How Muslims Can Benefit from an Umrah in December
by Safeena Rahman Travel AddictUmrah is given special importance in Islam. It is
often referred to as the 'lesser pilgrimage' when compared to the major
pilgrimage of Hajj. The lesser pilgrimage is not obligatory for the Muslims and
can be performed at any time during the year. Hajj is an obligation for all the
Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey
from their homes to the holy city of Makkah, located in the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia. December is considered the best month for performing Umrah, especially
by those residing in countries that are faced with freezing temperatures during
this month.
An Umrah
in December gives Muslims living in such countries the chance to escape the
chilly weather and fulfil their dream of performing the lesser pilgrimage in
the presence of Makkah's pleasant weather. Muslims residing in non-Islamic
countries who belong to the working class usually enjoy long holidays during
the last week of this month. This is the time when the offices and educational
institutions are closed owing to Christmas and New Year celebrations. All those
who wish to perform Umrah can use this opportunity to visit the holy city and
accomplish their lesser pilgrimage.
December is also chosen by many Muslims to perform
their Umrah owing to the reductions offered by many of the hotels located in
Makkah. If the pilgrims book their accommodations in such hotels several months
earlier, they would have a significant amount of savings. Some of the hotels
that are extremely close to the Masjid al-Haram also offer rooms or suites at
discounted rates during December. This would be helpful for those who wish to
stay closer to the holy mosque and savour the breath-taking views of the Holy
Kaabah.
The presence of pleasant weather makes it extremely
comfortable for the pilgrims to perform the rituals associated with this
pilgrimage. Among them is 'Tawaf', which is performed by circling the Holy
Kaabah at the centre of Masjid al-Haram. The next ritual is Sa'i, which
involves walking back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah at a rapid
pace. Another ritual is 'Halq' or 'Taqsir', which is performed at the end of
Umrah. Halq is a ritual performed on women, which involves cutting a
fingertip's length of their hair. Taqsir is performed on men, in which, they
have to completely shave off the hair from their heads.
Pilgrims would also find the weather extremely
pleasant to explore some of the important Islamic sites located in and around
Makkah. One of them is Jabal al-Rahmah, which is a sacred mountain located in
the plain of Arafat, about 20 kilometres to the east of central Makkah. The
name of this mountain translates as 'Mountain of Mercy', which refers to an
event when Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) was forgiven by Allah for his sin.
Another important mountain worth exploring is Mount Abu Qubais, where Prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon him) had shown pagan Arabs the miracle of the
'splitting of the moon'.
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Created on Aug 16th 2019 05:51. Viewed 437 times.