It is a universally recognized truth that Umrah is a deeply emotional and transformational journey for all the Muslims. This pilgrimage has a very profound impact on the lives of women. While it is a spiritually rewarding journey for women, they also face many physical and social challenges. There is a new trend of women taking solo Umrah journey. The new laws by Saudi Arabian minister have changed the dynamics of pilgrimage. These new laws allowed women to take this journey without a Mahram. That is why many travel agencies are now offering Women Umrah packages curated especially for women pilgrims. Many first-time female pilgrims face many kinds of challenges. They face these challenges because they weren’t aware about them. The following article will give you an insight about these challenges that women face so you can prepare for them before you take this journey.
Managing Crowd & Personal Space
Umrah rituals are already physically demanding as they need strength especially Tawaf and Sai. The biggest challenge almost all the pilgrims face is the crowds in the holy mosque. As it is a challenge for everyone, women’s case is special. Men can easily get themselves through thick crowds but it is not easy for women. They face difficulty to manage modesty and sometimes their personal comfort also compromised in the process. They get pushed around and some of them get separated from their families or groups. This issue becomes more challenging if they take this journey during a peak season. The best way to avoid this issue is choosing off-peak season and select the time when there are less crowds in the Haram.
Physical Exhaustion and Health Concerns
In Umrah rituals, a pilgrim has to walk long distances and in some cases they also have to run as well. These types of rituals can take a toll on a man’s health and you can imagine what they can do with women’s health. Women can suffer from heat stroke and dehydration because of the weather. Also, these conditions can be worse in case of older women and mothers. That is why women need to take breaks between performing Umrah rituals. They should wear comfortable footwear and keep basic medication with them such as for headaches and other issues. Also, if you drink water from time to time, it will also help you a lot to avoid many issues.
Safety and Harassment Concerns
This is an issue which women face during Tawaf and Sai when they have to interact with large crowds. They shouldn’t face such issues during this important journey but there are things they can use to ensure their safety. There are emergency contact numbers where you can call and report the issue. The Saudi Arabian administration has a very sound infrastructure to tackle such issues. Women can also get lost or go to wrong direction usually if they get outside in the night. It is natural when you go to a new country to forget your way. If this happens, you can contact authorities and they will help you. Try to book your journey using Women Umrah packages by a trustworthy travel agency. This will be the safest mode of travel for this spiritual journey.
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Emotional Pressure and Mental Stress
It is the desire of every Muslim to make this journey as better as it can get. The same is the desire of Women and it builds emotional pressure on them. When women take this pressure on themselves, it also disturbs their mental health as well. First of all, you need to relax and take as much time to rest as you require. It will help you feel content and you will be able to think positively. You sincerity matters a lot to Allah than the mistake you make during your prayers. This is the most important thing that you need to understand to avoid any kind of mental stress.
Language Barrier and Communication Difficulties
It is a foreign country so a communication gap is something every pilgrim would face. Women also face this challenge and make mistake in understanding the announcement. Sometimes there is an important announcement which you need to follow but cannot do it because of language barrier. The simplest solution to this problem is to install translation app on your cellphone. You can also learn few Arabic terms or phrases so it can be easy for you to communicate with locals. Travelling with experienced group can also help you overcome this challenge.
Balancing Family Responsibilities during Umrah
Women who take this journey with their families face this issue a lot. As woman is the caregiver of the family so she has to take care of all the family members. When they have to perform those physically demanding rituals, they find it difficult to manage responsibilities. Women with family often have to take care of their kids and administer their medication along with taking care of her parents. They also have to prepare of manage meals for their families. While on this journey and performing rituals, it can take a toll on their health. And fulfilling all these duties can be frustrating for them. The best way is to divide family duties with your husband so both of you can take shift. Everyone needs rest in this journey and lack of it can be exhausting for anyone.
Financial Challenges
The biggest challenge women have to face is cheap accommodations and what services they get with it. The expensive ones are mostly out of reach but the cheap ones have their own issues. The biggest challenge women face is the issue of privacy and washroom access. Also, suitable transportation is another issue they face when their budget is low. You need better Umrah packages to overcome these challenges.
Final Word
There are many more challenges that women face during this journey. Knowing these issues would help you prepare for them more effectively. To find the best Women Umrah packages for this journey, you should book your plan with Muslims Holy Travel. This is the best travel agency working in the UK for years.
