Ramadan is considered the holiest month in Islam. While the worldwide Muslim community observes the rituals, no matter where they live, Saudi Arabia is still considered to be the most sacred place to attend during the month. With Makkah and Madinah as spiritual cities, Ramadan in Saudi Arabia is celebrated with all the rituals and devotions. At this time of year, devotees from all around the world often visit Makkah and Madinah to seek blessings too.
How is Ramadan Practiced or Celebrated?
Muslims practice many of the five pillars of Islam during Ramadan. But while it is an intense period of reflection, it is also one filled with joyous traditions that include food, family, and festivities. Some of the things you can do include:
- Arrange Iftar and/or Suhoor in Mosques
The day starts with an early morning meal before sunrise called Suhoor, when you can eat and hydrate yourself right enough to survive the day. Later after sunset, Iftaar time is set when all gather again to break the daily fast, thanking Allah for his Grace.
- Give Sadaqah and Zakaat
Charity and helping mankind is a very common and important element of Ramadan. To help, feed, and support fellow Muslim brothers and family, Sadaqah and Zakat are practiced to the fullest so that everyone can enjoy holiness and prosperity.
- You Can Perform Umrah for more blessings
Umrah in Ramadan has a lot of spiritual value for Muslims. It is considered a minor pilgrimage and is believed to bring peace and enable the pilgrims to earn more blessings and rewards when performed during the Holy Month!
How To Perform Umrah During Ramadan?
Umrah, an act of devotion and worship, holds a lot of significance among the Muslim community across the globe. Every year, millions of Muslim pilgrims perform Umrah with faith and belief in their heart.
During the Umrah pilgrimage, devotees have to perform three main ritual acts:
Tawaf, which is circumambulating The Holy Kaaba in an anticlockwise direction.
Sa’i, walking seven times forward and backward between Marwah and Safa Hills.
Halq, wherein the male pilgrims shave or shorten their hair.
After completing these three acts, a pilgrim leaves the state of Ihram: the sacred state a Muslim must be assumed in order to perform the Hajj or Umrah, and completes the journey to Umrah. Performing Umrah with complete rituals usually takes only a few hours.
Where To Go In Makkah & Madinah during Ramadan?
In Makkah, the Grand Mosque, Al Haram, is the epicenter of spiritual activity, where worshippers gather to break their
fast and offer prayers. The mosque's courtyards and halls are filled with a sense of devotion and reverence, as Muslims seek closeness to Allah.
In Madinah, the second holiest city in Islam, Masjid Al Nabawi is a must-visit destination. This is where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is buried, and his mosque is a place of profound spiritual significance. Here, Muslims can immerse themselves in the teachings of Islam and connect with the Prophet's legacy.
Both cities offer a wealth of cultural and historical sites to explore during Ramadan, but it's essential to remember that this is a time for introspection, reflection, and prayer. May our hearts be filled with faith and love as we embark on this spiritual journey during Ramadan in Makkah and Madinah.
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