The act of Umrah holds great importance in a Muslim’s life.
Umrah means visiting or making a pilgrimage to a place. It is also known as “Tawaf-ul-Qudoom.” In the terminology of Islamic Shari’ah, Umrah refers to performing certain rituals to gain Allah’s pleasure by entering the state of Ihram from Miqat, traveling to Masjid al-Haram, and completing specific acts of worship.
Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “The time between one Umrah and the next is an expiation for the sins committed in between (minor sins).” Bukhari-1773, Nasai-2622
Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) narrated that the Messenger (PBUH) said, “Performing Umrah during the month of Ramadan is equivalent to performing Hajj with me.” Bukhari-1863, Muslim-2929
Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that the Messenger (PBUH) said, “The Jihad of the elderly, weak, children, and women is to perform Hajj and Umrah.” Nasai-2626
Ibn Umar (RA) narrated that the Messenger (PBUH) said, “Those who perform Jihad in the path of Allah and those who perform Hajj and Umrah are the guests of Allah.” Ibn Majah-2893
Entering Masjid al-Haram, performing Tawaf and Sa’i, and completing Umrah by becoming Halal can take 2-3 hours.
Which date will Umrah close in 2025?
The last date to enter Saudi Arabia with an Umrah visa is April 13, 2025, and the last date to leave Saudi Arabia is April 25, 2025. The Umrah visa system will close on the 20th of Ramadan.
During the Hajj season, Umrah visas remain suspended. At that time, one can only enter Saudi Arabia for Hajj purposes, not with an Umrah visa.
After Hajj, when will be start Umrah?
After Hajj, the Umrah visa system reopens. While the Saudi government has not yet announced when Umrah visas will be reopened this year, it is expected to be around the 14th-15th of Dhul-Hijjah. The government will announce the reopening before implementing it.
Which Month Is Best For Umrah 2025?
Umrah is an essential act of worship for Muslims and can be performed at any time of the year. However, performing Umrah during Ramadan is considered more virtuous and the best time.
Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said, “Performing Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent (in virtue) to performing Hajj.” Sahih Bukhari-1782, Sahih Muslim-1256
In this Hadith, the Prophet (PBUH) mentioned that performing Umrah during Ramadan holds the same virtue as Hajj. However, it is not a substitute for the obligatory Hajj.
The blessed time of Ramadan: Rewards are multiplied during the month of Ramadan, as mentioned in various places in the Quran and Hadith. Therefore, performing Umrah in Ramadan brings greater rewards.
The exceptional merit of worship in Ramadan: Allah says, “The month of Ramadan in which the Quran was revealed.” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 185) Any act of worship during this month is dear to Allah and brings multiplied rewards.
What are the new rules for Umrah 2025 in Saudi Arabia?
There are several new rules for Umrah in 2025.
According to a report from www.haj.gov.sa/Home, new directives for 2025 state that these rules will apply to anyone performing Umrah or Hajj or travelling to Saudi Arabia on a visit visa. Everyone must take the meningitis vaccine at least 10 days before their travel to Saudi Arabia and carry a certificate of vaccination during their travel.
The report also mentioned that children under one year of age are exempt from this requirement. Additionally, anyone who has taken this vaccine within the past three years does not need to retake it to enter Saudi Arabia.
Notably, from January 10, 2025, Saudi Arabia’s Civil Aviation Authority has directed all airlines to implement this rule. In addition to the meningitis vaccine, pilgrims from certain countries are advised to take vaccines for coronavirus, influenza, yellow fever, and polio.
It has also been reported that those aged over 65 and individuals with severe illnesses are advised to refrain from performing Hajj or Umrah due to health risks posed by extreme heat.
Moreover, according to Mtnews24, this year, priority will be given to those registering for Hajj who have never performed it before. However, this condition has been relaxed for those serving as guides for Hajj pilgrims.
Umrah 2025 Vaccine Requirements
According to a report from Banglatribune, the meningitis vaccine will be mandatory for Umrah pilgrims in 2025. The vaccine must be taken at least 10 days before traveling, and children under one year of age are exempt.
There are two types of meningitis vaccines available:
Meningococcal Quadrivalent Polysaccharide Vaccine: Its certificate is valid for three years.Meningococcal Quadrivalent Conjugated Vaccine: Its certificate is valid for five years.
This directive has been effective since February 10, 2025. Pilgrims must carry their vaccination certificates while traveling to Saudi Arabia. However, those traveling for employment (work permits) in Saudi Arabia are not required to take this vaccine.
