Are you going for Umrah from Leicester, even if it is your first trip to this holy destination or seeking for updated information. Where every Muslim dreams of going. But the big questions that often come to mind are how to go, how much money, and what is the best Leicester Umrah Package. People are often a little confused about these things.
But don't worry because this article will give all the answers that are needed for a large Muslim community from Leicester. There are many options for Umrah travel. But still, people wonder which package is better, whether it is expensive, and what the easiest way to go is. Here in this article, you will find everything to know, from cheap to good packages, flights from nearby airports, visa things, hotels in Mecca and Medina, and small tips for a smooth journey, etc. Some people go on this journey alone, some with family, and some with a group. Everyone needs a different plan. We will explain everything so that there is no confusion. Umrah is not just about travel. It is a special spiritual journey, and you can make this journey easy and peaceful with good planning.
Understanding Umrah: A Sacred Journey for Leicester Muslims
Umrah is a short visit to the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia that includes a set of rituals and worship. It is the best way for Muslims to attain purity, cleanse their hearts of evil, get closer to Allah, and seek forgiveness for their past sins. Umrah can be performed at any time of the year except on specific Hajj days. It is a popular choice for Muslims worldwide, whether residents of Muslims in Leicester are seeking spiritual fulfillment.
Best Umrah Packages for Leicester Residents
If you are a Leicester resident and are planning to go on an Umrah trip, then choosing the best Umrah package for you is very important. Because a travel agency sells many packages, it is important to understand what kind of package you need, what is included in a package, what types of packages are sold, etc?
What is included in an Umrah Package
A package usually includes flights, hotel accommodation, assistance with visa processing, tour guides, and transportation services. Apart from this, some agencies also provide custom services as per your requirement, such as if you are traveling with an elderly, child, or disabled person-related facilities, etc.
Types of Umrah Packages
Similarly, each travel agency provides various types of Umrah packages which include these types:
1. A three-star Umrah package, also known as an economy package, includes basic facilities such as a standard hotel, basic transport, assistance with the visa process, a flight, etc., making it a budget-friendly package.
2. The second is the four-star Umrah package, which offers better facilities than the three. In addition to basic facilities like flight transport and visa, you can also get facilities like pilgrimage and food. In this, you will get accommodation at a better location that is not far from Haram.
3. Then comes the five-star Umrah package, where you get hotels in the best locations in Mecca and Medina, direct flights, better transportation, and many other things. A pilgrim receives all the luxury amenities and basic facilities in this package.
In addition to these basic packages, many agencies also offer special deals, such as family and group Umrah packages, which are specially designed with these things in mind.
How much is the Cost of Umrah from Leicester
The price of an Umrah package from Leicester is influenced by many factors, such as the season you are visiting, the type of accommodation, flight availability, etc.
It may be different if we extract the average from a person according to the package.
- The economy package can cost between £900 and £1200 per person.
- Similarly, a four-star package, which can also be called a deluxe package, can cost you between 1,300 pounds and 800 pounds per person.
- The luxury package can range from £1,900 to £3,300 per person.
- If you perform Umrah during a high-demand season, such as Ramadan, when it is more expensive than other months of the year, it could cost you between £2,000 and £4,000.
How to Perform Umrah: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you are planning to perform Umrah from Leicester, you need to understand all the rules of Umrah well, step by step, so that you do not make any mistakes during Umrah and can complete your Umrah better and without any problems.
1. Niyyah (Intention) & Ihram
You have to make the intention of Umrah before reaching the Meeqat and then put on Ihram. There are two white sheets for men, while women can wear modest clothes such as hijab, abaya, etc. After that, you pray two rakats of prayer and then start reciting Talbiyah.
2. Enter Makkah & Perform Tawaf
Enter the mosque, recite Bismillah, and Du’a. Then, begin the Tawaf, which involves circling the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction. If possible, touch the Black Stone; otherwise, point towards it.
3. Pray at Maqam Ibrahim & Drink Zamzam
After completing your Tawaf, pray two rak'ahs near Maqam Ibrahim, then drink Zamzam water and make Dua.
4. Sa’i (Walking between Safa & Marwah)
Afterward, proceed to the next act of worship, in which you have to walk seven times between Safa and Marwa. This is called Sa'i. Pray at the top of each hill.
5. Halq or Taqsir (Shaving/Trimming Hair)
After this, the final stage of Umrah is Halq and Taqsir, in which you cut or twist the hair on your head. You can shave or trim hair for men, although shaving (Halq) is preferable. Meanwhile, women can cut their hair at a fingertip length.
6. Umrah Completed!
After this, you are freed from the restrictions of Ihram, and your Umrah is complete. If you want to stay in Makkah longer, you can perform Umrah again.
Understanding Umrah in English or Umrah in Arabic can help you make it more meaningful. Leicester mosques and Islamic centres often provide leaflets and online resources explaining these measures, where you can find out more.
Booking Umrah from Leicester: Essential Steps
Many reliable travel agencies in Leicester and websites can arrange Umrah for you. But before booking any Umrah package, keep a few things in mind and confirm these things. Ask people, check their reviews, compare prices, then pick a package that includes hotel, flight, transport, visa process and decide what is best for you.
You should definitely attend an Umrah seminar as many mosques and Islamic centres in Leicester offer guidance on Umrah rituals and travel tips before you go.
Flights from Leicester to Jeddah/Madinah
There is no international airport in Leicester, so if you are travelling from this city or its larger areas such as Evenington, Highfields, St Matthews, or Spinney Hills, you will need to depart from the nearest airport to begin your Umrah journey.
For flights, you will have to take a flight to Saudi Arabia via East Midlands Airport (EMA) or Birmingham Airport (BHX), which are located near the city.
Essential Travel Tips for Leicester Pilgrims
- Saudi Arabia is a hot country, so if you are traveling in the summer, keep your body hydrated and always carry a bottle of water with you. Though the days can be hot in winter, the nights are cool.
- It is best to exchange British Pounds for Saudi Riyals before you travel to get a good rate, and always keep some cash during your trip, as this is especially useful for small purchases.
- If you are travelling with your family, which has children or elderly people, it is best to consult a doctor before traveling so that you and your loved ones do not have to face any kind of problems during the trip. Also, getting travel insurance is a great option that can protect you from any type of loss.
- Pack your suitcase but keep it light. Take only the things that are genuinely essential to you, such as electronic gadgets, a small medical kit with all the necessary medications, some clothes, and other things.
- In large hotels or shops, most people can speak and understand English, but in taxis, small shops, or local areas, Arabic is useful. So, learn some basic concepts in Arabic before you travel, such as phrases for asking for directions or ordering food to make things easier.
Conclusion
Umrah is a big ambition for many Leicester Muslims. Good news is that. Now easier than ever! Many Umrah packages from Leicester—some cheap, some luxury, all leading to the same holy place. Just book early, choose a reliable travel agent, and get ready for the journey of lifetime. Makkah, Madinah—waiting for you! No stress, no worries, just pure connection with Allah. Pack bags, make Dua, and go!
Comments