How To Do Umrah: An Ultimate Guide To The Rules And Procedure 2024

Umrah is one of the most sacred journeys that a Muslim can undertake. It is a pilgrimage to Mecca, the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and a place of great spiritual significance. 

Umrah is not compulsory like Hajj, but it is highly recommended in Islam, and many Muslims around the world undertake this journey every year. If you are planning to perform Umrah in [ year], it is important to know the rules and procedures involved. 

In this article, we will provide you with an ultimate guide to the rules and procedure of Umrah, along with information on Umrah dua, age limit, visa fees, and visa opening dates.

Umrah 2024: When Does It Close Before Hajj?

The Umrah season usually starts in the month of Muharram (the first month of the Islamic calendar) and ends before the start of the Hajj season. The exact closing date of Umrah before Hajj 2024 will depend on the lunar calendar. 

Typically, Umrah closes around the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhul-Qadah. It is important to note that during the Hajj season, the authorities prioritize the comfort and safety of Hajj pilgrims, and Umrah pilgrims may face some restrictions.

How to Do Umrah: Procedure and Rules.

The procedure of Umrah involves several steps, and it is important to know the rules associated with each step. Here is a step-by-step guide to performing Umrah:

• Ihram: 

Ihram is a state of purity that a pilgrim must enter before performing Umrah. Men must wear two pieces of unstitched white cloth, while women can wear any modest clothing that covers their body. Before entering the state of Ihram, pilgrims must take a bath or perform ablution.

• Entering Masjid Al-Haram: 

After entering the state of Ihram, pilgrims enter Masjid Al-Haram, which is the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Here, they perform Tawaf, which involves circling the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. It is important to keep the Kaaba to the left while performing Tawaf.

• Sa’i: 

After Tawaf, pilgrims perform Sa’i, which involves walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. This commemorates the search for water by Prophet Ibrahim’s wife, Hajar (Bibi Hjira), and is a symbol of patience and perseverance.

• Halq or Taqsir: 

The final step of Umrah is to either shave the head (Halq) or trim the hair (Taqsir). Men typically shave their heads, while women cut a small portion of their hair. This signifies the end of the state of Ihram.

Umrah Dua: Prayers to Recite During Umrah.

While performing Umrah, it is important to recite dua and seek blessings from Allah. Here are some dua that pilgrims can recite during Umrah:

• “Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka laa sharika laka labbayk, innal hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal mulk, laa sharika lak.” 

• This dua means “Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”

Another dua that should be read during your Umrah is:

• “Allahumma ighfirli dhunubi waftah li abwaba rahmatika.” 

• This means “O Allah, forgive my sins and open the doors of Your mercy for me.”

Umrah Age Limit 2024: Who Can Perform Umrah?

There is no age limit for performing Umrah. However, it is recommended that children should be at least seven years old to perform Umrah. 

Anyhow for 2024, Saudi Arabia has lifted the limitations where visitors had to meet age requirements of 18 to 65, be Covid-19-vaccinated, and show proof of a recent coronavirus test that was negative. 

Tawfiq al-Rabiah, Saudi Arabia’s minister of Hajj and Umrah, assured reporters that the number of pilgrims would revert to what it was before the pandemic and that there would be no age restrictions. 

Source: https://www.haj.gov.sa/Umra

The medical aspect of performing Umrah:

Performing Umrah requires physical and mental preparation, and it is important to consider the medical aspect of the journey. As Umrah involves long hours of walking, standing, and performing religious rituals, it can be physically demanding and exhausting.

Pilgrims with medical conditions or disabilities should consult their doctor before undertaking the journey. It is also important to note that women who are pregnant or menstruating should not perform Umrah until they are medically fit to do so. 

Therefore, it is recommended that pilgrims undergo a medical checkup before embarking on the journey to ensure that they are fit to perform the rituals.

New Umrah Visa Fee 2024: How Much Does It Cost?

The Umrah visa fee varies depending on the country of origin and the type of visa. The Saudi Arabian government has not announced the new Umrah visa fee for 2024 yet. 

However, it is expected that the fee will be similar to the previous years, which was around $118. In addition to the visa fee, pilgrims must also pay for travel expenses, accommodation, and other expenses during their stay in Mecca. 

But if you are going for Umrah through e-Visa then the cost including the visa process will be as below:

• Standard processing:

To examine and accept your e-Visa application as per standard processing, it will take 4 Business Days.  USD $217.99.

• Rush processing.;

Application acceptance for expedited processing will take 2 working days. You will pay USD $277.99 for this.

• Super Rush service:

With this service, you can receive your e-Visa within 16 hours. Moreover, this can be the most costly option, costing US $345.99.

Makkah to Madina Train: A Convenient Option for Pilgrims.

The Makkah to Madina train is a convenient and affordable option for pilgrims who want to visit both holy cities during their journey. 

The train covers a distance of 450 kilometers and takes around three hours to reach Madina from Mecca. The train runs from Mecca to Madina and vice versa, and pilgrims can book their tickets online or at the train station.

Umrah Visa Opening Date 2024: When Can You Apply for Umrah Visa?

The Saudi Arabian government announces the Umrah visa opening date each year. The Saudi Arabian government has reportedly enabled religious travelers to enter and depart on regular flights through any of the kingdom’s international airports.

Is Umrah Visa Open Now? Check the Latest Updates.

If you are planning to perform Umrah in 2024, you may be wondering if the Umrah visa is open now. So the answer is Yes! Umrah visa for 2024 has opened.

However, you can check the latest updates on the website of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia  Main – وزارة الحج والعمرة or consult a licensed travel agent for more information. 

Places you can visit during your Umrah:

During Umrah, pilgrims can visit a number of historic and significant mosques and caves in and around the holy city of Mecca. 

• One of the most famous is the Grand Mosque, or Masjid Al-Haram, which is the largest mosque in the world and houses the Kaaba, the most sacred site in Islam. 

• Another notable mosque is the Prophet’s Mosque, or Masjid Al-Nabawi, located in the city of Medina and home to the Prophet Muhammad’s tomb. 

• Additionally, pilgrims can visit the Cave of Hira, located on the Jabal al-Nour mountain, where the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have received his first revelation from Allah. 

• The Cave of Thawr is another significant site, located on the outskirts of Mecca, where the Prophet and his companion Abu Bakr took refuge during their migration from Mecca to Medina. 

These sites hold great historical and spiritual significance for Muslims and are a must-visit for those performing Umrah.

In Conclusion:

Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual and meaningful experience for Muslims around the world. However, it is important to prepare and plan for the journey in advance, taking into consideration the various rules, procedures, and medical aspects of the pilgrimage.

By following the guidelines and recommendations, pilgrims can ensure a safe and fulfilling journey to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, and return home with a renewed sense of faith and spirituality.