Umrah Packages in UK Help Pilgrims Explore Sacred Mountains

Posted by Safeena Rahman on May 3rd, 2019

The Islamic pilgrimage of Umrah is a wonderful opportunity for Muslims to benefit spiritually. Many of the Muslims living in different parts of the globe embark on a journey from their place of residence to the holy city of Makkah every year for this reason. Performing this 'lesser pilgrimage' is not an obligation, but it is highly recommended, as it is the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It can be performed at any time of the year and can be accomplished within a shorter period of time when compared to Hajj, as this pilgrimage involves a lesser number of rituals.

A wide range of Umrah packages offered by tour operators based in the United Kingdom gives Muslims living in the country the chance to fulfil their dream of performing the lesser pilgrimage. The prospective pilgrims can have greater savings by booking any of these packages several months earlier. However, in order to book the desired package well in advance, they need to be absolutely certain about the date of departure and the number of days they intend to spend in Makkah. Once they are certain about these aspects, they can go ahead and book the package. The savings made while booking can be utilised to visit some important Islamic sites in and around Makkah.

In the list of Islamic sites that pilgrims can visit using the savings on Umrah packages UK tour operators provide are the three mountains. One of them is Jabal al-Noor, which means 'Mountain of Light'. This mountain is of great significance for Muslims all over the world, as it houses the Cave of Hira. In this cave, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had spent many days in deep contemplation and received his first revelation of the Quran. Jabal al-Noor is located in the Hejazi region near the holy city of Makkah and it takes a strenuous hike of an hour or two in order to reach the cave.

Muslims performing the lesser pilgrimage can also utilise the savings made on Umrah packages UK tour operators provide for visiting Abu Qubais. This is a sacred mountain located on Makkah's eastern frontier and is believed to have been known as 'Al Amin' during the days when pagan Arabs resided in the region. One of the legends states that this is the place where the first of men lived and were buried after their death. According to the Islamic traditions, this is also the place where the miracle of the 'splitting of the moon' was shown to pagans by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

While in Makkah, pilgrims from the UK can also visit yet another sacred mountain called Mount Arafat or Jabal al-Rahmah. The name 'Jabal al-Rahmah' literally translates as 'Mountain of Mercy'. The origin of this name can be traced to the Islamic traditions that state that this is the place where the first prophet Adam (peace be upon him) was forgiven by The Almighty Allah for his sin. A pillar has also been erected in order to indicate the exact spot where the event took place.

UK Muslims can accomplish their lesser pilgrimage in the holy month with any of the Ramadan Umrah packages offered by tour operators based in the country.