Experience of Umrah Trip to Saudi Arabia from Kashmir India: Model Study on Management and Facilities to Pilgrims by Custodian of Holy Mosques Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to holy cities of Saudi Arabia, Makkah and Medina and is performed by Muslims that can be undertaken at any time of the year, in contrast to the haj which has specific dates according to the Islamic lunar calendar. Both the holy mosques are under the control of custodian of holy mosques, kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Kashmir division of J&K has 94% Muslim population and are coming in groups for Umrah. In holy Quran, it has been stated that physically and economically fit can travel to Umrah and Haj. This study explores what pilgrims do during the pilgrimage, providing a brief description of principle rites and experiences and their meaning to individual participants travelling from the Kashmir. The findings included experiences faced by pilgrims in holy cities of Makkah and Medina and facilities provided by government of Saudi Arabia. The results from this study indicated that main motivation of lakhs of pilgrims from all over the world to attend Umrah pilgrimage were to fulfil religious obligations, spiritual enhancement and to follow teaching of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and to see sacred places where revelations of holy Quran occurred. This huge gathering of Umrah is possible only by best infrastructure, best health care facilities, good communication and large size of grand mosques by devotees. It is all provided by custodian of holy mosques kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Further improvement is needed in all sectors as per Saudi vision of 2030 to accommodate 30 million of pilgrims. Umrah is round the year going and it also boosts economy of Saudi Arabia. Simultaneously boosts spirituality and peace of mind among Umrah pilgrims.