Muslims regard Umrah as an extremely important part of their faith, as it is a spiritual journey they undertake. While Hajj has designated dates during which it is performed, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year. For Muslims, the journey of Umrah is special, as it is an exciting yet anxious experience. From complicated rituals that must be performed in accordance with the Sunnah to navigating the crowded streets of Makkah, it is a journey as complicated as it is rewarding.
As a travel planner, I have seen tens of thousands of pilgrims walk their path of faith. I have also seen what the majority of first-time pilgrims do wrong. When the majority of first-time pilgrims make the same mistakes, it becomes even more important for you to be different. As such, mistakes that might otherwise be considered trivial can be of great importance to you and lead to a spiritually rewarding pilgrimage.
1. Being spiritually and psychologically prepared
Less time is allotted; more time is allotted to the actual pilgrimage and other activities. Spending time on travel sites and social media to find the cheapest Umrah packages is almost a necessity for the majority of first-time pilgrims. What first-time pilgrims fail to understand is that spending time on travel sites and social media to find the cheap Umrah packages is also an enormous waste of time, as it makes extremely little financial sense and devalues the effort being spent.
- Not Learning the Rituals: Most pilgrims arrive in Makkah without knowing the core components of Umrah (Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and Qasar/Halq). Dependence on a single group leader can create extreme confusion and ambiguity, given the sheer scale of the crowds.
- Ignoring the Niyyah (Intention): Each action in Islam fundamentally starts with making an intention. Not having the specific Niyyah for Umrah at the Miqat can render the pilgrimage invalid.
2. Ihram Mistakes: More Than Just White Unstitched Cloths
Ihram for men consists of two white unstitched garments, while for women, it is basically their regular orthodox clothing. However, many fail to understand that the “state” of Ihram is a spiritual boundary that many find difficult to cross.
- Going Past the Miqat Without Ihram: If you are flying into Jeddah with the intention of heading straight to Makkah, you have to be in Ihram before the plane goes beyond the Miqat. Many first-time fliers are unaware of this, and it often attracts a penalty (Damm).
- Use of Scented Items: While in the state of Ihram, you are not allowed to use scented items, including soaps, perfumes, and even scented wipes.
- Face and Head Covering: Many men also commit the offence of wearing face coverings.
3. Overexertion and Health Risks
A lot of walking is involved in the Makkah and Madinah pilgrimages. It is common for a pilgrim to walk 10-15 km a day.
- Not “Breaking In” Footwear: Do not wear new sandals for the first time at Tawaf. Sandals should be worn before the pilgrimage to avoid blisters.
- Dehydration: Saudi Arabia is extremely hot. Most pilgrims forget to sip Zamzam and regularly suffer from heat exhaustion.
- Pushing Through Illness: If you aren’t feeling well, take a rest. Avoiding rest can lead to not being able to participate in the last days of the pilgrimage.
4. Poor Logistics and Booking Mistakes
Your travel agency can address logistical and accommodation concerns for your Umrah pilgrimage. Keeping the spiritual aspect of the pilgrimage in mind is important.
- Booking Too Far Away: To minimise costs, some people choose hotels far from the Haram. When searching for affordable umrah packages, make sure the low cost does not come at the expense of 2 hours of your time. It could be an expensive time to lose.
- Ignoring Visa Regulations: Confirm your visa type (Umrah vs Tourist) as there are restrictions on access to certain cities or airports.
5. Mistakes During Tawaf and Sa’i
Most common mistakes occur during practice.
Common Tawaf Errors:
- Touching the Kaaba Walls: Touching the walls is generally discouraged as they are perfumed. Moreover, if you are in ‘ihram’, touching the kiswa or the walls of the Ka’bah may violate your ‘ihram’.
- Blocking the Flow of the Crowd: If you lose a possession and need to stop to retrieve it, you should avoid stopping the flow of the crowd from behind you.
- Engaging in a Selfie: Taking a Tawaf In and Out distracts you from the remembrance and from the people around you.
Common Sa’i Errors:
- Running Extra Laps: Sa’i consists of seven laps (Safa to Marwah is one lap, and Marwah back to Safa is two). Many pilgrims return all the way to Safa and Marwah seven times (14 laps) and end up very tired.
6. Falling into the “Photo Culture” Trap
Umrah is a personal interaction with you and Allah, not a social media spectacle.
- Losing Khushu (Devotion): Spending time figuring out the best angle for a social media post rather than making Dua is a waste of valuable time.
- Blocking Pathways: Elderly pilgrims find it particularly annoying when someone stands in a busy place to take a group picture. Please consider other people.
7. Post-Umrah Etiquette
The journey doesn’t end with a haircut.
- Rushing Out of Makkah: Some pilgrims complete their Umrah and rush to the shopping centres. Spend some time in the Masjid, do some voluntary Tawaf, and enjoy the atmosphere.
- Neglecting the Farewell: Before leaving Makkah to head home, it is a Sunnah to do the Tawaf al-Wida (Farewell Tawaf).
Summary Checklist for First Timers
- Research: Before leaving, learn about the steps to take to complete the Umrah.
- Stay Patient: Sabr (patience) is the most important “item” in your luggage. Airport delays are a test of your conduct.
- Budget Wisely: Find the most affordable umrah packages that offer a minimal amount of distance and safety, so you’re not exhausted before even arriving at the mosque.
- First Umrah: A moment in history you will cherish. These common mistakes will help you stay focused on the spirituality of the pilgrimage, ease your journey and may make your umrah be accepted.
