Umrah is not just a journey of worship; it is an opportunity to renew the soul and feel reassured in the holiest place on earth. But with the changing seasons, varying crowds, and multiple occasions, many may wonder: What is it?better time To performUmrah? Should we choose winter for the mild weather? Or Ramadan for its greater virtue? Are there days when the crowds are less frequent and Umrah is easier and quieter?
better time To performUmrah in terms of less crowding:
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Outside the Hajj and Ramadan seasons:
- After the end of the Hajj season (from Muharram to Rabi` al-Awwal).
- After Ramadan (Shawwal and Dhul-Qi'dah).
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Mid-Hijri year:
- Months such as: Rabi' al-Thani, Jumada al-Ula, Jumada al-Akhira.
- It is characterised by the small number of pilgrims, which gives you comfort during Tawaf and Sa’i.
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Midweek:
- Such as Tuesday or Wednesday, when the turnout is lower compared to the weekend.
- Plansfor UmrahMid-month and avoid public holidays to avoid crowds.
better time To performSpiritual Umrah according to scholars:
Scholars confirm that Umrah is permissible and desirable at all times, but they prefer certain times for spiritual reasons, including:
- Ramadan
- The last ten days of RamadanTo pair itOn the Night of PowerAnd it meetsIt includes Umrah, Itikaf, and Tahajjud.
- The sacred months (Rajab, Dhul-Qi'dah) were preferred by the righteous predecessors.
The difference between Umrah in winter and summer:
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In terms of climate and temperature:
Umrah in winter:
- The weather is moderate or relatively cool, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius in Mecca.
- better time To performUmrah is especially suitable for people coming from countries with cold weather, as the weather is pleasant during transportation, Tawaf, and Sa'i.
- Reduces heat-related fatigue and exhaustion.
Umrah in summer:
- The temperatures are very high, and may reach more than 45 degrees Celsius, especially at noon.
- Greater physical fatigue due to the heat of the sun, especially while walking or waiting for transportation.
- Requires special equipment such as umbrellas, light cotton clothing, and drinking plenty of water.
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Crowding and number of pilgrims:
Umrah in winter:
- The number of pilgrims often decreases during months other than school holidays or official holidays.
- Tawaf and Sa'i are less crowded, providing greater comfort and a spiritual and peaceful performance of Umrah rituals.
Umrah in summer:
- It often coincides with school holidays and summer vacations, which increases the number of pilgrims.
- Crowding in hotels, airports, and the Holy Mosque may make it difficult to get around or secure suitable reservations.
Umrah in winter:
- During off-season, prices are relatively low for accommodation and airfare.
- Travel offers and Umrah companies are more flexible.
Umrah in summer:
- Prices are rising significantly due to increased demand.
- It is difficult to get economical offers, especially in the month of Sha'ban or late Rajab.
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Health and physical condition:
Umrah in winter:
- Moderate weather helps avoid sunstroke and heat exhaustion.
- It is considered one ofbetter time To performUmrah is very suitable for the elderly and sick who find it difficult to tolerate the heat.
Umrah in summer:
- There is a risk of dehydration and sunstroke.
- It requires greater physical preparation, constant attention to drinking fluids, and avoiding direct sunlight.
Pros and ConsUmrah during official holidays and vacations:
Pros:
- Full dedication to travel and worship.
- Suitable for families and children.
- Opportunities for offers and Umrah campaigns from travel companies.
Disadvantages:
- Heavy traffic.
- Rising prices for hotels and services.
- Longer time to travel and perform rituals.
The merit of Umrah in Ramadan:
The merit of Umrah in Ramadan is great, and there are prophetic hadiths that explain its status and merit and are considered…better time To performUmrah as it is:
- It is equivalent to an argument in reward.
- Double the good deeds.
- Highly spiritual that makes you feel close to God.
- An opportunity for intense worship: fasting, Tarawih prayers, and night prayers.
Performing Umrah in Ramadan does not replace the obligatory Hajj, but it is equal in reward to Hajj. It is recommended that Umrah be performed with humility and submission, and not as a mere habit or annual practice.
The virtues of Umrah in the last ten days of Ramadan:
grace Umrah in the last ten days of Ramadan Great and multiplied, it is one of the acts of worship that combines the honor of time, place, and action. The most important virtues in it are:
- Double the reward.
- Exploiting the Night of Power.
- Combining Umrah and Itikaf.
The last ten daysbetter time To performUmrah is performed from the beginning of Ramadan, because of the Night of Decree and the blessing of the time.
Hadith about Umrah in Ramadan:
- Al-Bukhari and Muslim narrated on the authority of Ibn Abbas that the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, said:"Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj with me"Performing Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to performing Hajj with the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace.
- In a hadith:“Whoever performs Hajj and does not utter obscenities or commit sins will return as on the day his mother bore him.”Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim. We hope that whoever performs Umrah during Ramadan will return as the day his mother bore him, free of sin.
Umrah rituals in Ramadan:
- Ihram from the Miqat.
- Circumambulating the Kaaba seven times.
- Walking between Safa and Marwa.
- Shaving or shortening (for men), and Shortening for women.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When does Umrah start in the year?
Umrah is available throughout the year and does not have a specific time, unlike Hajj. However, an exception is made for the days of Hajj (from the beginning of Dhu al-Hijjah until the end of the Days of Tashreeq on the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah). Pilgrims are not recommended to perform Umrah during these days; instead, they must perform only the Hajj rituals.
Is it permissible to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season?
It is permissible to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season, and indeed at any time of the year. This is the consensus of the majority of scholars from the four schools of Islamic jurisprudence. Umrah is not restricted to a specific time; rather, it can be performed throughout the year, except during the Hajj season for those performing Hajj.
Do the rituals of Umrah differ depending on the time?
The rituals of Umrah do not differ according to the time, as they are fixed throughout the year.
Does the reward of Umrah differ depending on the time?
The reward of Umrah varies according to the timing, based on the virtue of the time and place in which it is performed.
Is Umrah at night better than during the day?
Umrah is highly rewarding at any time of day, but at night it may be more relaxing and devout for some people, especially those who are keen to take advantage of the pre-dawn hours and perform the night prayers, especially during Ramadan.
When does Umrah in Ramadan start?
Umrah in Ramadan begins with the first night of Ramadan, that is, from sunset on the last day of Sha'ban, as the Hijri month begins at night, not during the day. Umrah can be performed from the first night of Ramadan until sunset on the last day of Ramadan.
Ultimately, Umrah is not just a spiritual journey undertaken by a Muslim; it is a great opportunity to draw closer to God, attain reward, and purify one's soul from sins. Whether performed in winter or summer, during Ramadan or otherwise, its rewards are immense and its impact on the heart and soul is profound.
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