Umrah is the name given to the Islamic pilgrimage to mecca, Saudi Arabia that can be undertaken by muslims any time of the year (in contrast with Hajj). Umrah is an opportunity for Muslims to renew their faith and seek Allah’s forgiveness. Those who perform Umrah are said to be cleansed of his/her sins. However, the process of going to Umrah can seem daunting if you are travelling from another country. Applying for a visa, finding accommodation, etc. can all be a hassle, but many travel agencies are offering Umrah packages from different cities in the UK like London, Birmingham, etc that take care of all these problems.

Some certain rules and conditions must be followed before performing Umrah. Muslims are only allowed to perform Umrah, ever since it is something related to their Deen. And that is why, non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the Sacred mosques of Makkah and Madinah.

One also needs to be in the state of Ihram before performing Umrah. Ihram refers to a sacred state of purity that a Muslim must enter before he can commence with the pilgrimage. Muslims are to be as clean as they are for prayer. Other than that, male Muslims are to shave or cut their hair short, cut their nails, and trim their beard before donning a simple white two-piece garment. Ihraam is worn in two sheets, one for the upper and other for the lower body respectively. However, Ihraam for women is their abaya, with their face open. Wearing make-up and any such additional products is not allowed.

While in the state of Ihram, there are certain things that you are prohibited from which are known as Mahzurat al-ihram.

These include the following:

• Clipping nails or shaving hair from any part of the body.

• Use of perfumes on the body or the clothes is not allowed.

• Engaging in any form of sexual activity including foreplay and lustful talk and touching another sexually.

• Pilgrims are further prohibited from hunting animals themselves or consuming the meat of animals they have hunted.

• One can also not contract marriage during this state.

• Wearing tightly fitting clothes which may include trousers, pants, gloves, socks, shirts, etc. For men, covering the head is also forbidden. 

There can be no fighting, quarrelling, or use of foul language. Further, no animals can be harmed (even including small insects) except when they may pose a threat to you. Doing any of these things can nullify your state of ihram and Umrah will not be accepted then.

The second part of Ihram includes the intention to perform Umrah or Umrah Niyat. Without the proper intention, Umrah cannot be performed.

For unmarried women, it is preferred for them to have a mahram (male guardian) accompany them which can be their husband, brothers, father, or uncles but in case they are unavailable, women can perform umrah while being accompanied by women of her likes or in the secure and trustworthy company. These conditions are imposed for the safety and comfort of the woman herself.

Sick and physically unfit people should also not perform Umrah. But in the case of chronically ill people or with a disability, their Umrah can be performed by some other person on their behalf if they are financially capable. A person must be mentally sound as well in order to perform Umrah. Minimum age set for Umrah is 5 years by the Govt, hence the children lower than this age should be with their parents at all times.

Umrah, being considered of utmost importance in Islam and has been emphasized several times in the Quran and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet SAWW. Although, Umrah is not mandatory to be performed like Hajj but the blessings and rewards of performing Umrah are numerous. It is considered as one of the most spiritually uplifting acts by Prophet PBUH. Performing Umrah purifies one's soul and strengthens one's devotion to Allah. It is also an opportunity to be forgiven for past sins. Thus, Umrah must be performed by every devout Muslim whenever granted the opportunity for it is an act that allows you absolution and forgiveness and brings one closer to Allah Almighty.