Benefits That Umrah Packages in UK Provide for Pilgrims

Posted by Safeena Rahman on October 19th, 2018

Umrah is the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and this is the reason why it is held in high regard by Muslims across the world. It is not compulsory when compared to Hajj, which is one of Islam's five pillars and a major pilgrimage. In comparison with the Hajj, Umrah is often referred to as the 'lesser pilgrimage' or the 'minor pilgrimage'. It can be performed at any time during the year, while the major pilgrimage is undertaken in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah. The minor pilgrimage can be accomplished within a few hours as it involves lesser rituals as compared to the major pilgrimage of Hajj.

For the Muslims residing in the United Kingdom, the journey from their homes to the holy city of Makkah involves a considerable amount of cost. This is the reason why many find it unaffordable and keep on postponing their plans of performing the lesser pilgrimage. There was a time when there were very few tour operators in the UK that arranged the Islamic religious tours of Hajj and Umrah. In recent times, many travel companies or tour operators offering such tours have come up in various corners of the country. The Umrah packages UK tour operators or travel companies provide have helped many of the UK Muslims in making their journey to Makkah affordable.

The Umrah packages UK travel companies provide are often classified according to their cost and the facilities offered with them on their websites. Some websites also have these packages arranged according to certain seasons that are preferred by most of the Muslims living in the UK. In the past few years, these websites have helped many of the prospective pilgrims residing in the country in choosing a package that is best-suited to their budget. With the savings made on such packages, they can buy souvenirs during their time spent in the holy city of Makkah or explore the important Islamic sites.

One of the places that the pilgrims can explore with Umrah packages from UK is ‘Jabal al-Noor’ or the ‘Mountain of Light’. It is of great significance for Muslims worldwide, as it is home to the 'Cave of Hira'. This cave is believed to be the place where Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had spent much time in deep contemplation and received his first revelation of the first five ayats of Surah Al-Alaq from the Archangel Jibreel (A.S). This sacred mountain is located in the Hejazi region near Makkah. It takes more than a thousand walking steps to get to this cave.

Mount Arafat, a granite hill located to the east of the holy city, is another place of great importance that can be explored by the UK pilgrims during their time spent in Makkah after performing their lesser pilgrimage. It is also known as 'Jabal al-Rahmah' or the 'Mountain of Mercy'. This name comes from an event mentioned in the Islamic traditions which states that the first prophet Adam (peace be upon him) was forgiven by The Almighty Allah for his sin at this particular place.

You can click here for detailed information on Umrah packages and the benefits that they provide for Muslims residing in the United Kingdom.