Written by Muhammad Zahid, a UK-based Muslim who has performed Umrah three times and now helps guide other UK pilgrims on the spiritual and practical aspects of the journey.
If you’re reading this, you’re probably thinking about performing Umrah, or maybe you’ve booked your trip and are searching for some real advice.
So, I have performed Umrah three times over the last decade, each time at a different stage in my life. Every journey changed me in ways I didn’t expect. And each one taught me lessons I wish someone had shared with me before I set out on my journey.
When I first stepped onto the marble floors of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, I felt a sense of peace I had never known before. The crowds, the recitation of the Qur’an, the sight of the Kaaba; it’s overwhelming, humbling, and utterly transformative. But behind that spiritual high, there are practical realities to navigate.
But as soon as I performed Tawaf around the Kaaba, all those worries faded for a moment. The sense of humility and nearness to Allah was profound.
My Three Journeys – And the Lessons They Taught Me
I still remember my first Umrah (which was in 2016) as if it were yesterday. I was 25, eager, maybe a little overconfident, and absolutely unprepared. I booked a flight from London to Jeddah on my own, without a package or a guide, and with barely a grasp of what to expect when I arrived. Spiritually, I was ready, at least that’s what I thought. But the moment I landed, I realised the spiritual significance of Umrah wasn’t just about being present physically; it was about understanding the why, not just the how.
I got lost inside the massive Haram, missed key rituals during Tawaf, and ended up relying on strangers for help. I had no idea how to perform Sa’i properly, and I didn’t even realise I had to cut my hair at the end until someone gently corrected me. That experience, disorganised and overwhelming, taught me one thing: the physical act of Umrah is simple, but the spiritual journey needs deep preparation.
The second time I performed Umrah, it was with my wife and children. I thought being in a group would be easier. But I made a mistake again; I didn’t book a trusted family Umrah package. I tried to piece everything together: hotels from one website, flights from another, and transport on arrival through an app someone recommended. It was a logistical nightmare. Our accommodation was too far from the Haram, we didn’t get proper ziyarah tours, and my wife fell ill due to the sudden weather change. Looking after the kids while navigating the rituals was emotionally draining. That trip was beautiful in intention but exhausting in execution.
It was only during my third Umrah that everything came together. A close friend of mine, who had gone with Ziyuf Al Rahman, recommended I use their family Umrah package from the UK. This time, it was different. The flights were timed perfectly for prayer schedules. Our hotel in Makkah overlooked the Haram, and the group had an English-speaking guide who explained every ritual with references from Hadith and Qur’an. For the first time, I felt spiritually and mentally present. And that’s when it clicked: the spiritual significance of Umrah unfolds when you’re not bogged down by logistics, when your heart is free to connect.
My Recommendation Is To Understand The Real Spiritual Significance of Umrah Before Planning
Umrah is more than a pilgrimage. It serves as a reminder of our ultimate return to Allah. You wear Ihram, shedding all signs of wealth, class, and identity. When performed with sincere intention and humility, it’s a journey of cleansing, renewal, and perspective. The rituals strip away status and distraction. In Ihram, whether you’re a CEO or a student, you’re just another servant of Allah, dressed the same as everyone else.
The moments in front of the Kaaba, especially in the depths of night, remind you of your smallness and dependence. You see the elderly, the disabled, children in strollers, people from every nation, and you realise you’re part of something timeless and universal. Every hardship on the trip, from lost luggage to jet lag and long queues, becomes a small test that polishes your patience and gratitude. Umrah renews your soul. Each Umrah cleanses you from what came before.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said in Sahih Bukhari:
“(The performance of) ‘Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous one.”
(Narrated Abu Huraira: Sahih al-Bukhari 1773, Book 26, Hadith 1)
This Hadith isn’t just text; it’s reality. After each Umrah, I came back softer, more grateful, and more grounded. That spiritual transformation is why I now encourage every UK Muslim not just to plan the trip, but to prepare their heart for it.
My Advice for UK Pilgrims: Prepare Spiritually and Practically
Let me give you the advice I wish I’d received before my first journey, with all the practical details for UK pilgrims in 2025.
Visa and Travel Requirements
- Umrah e-Visa: Most British citizens can apply online for an Umrah e-visa. You can find the full requirements on the official UK Government travel page for Saudi Arabia. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.
- Documents: You’ll need flight and accommodation bookings to complete the visa application.
- Vaccinations: The Meningitis ACWY vaccine is mandatory, and you’ll need the certificate for your visa. You can check the latest NHS travel health advice for Saudi Arabia before you apply, as guidelines occasionally change.
- Travel Insurance: Absolutely vital. Make sure your policy covers medical emergencies and repatriation.
- Book Early: Especially during Ramadan and UK school holidays, flights and hotels fill up fast and prices jump.
The visa is typically processed within 24–72 hours. But remember: during Ramadan or UK school holidays, delays are common. Plan ahead and don’t leave it to the last minute, especially if you’re travelling with family or elders.
Note: “Always confirm current visa and health requirements on official Saudi and UK government websites.”
Booking the Right Umrah Package: A Hard Lesson Learned
If you are travelling alone, you might manage a DIY trip; but speaking honestly, for families, elderly travellers, or anyone going for the first time, booking a complete package with a UK-based, ATOL-protected agency makes a huge difference. I learned this the hard way. The time, energy, and money you save by letting professionals handle the logistics are honestly priceless. You want your mind on worship, not on airport shuttles or hotel check-in dramas.
Now, whenever I’m advising friends or relatives, I tell them: always choose an agency with proper reviews, transparent pricing, and clear inclusions: flights, hotels, transfers, and meals. So, there are no surprises. And don’t just rely on the website; speak to people who have used the company before. Real feedback is absolutely invaluable.
If I could turn back time and redo my first two Umrahs, I’d make one change: I’d always book through a registered, ATOL-protected agency. Every minute you spend chasing down taxis or double-checking bookings is a minute lost from the spiritual side of your journey. That’s time you’ll never get back.
After my third Umrah, I began recommending Ziyuf Al Rahman to anyone from the UK planning to go. They are not just reliable and transparent; they offer spiritual support and guidance that truly matters. That final trip felt like a spiritual retreat; I didn’t have to worry about meals, check-ins, or missing out on any rituals. My focus was exactly where it should be: on my relationship with Allah and the unique blessings of the journey.
Checklist before booking:
- ATOL certificate
- Group leader with Islamic knowledge
- Close proximity to Haram (less than 300m if elderly travellers)
- Direct or indirect flights? Consider layovers.
- Are Ziyarah tours included (Mina, Mount Uhud, Masjid Quba)?
Avoid chasing “cheapest Umrah deals.” Choose peace over price.
Health Tips for First-Time Pilgrims
Your spiritual journey depends heavily on your physical readiness. Makkah is hot, even in winter, and the crowd is intense.
What I learned:
- Hydration is everything. Always carry a refillable Zamzam bottle.
- Pack unscented wipes, Vaseline, and blister plasters. Ihram rules mean you can’t use perfume or scented lotions.
- Sleep strategically. Fajr to Duhr is the best time for Tawaf. Rest after Asr if travelling with elderly family.
- Use a face mask in crowded areas (COVID-19 is still around, and flu spreads fast).
- Avoid overeating at open buffets. Stick to fruits, dates, and light meals to stay energised.
Must Manage the Rituals
Performing Umrah is not just about knowing the rituals; it’s about surrendering. In the first few days, I used to get irritated easily with long queues, noisy hotel neighbors, and children crying during salah. But that’s part of it. You’re being taught patience.
The rituals themselves, Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and shaving/cutting hair, are physically and emotionally demanding. I found it helpful to read the step-by-step process to perform Umrah on Ziyuf Al Rahman’s website before travelling, and I brought a small printed checklist with me.
Here’s what helped me:
- Make a du’a list before you travel. Include others, not just yourself.
- Don’t focus on perfect photos. Focus on perfect moments.
- If you miss a ritual detail, don’t panic. Ask a scholar or guide quietly and calmly.
- Remember: Allah sees effort, not performance.
Women should note that, as of recent Saudi law, you can now perform Umrah without a mahram (male guardian), though some UK agencies and airlines still have their own policies. Check with both before booking.
When I stopped comparing my worship to others, that’s when my heart truly began to soften.
Final Advice from One Pilgrim to Another (The Spiritual Gift of Umrah)
Looking back on my three journeys, I realise that Umrah is a gift, one that tests your patience, rewards your sincerity, and brings you closer to Allah in ways that everyday life in the UK rarely does. The sense of community, equality, and humility stays with you long after you return.
If this is your first Umrah, you will feel nervous. That’s normal. If it’s your second or third, you’ll feel pressure to “do it better.” Let go of that. The real spiritual significance of Umrah lies in humility, surrender, and a clean intention.
My advice? Don’t just go to Umrah. Arrive with a prepared heart. And don’t leave your preparation to travel blogs and last-minute Google searches. Talk to someone who’s been. Ask them what moved them, what mistakes they made, and what they’d do differently.
For the most peaceful and meaningful Umrah experience, especially with family, book your Umrah package with a trusted, experienced UK agency. For me, that was Ziyuf Al Rahman, but whoever you choose, make sure they’re ATOL-protected and have a real, helpful team.
And most importantly: remember, the spiritual significance of Umrah doesn’t end at the airport on your return. It begins again each time you reflect on what you learned in Makkah.
