Who doesn’t desire to visit Allah’s House and perform Umrah? It is one of the most sacred journeys that every Muslim wishes to embark on with their loved ones. They perform hectic Umrah rituals only in the hopes of earning huge rewards from the Almighty.
Among these devotees of Islam, there are some whom Allah tests by severe health issues. Some of them are handicapped while others battle with other health conditions that limit them to wheelchairs. However, their devotion to Allah only amplifies with the trials they face.
These special Muslims also desire to embark on Umrah and attain closeness to their Lord. Respecting their desires, travel agencies offer 5 Star Umrah Packages in which they can provide several options for disabled people. If you’re a disabled person or have them in your group then you can avail these services we’re going to discuss in this article. So keep up with us and find out more on this topic.
Facilities Provided to Disabled Pilgrims for Umrah
There are two options for such a person. One option is that they can choose a person who will perform Umrah on their behalf. The second option is that they can Perform Umrah by discussing their special needs with a travel agent. There are two kinds of services provided to disabled pilgrims: One from the travel agency and the other in the Haram and the Prophet’s Mosque. Let’s discuss each in turn:
Services for Disabled Pilgrims Provided by Travel Agencies
Travel agencies offer only three services for pilgrims. The first is a wheelchair, the second is an agent who supports them during the trip, and the third is special rooms that can be accessed by wheelchairs. Let’s get into the details:
Wheelchair:
Travel agencies can provide a wheelchair without charging any fee for it. It is provided by the airport authorities on the request made by travel agents. Other facilities like ramps, escalators, and wheelchairs are also available at the airports. There are trams employed to take care of the people even when boarding the aircraft or touching down from it. These solutions enable such pilgrims to do Umrah easily.
Helper:
Disabled pilgrims can also be provided special support by travel agencies which can appoint helpers upon charging extra cost. The price for providing the helper’s support is charged for each service. These include navigating the wheelchair from the hotel to the mosque, during the Umrah and Ziyarat tour, and inside the hotel. Wheelchair assistance isn’t required during the transfer from the airport to Mecca or Medina or vice versa as this facility is provided by airports. Pilgrims can also acquire this facility for the whole trip.
Wheelchair Accessible Rooms:
On the special request of travel agencies, hotels provide special rooms for disabled pilgrims that are spacious and accessible by wheelchairs. Pilgrims can easily navigate around these rooms as they are spacious. However, this facility is only provided in 5-star hotels upon charging extra money.Cheap Umrah Deals: Travel agencies realize that a few disabled pilgrims might not be economically strong. Thus, they provide cheap Umrah deals that disabled pilgrims can avail to perform Umrah on a budget. They can spend the saved money on reserving special services that need to be bought.
Services for Disabled Pilgrims Provided by the Holy Mosques
Let’s discuss what facilities are provided in the Haram in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina:
Escalators:
In the Haram Mosque, there are smooth surface escalators that disabled pilgrims can utilize to reach the next level.
E-Scooters:
Along with wheelchairs, there are special scooters called electronic or e-scooters which disabled pilgrims can use to navigate for worshipping or doing Tawaaf for Umrah. They just need to pay and can utilize this facility and give back the scooters after usage.
Dedicated Space:
People with disabilities have been given more access to the Mataf area (the place in Haram where Tawaf is performed) by adding a dedicated level. This level is equipped with ramps and large enough to hold wheelchairs and mobility aids. The facility is added to ensure that everyone can participate in the rituals with ease and comfort.
Facilities for Sa’ee (Walking Between Safa & Marwah):
Disabled pilgrims can also access the path between Safa and Marwah. The lane has a smooth surface and provides sufficient space for wheelchairs. Pilgrims can perform Sa’ee easily with the help of a partner or an attendant, ensuring a fulfilling Umrah experience. An electronic cart is another option they can avail for Sa’ee. However, this option may be a little steep for many.
Wheelchairs:
Pilgrims don’t need to reach the next storey of the Prophet’s Mosque neither they need to perform Tawaaf there. Thus, there aren’t scooters provided to pilgrims for navigating. However, free wheelchairs can be accessed to navigate all through the mosque.
Transport:
For transfer and ziyarat trips, travel agents can request airports and tour companies to provide special buses for disabled pilgrims. These buses come with ramps that pilgrims can use to reach inside them. They are also spacious to make room for wheelchairs.More Tips to Make Umrah Easy for Disabled Pilgrims
We’ve covered what services Umrah travel agencies, airport authorities, and the Holy Mosques provide to disabled pilgrims in the previous section. Now let’s move on to what you can do more to make your journey easy as a disabled pilgrim or for some other person in your group:
Plan Ahead & Select the Right Umrah Plan:
Several travel agencies offer special Umrah deals tailored for people with disabilities. However, the lodging and other options might be occupied if you get late. Thus, you need to make early bookings and discuss your specific needs with Umrah service providers. Confirm these details in advance to avoid any issues upon arrival.
Pack Essential Medical Supplies:
Make sure to pack all the vital medicines and medical supplies for the duration of your trip. Keep a list of emergency contacts and the locations of nearby medical facilities in Mecca and Medina. This way you can perform Umrah with peace of mind and ensure quick aid if required during the tour.
Select Accessible Hotels:
You can reserve hotels situated at a short distance from Al Haram Mosque so you can easily reach there with your disabled pilgrim or assistant with some effort. You can bring a flexible and foldable wheelchair with your luggage. The hotels you stay in should include features like ramps, elevators, and rooms equipped with required facilities like grab bars in baths and wheelchair-friendly spaces.
Take Breaks:
Take your time during Sa’ee and remember to hydrate enough, especially if you’re doing Umrah in the summers. Moreover, you can consider taking frequent breaks between rounds to save energy and maintain a steady pace.If you’re satisfied with the services provided to disabled pilgrims after reading this post and feel ready then don’t delay. Contact Muslims Holy Travel and book your Easter Umrah Packages with special services for disabled people. Enjoy your trip without worrying about the safety of these special people of Allah and visit the holiest sites on Earth to attain spiritual bliss.