The honour of performing Umrah is a privilege and has great reward to pilgrims who undertake this spiritually uplifting journey to Makkah and Madinah.
1) TAWAAF
As the zam zam well area is under construction, the Mathaf (area around the Ka’abah) is only open to those in Ehram.
The only entrance to reach the Mathaf presently is clearly marked in green on the left of the main door 1 (opposite the Clock Zam Zam tower)
Men not in Ehram thus need to make Tawaaf on the First floor or the Rooftop (which is easier).
The least crowded Tawaaf times in my opinion are around 8.30am-10am and 8.30pm-10pm.
2) READ SALAAH ON THE MATHAF
There is a section open to the public to read salaah or sit and read Quraan on the Mathaf. To access this section one needs to follow the Ground Floor Mathaf signs on the First Floor. Enter from the Main door 1 (opposite the Clock Zam Zam tower) and turn left.
The front of this section is closed for ladies 10 minutes before a Fardh Salaah Azaan starts but it is open between Salaahs.
LADIES MATHAF AREA
Ladies that are in the Mathaf Tawaaf area when each Azaan goes, are able to perform Salaah on the Mathaf. They will be guided by the guards to the ladies section which is right infront of the Kaabah.
ROOFTOP
My other favourite area to sit was on the Rooftop between Asr and Esha and after Fajr watching the sunrise. The views of the Ka’abah are amazing and the weather is wonderful. Carry a light jersey as it can get chilly sometimes in winter.
3) ZAM ZAM
Do not purchase bottles of Zam Zam from Makkah or Madinah to take home. The system is now regulated and one is able to purchase a sealed and boxed bottle at the airports.
Each person is allowed 1 zam zam bottle that is boxed and allowed on airline carriers
Each Zam Zam is Sar 8 per 5L bottle
One needs to show their boarding pass, ticket or passport to get the zam zam.
The booths are located at the entrance of the airports.The Madina booth is located near the gate 1 and Hajj Terminal entrance.
***Carry a marking pen to the airport so that you are able to Mark and thus identify your Zam Zam box when arriving at your destination!
4) TRANSPORT
Uber and Careem
Uber and Careem (the Middle Easts versions of Uber) are available and works very well in Saudi Arabia.
Within Madina we used Uber alot and it worked out brilliantly, was convenient and was very reasonably priced.
From the Madina Hotel located near the Madina Haram to Masjidal Quba on a Saturday morning with Uber we paid Sar13.
We also used Uber from our hotel located in the Madina Haram area to Madina airport and it was only Sar 24 for a large vehicle. Once booked the car arrived at our hotel within 5minutes.
When using a taxi on the street or from your hotel, it is very important to negotiate. We were quoted for a journey in Makkah Sar 250 and eventualy after asking the third taxi for the same route, we paid only Sar 50.
Makkah to Madina
From Makkah to Madina we hired one of the new Hyundai H1 TAXIS which are available.
These vehicles can be found in Makkah lined up infront of the Conrad Hotel and other locations.
In Madina they can easily be found behind Taiba Hotel and in that Haram vicinity.
Prices for a trip from Makkah to Madina are negotiable.
We paid Sar 700 but I have heard of others paying as little as Sar 450. The price is dependant on the demand, peak times, season and availability. The long distance trip from Makkah to Madina is not a metered trip.
In an H1, 6 adults and 2 small kids can fit comfortably and there is ample room for luggage.
Our Taxi also had Free Wifi (I am unsure if this service is available in the other taxis). The Journey takes approximately 4hours.
Carry snacks and drinks with you so that one does not need to make extra stops.
There are many places to stop enroute, read salaah, buy food and have a break.
SAPTCO BUSES are also available and are another option.
5) LADIES ZIYARAAH IN MADINAH
There are three times of the day when ladies are allowed to do Ziyaraah.
The exact times are subject to change depending on the crowd, day etc
MORNINGS:
After Fajr till before Zuhr.
The entrance opens usualy from around 7am to 10am.
Between 8.30am and 9am I think is a good time.
On a Thursday night and Friday they close earlier.
AFTERNOONS:
After Zuhr till before Asr.
Approximately 1pm to 3pm. This time of day is usually the busiest.
NIGHTS:
After Esha.
The entrance is opened approximately at 8.30pm and the entrance is closed around 11pm. One is able to remain inside till approximately midnight.
There is a large crowd waiting when the entrance opens after Esha. I would suggest going at around 10.30pm.
The ladies entrance for Ziyaraah is located infront of the Intercontinental/Oberoi Hotels.
Gate 25.
6) FOOD
One is spoilt for choice when it comes to food in both Makkah and Madinah.
Fast food options ranging from international brands such as Burger Kings, Hardees and KFC to local favourites like the crumbed prawns as Al Baik (At the New Hilton Hotel food court behind Darul Tawheed in Makkah).
The Zam Zam clock Tower has food courts on both the third and fourth floor. Try out the Smashburger!
Many prefer home cooked meals and there are many South African cooks now providing South African style Indian food and will deliver food to your Hotel.
FOOD IN MAKKAH:
In Makkah we tried Sister Rashida Bemaths (whats app: +966536683714) lunches.
The convenience of having your home style food delivered and not waiting in restaurant queues is a real advantage.
The meals we tried were delicious and I was amazed at the quantity of the food and the extras.
A meal for ONE person can feed TWO people as portions are huge. Be aware of this when ordering.
An example of a meal from Sister Rashida Bemath for Sar 25 per person includes (FEEDS 2):
Hew, Mugg, Arab bread, Biryani, Dhai, Paapar and a
Plastic sheet for the floor.
KHURI KHICHRI
The picture is the amount they sent for two people and costed Sar50 for the amount of food in the picture.
FOUR people can eat that amount of food.
FOOD IN MADINAH:
We ordered food in Madinah from Sister Mariam Nakhooda (Whats app +966 50 531 2691) who cooks both lunch and Dinner and charges Sar 35per person (That portion feeds TWO people).
I enjoyed her Kebaab and chips and Hot Spicy Masala Steak and chips.
The information above is based on my experience in December 2017.
Some of these tips are specific to the present construction which is taking place and are all based on my opinion amd experience. Times, gates and information can easily change.
Do you have Umrah tips to share?
Please leave suggestions for others to benefit in the comments below.
Kindly share with someone who is going for umrah inshaAllah.
May Allah accept our ibaadat, duas, Umrah and take us all soon inshaAllah.
Please remember me in your pious duas.
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