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Benefits of Performing an Umrah in December for UK Muslims

by Safeena Rahman Travel Addict

Umrah is held in high regard by Muslims all over the world despite being lesser in importance when compared to the major pilgrimage of Hajj. It is performed owing to the spiritual benefits that it offers for the pilgrim undertaking this sacred journey from his or her place of residence to the holy city of Makkah. The best time for Muslims residing in the United Kingdom to perform their Umrah is December. This last month of the year brings several advantages for them as compared to other months.

The last week of December is a holiday season in the UK. Almost all the schools, colleges, and offices are closed during this time of the year for Christmas and New Year celebrations. This gives a welcome break for everyone living in the country from their monotonous routines. Muslims belonging to the working class can use this opportunity to make a journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for performing their lesser pilgrimage. An Umrah in December can also be performed by other members in the family, including children. It would be a good idea to get them introduced to this Islamic pilgrimage and its rituals at an early age.

Another benefit of performing Umrah during this month of the year for the country's Muslims is that they can get a big respite from the harsh climatic conditions of winter. In December, the weather of Makkah is relatively pleasant when compared with the climate that prevails in the UK during this month. It would suit any pilgrim visiting the holy city who is in good health. The climate of Saudi Arabia during other times of the year would be quite uncomfortable for pilgrims visiting this country from the UK.

December is the time when there are lesser crowds of pilgrims in the holy city compared to the other months of the year. This would give pilgrims arriving from the UK greater convenience in performing all the rituals of Umrah. Among the rituals are 'Tawaf', which is performed by circumambulating the Kaabah anticlockwise seven times. The male pilgrims are encouraged to do this at a hurried pace three times and then four times at a leisurely pace. The Saee ritual involves walking back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times. While performing the 'Halq'ritual, the hair of male pilgrims is completely shaved off from their heads. This ritual of cutting the hair is called 'Taqsir' in case of female pilgrims, but their hair is just shortened by about a fingertip's length.

Pilgrims can also benefit by getting low-cost accommodations in hotels during the month of December. If they book their packages for Umrah several months in advance, they can get a significant amount of discount on hotel stays. Such discounts are also offered by the elegant 5-star hotels that are located very close to the Masjid al-Haram. Accommodation in one of these hotels may give pilgrims the pleasure of having an unobstructed view of the Kaabah from their room. Besides such pleasant views, they would have a memorable stay with the world-class facilities that are offered in such hotels.


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About Safeena Rahman Advanced   Travel Addict

2 connections, 0 recommendations, 115 honor points.
Joined APSense since, September 26th, 2017, From London, United Kingdom.

Created on Sep 13th 2019 06:48. Viewed 530 times.

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