What is UMRAH?
Umrah is a journey that Muslims take to Makkah. Unlike Hajj, which has a specific time, Umrah can be done ANY TIME of the year. It involves doing certain acts of worship, including Tawaf (walking around the Kaaba) and Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa).
Can I get direct flights to Saudi Arabia from the UK?
Jeddah (JED):
There are regular direct flights from London (Heathrow and Gatwick) to Jeddah operated by airlines including British Airways, Saudia, and Wizz Air UK, with flight times around ~6–6.5 hours.
Madinah (MED):
There are direct flights from London Gatwick to Madinah mainly with Wizz Air UK, taking roughly ~6 hours; these run several times per week.
E-Waiver Visa
Saudi Tourist e-Visa:
The Saudi Tourist e-Visa is valid for one year and allows multiple entries into Saudi Arabia. Each visit is limited to a maximum stay of 90 days, even though you may enter more than once during the year. This visa can be used for Umrah as long as it is outside the Hajj season.
Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW):
The Electronic Visa Waiver allows a longer total stay of up to 180 days. It is commonly issued to certain nationalities (British) and has more flexible stay conditions than the tourist e-visa. Like the tourist visa, it can also be used for Umrah outside Hajj, with the main difference being the much longer permitted stay.
Hotel Check-in and Check-out Times
Check-in:
Most hotels allow check-in from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Early check-in is sometimes possible, but it depends on room availability and may involve an extra charge, especially during peak periods.
Check-out:
Check-out is usually between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. Late check-out can sometimes be arranged for an additional fee, but during busy times hotels are often strict.
Because these cities receive very high numbers of pilgrims, it’s always best to confirm exact times with your hotel in advance, particularly if your flight arrives early or departs late.
What is HAJJ?
Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah which happens ANNUALLY. It is a mandatory duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it at least once in their lifetime, It takes place during Dhu al-Hijjah, which is the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
For Hajj can I fly from UK with Pakistani Passport?
Yes, a Pakistani passport holder can travel from the UK TO PERFORM HAJJ, but there are specific requirements:
Hajj Visa – You must obtain a Hajj visa issued by the Saudi Arabian consulate or embassy, valid only for Hajj travel. Regular tourist visas are not sufficient.
Approved Travel Agency – Saudi authorities require pilgrims to book Hajj through an authorized travel agency that is registered with the Saudi Hajj ministry. UK-based agencies often coordinate flights and packages for Pakistani pilgrims living abroad.
Vaccinations and Health Requirements – Proof of certain vaccinations (e.g., meningitis) is mandatory, and other health regulations may apply.
Flight Routes – Many airlines operate direct or connecting flights from the UK to Saudi Arabia during the Hajj season. Your Pakistani passport is valid for international travel, provided it has at least six months’ validity.
Documents – You will need a valid passport, Hajj visa, vaccination certificate, and proof of booking with an authorized Hajj package.
Hajj Visa for Pakistan & UK Passports
Hajj visa must be issued through the official Nusuk Hajj platform. Pilgrims with dual nationality should use their Pakistani passport for the visa, while carrying their UK passport for travel convenience. Registration requires proof of residency, a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, and mandatory vaccinations.
Shifting Vs Non-Shifting Accomodation
Shifting Vs Non-Shifting Accommodation
Shifting accommodation involves moving between hotel near the Haram and Accommodation in Aziziya during the Hajj, while non-shifting accommodation keeps you in a single hotel through out i.e you go to the hotel and stay there until you start your Hajj where you stay in your tents after which you go back to the same hotel. Each option has advantages depending on convenience and proximity to Hajj Sites:
Non-Shifting: Haram -> Hajj Tent -> Haram
-PLUS POINT: Much easier to pray in haram for those 2-5 days before Hajj. No need of Shifting luggage during the whole stay.
-NEGATIVE POINT – During the Hajj you have to stay in the tents, you cant go back to a hotel.
Shifting: Haram ->Aziziya -> Tent -> Aziziya (same hotel)-> Haram (same)
-PLUS POINT: Aziziya accommodation is close to tents thereby giving you chance to go back to the hotel during the last couple of days of hajj where you stone the pillars so you don’t have to live in the tents for those days.
-NEGITIVE POINT – When shifted to Aziziya in Days closer to hajj you have to travel to the Haram for prayer making it much harder for those few days.
Can Umrah be performed more than once?
YES, Umrah can be performed multiple times, even in the same year or during the same visit to Makkah.
What are the main rituals of Umrah?
1.Entering the state of IHRAM
2.Performing TAWAF around the Kaaba
3.Performing SA’I between Safa and Marwah
4.Halq or Taqsir (SHAVING or TRIMMING the hair)
How long does Umrah usually take?
Umrah can be completed in a FEW HOURS, but many pilgrims take longer to pray and reflect, often completing it within one day.
Can Umrah be performed at night?
YES, Umrah can be performed day or night, and many pilgrims prefer night time due to cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Can women perform Umrah without a mahram?
YES. In recent years, Saudi authorities have allowed women to perform Umrah without a mahram under specific conditions, especially when traveling in organized groups.
How many times did the Prophet ﷺ perform Umrah?
The Prophet ﷺ performed Umrah 4 TIMES in his lifetime.
-Hadith:
Anas ibn Malik (رضي الله عنه) said:
“The Prophet ﷺ performed Umrah four times…”
Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1776
What is the importance of Tawaf during Umrah?
Tawaf around the Kaaba is a core ritual and ACT OF WORSHIP.
-Hadith:
‘Aisha (رضي الله عنها) said:
“The first thing the Prophet ﷺ did upon arriving in Makkah was to perform Tawaf of the Kaaba.”
Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1641
Can women perform Umrah during menstruation?
Women in menstruation may perform all rites EXCEPT TAWAF.
-Hadith:
The Prophet ﷺ said to ‘Aisha (رضي الله عنها):
“Do what the pilgrims do, EXCEPT do not perform TAWAF around the Kaaba until you are clean.”
Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 305
Is shaving or trimming the hair necessary after Umrah?
YES, shaving or trimming the hair completes Umrah.
-Hadith:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“O Allah, forgive those who shave their heads.” (He repeated it three times)
The companions asked: “And those who trim?”
He said: “And those who trim.”
Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1727
Is Umrah during Ramadan especially rewarded?
YES, Umrah in Ramadan carries a great reward.
-Hadith:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Umrah in Ramadan is EQUAL TO HAJJ (in reward).”
Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1782
Is Umrah a means of removing poverty and sins?
YES, Umrah brings spiritual and worldly blessings.
-Hadith (reported together with Hajj):
“Perform Hajj and Umrah consecutively, for they remove poverty and sins…”
Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1774
Did the Prophet ﷺ walk or ride during Umrah?
HE DID BOTH, showing flexibility for ease.
-Hadith:
Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنهما) said:
“The Prophet ﷺ performed Tawaf riding his camel so that people could see him.”
Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1607
Did the Prophet ﷺ kiss the Black Stone during Umrah?
YES but he also taught flexibility when crowded. NOT ALLOWED NOW AS IT IS SCENTED WHICH BREAKS THE CONDTIONS OF IHRAM
-Hadith:
Umar ibn Al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه) said:
“I know that you are a stone and can neither benefit nor harm. Had I not seen the Prophet ﷺ kiss you, I would not have kissed you.”
Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1597
Did the Prophet ﷺ perform Umrah immediately upon reaching Makkah?
YES, Tawaf was the first act.
-Hadith:
Aisha (رضي الله عنها) said:
“The first thing the Prophet ﷺ did was Tawaf.”
Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1641
