Why January Umrah Packages are Ideal for UK Muslims

Makkah, the holy city in Saudi Arabia, has a hot desert climate. It is characterised by uncomfortably high temperatures, especially in the summer season. The weather is relatively pleasant during the winters and it gets more comfortable as the month of January approaches. Rainfall also occurs during this time of the year, but it is usually scant. However, there have been instances of floods owing to the rains in the past. The most severe among them was recorded in the year 1942. Today, the threat of flooding has been significantly reduced owing to the construction of dams by the Saudi authorities in the years that followed.

 

The conditions for Umrah January month provides for pilgrims arriving from the countries of Northern Europe help them to perform all the rituals associated with the lesser pilgrimage with great convenience. For Muslims living in the United Kingdom, this time of the year would be ideal for making their journey to the holy city to perform their Umrah. When compared to the major pilgrimage of Hajj, the lesser pilgrimage is not an obligation and can be performed at any time during the year. Moreover, it is the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and offers some great spiritual rewards for those who accomplish the pilgrimage.

 

Upon booking any of the January Umrah packages offered by the UK-based tour operators or travel companies, the Muslims of the country would get the chance to perform their lesser pilgrimage in the presence of a pleasant climate. During their time spent in Makkah, they’ll also get the chance to visit some Islamic sites of great importance. One of them is Jabal al-Noor or the 'Mountain of Light'. It is located in the Hejazi region near Makkah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This mountain is home to the 'Cave of Hira' where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had spent a considerable amount of time in deep contemplation. It is here that he received the first five ayats of Surah Al-Alaq.

 

Another important place that the UK Muslims can explore while in Makkah for their Umrah in January is the Mount Arafat, also known as the Jabal al-Rahmah. The name Jabal al-Rahmah literally translates as the 'Mount of Mercy'. This name comes from an event according to the Islamic traditions when the first prophet Adam (peace be upon him) was forgiven for his sins. Individuals who visit this place can also find a pillar that has been erected to show the spot where the event took place.

 

This is also the place where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had delivered the 'Farewell Sermon' towards the end of his life to those who had accompanied him for performing the Hajj. Another sacred mountain worth visiting is Abu Qubais, which is located in the eastern part of Makkah. The name of this mountain is believed to have been al-Amin during the times when pagan Arabs inhabited this region. It is also the place where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had performed the miracle on the demand of disbelievers of splitting the moon into two halves and joining them together again.

 

You can click here for detailed information on Umrah packages and how they are of immense benefit to Muslims residing in the UK.