Taking the spiritual trip of Umrah is an enriching experience to any Muslim. It can become even more special when you share this pilgrimage with your children. As the memories will be remembered forever, and they will have a burning feeling of faith at a tender age. Although this may seem like a nightmare having to travel to Mecca and Medina carrying little ones, with proper planning, this will be a very easy and spiritually fulfilling experience to the entire family.
This manual is meant to steer you in the individual problems and delights of this holy pilgrimage. We will discuss all the preparation and packing, rituals control, and keeping the children interested. You just need to be at the right place and make sure that the pilgrimage of your family is not only bearable but also an enriching experience to all of them.
Planning for Umrah with Children
Travelling with children is a new dimension of travelling to other individuals or individuals who are alone. The ruse is to prepare them to their respective needs that ensure they are comfortable, safe and in the process, can you fulfill your spiritual obligation. First of all, explain to your children the significance of Umrah in a way they can comprehend, explain the sacredness of Mecca and Medina, what practices they will perform, and how they will behave. This mental and religious conditioning can come in handy to make them feel more devoted and grateful with the course they are following. You can reserve into a family package package such as those offered by Umrah Packages from California that match your specifications such as the facilities offered by the Crowne Travels that may include booked rooms that are close to the Haram along with other facilities.
Preparing for the Journey
The main pilgrimage of a family is based on preparation. You must make sure to secure all the required documents and be healthy before you go.
Passports and Visas
Make sure that all the members of the family including infants possess a valid passport and the necessary Umrah visa. This process should begin early enough before it can cause any last minute stress. Store a copy of the key documents both online and offline.
Vaccinations
The prescribed and recommended vaccinations in Saudi Arabia will be done by the family physician. This is even more so to children who are yet to develop their immune system. Record of their vaccination.
Book Flights and Accommodation
Choose flights that have decent layovers so that you do not over work your kids. Also prefer hotels which are close to the Haram in Mecca and Medina. It is an excellent place because quick visits to the room and taking naps, meals or visiting the bathroom may always be made.
What to Pack for Children
The way to pack can also have an enormous impact on the level of comfort experienced by your family. In addition to the basic needs such as Ihram wear, you should add the things that your kids will need during your trip.
Comfortable Clothing
Light breathable daytime clothes with a few warmer items such as a jacket or sweatshirt (in particular in Medina) in the evenings. Use sandals, which are comfortable and worn out because of the intensive walking.
First-Aid Kit
It has to have a nice first-aid kit. Include pain relievers, allergy medication, anesthetic wipes, bandages, electrolyte salts and personal medication.
Stroller or Carrier
The light foldable stroller is a savior to manoeuvring through the airports and the spacious yards of the mosques. A baby carrier would be a wonderful hands-free item with younger children or toddlers.
Snacks and Entertainment
Pack snacks, which are not perishable and make your kids to be active and happy. To keep them busy when moving or when they are not doing anything in particular, bring miniature toys, colouring books or tablets with their preferred shows loaded.
Navigating the Rituals with Kids
Conducting the rituals of Umrah is sometimes very demanding in terms of patience and concentration and having children around may not be an easy situation. Changing your methods will enable you to complete your responsibility and make your little ones happy.
Performing Tawaf and Sa’i
Activities that require a lot of walking are Tawaf (seven times round Kaaba) and Sa’i (seven times between hills of Safa and Marwah).
Timing is Everything
When doing these rituals, it is best that they are done during off time when there are fewer crowds like late at night or early morning. This renders it more secure and less intimidating to children.
Use a Stroller or Carrier
Children are easily bored. A stroller may be taken on its upper levels (Tawaf and Sa’i) on the Grand Mosque. The other great concept is a baby carrier which places your child on your body and protects him.
Take Breaks
Don’t hesitate to take breaks. Sit somewhere and re-hydrate and have a snack and then proceed. Children must be one of your priorities in their well-being.
Maintaining Focus and Spirituality
It is natural to believe that there is a possibility of religious concentration division when attending to children. However, they can be included in the process to make it more significant to everyone.
Teach and Involve
Indoctrinate them in the simple Duas (supplications) which they can say. Elaborate on the legends of the rituals such as the legend of Hajar and Ismail on Sa’i. This converts the physical activities into a lesson.
Share Responsibilities
When you are on a trip with a spouse or any other family members, you can switch off in watching the children. This will enable every adult to get time to reflect and pray alone.
Embrace the Moment
You should remember that taking care of your family is also another way of worship. Be tolerant of your children and your self. What is more important is the purpose of your trip.
Taking children to have Umrah is not only about fulfilling the rituals but it is an educational and spiritual accomplishment. It is a chance to educate them on their religion in the most practical and interactive manner. They get an insight that no book can give them by visiting the Kaaba, treading the footsteps of prophets and observing the unity of the Muslim Ummah all around the world. The experiences they share are a solid base of faith and leave wonderful family memories in the minds of these people that they will have throughout their lives.
A Journey of a Lifetime
The pilgrimage to the holy cities is a blessing in itself and to share it with your children is a gift that cannot be compared with any other gift. It is an added planning and patience, but the outcome can never be measured. It is not just the fulfillment of a sacred responsibility of yours but also you are sowing the seeds of faith in the hearts of the new generation.
We know the special needs of the families whenever the families that visit Crowne Travels are making this religious trip. We have been very personalized in our pilgrimage package to ensure that your pilgrimage will be comfortable, uncomplicated and will be rewarding to your spirit. We can meanwhile get the logistics straight, and you will be free to go and spend lifetime memories with family and friends. Contact and make your reservation.
