Umrah for Married Couples: A Spiritual Journey Together
The decision to embark on a sacred Umrah pilgrimage as a couple is a unique and spiritually enriching experience. Unlike the obligatory Hajj, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, making it an ideal choice for newlyweds looking to strengthen their marital bond. This article will guide you through the essential aspects of preparing for Umrah as a couple, from understanding the Umrah rules for husband and wife to what to wear during this holy journey.
Why Umrah for Married Couples?
Umrah as a Honeymoon Destination:
Muslim couples often choose Umrah as their honeymoon destination due to its spiritual significance. The journey to the holy city of Mecca allows them to begin their married life with a profound spiritual experience.
Strengthening the Marital Bond:
Umrah provides couples with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of one another. The shared act of worship, devotion, and reflection can strengthen the marital bond and create lasting memories.
Performing Umrah While Young:
Performing Umrah at a young age allows couples to fully immerse themselves in worship without the responsibilities that come with raising a family. This experience can have a transformative impact on their spiritual growth.
Umrah Rules for Husband and Wife
As a couple, it’s essential to understand the specific Umrah rules for husband and wife. These rules help ensure a harmonious and spiritually fulfilling journey.
Dress Code for Umrah
- What Men Should Wear
– Men are required to wear two white cloths, known as ihram. The bottom cloth, called izar, is wrapped around the waist, covering the area between the navel and feet. The top cloth, rida, should be worn over the left shoulder at all times.
– Men should not wear underwear, socks, or any other clothes. Their heads should remain uncovered, and they should wear footwear that reveals their ankles and toes.
- What Women Should Wear
– Women should wear a loose-fitting robe that covers their entire body. This robe can have seams and buttons but should be free of adornments or colors.
– The hands and face should remain exposed, and women should wear shoes that cover their entire feet.
Prayer on the Umrah Journey
– During Umrah, both husbands and wives should continue to perform their daily Salah (prayers). They can shorten Asr, Isha, and Maghrib Salah from four rak’ah to two rak’ah if praying individually.
– The practice of combining two prayers in one, known as Jama’, is valid in the Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools of thought but not in the Hanafi school.
Planning Your Umrah Journey
Understanding Umrah Rituals
Before embarking on your Umrah journey, it’s crucial to familiarize yourselves with the rituals and acts of worship involved. Learn about the rules of Ihram, Duas (supplications), and Suras (verses) that you should recite during Umrah. Seek forgiveness with a pure heart, and understand how to perform Salat al-Tawbah, a prayer of repentance.
Exploring Sacred Sites
After completing your Umrah, consider exploring the sacred sites in Mecca and Medina. These include the Saur Cave, Hira Caves, the house of Abu Jahal, Ayesha Mosque (also known as Taneem Mosque), and Jabl-e-Rehmat (Mount of Mercy). Visiting these historical sites will enhance your understanding of Islamic traditions and the Prophet’s journey.
Efficient Travel Planning
Due to the high number of pilgrims, it’s advisable to make travel arrangements well in advance. Book your flights and accommodations early to avoid last-minute chaos. Additionally, focus on physical fitness as Umrah involves walking approximately 4.2 kilometers on foot.
Umrah Visa Requirements
Umrah visa requirements include providing proof of relationship for the Mahram, submitting vaccination certificates for certain diseases, ensuring women are accompanied by their spouse or Mahram, obtaining a notarized letter for minors traveling with only one parent or a relative, and applying for the visa through authorized agents. Applications must be filled out in capital letters with the necessary details and signed by the travel agency.
Umrah requirements for spouses
– Women and children should be accompanied by their husbands, fathers, or male relatives (Mahram) during Umrah. Proof of the relationship, such as a marriage certificate or a birth certificate indicating the names of both parents, is required.
– If a woman is 45 years old or older, she is allowed to go without a Mahram if she travels with an organized group or family and submits a notarized No Objection Certificate from her Mahram.
Conclusion
Preparing for Umrah as a couple is a remarkable journey that allows you to deepen your marital bond while experiencing the profound spirituality of this sacred pilgrimage. By understanding the specific rules for husbands and wives, dressing appropriately, and planning your journey efficiently, you can ensure a memorable and spiritually fulfilling Umrah experience. May your journey be filled with blessings and enlightenment, serving as a foundation for your married life.
