Make a Trip to Sacred Mountains with January Umrah Packages

Posted by Safeena Rahman on October 12th, 2018

One of the biggest dreams of Muslims residing in different parts of the world is to make a journey to the holy city of Makkah for performing Umrah. This is one of the Islamic pilgrimages often referred to as the 'lesser pilgrimage' or the 'minor pilgrimage'. One of the five pillars of Islam and a major pilgrimage for Muslims is the Hajj, which is performed in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah. It is compulsory for all physically and financially capable Muslims to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime. There is no such obligation when it comes to Umrah, but it brings some spiritual rewards for the individual who performs it.

The packages for Umrah January month brings for UK Muslims from various tour operators or travel companies offering the Islamic religious tours in the country help them in making their journey to Makkah from their place of residence. As the climate in the holy city of Makkah is relatively pleasant during the month of January, the UK pilgrims can comfortably perform the rituals of Umrah if they choose this particular month for their lesser pilgrimage. During their stay in Makkah, they can also visit the sacred mountains located in the holy city.

Among them is Abu Qubais, which is located on Makkah's eastern frontier. The January Umrah packages would give pilgrims of the UK the chance to explore this mountain. It is believed to have been known by the name 'Al Amin' when this region was inhabited by the pagan Arabs. This mountain is also believed to be the place on earth where the first of men stayed and were buried after their death. According to the local legends, this mountain housed a 'black stone' and was also known by the name 'Magharat al Kans' or the 'Treasure Cave'. This is the place where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had shown the pagan Arabs the miracle of the splitting of the moon.

Jabal al-Noor is yet another sacred mountain located in Saudi Arabia's Hejazi region near the holy city of Makkah. An Umrah in January would give UK pilgrims the chance to make a trip to this mountain. Its name means 'Mountain of Light' or the 'Hill of Illumination'. Jabal al-Noor houses the 'Cave of Hira' which is of great significance for the Muslims as it is the place where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received his first revelation of the Holy Quran. About two hours of hike is required in order to reach this cave. It is estimated that about five thousand individuals visit this cave during the Hajj season.

While in Makkah, the pilgrims from the UK can also visit Jabal al-Rahmah, also called Mount Arafat. This granite mountain is located in the plain of Arafat to the east of Makkah. Jabal al-Rahmah literally means 'Mount of Mercy' in the Arabic language, as it is the place where the first prophet Adam (peace be upon him) was forgiven for his sin. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had given his famous farewell speech towards the end of his life at this place.

To get some detailed insights into the Umrah packages and their advantages for the UK pilgrims, click here.