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In this article, we’ll outline the steps of Umrah. We’ll share how long each part takes and offer tips for better planning. This guide will help you know what to expect, whether it’s your first time or you’re helping someone else get ready.
Umrah is an important pilgrimage for Muslims. It helps them feel closer to Allah.
Umrah is a short pilgrimage to Makkah, done by Muslims to show their love and obedience to Allah. It is not a must like Hajj, but it is a very special and rewarding act of worship. People who perform Umrah follow a few simple steps that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) showed us.
Many people mix up Umrah and Hajj, but they are not the same. Hajj is longer, has more rituals, and happens only once a year during the month of Dhul-Hijjah. Umrah, on the other hand, is shorter and can be done any time of the year. Umrah is not required. Hajj, however, is one of the five pillars of Islam. It must be performed once in a lifetime if a person can afford it.
When planning your Umrah, it is important to think about both the spiritual side and the travel side. Spiritually, you want to focus on your worship and connection with Allah. Logistically, you need to manage your time well so that you are not rushed or stressed. This balance will help you make the most of your journey.
To understand how long Umrah takes, it helps to first know what the main steps are.
There are four main parts of Umrah: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, and Halq or Taqsir. Let us look at each one.
Ihram
Ihram is the state of purity and intention that a pilgrim enters before doing Umrah. For men, this means wearing two white pieces of cloth. Women wear simple, modest clothing. Before putting on Ihram, make your intention for Umrah. Then, say the Talbiyah, a special prayer.
Tawaf
Tawaf means walking around the Kaaba seven times. This is done in a counterclockwise direction. It usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how many people are there.
Sa'i
After Tawaf, you walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times. This is called Sa'i. It can take around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Halq or Taqsir
The last step is either shaving your head (Halq) or trimming your hair (Taqsir). Men can do either, but shaving is better. Women trim a small piece of their hair. This step shows that you have completed Umrah.
Each part of Umrah can be done fairly quickly if the mosque is not crowded. On average, people take between 2 to 6 hours to complete all the rituals. But remember, this can change based on the time of day and how many pilgrims are there.
Now that we know the rituals, let’s look at how much time the whole Umrah might take from start to finish.
If everything goes smoothly, you can finish Umrah in just a few hours. This is called a same-day Umrah. It is common for locals or people who are visiting Makkah for a short time. They arrive, perform all the rituals, and leave on the same day. This usually takes between 2 to 6 hours.
Many pilgrims choose to spread the rituals over one full day. They start the day in Ihram. Then, they head to Masjid al-Haram. They perform Tawaf and Sa'i. By evening, they complete Halq or Taqsir. This allows them to rest, pray, and reflect more during the process.
Some people prefer to take things slow. They may spread their rituals over two or even three days. This way, they can spend more time praying at the Kaaba, reading the Quran, and enjoying the peace of the holy city. Taking extra time also helps older people or families with kids who may not be able to walk too much in one day.
The time to complete Umrah can vary. This depends on personal choices and outside factors.
Every person is different. Some people walk fast, while others need more time. Older pilgrims or those with health issues may move slowly. First-time pilgrims might also take longer as they try to understand each step correctly.
The time of year can make a big difference. During Ramadan or school vacations, Makkah is usually more crowded. Weekends are also busier than weekdays. More people mean longer lines and slower movement.
Where you stay also matters. If your hotel is close to the mosque, you can save time walking. If you need to take a shuttle or taxi, add extra time for that too.
Good planning can help you make the most of your trip and avoid feeling rushed or tired.
When planning your Umrah, it is good to be flexible. Sometimes things may take longer than you expect. There might be crowds, delays, or weather changes. Give yourself extra time for each step. Don’t rush. Use the extra time to pray, read the Quran, or just reflect.
If you want a faster and easier experience, avoid peak seasons like Ramadan or December holidays. Try to go during off-peak months like Muharram or Safar. Also, weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends.
Travel agencies offer different Umrah packages, and each one affects how long you’ll stay and what you’ll do.
Travel companies offer different types of Umrah packages. Some are very short, made for people who have little time. These packages help you complete Umrah in one or two days. They include transport, hotel, and a guide.
Other packages are longer. These allow you to stay in Makkah for a week or more. You get more time for prayers and learning. Some even include visits to Madinah and Islamic history sites.
You can also make your own plan. Maybe you want to stay longer for extra prayers, or maybe you need more rest. Talk to your travel agent and see what works best for you. What matters most is that your trip helps you grow spiritually.
Umrah is a beautiful journey that touches the heart. It can be done in just a few hours or spread over several days. How long it takes depends on you, your health, the time of year, and how busy the holy places are.
No matter how much time you spend, the most important thing is to stay focused on your worship. Prepare well, be patient, and make every moment count. May Allah accept your Umrah and bless your journey.
Yes, many people finish Umrah in one day. If the mosque is not too crowded and you are prepared, it is possible to complete everything in 2 to 6 hours.
In perfect conditions, it can be done in about 2 hours. But this is rare. Most people take 3 to 5 hours at least.
No, there is no strict time limit. But once you start, it is best to finish without long breaks. Each step should follow the other in a proper order.
It depends on your plan. Some stay one day, others stay a week or more. A good trip is one where you feel spiritually refreshed and not rushed.
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