Planning to set out on a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah? Then, you must be aware of their cultural etiquette and customs, which play a significant role in Saudi culture. Starting from dress code and mosque etiquette to greetings and cultural customs observed throughout the Umrah ritual.
Cultural Etiquettes to Follow During Umrah in Saudi Arabia
When you are committed to following the path of Allah and performing your Umrah rituals, you must adhere to the etiquettes outlined below, which will help you achieve a smooth and enlightening experience.
Dress Code Etiquette
If you are planning to perform Umrah, then you must adhere to a strict dress code. Wearing traditional attire is a must to follow traditions when performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia.
Dress Code for Men: Men must wear Ihram clothing that consists of two white clothes without any buttons, hems or seams. The upper half is called rida, which covers the left shoulder, and the bottom half is called izar, which is wrapped around the waist, covering from the navel to the feet.
Dress Code for Women: Women must wear a loose-fitting robe that covers their entire body, except for their face and hands. The dress can be either black or white, without any adornments.
Besides following the dress code during the Umrah, you must also consider respecting the Saudi customs and avoid wearing tight dresses, both men and women, and also avoid revealing attire that shows too much skin.
Greeting Etiquette
The cultural norm in Saudi Arabia differs from that of other countries. In Saudi Arabia, handshaking customs are exchanged only between men, whereas women offer a verbal greeting or a nod. Again, the custom of eye contact plays a vital role during greetings. It is important to maintain eye contact during greetings, showing respect without making others feel uncomfortable.
Dining Etiquette
You must also consider the culinary customs and mealtime manners when dining to show respect for Saudi culture.
- Eat with your right hand, as the left hand is considered to be unclean.
- Be sure to try out the traditional cuisines, such as Falafel, Mandi, Kabsa, and others.
- Avoid discussing sensitive topics to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
- When invited to someone’s home, be polite in accepting their invitation and express your gratitude.
Mosque Etiquette
Besides following the dress code when entering the mosque, you must also take off your shoes outside the mosque to show respect. Another cultural etiquette is respecting the prayer times at the mosque. It is best to maintain silence to avoid causing any disruptions during the prayer times of other pilgrims. You also need to be mindful towards religious practices and cultural awareness when visiting the mosque in Saudi Arabia, and learn about the prayer times.
| Prayer Time | Time of the Day |
| Fajr | Dawn |
| Dhuhr | Noon |
| Asr | Afternoon |
| Maghrib | After sunset, until the beginning of Isha prayer |
| Isha | After Magrib until the start of Fajr |
Photography Etiquette
When capturing photographs during your Umrah journey in Saudi Arabia. It is important to consider certain photo etiquette, showing respect for the traditions and culture of Saudi Arabia.
- Pay attention to your surroundings before clicking photos and avoid facing any issues.
- Avoid capturing photos of any military installations, airports and government buildings.
- Do not capture random images of people without their consent.
- Do not take pictures of the pilgrims while they are offering prayer.
- Do not take pictures of women in public without their consent, as it is considered disrespectful.
Read Also: Why is Mecca Important to Muslims?
Customs to Follow During Umrah in Saudi Arabia
When preparing for your pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, it is essential to learn about the customs observed during the Umrah ritual. The following customs will help you honour the traditions and avoid conflicting with Islamic norms that have been followed for a long time.
Entering the State of Ihram
The first step in performing the holy ritual of Umrah is to enter the state of Ihram, following the Sharia and observing the Ihram prohibitions. A Muslim then needs to recite the Tabiyah “Labbayka Allaahumma Labbayk, Labbayka La Shareeka Laka Labbayk. Innal Hamda Wan-ni’mata Laka Wal-Mulk, La Shareeka Lak”.
Performing Tawaf (Circumambulation)
The second step is to perform the Tawaf, where the pilgrim needs to visit the Masjid al-Haram located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is the largest mosque in the world that surrounds the Kaaba. First, you need to stand facing the Kaaba, while keeping the Black stone to your right side and then make Niyyah to perform Tawaf.
Then begin the seven counter-clockwise walk, and each time you pass the Kaaba, try to touch or kiss the Black Stone. Men are encouraged to perform Raml, where in the first three rounds, they walk lightly while pushing out their chests. Remember, you can recite any supplications or prayers remembering Allah while completing your Tawaf.
After completing the seven rounds and finishing at the Black Stone and saying “Allahu Akbar”, even if you can’t reach the Black Stone, when performing in a crowd. After completion of the Tawaf, you pray two Rakaah near Maqam Ibrahim.
Performing Sa’i
After the completion of Tawaf, both men and women need to start Sa’i, for which they first head to Safa and then from there they travel to and from Marwa, and the process goes on till the seventh round ends at Marwa.
Breaking Ihram
After completion of Sa’i, it is time to complete the Umrah by getting Hair Trimmed or Shaven to break the Ihram. Men visit a barber shop to get their hair either trimmed or shaven, whereas women cut their hair from the ends.
Do’s and Don’ts in Saudi Arabia for Pilgrims
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Greet others in a respectful manner | Use of the left hand for interactions |
| Dress in a modest manner | Displaying affection in public places |
| Respect the prayer times | Smoking, drinking, or eating during the fasting period |
Conclusion:
Umrah has a set of rituals that help one to worship Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins. The cultural etiquette and customs outlined above will help you complete your Umrah ritual correctly. Make sure to follow the do’s and don’ts to have a better experience during your pilgrimage. Understand the cultural differences and appreciate the norms and beliefs valued in Saudi culture.
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FAQs
There are a number of cultural etiquettes for Umrah that need to be adhered to by the pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia, such as maintaining a dress code, greeting other pilgrims, following dining etiquette, photography etiquette and many more.
Some of the taboos in Saudi Arabia are disrespecting religious practices, alcohol consumption, public display of affection and many more.
The rituals before performing Umrah consist of bathing, wearing clean traditional clothes, entering the state of Ihram, making Niyyah, completing Ihram, performing Sai, and shaving or trimming one's hair.
In order to end the Umrah journey, a pilgrim needs to either shave their head or cut their hair.
Read Also: Less Crowded Umrah Month | Madinah in Islam | Al Masjid an Nabawi
