Book Hajj & Umrah Packages

Hajj 2017

Being one of the largest pilgrimage on the planet, Hajj demonstrates the unity and a humble submission to Allah, which is likely to be the most important trip and ritual in a Muslim's life. We understand the gravity of this pious occasion and that is why, we have toiled night and day to guarantee you excellent service and travel requirements. We pride in offering such a reputable tour and feel privileged to cater to the entire Muslim community in the UK.

With our trained staff and skilled planning we cater to solo Hajj travellers and dedicated Hajj groups, offering an easy booking and commendable itinerary to satisfy you fully. Our capability to be UK's travel and tour operator signifies, that now UK residents can utilize the features in the website to book one of our cheap Hajj package . Our tour packages are comprehensive and the registration for Hajj 2017 is open. Hajj travel arrangements that are offered make your journey quite enchanting, spectacular and spiritual.

If you require assistance and help in charting out your pilgrimage tour, simply ask our travel advisor and with our wealth of information and experts advice, be ensured that your booking and travel is as smooth as possible.

Umrah 2017

Sam Travel has 43 years experience in organizing Hajj and Umrah Tours and we offer a wide range of Umrah packages to suit your time and money, with tailored tours by specific needs of the customer. Along with the Umrah tours that are provided, we deal in flights and accommodation in 3 to 5 star hotels, each within an easy walking distance to the holy spot.

To experience undisturbed booking and to avail best tour packages, the months between January through July offer amazing deals. Our aim is to be as flexible to your needs. Every customer has fluctuating financial status and might wish to stay a bit longer, hence, our diverse packages with different budgets cater to a large group of clients and customers.

Hajj Packages

With over 40 years of reputable experience, you are rest assured that your trip is in optimum hands. All our staff are well-versed and have an unrivalled understanding of the pilgrimage and offer an on-hand advice on the event. It is also relief to know that each tour is accompanied by a dedicated Hajj and Umrah travel expert to help you with the necessary customs and rituals.

Umrah Packages

Consisting of few rituals, Umrah tour is not as compulsory as a Hajj, but it is highly recommended within the journey of faith that you make your booking with a specialist company that allows you to travel with others as a strong expression of love, brotherhood and unity. Booking and travelling can be stressful, but we strive to remove your stress and the hassle of booking, providing help and advice every step, in regard to your flight and booking.

What is Hajj and Umrah?

Hajj and Umrah tours are Islamic pilgrimages performed by Muslims from all over the world. Despite, several of the rituals and practices of Hajj and Umrah are identical, yet these two bear much difference in their nature and character.

Their Significance

Hajj is considered as an important pilgrimage, while Umrah is not compulsory. The word Hajj means 'to intend a journey'. Hajj is mandatory for all Muslims and it must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and mentally capable of undertaking the tour. From a religious point of view, Hajj has a higher significance than Umrah and it is one of the five pillars of Islam, with one of the largest congregation in the world. The Hajj pilgrimage occurs from the 8th to the 12th of the last month of the Islamic calender. In 2017, Hajj is expected to fall between September 9-14. Book your Hajj package with travel experts of Sam Travel and save your money.

On the other hand, Umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia that can be undertaken at any time of the year. Umrah means 'to visit a populated place' it is mostly known as 'lesser pilgrimage' or ' minor pilgrimage'.

The Rituals

The rituals during a Hajj tour includes spending days and nights in the vicinity of the city of Makkah, the stoning of the devil and the slaughtering of an animal.
The rituals in Umrah mainly involve the'ihram' (ritual of purification), circling the holy kabah, walking between the Marwah and the Safa, intake of Zamzam water and cutting or shaving the hair.

Types of Hajj and Umrah

There are 3 types of Hajj and 2 types of Umrah. The types of Hajj are:-
Ifrad - refers to the Hajj itself
Tammatu - a kind of Hajj where Hajj and Umrah are undertaken separately
Qiran - the combination or the separate performance of Hajj and Umrah

The 2 types of Umrah are:
Al Umrat al Mutradah (this is Umrah without Hajj)
Umrat al Tammatu (Umrah with Hajj)
The first one of performed by an individual, where as the latter is performed in a group, with other pilgrims.

Performing the Rites of the Umrah

While performing the rites during the Umrah tour, the pilgrim is in the holy state of the Ihram, which must be maintained for the duration of the rites. Both men and women must be shaved and well groomed, should not apply any perfume or cologne and clothe yourself in plain and clean Ihram sheets and women should cover their heads.

At the holy sites, a special boundary called Miqat surrounds the holy sites of the Hajj. Until the pilgrim reaches the pure state of Ihram, he cannot cross this boundary. If a pilgrim approaches the Miqat during the Ihram state, he recites a short prayer to complete the Umrah.

During your Umrah tour, proceeding towards the Ka'bah is the most sacred part and at the first sight, keep your eyes fixed on it and stand to the side crowd and recite the holy verses.

One of the most important ritual is the Tawaf. In this ritual the Muslim circles the Ka'bah. As it begins, the men should make sure that the upper sheet passes under the right arm, exposing the right shoulder. While they face the Ka'bah with the black stone on your right recite a prayer. Draw towards the black stone and try to kiss or touch it. Begin to circle the Ka'bah, walk counter-clockwise and circle the Ka'bah seven times while praying continuously. When you have completed the seven circles, you are finished and men can now cover their right shoulder. Explore our cheap Hajj Umrah packages to select the one which suits you perfectly.

The next ritual is performing the Sa'ey, which means 'to run'. This is performed by walking back and forth seven times between the Safa and Marwah hills, which lie towards the South and the North.

After completing the Sa'ey, men should have their hair either completely shaved or cut short, but most men prefer to shave it off. On the other hand, women should not have their heads shaved, but instead, they may cut or have their hair trimmed several inches.

After the ritual hair-cutting, Umrah tour is complete and the restrictions of Ihram are lifted. You can return to your normal activities, wear your normal clothes, etc. However, if, like many pilgrims, you will proceed to complete the Hajj in the next few days, know that you will need to re-enter Ihram to do so.

Preparing for the Hajj

The Hajj tour should not be taken for granted or even taken lightly. During the olden days, pilgrims died during their journey to Mecca. With every modern convenience, now mass Muslims safely travel to and from the holy destination.

Decide which type of Hajj you are ready to take. As discussed earlier, there are 3 types of Hajj basically - Tamattu, Ifraad and the Qiran. Plan your trip to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Keep your travel documents sorted out well in advance.

The nation of Saudi Arabia has strict rules for personal conduct, that might be unfamiliar to foreigners. The women performing the Hajj should travel in the company of a close relative, husband or in-laws. Women over the age of 45 can perform the rituals without any company if they are in a group and have a letter of consent from their husband.

Everyone who are attending the Hajj should have a modest attitude and appearance during this journey and while performing the ritual. Any kind of make-up or scent must be avoided. When the pilgrim enters the sacred ritualistic stage of purity, shaving, cutting nails, smoking and sexual acts are totally forbidden.

With the aid of Sam Travel, avail our cheap priced Hajj package and experience an easy booking procedure.

Performing the Rites of the Hajj

While performing the rites of the Hajj, the pilgrim re-assumes Ihram and declared his intension to perform it. Depending upon how the trip is scheduled, most pilgrims performing the Tamattu pilgrimage, go through a several-day break between their duties. As it is with Umrah tour, the Hajj requires ritual purity and meekness before God and thus, the state of Ihram is assumed. From the 8th to the 12th of Dhu-al-Hijjah, the pilgrim must maintain himself in the Ihram for three days, renouncing from the normal activities, until this period is over.

On the first day of the Hajj, pilgrims head to the Mina, a town in Mecca, where they must spend the rest of the day. The Saudi authorities provide several white air-conditioned tents to stay. Nothing takes place on the first night, so pilgrims spend their days praying and interacting with other pilgrims. Sam Travel has developed the packages after examining specific demands of UK citizens regarding 2017 Hajj packages.

On the second day, pilgrims travel towards Mt. Arafat and the ritual of Waquf begins. Pilgrims hold a vigil from the time the sun starts to decline, till it sets completely. After sundown, the pilgrims head towards Muzdalifa and they offer the evening prayers and sleep under the open sky. Before the sun rises, pilgrims go back to the Mina and indulge in a ceremony called 'stoning of the devil'. Here, pilgrims gather pebbles and throw seven pebbles at the monument of Jamrat al Aqabah.

After the Ramy ceremony, the pilgrims offer an animal sacrifice to God. A trained pilgrim will sacrifice a lamb, or even a camel for every seven pilgrims, butcher the animal and ship it to Muslim groups all over the world to feed the needy and the poor.

As in Umrah tour, pilgrims must have their hair cut ritually. Men can get their heads shaved or have them cut very short. Women can cut a short lock of hair and not shave it off completely. The next step is performing the Tawaf and Sa'ey at the nearby hills. It's almost as it is done in Umrah, but these rituals must be performed after the stoning, sacrifice and hair-cutting ceremonies. After the Tawaf and Sa'ey, you are released from your state of Ihram.

In Mina, you must once again participate in the stoning ritual. This time, you will not throw pebbles only at the Jamrat al Aqabah, but also at two other monuments - the Jamrat Oolah and Jamrat Wustah. Sam Travel has combined the 2017 tour packages after analysing specific demands of UK citizens regarding 2017 Umrah packages.

Perform the Farewell Tawaf

Finally, your Hajj comes to an end after you perform on final Tawaf by walking around the Ka'bah seven times offering prayers and praises. When you are done, you may finish anything which is left undone, then depart to your home or you can visit the second holiest city of Medina and visit other holy sites.

Sam Travel wants the UK citizens to enjoy a painless Hajj Umrah 2017 tour. Consult Sam Travel UK and get the best advice and a suitable package that will not burn a hole in your pocket.

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