Umrah for the Elderly and Disabled: Providing Guidance and Support for the Elderly

It is a strong wish of every Muslim to perform Umrah. Even though it is not an obligatory pilgrimage and is only recommended to perform if you are financially and physically capable, this doesn't stop Muslims from trying to embark on this spiritual journey. Umrah for the elderly and disabled requires specific measures and a lot of patience, as it is an act of great physical exertion. 

Umrah is significant for Muslims because it is the most soul-lifting Sunnah and enables pilgrims to get great blessings and rewards. Therefore, physical incapability doesn't stop the elderly or disabled from visiting the house of Allah Almighty and performing the pilgrimage. However, this is only possible if they hire someone reliable to help them perform Umrah's rituals. 

Umrah Options for the Elderly and Disabled 

If an elderly or disabled person is going to perform an Umrah, they will have two options. The first option is that you arrange someone else's Umrah journey, and they will perform an Umrah on your behalf. Only a few people prefer this option as it deprives them of the opportunity to visit the Holy Kaabah and perform the Umrah ritual by themselves. Therefore, wheelchairs might be the best option for elderly or disabled people who want to perform an Umrah independently. You can quickly rent a wheelchair at various airports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or Haram.

If you're planning to travel abroad, especially from the United Kingdom, many travel agencies offer packages from the UK that are designed specifically for elderly or disabled pilgrims. These packages often include wheelchair assistance, accessible hotel accommodations near the Haram, and guided support throughout the journey to ensure a smooth experience.

You can seek professional help from a reliable Islamic travel agency and tell them about your wheelchair requirements. They will ensure you get one as soon as you land in Saudi Arabia, as it is essential to inform the airport authorities beforehand. It is vital to remember that you can only get the free-of-cost wheelchair facility at the Jeddah and Madinah airports. If you don’t need any from the airport, you can ask your travel agency to arrange a wheelchair at your hotel or the Grand Mosque.

Types of Wheelchairs for the Elderly and Disabled for Umrah 

There are two types of wheelchairs for the elderly or disabled going for an Umrah. They can either take a manual wheelchair to perform the rites of pilgrimage or an automatic one. 

In the case of manual wheelchairs, they will need someone to push their wheelchairs and help them in completing the Umrah rites. You can also get an automatic wheelchair to perform the pilgrimage independently. 

Moreover, there is another option while performing Sa’i. You can use the electronic cart that will help you ascend and descend the hills of Safa and Marwah easily, but using a wheelchair for this ritual is not as convenient because of the roundness between the two hills. 

It can be tiring and exhausting for those pushing the wheelchair. Umrah for the elderly and disabled is made easier through these facilities. 

KSA Airports with Facilities for Disabled and Elderly

King Abdulaziz Airport is the default airport for Umrah pilgrims. Therefore, it provides various facilities for the handicapped and elderly. You will find ramps, wheelchairs, and escalators at this airport. 

Moreover, trams are specifically employed to help the pilgrims board and leave the plane and take care of them. Similar facilities are provided at the airports in Madinah and Riyadh to facilitate the esteemed Umrah pilgrims.

Even though all these facilities are completely free of cost, you will have to tell your travel agents about your requirements. Travel agents will notify the airport that you are landing at. 

They can also request that the airlines provide wheelchair facilities, but these are dependent on the passengers’ mobility. The airlines will determine whether the passengers can walk up to their seats or need to be lifted. 

The concerned authorities will ask you for your passport to provide these additional services. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ensures that holy places are accessible to everyone, regardless of age or disability. 

You can quickly get a wheelchair inside the Haram but must return it once you no longer need it. This will help another person like yourself in the future. 

Guidelines to use a Wheelchair during Umrah 

Once you have booked your Umrah packages and are using the wheelchair, you must remember the following things. 

• Take regular rests and breaks after every Tawaf, as it can be exhausting for the one pushing the wheelchair. 

• Stay hydrated, especially if you are performing Umrah in the summer season. 

• If you feel sick or dizzy, you must take a break immediately. 

• Don’t neglect your sleep.

• Try to stay on the white marble as it is better for weary pilgrims. 

• You can ask the wheelchair assistants dressed in green for help at the Safa and Marwah hills, as it is the toughest rite for wheelchair bearers. 

Conclusion 

Physical incapability has never stopped any Muslim from travelling to the holy city of Makkah and performing Umrah. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia works diligently to ensure that Umrah for the elderly and disabled is as convenient and accessible as possible. However, it is essential to communicate your specific needs in advance. If you’re booking through a trusted Islamic travel agency, make sure to clearly inform them about any medical conditions or mobility issues. A professional agency will liaise with the appropriate authorities and arrange suitable accommodations, wheelchair services, or transport options to ensure a smooth and comfortable pilgrimage experience tailored to your requirements.