Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj. In 2024, 8,235,680 Muslims performed Umrah in Ramadan. Out of which more than 8 million pilgrims were observed in the first Ashra. Considering this saturation, the Saudi state has launched some measures to simplify the pilgrims’ Umrah trip. This article will help you explore these measures and earn countless rewards for Umrah in Ramadan.
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Single Umrah Policy
Known as the month of blessings, Ramadan is the peak season for Umrah. To manage crowds, the Saudi state has launched a new plan. According to this policy, pilgrims can perform Umrah only once during this holy month. Understanding the logistical hurdles posed by many Muslims, the state aims to offer an equal Umrah opportunity to all pilgrims.
Being a part of a big plan, this policy ensures real-time crowd-checking with hi-tech. Plus, the provision of inclusive services is also the main focus of this plan. The Saudi state has confirmed this plan through press releases. The government’s official site also has recent updates on this matter. The Muslim community has highly praised this plan and given positive feedback.
2- Crowd Handling
To accommodate a bulk of pilgrims during Ramadan, the Saudi state has made some progress in crowd handling, especially in the Haram. These measures not only affirm the pilgrims’ safety but also boost the spiritual well-being of people. The following are some of these advanced measures:
- Hi-tech for checking the flow of people within the holy sites.
- High-resolution cameras.
- Crowd density sensors.
- Real-time analysis software in tandem to ensure a smooth movement of pilgrims.
- A team of experts for better services.
Apart from these measures, the Saudi state has increased staff on the ground. By guiding and helping pilgrims, they maintain the flow of movement around the Kaaba and the Sai between Safa and Marwah. With the series of educational campaigns, the Saudi state suggests late night and early morning Umrah in Ramadan. These measures result in a more peaceful Umrah experience for pilgrims.
3- Extended Prayer Areas
For the pilgrims’ comfort, the Saudi state has enlarged the prayer areas around the holy cities. By spreading the prayer space, the government has solved the issues of congestion. Expanding into the close zones of the Holy Kaaba, these areas offer a huge space for pilgrims. From pure water to cooling systems, these areas are equipped with basic facilities. Plus, these places are well-lit and marked, helping people find their prayer spots easily.
These tailored zones offer the best places for pilgrims that meet their unique needs. For the disabled and elderly people, these comfy lodgings are typically near to the holy sites. Besides physical expansion, the state has also focused on the spiritual wellness of people. Adorned with Quranic verses and Islamic art, these areas make a unique spiritual bond with people. The audio systems, announcing prayers, and Islamic lectures add to the overall Umrah experience of pilgrims. With this measure, the state aims to meet the modern needs of global Muslims.
4- Health and Safety Measures
As global pilgrims gather to perform Umrah in Ramadan, the Saudi state pays heed to their health and safety. From first aid spots to advanced hospitals, the holy sites brim with all kinds of medical centers. Staffed with qualified professionals, these places ensure the utmost care to the people. With mobile medical units, the state offers on-the-spot aid as well. Hence, pilgrims can easily perform Umrah by knowing the fast access to medical care, if needed.
With the current global health concerns, the Saudi state focuses a lot on cleansing and hygiene. Many hand-sanitizing spots are designed at points to ensure the pilgrims’ health. Not only the washrooms and ablution areas are clean but also common sites and prayer mats are constantly disinfected.
Informed campaigns are run to teach people regarding the value of using face masks and hand sanitizers. Hence, these measures ensure a safe and fulfilling Umrah experience for all pilgrims.
5- Online Systems
In today’s digital era, the Saudi state has also launched online apps for Umrah registration, scheduling, and updates. Now, pilgrims can register for Umrah and can choose the date and time from the comforts of their homes. By ensuring the flow of pilgrims, the scheduling feature averts congestion during the holy month of Ramadan.
From crowd levels to prayer times, these apps tell pilgrims about various aspects of their trip. Plus, one can use them on any tool, like a phone, tablet, or computer. With these apps, pilgrims can also undersatnd Arabic. Many help centers, located in the holy sites, offer troubleshooting support to the users if needed. Hence, with these online apps, the state has simplified the Umrah trip for pilgrims.
7- Food Services
Understanding the value of healthy diet during the fasting month of Ramadan, the Saudi state offers Suhoor and Iftar meals to the pilgrims. For Suhoor, the healthy food is preferred by the state. Whereas, the Iftar food consists of a variety of dishes to cater to the tastes of global people. Together with vendors and skilled cooks, the state meets the quality and hygiene standards. This food is not only distributed in Haram but offered in other areas as well.
Apart from fixed food points, many mobile units also exist to serve the disabled or sick people. Plus, the food boxes are not only easy to carry but also safe to pack the fresh meal. Synchronizing to the prayer schedule, the meal services operate at precise times. Pilgrims get Suhoor well before the Fajr prayer and Iftar just after the Maghrib. By these acts, the state shows its care for the guests.
8- Offer Unique Schedule
To boost the Umrah experience in Ramadan, the Saudi state has suggested unique timings for performing holy rites. This aims to help pilgrims avoid the intense day heat and large crowds during peak hours.
Performing Umrah just after Fajr is not only a cool experience but also free of crowd distractions. Similarly, the late evening, just after Taraweeh prayers is also an ideal time to fulfill Umrah rites. Both these times are soothing and conducive to reflection.
Apart from mild weather, these timings also help manage crowds. The state offers a more controlled environment for Umrah by spreading out pilgrims across different times. In Islam, after Fajr and Taraweeh times are one of the most blessed times to pray. Hence, Umrah at these times is more special.
If you want a seamless Umrah trip in Ramadan contact Muslims Holy Travel, one of the trusted partners of countless global pilgrims.
