Umrah is one of the most rewarding worships in Islam. The mere act of leaving one’s home and travelling to the holy city is loved by Allah, and He rewards it with infinite blessings and forgiveness for all the sins. Every year millions of Muslims from all over the world travel to Makkah to perform Umrah rituals and reap these rewards.
While the trip is highly rewarding, executing it can be a bit challenging for many, especially the first-timers. Whether you plan your journey yourself or book Umrah Packages from a travel agency, there are certain challenges associated with the entire experience. These hidden problems can make your Umrah experience less seamless and even stressful for some pilgrims. In this guide, we will discuss all these challenges and suggest smart ways to deal with them.
5 Challenges Pilgrims Face and Their Solutions
Choosing the Right Travel Agency
Let us begin with the most important challenge many pilgrims face while planning their Umrah. It is about selecting a reliable travel agency. People choose them to get an Umrah package for their ease, but unfortunately, they don’t get the things that they are promised before travelling. With the increase in the number of pilgrims, more and more people have joined this business. Some choose tour operators solely due to the lower prices without checking the services they are providing. As a result, they have to face poor accommodations, transport issues and hidden costs upon their arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Solutions
- Before you sign up with a travelling agency, research their credentials in detail. The best way to deal with this problem is to ask for references from friends and family and then book Umrah packages. Or, you can check out customer reviews and ensure that the agency is certified by the relevant authorities, such as the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
- While discussing pricing, double-check that there are no hidden costs in the package. It is your right to bargain, but don’t drop the level of services too much that you have to face problems once you are in Saudi Arabia. One tip to deal with this problem is to book all inclusive Umrah packages, as they include all essential services like flights, hotels, meals and on-ground transportation in one price.
Hotels and Proximity to Holy Sites
Another common problem that many pilgrims face during their Umrah is the quality of hotels. The hotels nearby to Haram are costly, and many people book hotels that are cheap but away. However, things are not quite the same as they are advertised. Many travel agencies and even hotels place fake photos online, and when the pilgrims reach the place, the scene is totally different. At such a critical time, when they have already paid for the service, they can’t do anything but bear it. The quality of the hotel and the distance from the holy sites can impact your Umrah experience gravely. Here is how you can deal with it.
Solutions
- Book hotels that are within a walking distance to the gates of Masjid al Haram and Masjid e Nabwi. However, these places are extremely costly, and not everyone can afford them. You may find a cheap deal during the off-peak season, but this is only a possibility.
- If you can’t afford these costly places, you can still find a very good place to stay. These hotels are often included in Umrah packages all inclusive bundles, because of their decent services. You can find out about such places by looking online and reading reviews on different platforms. By being vigilant at the time of booking, you can potentially eliminate the chances of getting scammed.
Transportation Issues
Another common problem many people face during their Umrah trip is on-ground transportation. The taxi scene in Makkah and Medina is quite different than it is in the UK. Many drivers often overcharge, and there are language barriers as well. Plus, when you factor in the crowds during peak seasons, things can get quite difficult. Pilgrims need transport to commute between hotels and mosques, visit religious sites and travel between Makkah and Medina.
Solutions
- The best way to deal with this problem is to book Umrah packages from a travel agency that offers on-ground transportation services. In this way, you can avoid being overcharged and reduce your wait time. You will have a private vehicle waiting for you at the airport when you arrive in KSA or when you want to do Ziyarats. Some travel agencies even include train tickets in their all-inclusive Umrah packages for pilgrims to travel from Makkah to Medina.
- If you are using public transport, make sure you open a map application as well to ensure you are not being overcharged by the driver.
Language Barriers
Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia. While Muslims recite the Quran frequently in Arabic, they don’t understand the lingual terms and are unable to converse in it. Overall, it can make it difficult for pilgrims to understand it, ask for help or understand the instructions. To make up for this, the Saudi government has installed instructions and signboards in English at the holy mosques. While this is a big help, what about outside the mosques?
Solutions
- If you are going on a group Umrah, many travel agencies offer Umrah packages with the services of a guide who can speak in both English and Arabic. This helps remove all confusions. Another excellent idea is to familiarise yourself with some key Arabic phrases and learn them so you can get the basics right.
- Take the help of technology. Many apps offer real-time translations that can listen to voice commands and convert them in your chosen language in seconds.
Health and Well-Being
This one is the most important of all. If you don’t stay fit, you won’t be able to perform Umrah rituals effectively. Many people overexert themselves when they first arrive in Makkah, resulting in bodily fatigue. This can impact the whole journey of not only one pilgrim but also the companions. Also, the heat inside and humidity inside the Haram are also at their peak. All of this can take a heavy toll on the physical health of pilgrims.
Solutions
- Always stay hydrated during your journey. Make sure you keep water bottles with you all the time and drink plenty of water.
- While Umrah is a physically demanding worship, pacing yourself is key to avoid exertion. One excellent way to deal with it is to train your body and mind by adding walking and physical exercise to your routine at least a couple of months before departure.
Final Words
We have mentioned the hidden issues pilgrims face before and during their Umrah journey. As you see, most of these issues can be avoided with little effort. If you are looking for a travel agency that provides a seamless travel experience, contact Muslims Holy Travel. They are one of the best Umrah tour operators offering Family Umrah Packages UK at the most affordable prices. The best part about their services is that they always deliver what they promise.
