This blog is to provide the readers with a clear understanding of the rules ordained by Islam for Women when they are planning on performing Umrah. The blog articles discuss the clothing requirements, visa requirements, Islamic requirements and the physical requirements that need to be met to successfully perform Umrah. All females irrespective of the age bracket that is planning on moving forward to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah needs to know the basic steps and procedures to perform Umrah correctly. Little girls are certainly excluded since they are innocent. One of our recommendations is to abide by the men that the women are going with. Basically, the majority of the steps are the same for man and woman. However, there are certain areas where there is a difference.

Guide for Women

Our humble attempt to provide the ultimate Umrah guide for women. A clear step to step guide on the Umrah process for women.
In Islam, Women to visit the house of Allah and enjoy the blessings of Umrah. Women have the same right to the blessings and the grace of Allah. The main difference in their security and their dressings. Women are an important pillar of Islamic value and family. It is the duty of the males to take care of their women and enable them to perform Umrah.
Let us update you of the main exceptions:
  • Ihram for Men is a stipulated method. however, for women, it is not the case. Women to cover properly the body.
  • Women who are having their menstrual cycles need to abstain from performing Umrah.
  • After the completion of Sa’yi, males have to shave off their heads. This is not the same case for women. Women are only told to cut their hair the length of a fingernail. This is to ensure that the women have also participated in that ritual.
  • Al-Idhtebaa’ and Al-Raml- which are for men only.
  • Talbeeyah- said loudly by men and in a low voice by women pilgrims.
These are the main differences in terms of the approach and method. However, the main activities and performing Umrah remains the same.

What Should Women Wear for Umrah

Ihram basically means covering the main organs. While you are performing the Umrah, it is obligatory to have a sanity and community sense. Hence, the women to wear decent clothes. The women are allowed to enter the state of Ihram by washing themselves and ensuring that they stay pure and holy during the entire Umrah activity. Any activity that makes the women unclean or impure is not recommended. Any practice like that will break the Umrah for the woman. During Umrah, women cannot wear any type of veil and gloves. These are not permissible under any means. Ihram for women during Umrah is more symbolic. This symbolism identifies the importance of cleanliness and holiness.
  • There is no special acceptance of Ihram. Women can even wear regular clothing.
  • Very unlike men, women can wear stitched clothing.
  • Women not to wear silk during Umrah.
  • Jewelry is not permissible during the performance of Umrah.
  • Women do not need to cover her face for Umrah.
  • No Thin clothing.
  • Clothing is of any color.
  • Wear something that covers face and hands.
In fact, many of the latest Umrah packages from the UK and other parts of the Muslim countries now offer real-time and even virtual classes for the women prior to taking up the journey to Mecca and Medinah.

Mahram in Islam for Women

Men can perform Umrah on their own. However, this is not the case for women. And there are significant rules and laws that stipulate and provide evidence as to why women should not perform Umrah alone
For your convenience, the following is a list of mahram for women:
  •  Father, mother, grandparents, and great-grandparents
  • Brothers and sisters
  • Children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren
  • Uncles, aunts, great-uncles, and great-aunts
  • Nephews, nieces, grandnephews, Grand nieces, great-grandnephews, and great-grand-nieces
  • Parent-in-laws
  • Son-in-law and daughter-in-law
  • Stepfathers and Step-mothers
  • Stepchildren
  • Rada – Also known as “milk-suckling mahram”
However, there are strict rules for men as well in terms of accompanying their women in Umrah. In Islam, Men are the guardians of women. So, during Umrah, the women need to make sure that they are close to their male counterparts and ensure that they are aware of the surroundings. In many of the cases where men take their respected elderly, we highly recommend that the five start services are rendered since the services provide a certain level of ease and comfort.

Importance of Mahram

The principle of mahram is important since it regulates everyday human interaction and clearly demarcates the boundaries of permissible human interaction and social activities. Umrah has millions of people from all across the world. And hence, there is a large stamped of people and activities going on at the same time. Hence, with the current influx of people and communities, it is highly recommended for women to carry along with their respective Mahram. Additionally, a single woman in any place is highly likely to be harassed by men. It is common human interaction. And with that comes Shaitan and all the evils.
That is why it is always safe to be with a man that can provide and decrease the chances of any impurity or lawlessness. Honor and chastity of women are also safe with the respective men that are leading them. Umrah is a family event. Families to enjoy Umrah as an activity and a form of veneration to Allah.

Mosque Taneem

Mosque

Mosque Taneem is a mosque in the Al-Hil area about 5 miles away from the Holy Kaaba, in Taneem, which is near Mecca, it is the boundary of Haram, therefore, pilgrims can put on Ihram. Kindly note that it is not Miqat so it is not compulsory to wear Ihram. This mosque is also known as Masjid -e- Ayesha since Muhammad's wife Ayesha had put her Ihram (restriction on Pilgrimage) from this place once.
This was allowed by the prophet as a special case when Ayesha could not complete her umrah on account of being in an impure state due to the menstrual period. It is also to be noted that Ayesha's brother who accompanied her to Taneem and back did not perform another Umrah along with his sister, understanding that it was a special allowance made for Ayesha or any woman who happens to become impure due to her menstrual period. Nowadays both men and women misuse this allowance made by the prophet and do scores of umrah during their Hajj/ Umra visits to Makkah.
This is quite a big mosque with facilities for baths, ablution and changing, available for pilgrims and those who come to offer regular prayers.