When reflecting on the most spiritually uplifting Sunnahs of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Umrah is at the top of the list. This sacred journey brings countless rewards, and Muslims from across the globe come to Mecca throughout the year to perform this blessed act.

Performing Umrah comes with tremendous spiritual benefits. According to the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), Umrah is an expiation for all sins, big or small, and those who perform it with a pure heart find inner peace and happiness. With Amal Travels’ affordable Umrah packages, you can undertake this life-changing journey and return spiritually rejuvenated.

One of the greatest blessings of performing Umrah is becoming a guest of Allah (SWT). As the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The guests of Allah are three: the Ghazi (the warrior who fights in Jihad), the Hajji (the pilgrim who performs Hajj), and the Mu’tamir (the pilgrim performing Umrah).”

Umrah provides forgiveness for all sins, and for those who travel with sincere intention, it brings immense spiritual and worldly rewards. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “From one Umrah to another is expiation for what comes in between,” and that a “Hajj Mabroor” (a perfectly performed Hajj) brings nothing less than Paradise.

Performing Umrah is a spiritual journey that must be completed in accordance with Islamic guidelines. With Amal Travels UK, we ensure that all our clients are well-informed about the process and the proper obligations to complete their pilgrimage.

Here is a summary of the key steps to performing Umrah:

1. Enter into Ihram: Before entering the sacred state of Ihram, take a bath and wear the designated clothing for Ihram.
2. Recite Talbiyah: As you reach the boundary of Meeqat, declare your intention to perform Umrah and begin reciting the Talbiyah.
3. Tawaf: Upon arrival in Mecca, enter the Holy Mosque and perform Tawaf—circumambulating the Kaaba seven times.
4. Sa’ee: After Tawaf, perform Sa’ee—walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa.
5. Taqsir/Halq: Men will shave their heads (Halq), while women trim a small portion of their hair (Taqsir).

While you can perform Umrah anytime except during Hajj, many UK pilgrims prefer to travel during the cooler months. The best time for Umrah is from Rabi-ul-Awwal to Ramadan, when the weather in Mecca and Medina is more pleasant. October through February is ideal, as temperatures are more moderate, making it easier to complete your religious obligations comfortably.

At Amal Travels, we offer special Umrah packages during these months to help you plan a more comfortable and spiritually enriching trip. We also provide customized Ramadan Umrah Packages to allow you to experience the holy month in Mecca and Medina while participating in Taraweeh prayers and fasting in the holiest cities of Islam.

Umrah is a profound act of worship, and many Muslims hope to perform it at least once in their lifetime. However, before embarking on this spiritual journey, it’s essential to ensure you meet the following prerequisites:

• You must be a Muslim.
• You must be physically and financially capable of performing Umrah.
• You should understand the importance of Umrah and be of sound mind to perform the rituals correctly.
• Children can accompany parents, but their Umrah will only be valid once they reach an age of discernment (sin at-tamyiz).

Amal Travels UK has earned the trust of countless pilgrims over the years. Here’s why you should choose us:

• Customised Packages: We tailor our Umrah packages to meet your specific needs and preferences.
• Expert Support: Our team is experienced in providing seamless service, from booking to the completion of your journey.
• Affordable Deals: We offer some of the most competitive prices in the market, ensuring that you get the best value for your money.
• Customer Satisfaction: Our clients trust us because of our attention to detail, transparency, and exceptional service.

When booking the best and most affordable Umrah packages through AMAL Travels UK, there are a few essential requirements that every potential pilgrim must keep in mind. These are the eligibility standards that need to be fulfilled for a seamless Umrah journey:

1. Renewed and Valid Passport
   Your passport must be renewed and valid for at least six months from the date of your Umrah trip.

2. Recent Medical Checkup
   A medical certificate confirming a recent health check-up is mandatory, ensuring you are fit to travel and perform Umrah.

3. UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs)
   For UK residents, emergency travel documents need to be updated. Saudi authorities require ETDs for exiting their country.

4. Passport-Size Photographs
   Make sure to carry recent passport-size photographs as they are essential for visa processing.

5. Visa Applications
   All visa applications for Umrah are processed through approved Hajj and Umrah visa service agents.

6. Non-UK Passport Holders
   If you are not a UK passport holder, proof of permanent residency in the UK is required for visa approval.

7. Traveling with Children
   If your children are accompanying you, they must have a valid passport and visa. If they are listed on a parent's passport, their photograph must be attached and signed by a relevant authority.

Amal Travels UK offers two main types of visas for UK pilgrims planning to perform Umrah: the Visit Visa and the Umrah Visa. Each visa comes with its own set of rules, benefits, and limitations, allowing travelers to choose according to their preferences and plans.

1. Visit Visa

• Travel Flexibility: A visit visa allows pilgrims to explore not just Makkah and Medina but also other cities across Saudi Arabia. This means you can turn your Umrah pilgrimage into a broader travel experience, exploring the rich cultural and historical sites of the country.
• Validity:
  • The visit visa allows you to stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days continuously.
  • You can enter and exit the country multiple times within the validity period.
  • The overall limit for the visit visa is 12 months, meaning you can return to Saudi Arabia within this time frame.
• Ideal For: Pilgrims who wish to extend their stay beyond the holy cities or visit multiple times in one year, combining spiritual and cultural exploration.

2. Umrah Visa

• Restricted to Holy Cities: The Umrah visa only permits travel to the two holy cities of Makkah and Medina. You are not allowed to visit other regions or cities in Saudi Arabia with this visa.
• Validity:
  • The Umrah visa is valid for a total of 28 days.
  • Pilgrims must enter Saudi Arabia within 14 days of the visa being issued.
• Ideal For: Those focused solely on performing Umrah, with no interest in traveling beyond the religious sites.

Amal Travels UK can assist in arranging either of these visas based on your Umrah package choice and travel plans, ensuring a smooth experience from visa application to the completion of your pilgrimage.