You don’t have to go to Madinah as part of Hajj or Umrah if you do not opt to. As we know, it is a very holy activity for the Muslims. But it is not mandatory to visit Madinah during Umrah. However, you should explore the unique qualities of the Prophet’s city, mosque, and holy tomb. There is no right or wrong way to visit Madinah. You can do it before or after the Hajj or Umrah. You don’t need to wear an ihram or Talbiyah to go to Madinah or the Prophet’s Mosque.
Guide to your Umrah Trip
- Plan Carefully
Pick an affordable package for Umrah that fits your needs and budget. You can think about what features you’d like to see in your deal. Look for Umrah deals that include flights, lodging, and any other services you may need. Also, ensure that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has approved your Umrah tour provider. Your journey will go better if you plan ahead of time.
- Familiarize yourself with Umrah and Ihram rules
Take the time to learn about the regulations and laws you must follow during your Umrah. Find out what you should and shouldn’t do and how you should dress during Ihram. So, learn how to do tawaf and tafsir and what to say during these acts.
- Get physically ready for Umrah
The hot and humid weather might make you feel sick and dizzy. Drinking a lot of water is the best way to keep your body from getting harmed by the heat. If you take kids or older people, pay extra attention to their health.
Additionally, be extra careful in Haram, where you will see a lot of tourists. If you want to avoid getting sick, don’t share food or drink. Also, people without vaccination against yellow fever, polio, and meningococcal meningitis cannot get an Umrah visa from the Saudi government.
- Visiting the sacred sites in Mecca and Medina
Aside from Al-Haram, tourists should also visit other Ziyarats in Mecca and Medina after they finish their Umrah. The Hira cave, Saur, Jabl-e-Rehmat, the Ayesha mosque, the masjid-e-jin, the house of Abu Jahal, and other places are well-known ziyarats. None of these places are close to the Haram. Discover these places ahead of time to see them when you go to Saudi for Umrah.
Things You Should Do In Madinah During Umrah
- Perform Ziyarat
Ziyarat means pilgrimage to places important to Prophet Muhammad, his family, his relatives, and his friends. It is one of the most important things to do in Madinah during Umrah.
Al-Masjid al-Nabawi
The mosque is known as the Prophet’s Mosque. The Prophet built this mosque, and many think it is also where he rests.
Mountain Uhud
The famous Battle of Uhud took place on Mount Uhud, another important place in Islamic culture. Some of the fighters who died in this battle are buried nearby at this vital pilgrimage spot.
Jannat-al-Baqi
Many of Prophet Muhammad’s friends and family are buried here. It is the first and longest cemetery in Madinah. As a result, it is one of the most important graveyards in Islam.
Besides, many religious spots in Madinah make it a great place to do Ziyarat. It includes the Dhul Hulaifah Miqat Mosque, the Al Madinah Museum, the Quba Mosque, and the Masjid al-Qiblatayn.
- You can explore historical sites
Madinah has some of the most important historical and archaeological sites. These include Jannat-al-Baqi, the Mosque of Badr, Masjid Al Ghamamah, and Abu Bakr Masjid. One of the best things to do in Madinah during the budget-friendly Umrah trip is to check out these spots. People of the Islamic faith respect this city because it has a legendary history and has been the site of some of the most dramatic Islamic battles. That’s also why it’s hard to tell the difference between Madinah’s historical and religious sites.
Al Jum’ah Mosque
The first mosque where Prophet Muhammad and his friends said the Juma prayer was Al Jum’ah Mosque, also known as Bani Salim Mosque. They did this while traveling from Makkah to Madinah.
Grave of Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib
Amzah ibn Abd al-Muttalib was killed in the Battle of Uhud. He was Prophet Muhammad’s uncle and close friend from a previous marriage. A lot of people think that Prophet Muhammad’s daughter Fatima used to go to the grave and take care of it.
Desert of Saleh
The Desert of Saleh has some of Madinah’s most fascinating historical places. It is home to many large tombs and graves. This tourist spot is a natural, historical wonder and Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Try the local cuisine
As a traveler, learning about the city’s food and culture is another fun thing. What better way to do it than to try some food grown there? The Al Fateh Restaurant, Abu Tarboosh, Nirala Taibah Restaurant, and Tayaba are some of the most well-known places in Madinah.
- Shopping in Madinah
One of the best things to do in Madinah during Umrah is to shop. The holy city has some of the most beautiful malls and busy neighborhood markets. A lot of people visit Madinah every year to shop. The city’s shops sell new products and culturally essential things, like dates, scarves, and prayer rings. These are the top three places to shop in Madinah:
Taiba Commercial Centre: You can get all kinds of things here. This place is great for fresh food, religious things, and clothes.
Old Bazaar: An essential part of Madinah’s history is the Old Bazaar, which has street vendors, booths, stalls, and places to eat. People come here to buy things like prayer beads, mats, abayas, and dates.
Al Noor Mall: One of the best-known stores in Madinah, Al Noor Mall has something for everyone. Al Noor Mall is the biggest mall in the holy city and has everything tourists need all in one place.
Conclusion
This guide to Madina will greatly help you in your Umrah and tour to Madinah. Choose the best Umrah plan for you. Visit the Hajj Ministry of Saudi Arabia website to determine if the tour company you plan to use for Umrah is authorized. The Ministry has made a list of authorized dealers. Additionally, the Ministry has provided visitors with tips on staying safe from con artists.
