How Long is Umrah? A Comprehensive Guide

 

In simple words, Umrah means “to visit a populated place.” According to Muslims, it is an Islamic pilgrimage in Makkah, a city in Saudi Arabia. Often called the lesser pilgrimage, Umrah has fewer rituals compared to Hajj, which involves spending five special days for its completion. However, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year.

In today's fast-paced world, people seek ways to accomplish year-long tasks in mere weeks. 

Among such advancements, a common question arises: How long does Umrah take?

Duration of Umrah

Umrah can be completed in 4 to 5 hours due to its four main rituals: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and Halq or Taqsir (shaving or cutting the hair). The last three rituals are performed entirely in Masjid al-Haram, while Ihram can be donned at various designated points, known as Meeqat. This makes Umrah a flexible and accessible spiritual journey for Muslims.

The duration of Umrah involves two main stages:

1. Preparing for Umrah
2. Performing Umrah 

Preparing for Umrah

Preparation starts with planning the departure and return dates. The main steps include obtaining an Umrah visa, securing a vaccination certificate, booking flight tickets, and arranging hotel accommodations. Additionally, it is essential to familiarize oneself with the rituals and guidelines of Umrah before departure to ensure a smooth and fulfilling pilgrimage experience.

 

• Umrah Visa

 

To embark on this spiritual journey, an Umrah visa is essential. With the introduction of the online Umrah visa, the process has become quicker, usually taking about 2 to 3 days. This convenience allows more Muslims to easily plan and undertake their pilgrimage, ensuring smoother travel arrangements and timely preparations.

 

• Vaccination Certificate

 

Previously, a meningitis ACWY certificate sufficed, but now a PCR test report, conducted within 48 hours before landing in Saudi Arabia, is mandatory. British residents can get a free PCR test at (https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test). Additionally, COVID-19 vaccination is required, and information on accepted vaccines and booster shots is essential. This ensures the safety and health of all pilgrims during their journey.

 

• Flight Tickets

 

Direct flights to Makkah are ideal. If unavailable, consider flights with minimal stops. The nearest airport to Makkah is King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, about 60 minutes away from Makkah by private transport. This proximity ensures a smoother and quicker journey to the holy city upon arrival, minimizing travel time and facilitating a prompt start to the pilgrimage.

 

• Hotel Booking

 

Booking a hotel close to Masjid al-Haram ensures easy access to the mosque for performing Umrah. Choose accommodations that offer convenience and comfort, enhancing your overall pilgrimage experience with proximity to the sacred site and ease of access for prayers and rituals.

Performing Umrah

The duration of performing Umrah varies based on individual physical condition. A fit person can complete it in about 4 to 5 hours, while others may take longer due to personal pace and health considerations.

The four main rituals are:

 

• Ihram

 

Ihram is the special attire for pilgrimage, differing for men and women but governed by the same rules. It can be worn at home, the airport, Meeqat, or even during the flight if the airline provides a designated area. Selecting a less crowded place to wear Ihram ensures a peaceful and focused start to the spiritual journey.

 

• Tawaf

 

Tawaf involves circumambulating the Kaaba seven times. The time taken can vary due to crowd size and floor conditions, typically ranging from 60 to 90 minutes. After Tawaf, performing two Rakats of prayers, known as Sunnah prayers, is mandatory as part of the ritual.

 

• Sa’i

 

Sa’i entails walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, a distance of about 3.2 km. This ritual can be completed in 70 to 100 minutes. Men are encouraged to run briskly during the first three rounds, while women should maintain a moderate pace throughout. Sa’i commemorates Hazrat Hajra (AS)'s search for water for her son, Ismail (AS).

 

• Halq and Taqsir

 

After Tawaf and Sa’i, pilgrims can remove their Ihram following Halq (shaving the head) or Taqsir (cutting the hair). Halq is recommended for men, and Taqsir for women. Barbershops near Masjid al-Haram facilitate this ritual, typically taking about an hour, ensuring convenience and adherence to the pilgrimage traditions.

Conclusion

In essence, Umrah can be performed in a few hours, but it is a profound spiritual journey. As Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The guests of Allah are three: the Ghazi, the Hajji, and the Mutamir (the pilgrim performing Umrah).” It is a precious time to focus on prayers and spiritual growth, seeking closeness to Allah and reflecting on the teachings of Islam, fostering a deeper connection with the Almighty and community.

 

If you need assistance in organizing your Umrah journey, Umrah Companions offers comprehensive packages, including direct flights and nearby hotels in Makkah, ensuring a fulfilling and stress-free experience. Contact us to plan your sacred journey at any time of the year.