Importance of Umrah in Ramadan for UK Muslims

by Safeena Rahman Travel Addict

Ramadan, the holiest of all months, is observed by Muslims across the world by fasting from dawn until sunset. The word Ramadan is derived from the Arabic 'Ramida' or 'Ar-ramad', which literally translates as scorching heat or dryness. Fasting during this month is an obligation for all Muslims and is one of the five pillars of Islam. For the entire month of Ramadan, Muslims are also required to abstain from certain acts that may negate the spiritual rewards of fasting. These acts include engaging in sexual relations, false speech, and fighting (except in case of self-defence).

Those suffering from an illness, or who are travelling, or the elderly, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, or women in their menstrual cycle are exempted from fasting. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had once said that an Umrah performed in the holy month is like performing Hajj with him. It is, therefore, a dream of many Muslims Muslims residing in the United Kingdom (UK) to go to Makkah for performing their Umrah during the holy month. This journey from the UK to the holy city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is made possible with the help of Ramadan Umrah packages that many of the travel companies in the country offer.

An Umrah is also known as the lesser pilgrimage or the minor pilgrimage, while the major pilgrimage in Islam is Hajj. The major pilgrimage of Hajj is compulsory for every Muslim who has the physical fitness and financial ability to undertake the journey to Makkah. The lesser pilgrimage, although not an obligation, is highly recommended in Islam as it is the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). An Umrah in Ramadan has greater spiritual rewards for the pilgrim and this is the reason why the packages for this minor pilgrimage in the holy month are always in great demand among the UK Muslims.

Over the years, many tour operators or travel companies offering Ramadan packages have come up in different corners of the UK. Some of them have been in operation for more than two decades and possess the required expertise and experience in conducting such Islamic religious tours. Today, they also have an online presence with their own websites. This has provided the necessary convenience for Muslims of the UK to book their packages online without having to visit the offices of these companies.

Usually, the high-end packages for Ramadan include an Umrah visa, stays in any of the elegant hotels of Makkah and Madinah, and flights of the leading airlines departing from major cities of the UK. Some of these packages offer accommodations in five-star hotels located close to the holy mosques in both the cities. This makes it highly convenient for the UK Muslims in accomplishing their lesser pilgrimage and they can perform all the rituals with complete peace of mind. The packages are also classified according to the number of nights in Makkah and Madinah. One can choose a package that gives sufficient time to perform Umrah and to visit the important places in the holy cities.

You can click here to know more about Ramadan Umrah packages and their advantages for Muslims of the UK.