Al Khalid

Ziyarat and its Benefits for an individual

Individual benefits

But we are exclusively here to talk about the benefits that a person experiences on an intimate level.

The true meaning of Ziyarat is ‘to meet someone and being one and united’. This meet is either through physical engagement or spiritual meeting. It is our human nature that we try to fit in with those people whose personalities are perfect and we ultimately look up to them. We try to be like them and that is the same way a person doing Ziyarat acts when he/she meets those who are close to Allah.  The person is definitely going to imitate them and be like them.

The person who is going to meet the personalities like the Prophet and the A’immah he needs to ensure that he is presentable not only physically, but also from inside. Hence, we are supposed to follow all the introductory steps where we are asking for forgiveness. The person is actually fighting all the cruel battles inside and outside of him and cleansing his/her heart.

The whole experience lets the person uplift himself and connect with the celestial experience. After coming from this holy journey, the whole routine will not be monotonous; it will include actions that are meaningful

Know Du’a & Ziyarat

Ziyarat is another way to connect with Allah on a deeper level. The act of speaking and expressing to the role models sets a real example of the faith passed by Allah.

However, Ziyarat is a form of speaking with Allah; while also addressing Prophets and A’immah who are the supreme individuals that conveys humanity the message of worshipping One True God and be prepared to fight the internal and external enemies. Hence, the Ziyarat is just a deep conversation with Allah through the people He himself has appointed with the aspiration of reaching precision

The Du’a is supplication, an act that roves towards Allah, awakening consciousness and reaching to a point, where you receive the knowledge of the Imam. This in reality is the same as knowing Allah.

There are four important points in the Du’a taught by the Ahlul Bayt. They are: expressing greif & shedding tears, conveying one’s needs, better understanding of the belief and the faith, and the courage to fight against internal and external enemies.

As an addition to this, in the Ziyarat we remember those supreme personalities who set the perfect examples of the four characteristics of Du’a.

The Ahlul Bayt have shed the most sincere drop of grief during the prayers. They have expressed their needs to Allah and understood the faith in the most ideal way possible. They also fought the ultimate fight with their internal and external enemies.

The best example in which all the four points are manifested is that of Imam Husayn. And that was considered to be the supreme expression to meet Allah and fighting against all the cruelty of inner and outer enemies.

Journey of a lifetime!

What does it mean to go on an Umrah journey?
Should we perform an Umrah only because it is a compulsion?
One must introspect on these questions to realize the utmost significance of this journey and prepare oneself for a life that will be utterly transformed and filled with passion for Allah. Even though this is one of the many requirements of Islam, it doesn’t necessarily ensure an immediate gateway to heaven but, it is expected to be performed with a righteous attitude.

This is a calling to the young and old, big and small to come worship Him if possible and encounter His fulfilling presence with a humble heart and meek soul.

The best part about embarking on an Umrah journey is the freedom to do it anytime at your leisure. However, it is demanding of you to justly perform. It is for the sake of your faith and for the faith of your other brothers and sisters in Allah and in gratitude of Him.

This is reminding you of your capability to indulge in the most authentic form of prayer during your Umrah Journey and we pray you affirm.

How to select right package for Umrah?

Hajj and Umrah are religious obligations that hold a supreme significance in Islam around the world. To perform this holy duty, Muslims across the globe plan their trip in the cities of Mecca and Medina which is in Saudi Arabia. These gatherings are at large scale and irrespective of the colour, race and language come to perform this sacred ritual. As Hajj is done only during a particular time of the year; Umrah can be done anytime.
One should check online and talk to certified travel agents while picking the right Umrah package. The planning needs to be made well in advance. The right package will cover the airfare, transport, food, accommodation and comfort. These packages are crafted to let the pilgrims perform their obligatory ritual in peace and convenience.
In group packages, due to larger groups the individual cost comes down and becomes pocket friendly. Whereas tailor made packages give you the privilege to customize according to your needs. These packages let you choose the services according to your individualistic needs.
It is extremely important to do your homework while selecting your Umrah package. As there are number of factors that needs your attention while choosing the package, only the certified and best in town travel agency can assure you a hassle-free trip. Testimonials, reviews and ratings play a major role to help you choose the best tour operator.
Al Khalid Tours and Travels’ Umrah Packages are inclusive of every service that would add to your convenience and comfort. Its motive is to let you have your best celestial experience while performing Umrah.

Vaccinations for Umrah

If you are planning to go for Umrah, then it is very important to take all the health precautions. This will help you to stay healthy and strong throughout the trip. Your prayers will not be disrupted by any health issues.
These are the vaccinations you should take before going to Umrah.

I- Yellow fever
According to International Health Regulations 2005, every pilgrim arriving at Saudi Arabia, are at risk of getting affected by yellow fever. As different pilgrims come from different part of the world, this particular fever is very common to catch on. Hence, make sure you take the yellow fever vaccine without fail.

II- Meningococcal meningitis

Umrah pilgrims come various parts of the country need to submit a certificate of Vaccination with tetravalent (ACYW135) vaccine against meningitis. This vaccine needs to be taken at least 10 days prior the arrival date. Though the vaccine certificate is valid for 8 years, however make sure to at least get checked for the same.

III- Poliomyelitis

It is important to note that regardless of your vaccine status and age, proof of an oral polio vaccine, it is necessary to get yourself rechecked 4 weeks prior to departure. This is helps you to keep yourself check before going to such an important spiritual trip

IV- Seasonal influenza

This seasonal influenza vaccination is for internal pilgrims, for the people who has pre-existing health conditions like, asthama, heart or lung diseases and HIV/Aids infection.

V- Zika virus disease and Dengue

This is important for the travelers coming from the areas where Zika virus is in the air. The ministry of health recommends all the travelers to avoid insect bite avoidance measures during daytime and night hours to reduce the risk of infection.

Have a safe Umrah!

Selecting an Umrah Package? Let us help you!

While Selecting an Umrah Package – Check For These Things

Millions of Muslims from different parts of the world, pay visit to Allah in the holy city of Makkah and Madinah. The whole travel is considered to be soulful. However, choosing the best Umrah package can be confusing as many a times the tour operators promise high but provide poor services. Here, at Al Khalid Tours and Travels we help you look for those things that are extremely important while choosing your Umrah package with us.

Being religiously less obligatory as Hajj, Umrah on the other hand is performed all the year around. The rites performed during Umrah are similar to that of Hajj; there are just a few differences between Hajj and Umrah.
Firstly, while planning your Umrah decide the most suitable deal for you. If given a chance customize your own package. With us, you can make your own budget friendly package and enjoy your Umrah trip with comfort and luxury.
The second important thing you should keep in mind that your tour operator should be registered with Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj. This is a vital point to consider because there are several cases where Pilgrims have encountered tour operators not executing their responsibilities. However, being the leading tour operator in India, Al Khalid Tours and Travels have the reputation to provide best services for their Umrah and Hajj Pilgrims.

This point is very crucial while selecting the Umrah Package. Check the distance of your accommodation from Haram-e-Kaabah because if your stay is too much at a distance from the site then, traveling back and forth is going to be hectic and tiring. You can check out Al Khalid Tours and Travels Umrah packages and see for yourself that your accommodations are close to Haram-e-Kaabah and travel is in luxurious busses.

We leave no stone unturned while providing you with the best services for this celestial experience.

Marvelous Rewards for Performing Umrah

Allah (swt) says: And complete the Hajj and Umrah in the service of Allah… (Al Baqarah, 196) It is indeed the holy service dedicated to Allah that every Muslim is thrilled to perform.

Umrah, expiation for the sins you have committed between the present and the previous Umrah – Abu Hurairah (ra) relates that Rasulullah (saw) stated in Bukhari. This simply means that Umrah is performed to seek forgiveness for the various faults and sin that an individual may have been committed between that Umrah and the previous one.

As Allah (swt) has determined – Hajj can only be performed during the specified month of Islamic calendar i.e in the days of Dhil Hijjah. It is impossible to perform Hajj more than once a year. However in spite of those 5 days of Hajj, there are no restrictions when it comes to perform Umrah throughout the year. Hence, there are millions of Muslims perform Umrah multiple times in a year.

Abu Hurairah (ra) Rasulullah (saw) has enthusiastically stated that ‘The performers of Hajj and Umrah are guests of Allah (swt), if they seek something from Him, He will grant them; if they seek forgiveness He will forgive them.’ (Ibn Majah)

Umrah is done with love, gratitude and desire. It is a holy journey to the house of Allah and in return the worshippers are rewarded. It is one of the most beloved journeys of a worshipper. It is a journey that is truly blessed and gratifying.

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (RA) that Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said, “Jihad of the elderly, the young, the weak and the women, is Hajj and Umrah.” – Hadith No. 2627, Book of The Rites of Hajj, Sunan An-Nasa’i, Vol. 3.

Every Muslim awaits his/her chance for Jihad, as the reward for it is Shahadat. However, it is said that Umrah’s reward is equivalent to Jihad itself. It is interesting to see through this hadith Allah gives a chance to receive a reward from him even for them that may be physically not sound enough for Jihad. This can give everyone hope and earn spiritual rewards!

We at Al Khalid have settled on various kinds of packages as you travel for Umrah. Keeping in mind your convenience and budgetary concerns. As you travel on a journey for blessings of a lifetime, we are blessed to have the opportunity to assist and take you through.

Make an Umrah trip possible in full gear!

Many of our brothers and sisters in Islam may wonder the best time to attend Umrah. While considering the ideal period for the same a number of tips and advices would enlighten you further in your decision making process.

A few things must be considered while journeying long distances especially for something as crucial as Umrah. As per the laws in Saudi Arabia, the individual who wishes to perform Umrah must book their tickets and hotels and other registration must be made in advance with their Umrah agents from their local countries. The rule in Saudi Arabia forbids a pilgrim to arrive for Umrah without an agent.

Also, when on pilgrimage it would be a thorough inconvenience for a pilgrim to go food and hotel hunting and booking. Umrah and Hajj must be performed with full concentration and devotion to Allah.

It is essential that one does their homework of the place and the pilgrimage before they set foot in the holy land. There are number of books available online that guide a beginner on this path and prepare them for this pilgrimage. Clothing, prayers, families and a number of things have to be taken care of.

It is advisable to travel in groups. There are restrictions for women traveling without a Mahram unless she has crossed a certain age. However, for men they can travel alone. When traveling with a group, they must ensure the group members are prayerful and pious. Their interactions if unholy could make one sinful.

Performing Umrah once is not enough; in fact one should strive to perform it multiple times in life. The outcome would be the fulfillment of living in Allah’s presence. The individual will be highly graced with blessings and virtues that are transformative in nature.

We at Al Khalid have settled on various kinds of packages as you travel for Umrah. Keeping in mind your convenience and budgetary concerns. As you travel on a journey for blessings of a lifetime, we are blessed to have the opportunity to assist and take you through.

Ihram

Devout Muslims all over the world keenly accomplish their one desire of absolute submission to Allah. Performing Umrah is considered a fulfillment of one of the pillars of Islam. It is the most sacred undertaking for our Muslim brothers and sisters – A pilgrimage uniting the creation with its creator.
Ihram is a sacred state entered by Muslims as they progress on a pilgrimage to Umrah. One of the many necessary rituals after entering the state of Ihram is wearing the prescribed attire. For which, men and women accordingly defer. On attaining a state of complete spiritual purity known as Ihram, it expects the individual to be pure in mind and in body.
To achieve this sanctity in nature and consistently reside in that zone, a number of dos and don’ts must be adhered to. One mustn’t cut hair or nails incase if hair falls off unknowingly then it is excused. Wearing perfume over the body and clothes is prohibited. Engaging in sexual relations with one’s spouse is also forbidden.
These are a few restrictions to obey in an effort to secure Ihram while on pilgrimage to Hajj and Umrah.

Understand Umrah and Hajj.

“Alternate between Hajj and Umrah because both rid one of poverty and sins just as the blacksmiths’s bellows remove all impurities from metals like iron, gold and silver. The reward for Al-Hajj-Mabrur is nothing short of Paradise.” (At-Tirmidhi)
The difference between Hajj and Umrah can be perceived by a person once they have attended either of the two holy pilgrimages. Hajj and Umrah are the two most holy pilgrimages and journeys as part of the Islamic faith. Our Muslim brothers and sisters should by all means understand the difference as they form a crucial act of faith.
Hajj is a sacred pilgrimage that is advisably performed during certain months alone. It is known that the 8th month of the Islamic calendar marks the beginning of the Hajj month. A few months are designated to perform it. The Umrah pilgrimage can be conducted any time of the year. There are two kinds of Umrah, one performed with Hajj and one performed without Hajj.
Even though for both of these Irham is a necessity, Umrah has fewer rituals as part of the pilgrimage such as Tawaf and Sa’i. For Hajj a number of rituals need to be considered such as Arafat, Tawaf, Mina and Muzdhalifa.
Hajj and Umrah have their own standing in Islam; the practice of conducting this pilgrimage has a worship connected purpose. It goes hand in hand with Islamic ideology. To remind each human being of the significance of worshipping the creator and to live a life of dedication. Strive to do acts earning Sawab. All of which promises Jannat and an everlasting devotion to Allah.