Can a seven-year-old perform Umrah?
Umrah is a pilgrimage to Makkah, a famous Muslim city. Pilgrims perform this blessed act to renew their faith and seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT). Umrah is optional (non-obligatory act), and one can perform it as often as they want.
Most parents wonder if they can perform Umrah with their children who are young and have not reached the age of puberty. According to the Islamic point of view, kids aged seven years can accompany their parents for Umrah. However, parents should know some rules and tips when performing Umrah with kids. So, in this article, we will discuss this in detail.
Note: You should know all authentic information about Umrah, its rules, its significance and its rituals before booking an Umrah Package.
Umrah performance for children under seven
Children under the age of seven can perform Umrah, but they must have a connection with their parents or guardians. Islam doesn’t have any specific rules on Muslims’ age restrictions for Umrah performance. Muslims can perform Umrah at any age and at any time of the year. However, when we talk about children, they need proper guidance and a way. They can’t travel alone until they are supervised by their parents/guardians, according to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Rules for performing Umrah with kids under seven
There are some rules when performing Umrah with kids under seven. Some of them are below mentioned:
- Children of seven years can perform Umrah by following the same rules like wearing Ihram, etc.
- Although they haven’t reached the age of puberty, their Umrah will be valid in front of Allah (SWT).
- It’s recommended that the children of seven years do the hair-cutting/shaving ritual at the end of Umrah.
- Children under seven must have a valid visa and a passport to travel to Saudi Arabia.
Tips for performing Umrah with kids under seven
You can follow these tips to make your Umrah more memorable with seven-year-old children.
- Teach the basic rituals of Umrah to children:
Suppose you plan on performing Umrah with a 7-year-old child, giving a lesson to your kids about Umrah rituals. There are four Umrah rituals: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’ee, and Halq/Taqsir. It would help if you taught them the basics of Umrah rituals and gave them a guide to ensure them accordingly.
- Spiritual guidance for your kids:
Teach your kids the history and spiritual importance of the Umrah. Although you are conducting physical activities, it is also essential to give your child spiritual guidance. Encourage your child to perform prayers correctly to experience devotion and innovation.
- Physical all the documents for your kids:
Parents should prepare all the necessary documents for their children. This can include a valid passport, visa, birth certificate, photographs, mandatory vaccination certificates, family cards, etc. Ensure you have booked the flight tickets and accommodation for your children.
- Pack the essential items for Umrah:
Pack all the essential items for your children in a bag. Umrah essentials are necessary to have during your stay in Saudi Arabia. Here are the things you must pack for the kids:
- Toys/games
- Ihram
- Toiletries
- Snacks/drinks
- Prayer mats
- Ihram
Moreover, if your kid is a girl and you want to travel to Mecca with her, get the latest information about the Umrah checklist for ladies before travelling. So, for this information, read this, Ultimate Umrah Checklist for Ladies
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, performing Umrah with seven-year-old children offers spiritual and educational benefits for your whole family. Teaching basic rituals and emphasizing their historical significance will foster religious development in your kids. This Umrah experience strengthens family bonds and is a positive model for religious practices. Remember that Umrah with kids requires a lot of planning and preparation. So, when conducting the rituals with children, you must take care of them. Ensure that kids are not littering or making loud voices within religious boundaries.
