by 07 Sep 2023
Umrah is more than just a spiritual journey; it’s a test of physical endurance and mental strength, as it demands a lot of movement and perseverance. The preparation for this journey does not begin when you set foot in Makkah, but rather, it starts all the way back from when you decide to go. And while it’s important to make a Du’a for a smooth and blessed pilgrimage, we believe that it is equally important for you to prepare yourself – spiritually and physically!
Spiritually:
The foundation of any act of worship is sincere intention. As you begin your journey towards Umrah, set your intention solely on seeking Allah’s blessings, forgiveness, and guidance, rather than for any worldly desires or affairs. The importance of having sincere intentions in Islam is emphasised in a Hadith of our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. as follows:
عَنْ عُمَرَ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم قَالَ: الأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّةِ، وَلِكُلِّ امْرِئٍ مَا نَوَى
فَمَنْ كَانَتْ هِجْرَتُهُ إِلَى اللهِ وَرَسُولِهِ، فَهِجْرَتُهُ إِلَى اللهِ وَرَسُولِهِ، وَمَنْ كَانَتْ هِجْرَتُهُ لِدُنْيَا يُصِيبُهَا، أَوِ امْرَأَةٍ يَتَزَوَّجُهَا، فَهِجْرَتُهُ إِلَى مَا هَاجَرَ إِلَيْهِ
Narrated by ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab, that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.) said:
“The reward of deeds depends upon the intention, and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended. So whoever emigrated for Allah and His Messenger, then his emigration was for Allah and His Messenger. And whoever emigrated for worldly benefits or for a woman to marry, his emigration was for what he emigrated for.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
As you study the Tawaf, Sa’i, and other rituals, take time to understand each of their spiritual significance, as a deeper understanding can help foster a stronger connection and appreciation of the rituals.
Makkah and Madinah are the cities where our Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) was born, received revelations, preached Islam, fought wars with the non-believers, and passed on. Setting foot on these sacred sites is a truly surreal experience, especially when you grasp their significance in Islam!
Increase your good deeds such as reciting the Quran, performing Sunnah prayers and fasts, and giving charity in the days leading up to your Umrah to purify your heart and soul. It’s also important to make lots of Du’a to ask Allah to ease your journey.
As mentioned, performing Umrah requires a lot of patience and perseverance. You may find yourself out of your comfort zone, meeting people from all walks of life, and facing unexpected challenges along the way. Approaching your pilgrimage with a positive and open mindset can help you stay optimistic and resilient when dealing with any difficulties.
Physically:
Umrah requires you to be on your feet a lot – from circumambulating the Kaaba to seven rounds of walking between the two mountains. It’s advisable to boost your stamina before your Umrah by taking brisk walks and doing more exercises!
Pilgrims are prone to get sick while performing Umrah due to the warm and often dry weather, fatigue, and the large crowd. Remember to take enough nutrients, vitamins, and hydrate yourself to remain healthy throughout your journey.
Ensure that you are up to date with any required vaccinations for travel to Saudi Arabia, and make sure to take care of this before your trip!
In closing, remember that preparing for Umrah is a comprehensive journey that includes spiritual dedication, mental readiness, and physical well-being. By nurturing your heart, mind, and body in anticipation of this pilgrimage, you’re setting the stage for a meaningful Umrah experience!
