• blog-date-icon17 Jul, 25
  • blog-user-iconby Muslims Holy Travel

Umrah For First-Timers: Step-By-Step Guide from Visa to Ziyarah

Umrah is a life-changing experience that is the dream of all Muslims worldwide. It is a Sunnah deed to perform this lesser pilgrimage. Umrah brings a lot of blessings and rewards for devotees, like spiritual renewal. Millions of Islamic followers go to the Haram each year to carry out the religious act of Umrah. If you want to get closer to Allah Almighty and seek forgiveness for your sins, be sure to embark on this journey. This way, you will be able to deepen your faith as well.

Are you doing Umrah for the very first time? Opt for Luxury Umrah Packages from Muslims Holy Travel to make your religious trip completely hassle-free. In this post, you will get a step-by-step guide from visa to ziyarah for the Umrah pilgrimage. So, read ahead for more valuable insights!

Why Does Umrah Hold Huge Spiritual Importance?

Umrah is the most significant act of worship in Islam. While not compulsory like the Hajj, it holds great spiritual importance for Muslims. This pilgrimage gives devotees a chance for self-reflection and repentance. It acts as a means for believers to purify their hearts as well as their souls. Well, Umrah can be done at any desired time of the year. According to a Hadith,

Anas was asked: "Was it disliked to perform ‘Umrah at any time of the year?”

He replied: "No, unless a man sets out to go to ‘Arafah (in the days of Hajj), then I would not like him to go there except as a pilgrim." Sahih al-Bukhari (1780)

If it is your first time going for Umrah, get All-inclusive Umrah Packages UK for a smooth journey. Umrah involves the key rituals that you should be well aware of. This will help you reconnect with the essential aspects of the faith. All these rituals foster a sense of unity and peace while reminding you of the key purpose of your life. No matter when you go for this pilgrimage, ensure to prepare yourself both physically and mentally for a fulfilling experience.

Step-by-Step Guide to Plan Your First Umrah

Here is how you can plan a great Umrah journey, especially if you're travelling for the first time.

Set Your Intentions

Before you plan your Umrah trip, take some time to reflect on your intentions. You must be familiar with the meaningful value of the pilgrimage. Make sure to set clear intentions for undertaking this divine activity sincerely. This way, you can make the most of your first Umrah.

Research Properly

You need to do proper research about Umrah if it is your first time. You should have in-depth knowledge of the basic Umrah rituals. Don't forget about the etiquette! Understand every crucial factor that is linked to the Umrah journey. It will make your sacred trip even more comfortable.

Pick the Right Time

Timing can potentially impact your whole Umrah experience. It can affect the crowd, weather, comfort levels, and spiritual focus. Moreover, off-peak seasons are considered the best time for Umrah travel. This allows you to focus more on Ibadah without worrying about anything else.

Get a Visa

Get a Saudi Arabia visa before planning your travel. It is the legal document needed to enter the country for the purpose of Umrah. You will not be permitted to enter Saudi Arabia without a visa. You can get Easter Umrah packages for a hassle-free visa processing and religious journey.

Book Your Travel & Accommodations

Are you planning your travel in December? Investing in December Umrah packages will help you ensure a comfortable trip. You can customise your itinerary the way you want with these deals. Whether you want economical or luxury amenities, you will be provided with everything.

Keep Your Documents Well-Prepared

Most people forget about document preparation when heading for Umrah. If you're going for the pilgrimage for the first time, take this fact very seriously. You need to keep all your documents well-prepared. The common ones are your visa and passport with hotel & flight confirmations.

Pack Your Essentials Wisely

Packing wisely for your first Umrah pilgrimage is crucial. When you pack your essentials the right way, it minimises the chances of distractions. This, in turn, lets you fully immerse yourself in worshipping Allah. Besides, proper packing also enhances your comfort during the journey.

Stay Organized

Create a list of tasks you want to perform during your Umrah. You should keep track of important deadlines to avoid last-minute worries. It doesn't matter when you jet off to Saudi Arabia for your first Umrah. It is recommended to stay organized throughout the pilgrimage.

How to Perform Your Umrah Pilgrimage Correctly?

It can be challenging to arrange everything for your first Umrah during Easter. This is the time when most Muslims go for Umrah due to school holidays. You can get affordable Easter Umrah packages 2026 to make the most of this Holy trip. Here is how to perform your Umrah correctly.

Entering the State of Ihram

The first ritual of Umrah is to enter the state of Ihram. You must wear a white-colored Ihram before proceeding to Makkah. In case you're at home, be sure to take a bath and put on the Ihram garments while covering both of your shoulders. After coming into the sacred state of the Ihram, you need to perform two units of voluntary prayer. If you wear Ihram at Miqat, make the sincere Niyyah for your Easter Umrah there. Don't forget about reciting the Talbiyah until you reach the Haram. It is also mandatory to avoid any sinful acts for a more fulfilling experience.

Do the Tawaf

Upon entering the Holy Kaaba, the first rite is to perform Tawaf al-Umrah. It involves circling around the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction. Each circle starts and ends with kissing, touching, or pointing to the Black Stone, also called Hajar al-Aswad. Tawaf is one of the prime rituals you must carry out during Umrah. If it is your first time doing this pilgrimage, have a proper understanding to undertake this act correctly. Once you have completed the Tawaf, ensure to pray two units of prayer facing the Kaaba with Maqam Ibrahim in the front.

Carry Out the Act of Sa'i

After Tawaf, now comes Sa'i. It consists of running back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times. Sa'i commemorates the search for water by the wife of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Before you leave, make certain to touch, kiss, or point toward the Hajar al-Aswad for the ninth time. Return to the Haram after doing Sa'i to offer two units of prayer. It is highly recommended but not obligatory to perform these Rak'ahs. Sa'i is an activity that every pilgrim should be well familiar with. If you're a first-time pilgrim, perform Sa'i in the correct manner.

Shaving or Trimming the Hair

When all the rituals of your Luxury December Umrah are completed, it is time to shave or trim the hair. Shaving the head (Halq) is the preferred option, especially for men. Women, on the other hand, need to trim their hair by cutting no more than a fingertip's length. This is known as Taqsir. Halq and Taqsir show the completion of the Umrah pilgrimage. It typically marks the end of the limitations imposed during the purified state of the Ihram. However, it is advisable to dispose of shaved or cut hair in a respectful way. Be aware of this fact as a first-time pilgrim!

Obligations & Recommendations to Follow During Umrah

You must keep two mandatory (Fard) acts in mind while performing your first Umrah. This includes putting on Ihram garments and performing Tawaf. If you fail to carry out these rituals of the pilgrimage, that means your Umrah is not fulfilled. Beyond obligations, two recommended acts (Wajid) must also be remembered. They include undertaking Sa'i and trimming/shaving the hair. Failure of these activities, even by mistake, demands giving Dum (sacrificing a goat) in the name of Allah as compensation. So, better know this during Umrah!

Ziyarat Sites First-Time Pilgrims Need to Visit

Get the best Cheap December Umrah Package to make your first-time pilgrimage fully memorable. You can add ziyarat tours to these deals for an elevated experience. The following is a brief breakdown of the sacred sites that you should head to in both Makkah and Madinah.

Bir Tuwa

Bir Tuwa (Well of Tuwa) is one of the holy places that first-time pilgrims must visit during the Umrah. This is the site where the Holy Prophet PBUH stayed and performed ablution before entering Makkah to carry out the act of Umrah. By heading to this sacred site, you will feel connected to the footsteps of the Prophet PBUH. It also gives you a golden chance for reflection and spiritual connection during Umrah. Ensure to give Bir Tuwa a visit during your first Umrah!

Jabal Thawr

No matter when you plan your luxury Umrah 2025, Jabal Thawr is a must-visit. It has great spiritual importance for Muslims. Jabal Thawr, also called Mount Thawr, is a famous mountain in Saudi Arabia. This is where the Prophet PBUH and Abu Bakr took refuge when they were migrating to Madinah. Heading to this place helps you know more about the early history of Islam. Moreover, you can easily find this divine site over 4 Kilometers from the Grand Mosque.

Masjid al-Jin

Masjid al-Jin holds profound significance for pilgrims during Umrah. If you're going to Saudi Arabia to do Umrah for the first time in your life, make sure to visit Masjid al-Jin for ziyarah. It is believed to be the site where a group of Jinn listened to the Holy Prophet PBUH recite the Quran. By visiting this divine place, you can connect with this notable event in Islamic history. Adding more to this, it also allows you to reflect on the importance of the conversion of Jinn.

Masjid al-Nabawi

If it is your first time going for the Umrah, add Masjid al-Nabawi as a ziyarat site to your bucket list. This site has a great spiritual connection with the Prophet Muhammad PBUH. Like other sacred places, Masjid al-Nabawi is also a location of unlimited blessings and tranquility. The beloved Prophet PBUH said that a prayer in this mosque is much better than 1,000 prayers elsewhere (other than Masjid al-Haram). You must go to this site for ziyarat during your Umrah.

Jannat al-Mu'alla

Jannat al-Mu'alla is another ziyarat place you should visit during the Umrah. You can jet off to this place before or after the pilgrimage. The choice is totally yours in the end. If you want to know about the legacy of early Muslims, Jannat al-Mu'alla is a must-visit. You can offer prayers and honor the famous personalities buried here. It is the cemetery of Hazrat Khadija (AS), the Holy Prophet's PBUH wife, and other companions. First-time pilgrims must visit this place.

Jabal al-Nour

Jabal al-Nour is also referred to as the 'Mountain of Lights.' You must head to this sacred site during Umrah to get a strong connection with the revelation of the Quran. While Jabal al-Nour involves climbing, the whole experience of reaching the cave is truly enriching. It offers a unique perspective on the origins of Islam to pilgrims. You can invest in the cheap December Umrah package to get a guided tour of this site. This way, you will be able to better explore this place.

Top Must-Follow Tips for a Successful Umrah Journey

If you're planning your first Umrah in the Easter season, it's the best choice. This is when the weather is pleasant and there are school vacations are well. You can opt for the Easter Umrah Package 2026 to make your first pilgrimage experience unforgettable. The following is a checklist of some of the essential tips that you need to act upon to ensure a successful journey.

Book in Advance

You might be looking for ways to make your first Umrah fulfilling, right? This is where 5 star Umrah 2025 packages come in handy. You need to secure these deals at least 3-6 months in advance to avoid any last-minute stress. This proactive approach will help you save money as well because many travel agencies offer discounts on early bookings. Have everything planned!

Stay Hydrated

Umrah is a physically demanding journey, which means you need to be prepared properly. The severe heat of Saudi Arabia demands meticulous attention to hydration. Make certain to carry a refillable bottle with you to reduce the risk of dehydration. Drink fluids, particularly during the key Umrah rituals, to help maintain your physical condition. Taking some rest would also help!

Consider Modest Clothing

Modest clothing plays a vital role in making your Umrah super smooth. You need to pack comfortable clothes. Bring loose-fitting clothing to enhance comfort during long hours of walking. Whatever you pack, it should follow the principles of equality, humility, and respect for the holiness of the pilgrimage. This is how you can make the most of the Umrah pilgrimage.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Another important thing to act on during your first Umrah is to pack only comfortable shoes. You must wear comfy shoes throughout this religious trip. Breathable shoes, like sneakers or sandals, are worth opting for to get perfect support. No matter what shoes you pick, they must be easy to remove for doing the rituals of Umrah. It will help you get a more convenient Umrah.

Recite Duas

Before you travel for Umrah, it is a good practice to remember some meaningful duas. You must be fully prepared not only physically but spiritually as well. Focus on learning prayers for entering the state of Ihram, doing Tawaf, and performing Sa'i. This also applies to other pivotal moments that strengthen your bond with Allah. This way, you can fully enrich your Umrah trip.

Concluding Remarks

Umrah is a religious trip that is the dream of almost every Muslim. It is a highly recommended Sunnah that brings so many rewards, including spiritual renewal. The forgiveness of all your past sins is one of the blessings of this pilgrimage. There is no specified time to embark on this divine journey. You can go for Umrah solo or with your loved ones. In case you’re travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah for the first time, you need to have everything planned appropriately.

You should also have proper knowledge of performing the prime rituals of Umrah. This is how you will be able to make the most of your Umrah pilgrimage. If you're capable of doing Umrah, be sure to perform it at least once in a lifetime. May your next Umrah be a source of blessings!

Are you searching for ways to make your first Umrah fully memorable? Reach out to Muslims Holy Travel to get all-inclusive Umrah packages while ensuring a completely successful journey!