5 Unique Souvenirs to Collect During an Umrah Pilgrimage

For millions of Muslims, an Umrah trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the pilgrims try to make it more memorable and wholesome by buying unique things for themselves and their friends and families. There is no denying the fact that the purpose of an Umrah or Hajj trip is to strengthen one’s bond with Allah but getting souvenirs from the cities of Makkah or Madinah is now also considered a somewhat essential part of the trip. It is not that these things are not available all over the world but getting them from Makkah and Madinah has an altogether different charm.

 

Whether you are going for the minor pilgrimage through group Umrah packages or planning the trip yourself, the list of souvenirs discussed in this post will help you get amazing things for your loved ones back home. Let’s explore these items now.

 

1.      Zamzam Water

 

Every Muslim knows what Zamzam water is and what its importance is. It is like a miracle water that is known for its spiritual and healing properties. The Zamzam water comes from a well that erupted upon the prayers of Hazrat Hajra when Hazrat Ibrahim left his wife and infant son in the plains of Makkah upon Allah’s command. Hajra, worried about the wellbeing of his little son, ran from the hills of Safa to Marwa in search of water or food. Allah saw her efforts and made water erupt from the ground. This water came to be known as Zamzam water and till then has been a special thing for all the Muslims.

 

Pilgrims returning from Umrah bring back Zamzam water and distribute it to loved ones. The Saudi government allows only one 5-liter bottle for each pilgrim. Make sure you follow the travel tips for groups while getting your bottle so you don’t go beyond the allowed luggage limit.

 

2.      Dates (Ajwa or Madinah dates)

 

Along with the Zamzam, dates are the most cherished and loved souvenir you can bring back home. There are tens of date varieties found in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah such as Ambar, Ajwa, and Safawi. The most famous of these is Ajwa, as the Holy Prophet (PBUH) himself planted its first tree. Above this, Ajwa dates are loved by everyone due to their soft texture, unique taste and numerous health benefits. While Muslims have a religious attachment to these dates, even non-Muslims love these dates due to their unique taste and healthy nature.

 

There are a lot of places from which you can get the dates. If you are looking to get in bulk, many shopkeepers also offer international delivery. These dates come in different packing sizes so you can get them as per your budget. The price difference is huge among different shops. So, make sure you visit a few shops and don’t forget to bargain before buying. The dates are available in both cities but it is better to get them from Madinah if your departure back home is from the city.

 

3.      Tasbeehs (Prayer Beads)

 

The world has changed a lot and now many people use digital tasbeehs for praying but the charm of the traditional ones with beads is still there. You will find many different varieties of tasbees in Makkah and Madinah. Some even have the images of Kaaba or Roza e Rasool or words like Allah or Muhammad written in Arabic while others have beads made from rare stones or crystals.

 

These tasbeehs serve as a reminder for the pilgrim and for the people who get them as gifts. Unlike the dates and Zamzam, they are a tangible reminder for the pilgrims. If you want to make them more meaningful, buy them early after reaching Makkah or Madinah. In this way, you can pray on these beads while you are in the mosques and when you use them after coming back, you will feel like you are sitting in one of the holy mosques.

 

4.      Islamic Calligraphy Art

 

All the items discussed above are quite common among pilgrims but this one is quite different from the rest. You can find many decoration pieces like Allah’s names, Hadiths, or Quranic verses written on clothes or glass pieces that can be used as wall hangings or small decorative items. You can display these things at your home or gift them to your loved ones.

 

Just like the tasbeeh discussed above, having such a piece serves as a direct connection to the holy land of Saudi Arabia. Plus, when you look at it, it will remind you of your Umrah time and you will try to follow the same religious routine you did before.

 

5.      Perfumes or Attar

 

Smelling good and having proper hygiene is highly valued in Islam and the Holy Prophet (PBUH) always used to apply good fragrances on himself. Many people buy perfumes or attar from Makkah and Madinah for themselves and their loved ones as well.

 

Out of all the different varieties, the oud-based ones are highly valued and cherished in Islam. Many pilgrims buy bottles of perfumes from Makkah and Madinah to take back home and gift to their loved ones. When buying a perfume, make sure you get the original one as there are many cheap copies available as well. Look for original stamps while buying perfumes. The good thing is that perfumes and attars are available in numerous sizes and you can buy them in more quantities easily without impacting your budget.

 

Final Words

 

All of these things will make your Umrah more memorable. However, you still have to select a reliable Umrah travel agency to make your trip stress-free. For the UK Muslims, Muslims Holy Travel is one of the best names in the industry. They offer different types of group Umrahpackages including cheap Umrah packages for groups.