Umrah Guide for Women

Umrah is a sacred journey to the holy cities of Mecca and Madinah. It is a dream of every Muslim to have a glimpse of the Kaaba at least once in their life. Umrah is a way to purify your soul and seek forgiveness from Allah. Whether you are a man or a woman, it is mandatory to follow certain rules and regulations to successfully complete your Umrah. There are many Umrah packages that allow you to gain unique Umrah experience with luxury and comfort. The key rules are mostly the same for both genders, with a few exceptions. However, there are some different steps for the female pilgrims who embark on the spiritual journey of Umrah. The best part is that women Umrah packages are specifically designed to facilitate Women through their Umrah journey.

If you are a female who is planning to perform Group Umrah, you should know these guidelines to keep yourself safe and sound. Stay connected with us till the end to equip yourself with all the information before performing Umrah.

Visa Processing

After you plan your Umrah, the first step is to apply for a visa as you need it to enter the premises of Saudi Arabia. We suggest you apply at least 15-20 days before starting your Umrah journey. If you are choosing a women Umrah package, then they take care of all your visa processing, which includes filling out the application form and updating the documents on their website to confirm your visa before departure.

For women aged between 18 to 65, it is not mandatory to perform Umrah with a mahram, but they need permission from their mahram. These mahram can be your husband or father. Another requirement to get your visa as a woman is that you should be part of a group.

Preparing Your Documents

You should start preparing your documents months before you plan to go for an Umrah. An important thing you should not forget is to check the expiry date of your Identity card and passport, which is compulsory to carry at the airport. Keep these documents with great care in a separate bag or file, so you don't lose them. If the expiry date of your passport is near, apply to renew your passport to avoid any on-time hurdles. Get your vaccination documents ready, which are important for the visa.

The details of these documents are provided when you book a Umrah package. Make sure to have proof of your connection with the mahram if you are travelling with your father or husband. In case you are going alone, you need to have a letter that shows that there is no objection from your father or mahram’s side. Also, don’t forget to take the arrival and return tickets with you.

Accommodation

Getting a safe and relaxing accommodation is necessary for women during Umrah. It is a wise decision to search for women Umrah packages and see which one suits your requirements best. They offer many accommodation options, including the all-inclusive ones. As Umrah can be a very physically exhausting process, you should choose the hotel or residency which is within walking distance to the haram or near it. It preserves your energy for performing Tawaaf and Sa’i, which demands extensive walking. For the women who are going in a group without their mahram, Umrah packages provide them a safe residency located not too far from the haram.

Modest Clothing

While it is mandatory for male pilgrims to wear an Ihram, women are allowed to wear modest and comfortable clothing. In the past, it was required for the women pilgrims to wear an abaya (a loose clothing that wraps your whole body with a scarf). Now, you can wear any clothing that covers your body while keeping you comfortable throughout the Umrah process. You can pack long frocks or any attire that you are comfortable in. Just make sure that it does not cause body transparency, because it is necessary to respect the rules of Umrah and stay within the boundary. If you are choosing an attire other than an abaya, then you must take a scarf or hijab to cover your head, which is mandatory for performing the steps of Umrah. Take different hijabs with you so you can change them every day. This is important because it will keep the sweat odour away from you.

Additional Accessories

You need to carry additional accessories with you to keep your Umrah journey stress-free and comfortable. These accessories include a small bag to keep with you every time you step out of your hotel. This bag is important as you should have some important accessories with you 24/7, and you can keep them in a single bag instead of carrying them separately which is inconvenient. These essential accessories include a reusable water bottle so you can stay hydrated every time. When you choose from the women Umrah packages, they inform you about all the necessary things a woman should carry with them.

Don’t forget to keep a charger or, more appropriately, a power bank with you every time you are out of your residency so that your phone does not run out of battery. Although wearing jewellery is not prohibited, you should refrain from wearing extra jewellery items as they will cause distractions and inconvenience. Moreover, many women wear glass bangles which can break due to the heavy crowd in the haram. These pieces may cause foot injuries to other pilgrims.

Key Rules to Remember

It is obligatory to cleanse yourself completely before starting your Umrah rituals. Cut your nails and dress neatly. Your clothes should cover your body and head. Remember that you don’t need to recite Talbiya loudly like men are supposed to do. You can recite it slowly. After Talbiya, you are supposed to complete your Tawaaf rounds at a medium pace. It is not obligatory for women to run for the first three rounds, like men. For Taqseer, men are obliged to shave their heads while women are ordered to cut their hair to the length of a fingertip.

Ending Statement

If you are about to start your Umrah pilgrimage as a woman, knowing about its rituals is mandatory. However, it is also important to understand the above guidelines to make your journey safe and stress-free. Book one of the best women Umrah packages that include several amenities to make your Umrah spiritual and full of blessings