Time for Leaving Arafat The permitted time to leave Arafat is after the time for the evening prayer (akşam namazı) has begun. Arafat Standing (Vakfesi) is one of the most important pillars of Hajj. It is obligatory to be within the boundaries of Arafat from noon on Arafah Day until the break of dawn at...Read More

The Process of Performing the Visit Tawaaf Visit Tawaaf is one of the obligatory acts of Hajj and can be performed from the dawn of the first day of Eid al-Adha until the end of one’s life. However, it is essential that this Tawaaf is performed during the days of Eid al-Adha, specifically before sunset...Read More

The Notable Figures Buried in Jannat al-Mu’alla Cemetery 1. Hz. Khadijah (r.a.) Hz. Khadijah, the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), is buried in Jannat al-Mu’alla. Until the year 729 (1328-29), the exact location of her grave was unknown. It is said that a dream led to its discovery, after which...Read More

The Importance and Spiritual Value of Hajr al-Aswad Hajr al-Aswad, a black, shiny stone embedded in the eastern corner of the Kaaba, holds significant importance in Islamic tradition. Its spiritual value and importance can be summarized as follows: 1. A Stone from Paradise According to a hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas, our Prophet Muhammad (peace...Read More

The Impact of Umrah on Family and Society Umrah, regarded as a minor pilgrimage in Islam, is one of the most significant spiritual journeys for Muslims. It holds immense religious importance and provides a unique experience that affects both individuals and communities. This article explores the effects of Umrah on family and society and highlights...Read More

Visas & Planning · 2026–27 Season · Updated August 2026 Yes — a US passport holder can get a Saudi visa online, usually within days, and it covers Umrah. The standard route is the tourist eVisa: about SAR 535 (~$143) including mandatory health insurance, valid one year with multiple entries and stays of up to...Read More

Obligations, Sunnah, and Recommended Acts of Umrah The farz of Umrah is entering into ihram. Without entering ihram, Umrah cannot be performed. Those intending to perform Umrah must enter ihram before reaching the miqat. To enter ihram, it is recommended to practice cleanliness by trimming nails, removing underarm and pubic hair, and, if necessary, shaving...Read More

Most Virtuous Acts of Worship at the Kaaba While sources do not provide a direct ranking of the most virtuous acts of worship at the Kaaba, here is an outline of highly valued practices for Kaaba worship based on available information and previous discussions: Tawaf: Tawaf, or circumambulating the Kaaba seven times, is central to...Read More

Is Sa’y Mandatory in Umrah? Yes, performing sa’y in Umrah is considered vacip. Sa’y consists of walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. This act of worship commemorates the desperate search of Hz. Hacer for water for her son Hz. İsmail as she ran between these two hills. Obligations of Sa’y: Performing...Read More

Umrah Planning · Health · Updated September 2026 Saudi Arabia requires every Umrah traveler to be vaccinated against meningococcal disease (ACYW or ACYWX) at least 10 days before arrival: a conjugate vaccine is valid for five years, a polysaccharide vaccine for three. Everything else for a traveler from the USA or Canada is recommended rather...Read More