wa l-mulk, lā sharīka lak.
(Translation: At Your service, Allah, at Your service. At Your service, You have no partner, at Your service. Truly all praise, favour and sovereignty is Yours. You have no partner.)
Upon entering Masjid al-Haraam, the mosque-complex housing the Kaaba, pilgrims enter with their right foot and make a supplication, asking God for his mercy and forgiveness.
(ii) Undertake tawaaf: The pilgrims circle the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction in deep prayer. It starts at the Kaaba’s eastern point where the Black Stone is located, which is said to date back to the time of Adam and Eve, and is highly revered by Muslims.
Tawaf can take 20 minutes when the mosque is not busy, but much longer when it is, and pilgrims may have to circulate around the upper balcony floors of the Haraam also.
The purpose is to show devotion to God and demonstrate the unity between worshipers.
(iii) Pray: Pilgrims pray and recite verses from the Quran at the Maqam Ibrahim – The Place of Abraham – a few metres away from the Kaaba. They then go to a water-point to drink zamzam, considered to be holy water.
Pilgrims walk between Mount Safa and Mount Marwa, dressed in their simple Ihraam clothing
(iv) Sa’ii:
Just a few minutes walk away from the Kaaba are Mount Safa and Mount Marwa, where Muslims recite prayers walking back and forth between the two mountains, seven times. The total distance covered is two miles and the time it takes to complete depends on the pilgrim’s ability and fitness.
The act of sa’ii honours the Quranic story of Haajara, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim Peace be upon him) (or Abraham from the Bible), who is said to have wandered tirelessly between the mountains of Safa and Marwa in search of water for her infant son Prophet Ismail Peace be upon him) (Ishmael), in a barren desert.
As Hajjara ran between mountain tops, Muslims believe, the Angel Gabriel struck the ground and holy water came gushing out, saving the baby’s life. Pilgrims still drink from this same water well today.
Following the completion of sa’ii, pilgrims then offer a final prayer.
Zamzam water can be found throughout the Masjid al-Haraam, allowing pilgrims to quench their thirst and use it to make supplications to God
(v) Taqsir: Many male pilgrims then undergo taqsir, which is known as the shortening of hair, in one of the many barber shops surround the area of Masjid al-Haraam.
Shaving the head is regarded as symbolising rebirth and the completion of [ending] their pilgrimage. Female pilgrims cut a small amount of their hair, equal to the length of a fingertip.
This last point marks the end of the Umrah & Pilgrims are no longer required to adhere to regulations of Ihram.
Male pilgrims have their head shaved upon the completion of Umrah
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UMRAH PACKAGES CANCELLED ?
If your Umrah Packages was cancelled due to COVID-19 for the period 27 February – 29 March 2020, you don’t need to take any action. Your Package will be voided automatic, Packages will be available for one year for use in the same Economy/Delux with no fare difference.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT WAS CANCELED. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If your flight was cancelled due to COVID-19 for the period 27 February – 29 March 2020, you don’t need to take any action. Your ticket will be available for one year for use in the same cabin/class with no fare difference, even if used in a peak period.
DOMESTIC FLIGHT TICKET, WHAT OPTIONS DO I HAVE?
If your flight departure date is between 4 March and 15 April 2020 and you purchased your ticket from / before 4 March 2020 you will be entitled to one of the following options:
Cancel your reservation and use your ticket at a later time without fees,
Or waiver from rebooking fees for one time.
In addition, this waiver applies to all types vouchers for additional baggage, prepaid seats, promo upgrades, and onboard wifi.
If your flight departure date is before March 4, 2020 or after April 15, 2020 or you purchased your ticket after March 4 2020 and you wish to change your flight date, then rebooking fees will be applied to your ticket. For more details click here.
I HAVE A TICKET FOR AN INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT, WHAT OPTIONS DO I HAVE?
If your flight departure date is from / before April 15, 2020 and you purchased your ticket from / before March 31, 2020 you will be entitled to one of the following options:
Cancel your reservation and use your ticket at a later time without fees,
Or waiver from a rebooking fee for one time.
In addition, this waiver applies to all types vouchers for additional baggages, prepaid seats, promo upgrades, and onboard wifi.
