Muslims travel to Makkah in Saudi Arabia for the Umrah pilgrimage. It is a spiritual journey that involves visiting sacred locations and participating in rituals. Various Cheap Umrah Packages are available for this spiritual journey. However, there are some rules that one must follow when performing Umrah.
Islam forbids marriage, hence someone who follows this custom is called a mahram. All Muslims, both men and women, aspire to complete the Umrah, or pilgrimage, to Mecca. Allah SWT has established a set of roles to ensure the security of the women on their voyage.
Introduction: Umrah and Hajj:
It is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a religious duty for Muslims all over the world to perform the Hajj or Umrah for Allah (SWT). Despite being two separate pilgrimages, Umrah and Hajj have many similar religious procedures and requirements. A certain set of steps must be followed in order to do the optional Umrah pilgrimage to Makkah. No Muslim is required to perform it, despite the fact that it is a highly recommended act of Ibadah.
Performing Umrah without Mahram:
Saudi Arabia would permit women between the ages of 18 and 65 to conduct the Umrah pilgrimage without a male guardian, or “mahram,” provided they travel in a group. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recently announced a change that mandates women seeking for Umrah or Hajj pilgrimage receive a partial vaccination (one dosage). Furthermore, they must be disease-free. Registration for this year’s Hajj is open to Kingdom residents and Saudi nationals who have not performed Hajj in the previous five years.
The Lesser or Minor Pilgrimage:
When compared to Islam’s annual Hajj trip, Umrah is frequently referred to as the lesser or minor pilgrimage. Muslims make this trip to Makkah’s Grand Mosque outside of the set Hajj pilgrimage dates.
Performing the Umrah without a mahram:
The Hajj ministry officially approved women of all ages to travel in 2021, provided they do so in a group and without a “mahram.” Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, said that women who are visiting Saudi Arabia can now finish their pilgrimages without a mahram, or male guardian.
Ahmed Saleh Halabi, the adviser for Hajj and Umrah services, claims that it is now permitted for a woman to perform Hajj or Umrah without a mahram, in the company of trustworthy women, or in secure environments.
Social reforms include a decision:
The decision is a part of the social reforms made by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is attempting to open up the Kingdom’s oil-dependent economy. Since he became the crown prince, women are now able to drive and go abroad without a male guardian.
The Umrah pilgrimage is sometimes referred to as the lesser or minor pilgrimage when compared to the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Islam. Muslims travel visit the Grand Mosque in Mecca outside of the predetermined Hajj pilgrimage dates. The word “Umrah” in Arabic refers to a journey to a revered site.
What is a Mahram?
If a guy is a woman’s male relative and it is Haram (forbidden) for her to marry him, he is referred to as a “mahram” in Arabic. A woman’s husband also becomes her Mahram when she gets married. Any male relative who satisfies one of the following requirements is considered a mahram. Connection to one’s parents, grandparents, or other ancestors through all direct ancestors and direct descendants.
According to certain scholars, if a woman is with a group of individuals she can trust or if the travel routes are safe, she can conduct Umrah or Hajj without a Mahram. However, there is disagreement among experts over whether a mahram is necessary. We advise you to speak with your attorney before making a choice. Many women who come to the Kingdom to work without a mahram do not encounter any significant incidents as a result of the protection we receive. There is no longer any fear because there is no longer a reason for women to arrive without a mahram.
Mahram guidelines:
A mahram is a family member whose marriage is deemed haram in Islam. One’s spouse is also their mahram. A woman is not needed to cover her head when she is with her mahram, and although it is not always necessary, a lady may travel with an adult male mahram.