What are the obligations of going to Umrah?

In the Holy Qur'an, our Lord says: "Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah by all who can afford the journey." Performing the pilgrimage to the sacred lands (Hajj or Umrah) is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for every Muslim who has the physical and financial means to do so.

Until a few years ago, individuals under the age of 45 and those younger than 18 were not allowed to travel alone. They were required to be accompanied by a first-degree relative. However, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has lifted this requirement, making it easier for everyone to fulfill their Umrah duties comfortably.

As a result, anyone who wishes may now perform Umrah or Hajj, either alone or in a group, without the need for a mahram (a male guardian).

Furthermore, according to a fatwa issued by the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), since travel safety is fully ensured and there are no conditions that would put women at risk—and considering that male religious officials lead the groups—it is permitted for women to go on Umrah without a mahram.

Other conditions for performing Umrah are as follows:

• The person must be a Muslim. Umrah is an act of worship specifically required from Muslims. It is not accepted from non-Muslims.

• The person must be of sound mind. Those who are not mentally sound cannot distinguish between right and wrong, so it is not appropriate for them to go.

• The journey must be safe. If there is a threat to a person’s safety (such as war or conflict), Umrah does not become obligatory.