When planning for Umrah, one of the first questions people ask is simple but important: should I go by myself, or should I go with a group?
There is no universal answer. What works for one person might not work for another. The key is understanding what actually matters during an Umrah trip and comparing your options honestly. Below are some major points to think through before making a decision.
Doing Umrah the Right Way
Before anything else, this should be your top priority.
Umrah is an act of worship, not just a trip. You want to make sure you are doing it correctly and according to the Quran and Sunnah.
If you are considering a group, here are good signs to look for:
● They offer classes or webinars before the trip
● They explain Umrah step by step in simple language
● They allow time for questions and clarification
● Their guides are knowledgeable and confident in fiqh related to Umrah
● They warn people about common mistakes
● They care more about correctness than rushing the group
Some groups even walk you through things like how to put on Ihram before the trip. That might sound small, but for first-timers, it removes a lot of anxiety.
If you go on your own, you will need to take this responsibility seriously yourself. That means studying properly, watching reliable lectures, and making sure you are not learning on the fly while you are already there.
Mental Load and Peace of Mind
Another big factor is how much mental stress you want during your journey. Going with a group usually means:
● Flights are handled
● Hotels are arranged
● Transportation is organized
● Schedules are clear
● Someone is responsible if things go wrong
For many people, this allows them to mentally relax and focus on ibadah. You are not constantly checking times, locations, or reservations.
Going by yourself gives you more control, but also more responsibility:
● You book flights and hotels
● You arrange transportation
● You deal with delays or issues
● You troubleshoot problems on your own
Some people enjoy that freedom. Others find it stressful, especially if they are traveling with family, elderly parents, or children.
Be honest with yourself about which type of person you are.
Reviews and Reputation
Reviews can tell you a lot if you look at them the right way. When researching an Umrah company, consider the following:
● Look beyond Google reviews
● Check Yelp, Trustpilot, and Reddit
● Read both positive and negative reviews
● Pay attention to patterns, not isolated complaints
A company with thousands of reviews and a handful of negative ones is usually more trustworthy than a company with ten perfect reviews. Large companies serving many Hujjaj every year will naturally have a few unhappy customers.
What matters more is:
● Are the negative reviews rare?
● Are the complaints minor or serious?
● Does the company respond professionally?
Reviews give you insight into how people felt after trusting that company with such an important journey.
Group Size and Structure
This is something many people forget to ask about. Some useful questions include:
● How large is each group?
● How many guides are there per group?
● Is there someone available to help if you get separated?
● Are instructions clear and repeated when needed?
Smaller groups often feel more personal, while larger groups may be more structured. Neither is automatically better, but you should know what you are signing up for.
Experience Comes Into Play
Finally, let’s talk about experience.
An experienced Umrah company has already dealt with:
● Flight delays
● Hotel mix-ups
● Transportation issues
● Visa complications
● Lost or separated group members
Because of this, they know how to stay calm and solve problems quickly. Ways to gauge experience include:
● How long they have been running Umrah groups
● Whether the leaders speak Arabic
● If they work regularly with the same hotels and airlines
● Whether they can confidently answer detailed questions
If you ever speak directly with the owner or group manager, ask them about difficult situations they have handled. Real experience usually comes with real stories.
Whether you go alone or with a group, Umrah is both a serious responsibility and a huge blessing.
If you choose a group:
● Make sure they prioritize doing Umrah correctly
● Look for strong reviews and a solid reputation
● Choose experience over flashy marketing
Take your time, do your research, and most importantly, make Istikhaarah. Ask Allah to guide you to what is best for your Deen and your Umrah.
