How Technology is Improving the Umrah Experience?
Umrah is a holy prayer that has a special place for Muslims, as everyone wishes to go to Makkah at least once in his life to be blessed with this pilgrimage. A couple of decades ago, this sacred trip heavily relied on usual methods and guides, but technology has played a huge role in turning this prayer into a more easy and simple experience.
This merge of Umrah and tech is not only proving beneficial for Muslims but also redefining the essence of the prayer. This guide will offer a look at how technology is improving the Umrah experience. Let’s get to the nitty-gritty of the topic:
1. Online Booking
One of the best ways technology has helped Muslims is online booking. With just a few clicks, they can secure flights, hotels, or even guided tours. There are various ways you can leverage this tech for online booking.
For starters, you can contact travel agencies to get your packages as well as Umrah bookings sorted. From the comfort of your home, you can contact them, letting them know about your needs. In return, they can prepare a customised package for you. Further, there are various online apps there. Availing online booking is particularly beneficial during crowded months such as Umrah in Ramadan, as the process of reservation is done by your travel agent.
2. Virtual Tours
Virtual reality (VR) technology has brought new options to perform Umrah even before going on the actual journey. For example, VR360 allows Muslims to experience the Haram and see the vital places from their homes.
VR tours can be a great chance to see the holy places of Makkah and Madinah and get an idea of what to expect. This exposure enables the pilgrim to do a virtual tour of the Grand Mosque, Prophet’s Mosque, and other essential sites to get a display of the setting, ambience, and practices of Umrah.
VR tours can be especially useful for those people who have health issues or have problems with travelling. This offers them a chance to explore the sites virtually at home. Though the VR tours are still not capable of providing a spiritual and emotional feeling similar to that of an actual Umrah, they can be effective means of prep.
3. Digital Hajj and Umrah Guides
Online Hajj and Umrah guides have greatly impacted the way pilgrims work through the trials of the prayer. These guides provide rich content and features such as shows for Hajj and Umrah rites, maps with GPS navigation, translation, tips based on the user’s needs, and emergency numbers. Today, digital guides are essential tools for pilgrims that offer them the confidence and the knowledge to perform the journey of Umrah. These digital guides include complete information and partaking so that the pilgrim can be totally involved in the ritual of Umrah.
Online Courses and Webinars
Various online courses are also available that teach the pilgrims how to have Umrah, offering full details on the matter. You can get both local as well as international guides in this regard and choose one that best fits your needs. The most vital ones of them are Al Balagh Academy, Husn-e-Raza, and . DODL IIUI – Online Courses. Further, you can also get help from the international course of Udemy, where well-versed instructions offer hands-on guides for the topic.
4. Mobile Apps
Pilgrims no longer use mobile apps just for contact but also as a flexible tool during their Umrah. These apps share the actual time of prayers, the number of people on the sites, and other crucial info that may help Muslims during the trip. Most of the apps also have offline abilities to make sure that users can get info even if they are not linked to the internet. Some of the apps also have the provision to enable pilgrims to share ventures, connect with other people, and get advice.
4. Wearable Technology
Wearable technology improves the overall experience of Umrah by offering individuals data regarding the event in real-time as well as guidance. Here are some useful applications:
- Smart Watches: The features in a smartwatch can monitor the health status of the pilgrims, including beats per minute and step counts. On top of that, they also offer other guides to help pilgrims ensure that they drink water and remain fit during hard activities that are demanded in pilgrimage.
- Fitness Trackers: The critical wear of fitness trackers during the journey will assist the pilgrims in tracking activity levels and also help on how to achieve better health as they perform their pilgrimage.
- Smart Devices for Rituals: Wearable devices can help the pilgrims execute the rituals correctly, like counting the number of Talbiyah or directions to Kaaba.
5. GPS Tracking
GPS tracking has also been a crucial tool for providing real-time position details and navigation support for the pilgrims. With GPS maps and apps, it is easy to find the way in Makkah and Madinah avoiding traffic crowds and not missing important places. Further, with the aid of GPS tracking, pilgrims are able to escape busy places and locate areas that are most crowded.
Another perk of GPS tracking is that it can be easily used in case there are certain incidents and one has to find a particular group of pilgrims as soon as possible to help them. Moreover, it permits families and friends at home to have a feeling of safety that someone they know is okay and well monitored by GPS throughout the city. In general, GPS tracking has greatly enhanced pilgrims’ transit within the holy sites and made the Umrah process easier and more fun.
6. Wi-Fi and Internet Access
Mobile connectivity through the internet has become a necessity for pilgrims to communicate with their families and get information. Here are some key factors regarding Wi-Fi and internet access during Umrah:
- Public Wi-Fi: Most of the hotels, lodgings, and a number of other places in Makkah and Madinah provide free as well as paid Wi-Fi connections. However, there are many issues in using the public internet, such as the risk of hacking, privacy breaches, and data theft.
- SIM Cards: In case you are in need of the internet while performing your Umrah, you can purchase a local SIM card that has a data package. Mind that this option can be costly and the local SIMs are not useful once you are back in your country.
- Mobile Hotspots: Portable Wi-Fi hotspots are the best to offer internet on the go. You can use any such device to get easy access to the internet. Further, they can also be rented, offering one of the more affordable means of connection.
- Data Roaming: This option is useful for Muslims who are there for short-term trips. Buying a SIM could be costly, but you can enable data roaming and get access to cheap internet details.
The TL;DR is that Umrah is the most crucial prayer for Muslims. Owing to this fact, each year a large number of Muslims flock to the Haram to have this sacred prayer. With the integration of modern tech, this prayer has become quite easy for Muslims, especially the apps and online booking that have really helped Muslims. If you are also looking to benefit from the modern perks of your Umrah travel, contact Muslims Holy Travel. We offer online support with ATOL-protected packages, such as Umrah Ramadan packages. Contact us now for competitive pricing.
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