Even though Muslim women prefer to travel with their mahrams, they can go for an Umrah alone if they don’t have a mahram or want to go for it. There is no denying that anyone who gets an invitation from the Almighty must go for the pilgrimage. So, if you have become one of the lucky people going on a pilgrimage this season, here is a guide on things you must know for your solo Umrah trip as a Muslimah. You can do it smoothly if you take the suitable measures and plan your spiritual retreat perfectly.
There is no denying that going for an Umrah alone as a woman has its challenges. But there can never be something more rewarding, empowering, and enriching than this exceptional experience that you should never miss out on. Many Muslims from the USA and worldwide embark on this spiritual retreat annually through various Umrah packages. So, if you don’t have anyone to go with for the most faith-reviving pilgrimage, it is time to step up and do it all for yourself to revive your faith and get closer to Allah Almighty.
Legal Verdict on Going for an Umrah Alone as a Woman
Legally, Muslim women are allowed to go to KSA for Umrah. If you feel safe and confident traveling alone, it is as simple as applying for an Umrah visa and traveling to the region at your convenience.
Therefore, religion is not rigid and is legally acceptable. However, different schools of thought might have different stances on it. Many Muslim women around the world do not or are not allowed to travel alone without their mahram, according to their school of thought. So, it is entirely up to you and your thinking if you want to go on a solo Umrah trip or not.
Surety of Safety or Concerns on Umrah as a Solo Muslimah
Women who travel alone often and are confident enough will not have a problem going for an Umrah alone. Saudi Arabia is mostly safe for women. You will not have a problem traveling alone for the pilgrimage, especially around Makkah and Madinah. Public transportation is also secure, and women are respected in Arab culture, so you will not have to worry about your safety.
Although petty crimes are everywhere, even the holiest cities are not completely free from them. So, you will have to take care of your belongings and take appropriate security measures while you are in the region. You can consult with the security personnel in the area if you feel any safety hazards or threats, and they will surely help you.
Umrah Rituals as a Solo Muslim Traveler
The Umrah rituals are the same for everyone. The only difference between the Umrah rituals for men and women is in Ihram and the final ritual. Let’s discuss all the Umrah rituals one by one so you get a clear idea of the Umrah rules and rituals as a Muslimah.
- Make Intention and Enter the State of Ihram
As mentioned earlier, women don’t need any specific clothing to observe the state of Ihram, as men do. As a Muslimah, you only have to make the intention, clean yourself properly, and wear comfortable, clean clothes that cover you from head to toe. There are no restrictions on the type of clothes as long as they are loose-fitted and modest.
Moreover, it doesn’t have to be of any one color, as is required for the men Ihram. However, you must learn about the rules and restrictions that come with the state of Ihram and make sure to abide by them.
- Perform Tawaf Around the Holy Kaabah
After you have made your intention and have worn clean and modest clothes, you can head to the Holy Kaabah to perform Tawaf.
Tawaf means circling the Holy Kaabah seven times. It is not only one of the main rituals of Umrah but also of the obligatory pilgrimage, the Hajj.
- Perform Saee
Saee means walking between the hills of Safah and Marwah seven times, a primary ritual of both pilgrimages.
- Taqsir
The final ritual of Umrah is Taqsir. Men can also perform Taqsir but mainly perform Halq, i.e. shave their heads. Taqsir, on the other hand, is trimming the hair to equal lengths. Women must perform Taqsir and trim their nails to complete their Umrah. With this, you are done with your Umrah and are free of the rules or restrictions of the state of Ihram.
Summing Up
Now that there is no restriction for women to go on pilgrimage alone, hundreds and thousands of women plan their solo Umrah trips yearly. So, if you are also planning a solo Umrah trip as a Muslimah, you might have a clear idea about the Umrah rituals, Umrah visa requirements, and whether you can perform the pilgrimage alone. It is time for you to book your Umrah deals and start planning your journey. After booking the deal and securing your Umrah visa, you can utilize your time to learn more about Umrah and take all the necessary measures to guarantee a secure and smooth pilgrimage.
By Amey MyersAmey, an intrepid traveler and avid blogger, roams the world, absorbing diverse cultures, flavors, and experiences. Her writing captures the essence of her adventures, inspiring others to explore. Amey's infectious passion for travel and storytelling epitomizes a life filled with exploration and adventure.
