It’s been nine years since Iranian Muslims were last allowed to travel to Saudi Arabia for umrah. The two countries have experienced strained relations for decades, mostly due to geopolitical, economic, and sectarian influenced tensions in the region. The situation worsened in 2016 when prominent Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr was executed by Saudi Arabia. He was one of 47 people executed in the kingdom for terrorism-related offences.
Talks to renew diplomatic relations over the years, have mostly been unsuccessful. However, in March 2023, the two agreed to embark on a new era of cooperation. Over the past year, Saudi Arabia and Iran have re-opened their embassies and held high-level meetings in efforts to improve ties between the two. Now, Iranian pilgrims are making their way to Saudi Arabia for the umrah after the kingdom lifted restrictions.
Prior to the ban being lifted, Iranians were only allowed to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, a religious duty that is compulsory for Muslims to undertake once in their lifetime. The first group of 85 left Tehran yesterday and will now carry out their minor pilgrimage in Mecca. Saudi Ambassador to Iran Abdullah bin Saud al-Anzi attended a ceremony at Tehran’s main airport to bid them farewell.
Umrah, a sacred journey that holds great significance for Muslims, can be undertaken at any time of the year, whereas Hajj takes place on specific dates as set out on the Islamic calendar. The umrah can be performed at any time and is not deemed compulsory for Muslims. Several rites are involved in performing Umrah, such as dressing in the ihram, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah, circumambulating the Kaaba), and shaving or cutting one’s hair as a sign of completeness and purification.
These rites have spiritual significance for individuals who do them and are firmly anchored in Islamic history and customs. Umrah is a time for introspection, self-repair, and asking for forgiveness. It’s a chance for Muslims to grow in their religion and feel a sense of camaraderie and connection with other travellers from all around the world. Umrah is a very intimate experience that leaves a lasting memory in people’s hearts and minds.
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