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Performing Umrah with family is a deeply spiritual experience as it not only strengthens your faith but also fosters unity among the near and dear ones. However, planning this devotional journey can feel a bit overwhelming, especially for those embarking on this pilgrimage for the first time. Are you someone who is preparing for a family Umrah soon? Rest assured, as we will highlight some of the most important tips that you should keep in mind for a memorable experience. From choosing the right Family Umrah Packages to packing hacks, this blog has got a lot covered for you. So, keep reading until the end to get the most out of it!
Selecting the Right Time of Departure
Choosing the right time to perform Umrah is of utmost importance. We suggest avoiding peak season for easier movements with children and the elderly. When there is a smaller crowd in the Haram, you can focus more on your prayers instead of coping with push and pull during tawaf and sa’i. On the other hand, families can also consider school holidays and a time that aligns with their work schedules. Although there are high chances of facing crowds during the global vacation period, you can still make your pilgrimage memorable by following the right measures.
Moreover, you also need to take into account the weather conditions and heat tolerance for the elderly and kids. Those residing in the UK should try to opt for a season other than extreme summers. This is because the scorching heat of Makkah can be challenging for them and may impact their overall Umrah experience.
Choosing a Family-Friendly Umrah Package
The next crucial step is choosing a family-friendly deal that can facilitate your pilgrimage from start to end. It is highly recommended to compare different family Umrah packages and select the one that matches your budget needs and comfort demands. The good part is that you can also get access to family rooms and interconnected accommodation to keep an eye on your little ones. Moreover, see if your chosen hotel also offers child-friendly and senior-friendly amenities to support your stay in KSA. For instance, many places have elevators so elderly pilgrims and those having mobility issues can avoid stairs.
A point worth mentioning here is proximity to the House of Allah Almighty. When you are closer to the Masjid al Haram and Masjid an Nabawi, you can easily travel to these sacred sites to offer rituals and worship. It is thus better to choose a residency within walking distance of Haram, as it saves a bunch of time as well as energy that is spent on travelling to reach the grand mosque. This way, you can prevent fatigue even before starting your rituals and can concentrate on the real purpose of Umrah. Last but not least, do not forget to dive into the inclusions and support services of your respective package to avoid future surprises.
Spiritual Preparation of Family
Another thing to emphasise is the spiritual preparation of every single member of your family. Many people do not pay enough attention to this matter and just keep themselves busy with logistics. If you have kids at home, then take responsibility for teaching them the Ihram requirements and Umrah rituals. Keep in mind that you do not only need to learn the steps for performing this sunnah, but it is also mandatory to know the meaning behind each ritual.
Parents should take out time and arrange spiritual sessions in their house to explain the Umrah rituals in simple terms. Your revered experience is ultimately elevated when you recall the historic events associated with a particular step while performing it. Furthermore, try to be regular in prayers and ensure to recite the Holy Quran for at least 10-15 minutes daily before your departure. Families can also attend some online or physical religious sessions so that they can refrain from making any mistakes. This way, families can make their journey meaningful as well as educational.
Health and Medical Preparation
Pilgrims can have an enriching Umrah experience only when they are in good health. Those having any medical conditions should carry their prescribed medicine with them. Moreover, take the elderly members of your family to the doctor before travelling. Besides, it is also mandatory to monitor child safety and health conditions. Not only this, but also increase your water intake well before your departure to avoid dehydration during your stay in the holy cities.
Taking a nutritious and balanced diet is also something not to be ignored. This is super crucial as your body and mind should be fully prepared for performing tawaf and sa’i, which can be exhausting steps for weak people. Finally, knowing hospitals and clinics near your place of residence is preferred so you can take the right step at the time of need.
Packing Essentials for Families
The next point in our blog is about packing your luggage for this revered voyage to Makkah. There is a misconception that you should pack many items as a backup. But it is not true and causes many problems in return. Families should consider the luggage allowance before booking a flight, and pack things accordingly. Take our advice and keep comfortable clothing and footwear for long walks. You need to give due consideration to the climate of Saudi Arabia at your time of travel so you can know what stuff to pack to avoid the extreme weather conditions.
Apart from this, those who have young children should take strollers or baby carriers to facilitate their Umrah. Remember to keep extra hygiene products that are free from any scent. You can skip this part if your hotel includes these in its amenities. A reusable water bottle is a plus in this list that you will need while performing the rituals. On top of that, you will thank yourself for keeping a power bank, with which you can charge your phone without struggling to find a charging port outside the hotel. This allows family members to be connected and can be helpful in case someone is lost. Lastly, there should be a prayer mat and some snacks in your bag that you carry while in the Haram.
Managing Crowds with Family
Umrah is a dream pilgrimage for every single Muslim on this planet. This is the reason that the House of Allah Almighty is filled with devotees every month of the year. The crowd significantly boosts during the peak months, such as Ramadan. This can be especially challenging for families who have kids and the elderly. Hence, devise that time to perform tawaf and sa’i when there is fewer crowd than usual. You can thus choose some hours right after the Fajar or Asar prayer for this noble cause to confront lesser people. Fewer people and a calmer ambience give an opportunity to pray in peace. Also, tell each family member to stick together throughout their journey to stay away from hassle.
Additionally, pinpoint some meeting points in Masjid al Haram and Masjid an Nabawi. This can be helpful as you can find your family members at that spot instead of worrying and searching for them all over the place. Devotees should also use identification bands for little ones to stay carefree throughout the pilgrimage.
Transportation and Movement Planning
Plan your transport and intercity transfers in Saudi Arabia before departure. Opt for the airport transfers suitable for families. You can evaluate different vehicle options in your finalised Umrah Deal that may include shuttle service or private transfers. This way, you do not need to figure out transport systems in a strange city. Hence, you can easily travel to your hotel after landing instead of waiting in long queues.
Figuring out your transportation beforehand also adds convenience in travelling from Makkah to Madinah. In this way, families can make sightseeing comfortable as well as safe. The good news is that your older parents or grandparents can also get a separate seat, even in a public bus. Furthermore, understanding the routes opens the door for you to figure out short walking routes as well as rest stops in a long journey. Another good news for you in this aspect is that you can always use wheelchairs in the Haram, if required.
Final Thoughts
Umrah is an extremely rewarding journey to the holy cities and is a dream of every single Muslim on this planet. This spiritual experience is further enhanced when you fulfil the sacred rituals of this sunnah with your near and dear ones. If you are also planning to embark on this pilgrimage with your loved ones, you have done a great thing by reading this write-up till the end. Keeping the above tips in mind can help you make your divine experience memorable and hassle-free. Wait no more and assess suitable family Umrah packages offered by Muslims Holy Travel and choose the right one for a well-organised and secure travel to Makkah.
