According to a report analyzed by a Saudi official, about 2m Muslims have performed Umrah in 10 days of Ramadan so far. And this number of millions has been completed in the first 10 days of Ramadan. This Ramadan started on April 2, so the first fast was on a Saturday. Of course, in the last ten days of Ramadan, this crowd could add even more.
In an interview with another private television channel, Osama bin Mansour. He is the deputy head of the Presidency General for Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques. From the first to the tenth day of Ramadan, they have performed the acts to all the precautions related to health.
During the interview, he also said that all services in the mosque are being provided according to the needs of pilgrims and worshipers. These services also include setting the tracks for the elderly and the disabled.
He further said that the Presidency General has devoted his entire capacity to serving the Umrah pilgrims during Ramadan. And the courtyard of the surrounding Kaaba has been completely allotted for the pilgrims to perform the ritual of Tawaf.
Ramadan is the best time to perform Umrah as it earns more rewards.
The coming of the great gathering is the result of easing the restrictions on Umrah. The Saudi government has lifted many restrictions to make Umrah easier for every Muslim who comes.
Restrictions on Umrah lifted:
- Getting PCR test whether the report is positive or negative.
- Getting 2 doses of COVID 19 and Booster Jab.
- Showing the health status on Tawakalna App
- Using the Muqeem Portal
- Waiting for 10 days to repeat Umrah
- Age limit
- Requiring a Mahram for under 45 older woman
- Social distance in Mosques
Here he clarified about “Mahram” that a woman can perform Umrah without any male relative, there will be no objection to it.
He says this restriction will make her Umrah packages cheaper. First, she needed some extra money to get 2 travel packages for herself and her mahram.
Now if a woman intends to travel without a Mahram, she should travel in an organized group. she does not need to submit a permit letter from his mahram as she used to do in the past.
The age of the lady must be 18 or above to travel alone otherwise she’ll be not able to perform Umrah.
Age Limit:
Islamic teachings tell us that all Sharia law applies to a Muslim when he reaches puberty. During this Ramadan, children can come with their parents to the courtyard of Al-Haram and Masjid-e-Nabawi.
Note: Do not try to bring a toy that reflects any character or resembles the size of an animal or human. Because standing guards at entrances of mosques will snatch these kinds of toys from your hands.
The ministry does not compel any pilgrim to stay away from others during daily prayers or other religious activities. But it forces everyone to use a face mask. These days, using the Etmarana app is enough to allow Umrah.
And Osama bin Mansoor said about the permission of Umrah. If a person does not enter the country within 6 hours of the issued permit, his permit is automatically revoked.
Read also: How to travel this summer without taking vacation days?
Performing Umrah in Ramadan is a late dream of every Muslim. But it is not obligatory. Some people think that if they perform Umrah in Ramadan then they do not need Hajj. Remember, Hajj is more of an obligatory act of worship than Umrah. So, if you have all the resources to perform Hajj but you choose Umrah then you are breaking the rules.
There are many hadiths in this regard that performing Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj. But the term is only for people with disabilities, women, children, etc.
But this term is not suitable for those who have given up despite their resources.
Al-Bukhaari (1782) and Muslim (1256) narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to a woman from among the Ansaar – Ibn ‘Abbaas mentioned her name but I forgot it – “What kept you from performing Hajj with us?” She said: We only have two camels and the father of her son and her son had gone for Hajj on one camel, and he left us the other camel so that we could carry water on it. He said: “When Ramadaan comes, go for ‘Umrah, for ‘Umrah in (that month) is equivalent to Hajj.” Sources: https://islamqa.info/en/answers/104926/what-is-meant-by-umrah-in-ramadaan-being-equivalent-to-hajj
