Performing Umrah pilgrimage completely depends upon one’s personal preferences and availability. Umrah season lasts throughout the year. You can travel in any month, any week and any day to offer the rites of minor pilgrimage. Hajj days, however, don’t allow pilgrims of Umrah to come to Haram. This is because the rituals of Hajj pilgrimage are going on during this time.
Considering the Sunnah status of Umrah, any Muslim does not have an obligation to perform Umrah. It is completely a voluntary act. That’s why there are no age restrictions as well. Anyone can book Umrah Packages 2025 UK and travel for the holy rituals. Let it be young, elderly, men or women.
Umrah is often a dream and once in a lifetime opportunity for many. Some are able to travel for it in the old age while others get a blessed opportunity in their childhood. It’s completely up to Allah’s will.
Here’s what you need to know about the minimum age of children to perform Umrah.
Children Above the Age of 18 Years
All the children who are at least 18 years old or above can travel for Umrah rituals alone. the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah permits pilgrimage travel for all such pilgrims. Therefore, they can get an Umrah visa or an Umrah permit on their existing visa to KSA to perform Umrah rituals.
Under 18 Kids
For all the children who are under the age of 18, they must accompany either a parent or a guardian for Umrah rituals. Such kids cannot travel for Umrah alone. Therefore, applying for the Umrah visa is with the presence of a guardian.
Children who are under the age of 5 years can enter Masjid-al-Haram without the need of a specific Umrah permit. However, children above the age of 5 years must have a separate Umrah permit issued under their name. Otherwise, entry to Haram is not possible.
Religious Restrictions
There aren’t any religious restrictions regarding minimum age for children to perform Umrah. Anyone can perform Umrah. Even pilgrims travel with Economy Ramadan Umrah packages along infants. So, regardless of your age, you can perform Umrah rituals because it is a Sunnah Ibadah.
Umrah with Children; What you Should Know?
Umrah with children can be really challenging. Especially for the first time parents and also when you have baby on board. Their unnecessary tantrums and individual demands are the greatest distractions you can have during the pilgrimage. That’s why it is essential to educate your children on the dos and don’ts of Umrah before travel.
Never forget to carry the favourite snacks, toys and tablets of your child along with you. These distractions can keep your children busy while you perform the holy rituals peacefully. However, know the right thing to give to your child at the right time.
While booking Umrah Packages 2025 UK make sure that you children get vaccinated. Children are prone to viral and bacterial diseases. They can easily catch them and become ill. That’s why this precautionary step plays a vital role for a safe and healthy trip.
Book child friendly accommodations that offer play areas, entertainment lunges and day care centre for the children. You can easily leave your children there under the supervision of professional care takers and solely focus on Umrah rituals.
If your child is old enough, consider educating him/her on the religious aspects of pilgrimage. Take help form interactive YouTube animations and storybooks to develop their interest. Tell them about the dos and don’ts of the pilgrimage including the rules of Ihram and other rituals.
All of it would make the Umrah trip hassle free as well as memorable for your children.
Performing the Holy Rituals
- It is essential that parents dress up their children in the state of Ihram and also make niyyah on their behalf.
- Parents performing Umrah rituals on their child’s behalf must undertake the Sayee and Tawaf rituals. You can wither carry your child or walk them along during this.
- Just like adult pilgrims, children should also do Tahallul after the performance of holy rituals. Halq (shaving of head) is for boys while Taqsir (trimming of hair) is for girls.
- Ensure that you and your children are always wearing neat and clean clothes. There should be no sign of impurity on your Ihram. If present, change you Ihram clothes by taking Ghusl or Wudhu (whatever necessary).
- During Economy Ramadan Umrah packages pilgrimage trip, try to remain in the state of ablution (wudhu) as much as you can. So, we can say that all of the children can perform Umrah without any age restriction.
