If you are spending the final ten nights of Ramadan in Mecca then you need to know the new guidelines for Umrah. As we know the final days of Ramadan hold immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide.
Mecca, the heart of Islam, witnesses a massive influx of pilgrims eager to perform Umrah and engage in deep worship during this sacred period.
To ensure a smooth and fulfilling experience, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued new guidelines for Umrah aimed for managing crowds and enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience.
New Guidelines for Umrah During the Last 10 Days
With millions of visitors pouring into Mecca, authorities have introduced new guidelines for Umrah to maintain order, safety, and serenity in and around the Grand Mosque.
1. Secure Your Umrah Permit in Advance
To prevent overcrowding, pilgrims must obtain an official Umrah permit before heading to the Haram. The Ministry has emphasized strict adherence to designated time slots to ensure a smooth flow of worshippers.
2. Limit Umrah to Once During This Period
Given the surge in visitors, authorities encourage pilgrims to perform Umrah only once in the last ten nights. This allows more people the opportunity to experience the pilgrimage without excessive congestion.
3. Pray in Mosques Across Mecca
While the Grand Mosque is the ultimate destination for most worshippers, the Ministry has advised pilgrims to also pray in other mosques around Mecca. This helps distribute crowds and ensures a more comfortable experience for everyone.
4. Use Public Transport for Easier Mobility
To ease road congestion, authorities strongly recommend using public transport instead of private vehicles. A unified digital platform for reserving transportation has also been introduced to streamline movement across the city.
5. Avoid Blocking Passageways and Stairwells
With thousands of people navigating the mosque at any given moment, pilgrims are urged to avoid sitting in pathways, stairwells, or entrances. This ensures smooth movement and prevents unnecessary crowding.
The Importance of Umrah in Ramadan:
Umrah is highly rewarding at any time of the year. However, performing Umrah during Ramadan is considered even more spiritually uplifting. According to a hadith, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Performing Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj (in reward).”
This makes the last ten nights an especially sought-after time for worshippers who wish to maximize their blessings.
Enhanced Services for Pilgrims
To accommodate the massive increase in visitors, the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has rolled out an extensive service plan, including:
Rapid Cleaning & Hygiene Measures:
The entire mosque can now be sanitized in just 35 minutes, ensuring a clean and hygienic worship space.
Perfumed Prayer Areas:
Over 20 rounds of perfuming are conducted daily, using more than two kilograms of oud to create a pleasant atmosphere.
Accessibility Enhancements:
428 escalators, 28 elevators, and 1,300+ electric speakers have been prepared to assist pilgrims.
Cooling Systems:
The mosque’s air-conditioning system operates on a massive 90,000-ton energy capacity to keep worshippers comfortable.
Zamzam Water Availability:
Thousands of staff ensure continuous distribution of Zamzam water across the mosque.
Special arrangements have also been made for elderly and differently-abled pilgrims, including dedicated prayer areas, luggage storage, and even a 24/7 childcare center for families visiting the Grand Mosque.
Also Read: Saudi eVisa for Tourists: How to Apply Online
The Last 10 Nights: Mecca or Madina?
While Mecca remains the focal point for Umrah, many worshippers also choose to spend the last ten nights of Ramadan in Madina. The Prophet’s Mosque offers a spiritually enriching atmosphere for those engaging in _Itikaf_ (a spiritual retreat observed in seclusion).
Authorities in Madina have also increased crowd management and enhanced facilities to accommodate worshippers.
For those planning their pilgrimage, the decision between Mecca and Madina ultimately depends on personal preference. Both holy cities offer a deeply spiritual experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in prayer, recitation, and reflection during these blessed nights. If you are in Mecca or Medina, do follow the new guidelines for Umrah to stay safe.
Final Thoughts
The last ten days of Ramadan in Mecca are a time of immense devotion, unity, and spiritual elevation. By following the Ministry’s new guidelines for Umrah, pilgrims can ensure a safe, smooth, and meaningful Umrah experience.
Whether you are visiting Mecca or Madina, this is a golden opportunity to seek blessings, strengthen faith, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Ramadan’s final moments.
May all those on this sacred journey find peace, fulfillment, and divine acceptance in their prayers. Marhabein wishes you Ramadan Mubarak!
