Umrah is an act of worshipping Allah Almighty in the sacred cities of Makkah and Madinah. Every eligible Muslim can carry out this divine activity regardless of the caste, nationality, or skin color. Are you a woman thinking of at what age you can do Umrah without a mahram? As per the previous Saudi Arabia’s regulations, women could only travel solo at the age of 45 years old or more. New changes have been made in these laws which allows women of 18 and older to apply for Umrah visas individually. This is where women Umrah packages come in handy to make the pilgrimage completely hassle-free for you.
No matter when you go for Umrah, you should be aware of specific Islamic as well as Saudi rules for a truly meaningful experience. Let’s delve into this comprehensive article for more valuable information!
Yes, a single woman can go to the Umrah pilgrimage alone. Islamic traditions generally require women to go for the pilgrimage with a mahram (a close male relative to whom they're not allowed to marry). According to new changes in the rules and regulations of Saudi Arabia, women are now allowed to obtain tourist visas and undertake Umrah independently. Despite this fact, it is still highly recommended to travel with accredited companions, such as a group, for the purpose of safety throughout the pilgrimage.
Yes, a woman can perform Umrah while being on her period. What she can't do is touch the Kaaba. Having periods as a woman is seen as a normal part of life and not a punishment in Islamic beliefs. However, women are told to perform certain things, like fasting and praying, during menstruation. It's great if you're a woman travelling for Umrah. There is the availability of Women Only Umrah Packages for your ease. If you're travelling for Umrah during periods, you can still stay spiritually connected. For instance, you can carry out several other practices, such as doing Dhikr at holy sites in Mecca and Medina. You will be rewarded for these supplications.
No, you can't carry out the ritual of Tawaf during periods. This is because menstruation is thought to be a state of major ritual impurity in Islam. You should wait until your periods end and you take proper ghusl. Moreover, you can still undertake other Umrah rituals, like Sa'i (walking between the Safa and Marwa hills) until you're in the state of the Ihram. There is an exception for the final farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wida), where you can leave without doing it if you're on your period.
Yes, you can visit the sacred place of the Kaaba while being on your period. But it is not allowed to touch the Kaaba. But you can still engage yourself in other acts of Ibadah to deepen your bond with Allah.
Older rules for mahram are much more relaxed now by the Saudi Government. You can join different women-only groups regarding Umrah. You might be wondering how to perform Umrah for ladies. The following is a brief Umrah step by step guide you should be familiar with.
Making an intention for the pilgrimage is very important in Islam. Whenever you begin the sacred journey of Umrah, be sure to make a proper Niyyah. It shows the beginning of Umrah while distinguishing it from ordinary actions. Keep in mind that Niyyah is the heart of the whole pilgrimage journey. This paves the leading way to connect you to Allah Almighty before the physical ritual of the Umrah pilgrimage begins. Umrah will remain a mere physical journey if you don’t make an intention.
Ihram is a sacred physical as well as a sacred state for performing all the Umrah rituals. When you have arrived at the Miqat, you must wear Ihram, remembering Allah. Women, unlike men, don't have a specific Ihram garment. That means you can wear regular, loose-fitting & modest clothing. Once you've successfully entered into the pure state of the Ihram, recite the Talbiyah. Moreover, it is advisable not to wear any jewellery or apply scent/perfume to avoid attracting the attention of men in the surrounding.
Tawaf means circling around the Holy Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction. It is one of the key rituals of Umrah that you must have to undertake in the correct way as a woman. Before you start the circulation of the Kaaba, ensure to touch and kiss the Hijr-e-Aswad. In case you can't touch the Black Stone, facing and pointing towards it is enough, along with saying Bismillah, Allahu Akbar. After completion of Tawaf, go to the Maqam-e-Ibrahim to pray two units of prayer. This act is a Sunnah deed and is based on the actions of the Holy Prophet PBUH that you must follow for the enhanced experience.
Sa'i is the activity of walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa. You can carry out this divine act in a similar manner to men. But there are some prime differences in etiquette you should know. While men need to run between the green lights during the first three rounds, you must walk at a slower pace throughout. What you need to keep in mind is that you should have a mahram with you as a woman when doing this act. If not, you must be a part of a trusted group for safety, especially in crowded areas.
Halq and Taqsir are two meaningful ceremonies that are carried out after the completion of Umrah. They signify a departure from the worldly attachments linked with hair. This is a commitment to spirituality. Halq involves shaving the head, and it is only applicable to men. Women, on the other hand, perform Taqsir. When your Umrah is completed, you need to trim your hair to the length of a fingertip. Even if you’ve short hair, it must be cut to this length. This activity is usually done to exit the state of the Ihram.
Umrah is a dreamy journey for every Muslim in the world. This is a spiritual journey to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina that brings so many rewards. You should ensure to undertake this activity at least once in your life. If you're a woman and wondering about how to do the Umrah pilgrimage the correct way, follow the guide discussed above. There are specific Islamic and Saudi rules that you must follow when travelling for Umrah. You can travel alone for Umrah without a mahram or any male relative that you're not allowed to marry. There are no age restrictions for you to go for Umrah as a solo. However, it is recommended to travel with a mahram. If not, you can contact a trusted and organised travel agency to be a part of the group.
Are you a woman looking for ways to ensure a hassle-free Umrah experience? Get all-inclusive women only Umrah packages from Muslims Holy Travel. From visa processing to flight and hotel booking, and guided tours, everything is added to enhance your pilgrimage. You will get professional assistance throughout your Umrah journey, helping you make the most of it.
The dress code for women typically focuses on modesty and comfort. A woman should wear loose and non-transparent clothes. They should cover the full body except the face and hands. There are no specific color limitations. However, white or neutral colors are usually preferred.
Not at all, an abaya is not compulsory for women going for the Umrah pilgrimage. Many women prefer wearing abayas for modesty, but it is not a mandatory requirement. No matter what clothes you pick during Umrah, they should cover your body from your shoulders to your feet.
Yes, females can definitely wear socks in the pilgrimage. There is no prohibition against women wearing socks while in the sacred state of the Ihram. It is often recommended for practicality, especially in the presence of non-mahram men or when walking longer distances during Umrah.
Yes, it is allowed to wear slippers during the Umrah pilgrimage. Women can wear any type of footwear, but it should be modest and comfortable at the same time. Most scholars say that shoes that don't cover the ankle are acceptable for women during the divine state of the Ihram.
Women are generally not allowed to wear a niqab when carrying out the act of Umrah in the state of the Ihram. However, they can use several other items to cover their faces in the presence of non-mahram men. What ladies need to ensure is that the fabric doesn't touch their skin.
Wearing makeup during Umrah is not considered a good thing in Islam. That is why it is the best practice for women they avoid applying makeup on their faces when they're in the state of the Ihram. This is how they can make their Umrah pilgrimage enriching and full of blessings.