Performing Umrah in Ramadan is one of the most spiritually rewarding journeys a Muslim can undertake. While Umrah can be performed any time of the year, doing it in the holy month of Ramadan holds a unique status
Hadith
عن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما، أن النبي ﷺ قال: “عمرة في رمضان تعدل عمرة أو حجة معي”. ((متفق عليه))
Ibn ‘Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet ﷺ said, “(The performance of) ‘Umrah during Ramadan is equal to Hajj (pilgrimage)”. Or said, “Equal to the performance of Hajj with me.”
(Bukhari & Muslim)
This doesn’t mean it replaces Hajj, but it signifies that the reward of Umrah in Ramadan is as great as performing Hajj — due to the multiplied blessings of this sacred month.
In this article, we’ll explore why performing Umrah in Ramadan is so special, its virtues according to authentic Hadith, practical travel advice for Pakistanis, and how you can plan your journey wisely through the right Ramadan Umrah package.
Why Is Ramadan Umrah So Special?
Let’s be honest Ramadan is already the most blessed month of the year. Every good deed you do gets multiplied in rewards. Now imagine adding Umrah to that equation.
The Triple Blessing
When you perform Umrah during Ramadan, you’re combining three powerful acts of worship:
- Fasting from dawn to sunset
- Extra prayers like Taraweeh and Tahajjud
- Pilgrimage to the holiest place on Earth
This combination creates something magical. Many pilgrims say they’ve never felt closer to Allah than during their Ramadan Umrah.
What You Gain Spiritually
The benefits go beyond words, but here’s what most pilgrims experience:
Complete forgiveness of past sins. Just like Umrah washes away your mistakes, doing it in Ramadan doubles the cleansing effect.
A fresh start. You come home feeling like a new person—more focused, more grateful, and more connected to your faith.
Unity with Muslims worldwide. Standing next to someone from Indonesia, Morocco, or Palestine reminds you that we’re all one Ummah.
What Makes Makkah Different During Ramadan?
If you’ve never been to Makkah during Ramadan, it’s hard to explain. But let me try.
A City That Never Sleeps
From Fajr until late night, the mosques are packed. There’s no “quiet time” during Ramadan in Makkah. The energy is constant.
Before sunrise, you hear the beautiful Adhan calling people to Fajr prayer. Millions respond. All day long, despite the heat and fasting, people are doing Tawaf around the Kaaba, reciting Quran, and making dua.
The Magic of Iftar Time
When the sun sets, something incredible happens. The entire city breaks fast together. You see dates and Zamzam water being passed around—even to strangers. In that moment, everyone is your brother or sister.
After Maghrib, the Taraweeh prayers begin. Picture this: millions of people standing in rows that stretch as far as you can see, all praying together. The Imam recites Quran in the most beautiful voice. Many people cry from the emotional power of it all.
The Last 10 Nights
The final ten nights of Ramadan are something else entirely. Why? Because one of these nights is Laylat al-Qadr—the Night of Power.
The Quran tells us that worship on this single night is better than 1,000 months of worship (Surah Al-Qadr, 97:3). That’s over 83 years!
During these nights, the Grand Mosque reaches maximum capacity. People arrive hours early just to get a spot. The atmosphere is electric with prayer, tears, and hope.
Ramadan Umrah vs Regular Umrah: What’s the Difference?
You might be wondering: “Should I go during Ramadan or another month?” Here’s an honest comparison:
| Factor | Ramadan Umrah | Other Months |
| Spiritual Reward | Equal to Hajj | Very blessed, but not equal to Hajj |
| Atmosphere | Intense, emotional, crowded | Peaceful, quieter, easier to focus |
| Number of Pilgrims | Highest (3-4 million) | Lower (varies by season) |
| Cost from Pakistan | PKR 250,000 – 600,000 | PKR 180,000 – 450,000 |
| Physical Challenge | Harder (fasting + heat) | Easier (no fasting required) |
| Best For | Those seeking maximum reward | First-timers or elderly pilgrims |
Most Pakistani families choose Ramadan despite the crowds and cost. Why? Because the reward and experience are worth every challenge.
How to Perform Umrah: Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Don’t worry if this is your first time. Umrah is actually quite simple. Here are the four main steps:
Step 1: Enter Ihram (The Sacred State)
Before you reach Makkah, you must enter a special state called Ihram. For men, this means wearing two white, unstitched clothes. Women wear their regular modest clothes (with face and hands uncovered).
What’s not allowed in Ihram?
- No perfume or scented products
- No cutting hair or nails
- No arguing or bad language
- No intimate relations with your spouse
Think of Ihram as hitting a “spiritual reset button.” You’re leaving your normal life behind to focus completely on Allah.
Step 2: Perform Tawaf (Walk Around the Kaaba)
When you reach the Grand Mosque, you’ll do Tawaf—walking around the Kaaba seven times counter-clockwise. Start from the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) if possible, or just point toward it.
During these seven circles, make any duas you want. Talk to Allah about your worries, your dreams, your family. This is your private conversation with Him.
Step 3: Do Sa’i (Walk Between Safa and Marwah)
Next, you’ll walk between two small hills called Safa and Marwah—seven times total. This honors the memory of Hajar (may Allah be pleased with her), who ran between these hills searching for water for her baby Ismail.
Today, there’s a covered pathway with air conditioning, making Sa’i much more comfortable than it was for Hajar!
Step 4: Cut Your Hair (Halq or Taqsir)
The final step is simple. Men either shave their heads completely (Halq) or trim their hair short (Taqsir). Women cut a small piece of hair, about the length of a fingertip.
Congratulations! Your Umrah is now complete. You can leave Ihram and return to normal activities.
The whole process takes 4-5 hours, depending on crowd levels.
Umrah in Ramadan 2026 from Pakistan
Every year, thousands of Pakistanis travel for Umrah during Ramadan and 2026 will be no exception. From Karachi to Lahore, Islamabad to Faisalabad, demand surges as Ramadan approaches.
Umrah Visa for Ramadan 2026
- Apply through an authorized Umrah travel agency in Pakistan like KSA Travels.
- Processing time: usually 3–7 working days.
- Required documents: valid passport, CNIC copy, photographs, and vaccination certificate.
Best Time to Go
- Early Ramadan: Fewer crowds and lower prices.
- Last 10 Days: Spiritually most powerful (Laylat al-Qadr) but extremely crowded — book early!
How Much Does Ramadan Umrah Cost from Pakistan?
Let’s talk money. Prices vary based on package type, travel dates, and city of departure.
| Package Type | Price Range (PKR) | What’s Included |
| Economy | 300,000 – 350,000 | economy hotels, shared transport |
| Standard | 320,000 – 400,000 | 3-4 star hotels, private transport |
| Premium | 450,000 – 600,000 | 5-star hotels near Haram, VIP services |
Prices vary by city of departure those looking for an umrah package from Karachi may find more flight options and competitive rates.
What’s Usually Included:
- Umrah visa processing
- Round-trip flights
- Hotel accommodations in Makkah and Madinah
- Ground transportation
- Guided Umrah rituals
- Ziyarat (visiting historical Islamic sites)
What’s NOT Included:
- Personal expenses
- Extra meals beyond breakfast
- Shopping
- Tips for guides and drivers
Connection to Laylat al-Qadr
The last 10 nights of Ramadan hold Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Power) — the night when the Quran was revealed.
Worship during this night is better than a thousand months (Surah Al-Qadr: 97:3).
Pilgrims performing Umrah during these nights often say they’ve never felt closer to Allah — as dua, tawaf, and prayer in Masjid al-Haram carry unmatched blessings.
Smart Tips for Pakistani Pilgrims
Want to make your Ramadan Umrah easier? Here are practical tips from experienced pilgrims:
Before You Go:
- Get vaccinated early
- Break in your walking shoes—you’ll walk a LOT
- Learn basic Arabic phrases (helps with directions)
- Download the Nusuk and Eatmarna apps (required for entry to mosques)
During Your Trip:
- Carry a refillable Zamzam bottle everywhere
- Go to the mosque early for Taraweeh—it fills up fast
- Keep your hotel key card on you always
- Use the wheelchair service if you have elderly family members
For Ramadan Specifically:
- Eat a heavy Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) with lots of water
- Rest during the day to save energy for night prayers
- Break your fast with dates and Zamzam before doing Maghrib Tawaf
- Wear light, breathable Ihram fabric (Makkah heat is intense)
Common Questions About Ramadan Umrah 2026
Does Ramadan Umrah replace mandatory Hajj?
No. The hadith says Ramadan Umrah is “equal to Hajj” in reward, but it doesn’t fulfill your obligation to perform Hajj. If you’re physically and financially able, you still need to perform Hajj once in your lifetime.
Can I bring my whole family?
Absolutely! Many Pakistani families perform Umrah together. Just make sure everyone (including children) has their own visa and follows Ihram rules. Children under 12 don’t need to be in Ihram, but they can wear it if they want.
Is it safe for women to go alone?
Saudi Arabia requires women under 45 to travel with a Mahram (male guardian). Women over 45 can travel in organized groups without a Mahram. Many Pakistani ladies’ groups make the journey together.
How long should I stay?
Most packages are 10-15 days. This gives you time for Umrah, prayers in Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi, and visiting historical sites. If you’re going for the last 10 nights, plan to stay at least 12 days.
What if I get sick during fasting?
Islam gives you permission to break your fast if you’re ill. Your health comes first. You can make up the missed fasts later. Also, Saudi Arabia has excellent medical facilities available to pilgrims.
When should I book for Ramadan 2026?
Book as early as possible—ideally 4-6 months before Ramadan. The best packages and hotel rooms near the Haram fill up quickly, especially for the last 10 days.
Your Journey Begins Here
Performing Umrah during Ramadan 2026 is more than checking off a religious duty. It’s about transformation. It’s about standing before Allah’s house and feeling everything else fade away. It’s about returning home as a better version of yourself.
Yes, it requires planning. Yes, it costs money. Yes, you’ll face crowds and physical challenges.
But ask anyone who’s done it, and they’ll tell you the same thing: It’s worth it.
Every step in Ihram. Every Tawaf around the Kaaba. Every tear during Tahajjud. Every dua made while fasting. These moments become part of who you are.
