Umrah is a spiritual journey for Muslims in Islam. Which pilgrims can perform at any time of the year and attain spiritual purity. Hajj is obligatory on Muslims and it is the opposite of which there is no specific time to perform it. However, Hajj can be perform only once in a year, that too in the last month of the Islamic year. There is flexibility for those performing Umrah and this flexibility allows Muslims to choose their preferred timings. Let us mark the best times for Umrah.
Understanding Umrah importance and flexibility
It is very significant to understand the importance of Umrah before embarking on this holy journey. Many people call it the Lesser Hajj, which has a lot of spiritual significance for the pilgrims. Notably for those pilgrims who perform Hajj during the fixed dates of Hajj. Pilgrims can perform Umrah at any time which gives them a great advantage. Umrah deals from USA offers a lot of flexibility for pilgrims performing Umrah at any time of the year.
Performing Umrah During the Islamic month
- Month of Ramadan
According to Islamic calendar, some months are very important for Muslims. Some months are more unique for performing Umrah due to higher spiritual rewards. As Ramadan is a month of blessings and grace for Muslims. It has clarify in a tradition that performing Umrah in Ramadan is like performing Hajj. Especially on those holy days when Lailatul Qadr occurs, more excellence is gained. However, compared to the whole year, the demand for Umrah is higher in Ramadan than in other months. This month, Umrah costs more than the rest of the months, which increases the expenses of accommodation etc.
- Dhul qadah , muharram and Rajab
According to Islam, these months are also considered sacred and additional rewards were revealed in them. Choosing these months for pilgrims can also be very blessed. These are more suitable for those pilgrims who want to perform Umrah in a small crowd. Rajab is the month closest to Ramadan which is a unique and popular time for pilgrims. This month has a great weather for people coming from UK which is favorable for travel. Umrah deals from USA has a lot of flexibility for Umrah pilgrims during these months. So that costs are also reduced.
Choosing Umrah Based on seasonal weather conditions
In order to perform Umrah, some people consider the weather along with the Islamic month. Because weather in Saudi Arabia is very hot and humid, it is important to know when weather is pleasant.
- Winter:
Winter season is a suitable time for Hajj to perform Umrah as temperature here ranges from 20 to 30 degrees. Pilgrims find it easier to perform all rituals in this season than in extreme heat. However, whether it is hot or cold in the month of Ramadan, pilgrims always want to pay in this month. The all-inclusive December Umrah package generally provides a peaceful and excellent experience for the pilgrims.
- Spring (March to April)
Spring is neither too hot nor too cold but it is a favorable season. This season is very good for Umrah. For the performance of Umrah you need Hajj and Umrah VISA approved by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Without a Hajj and Umrah VISA pilgrims cannot perform the Umrah or Hajj pilgrimage. Because the temperature in the months of March and April is deadly, which is suitable for pilgrims. This season offers pilgrims a comfortable climate in which they can perform all their rituals with ease. Many people go to Makkah in advance due to the crowds during Ramadan.
- Summer (intense heat and lower crowed)
The climate of Saudi Arabia is often hot and humid, while the summer heats up even more. Pilgrims face great struggle in performing the rites of Umrah and Hajj during this season. Pilgrims are advised to take extra precautions to keep themselves hydrated in the rising temperatures. All-inclusive December Umrah packages provide a peaceful experience for pilgrims to perform Umrah without the scorching heat. Due to less crowd during these times, a calm atmosphere is create. This pilgrimage can easily be done and December is an attractive choice for pilgrims.
Strategic consideration for low seasons
- Many pilgrims choose the timing of Umrah considering the costs as the costs increase during Ramadan.
- Performing Umrah in low season offers pilgrims a budget-friendly alternative.
- Right after the month of Hajj, there are very few pilgrims for Umrah. During this time, travel and accommodation expenses are also reduced.
- Those pilgrims who want to avoid crowds and don’t want to pay extra can consider Rajab and Sha’ban.
- During these two holy months, Mecca is less crowded and sees a steady flow of pilgrims.
Special days and occasions with unique spiritual value
Apart from months and seasons, there are certain days in Islamic calendar that add unique layer of importance to Umrah. Like the day of Arafah, which is associate with Hajj and is of great importance in Islam. Muslims all over the world who cannot perform Hajj fast on this day. Apart from this, Eid-ul-Adha and Eid-ul-Fitr are also days that present a festive atmosphere. Performing Umrah in these two days also has great merit.
Conclusion:
Choosing the best time to perform Hajj Umrah depends on their preferences. Because some pilgrims wish to perform Umrah in holy months and some holy days and some less crowded days. During the summer season, the number of pilgrims is very less so that important places and other rituals can performed easily. It also has some rituals that are slightly different on Hajj Day.
These rituals include circumambulation of the Kaaba and Madinah, circumambulation of the hills of Sa’i. Pilgrims can perform Umrah at any time which gives them a great advantage. Spring is best time for those who live in colder regions and want to perform Umrah in less crowded places. Some people choose a time that suits their spiritual needs and budget.