There is a special stillness to Makkah and Madinah in Ramadan: iftar on the floor of the Haram with dates and Zamzam, Taraweeh carrying across the courtyards, and the last ten nights spent in worship. It is also the busiest season of the Umrah year. This guide will help you plan well, look after your health and make the most of these blessed days.

The virtue of Umrah in Ramadan

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said to a woman of the Ansar who had been unable to perform Hajj with him:

فَإِنَّ عُمْرَةً فِي رَمَضَانَ تَعْدِلُ حَجَّةً

Fa inna 'umratan fi Ramadana ta'dilu hajjah: "An Umrah in Ramadan is equal to a Hajj." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

Scholars explain that this refers to the reward. It does not replace the obligatory Hajj: if Hajj is fard upon you, it remains due.

Expected dates for Ramadan 2027

Ramadan 1448 AH is expected to begin around 8 February 2027 and end around 9 March, with the last ten nights falling roughly between 27 February and 9 March, and Eid al-Fitr on about 9 or 10 March. All of these depend on the sighting of the moon, and Saudi Arabia may begin or end Ramadan a day apart from India. While you are there, follow the local dates.

Plan and book early

• The last ten days are the most sought-after time of the year. Flights and hotels near the Haram fill early and prices peak, so book months ahead.
• Think about which part of the month suits you. The first two-thirds of Ramadan are usually calmer, which can be kinder for elders and young children.
• Choose your hotel distance carefully. You may walk back after Taraweeh or the late-night prayer more than once a day; a nearer hotel costs more but saves your strength.
• In recent Ramadans, Umrah permits in Nusuk have been required, and the authorities have at times limited how many Umrahs one person can book. Confirm the current rules before travel.
• Return flights straight after Eid are in high demand, so fix your return date early.

Fasting while travelling

Allah has given travellers a concession: "whoever of you is ill or on a journey, then an equal number of other days" (Qur'an 2:184). A traveller may postpone fasts and make them up later. Many pilgrims choose to fast nonetheless, and Hanafi scholars say fasting is better for a traveller who can do so without hardship. In the Hanafi school, a pilgrim who intends to stay fifteen days or more in one city is no longer counted as a traveller there. Questions such as the fast on the day of your flight, or how your itinerary affects this, are best asked of a scholar before you leave. Many pilgrims perform their Umrah after iftar or after Taraweeh, when they have eaten, had water and rested.

Suhoor and iftar in the Haram

At Maghrib, long iftar spreads are laid out in both holy mosques, especially in Masjid an-Nabawi, where local hosts invite pilgrims to sit with them. Dates, Zamzam, coffee, bread and yoghurt are common. Arrive well before Maghrib to find a place. Usually only light items are allowed inside the mosques, so follow the staff's instructions. Keep iftar light and eat a proper meal later. Ask whether your hotel provides suhoor, and keep a few dates and some water in your room.

Taraweeh, Qiyam and i'tikaf

• Taraweeh is prayed after Isha every night. In the last ten nights there is also a late-night prayer, Qiyam al-Layl, and the completion of the Qur'an towards the end of the month draws very large crowds.
• I'tikaf in the last ten days is a Sunnah. In the two holy mosques it is organised through registration, with conditions and designated areas that change from year to year. Confirm the current arrangements, and plan your meals, belongings and health before you commit.

Laylat al-Qadr

Laylat al-Qadr is "better than a thousand months" (Qur'an 97:3). Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, "Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten of Ramadan" (Sahih al-Bukhari). When Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) asked what she should say on that night, he taught her:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul-'afwa fa'fu 'anni: "O Allah, You are Most Forgiving and You love to forgive, so forgive me." (Tirmidhi)

Managing the crowds

• Go early. In the last ten nights, arrive an hour or more before Isha; once the mosque is full, gates are closed and people pray in the surrounding areas.
• In Makkah, use the upper floors and the roof. Tawaf there is longer but usually calmer, and at busy times the ground-floor Mataf may be reserved for pilgrims in Ihram. Follow the signs and the staff.
• Avoid the peak exits. Wait a little after the prayer rather than joining the rush, and agree a meeting point by gate number.
• Keep children and elders close, carry only a small bag, and never push.

Weather, sleep and health

• February and March are usually milder than summer, with warm days and cooler nights, especially in Madinah. Carry a light shawl for the air-conditioned halls.
• Your routine will shift towards the night. Sleep after Fajr and rest in the afternoon, rather than going without proper sleep for days.
• Drink water and Zamzam steadily between iftar and suhoor, and go easy on fried food, tea and coffee.
• Elders and diabetics: see your doctor well before travel about fasting and about adjusting the timing of medicines or insulin. Check your blood sugar regularly and carry glucose tablets. If your sugar drops or you feel unwell, break the fast; Islam does not ask you to harm yourself, and a scholar can advise on making up the fast or on fidyah.
• Wheelchairs and electric carts are available in Masjid al-Haram for those who need them; check the current arrangements when you arrive.

Eid in Makkah or Madinah

The Eid prayer is held shortly after sunrise and the mosques fill very early, so many people go before Fajr and stay. Remember that Sadaqat al-Fitr should be given before the Eid prayer; you may pay it at home before leaving or arrange it there, and a scholar can advise on the amount. Recite the takbir of Eid, greet your companions and take time to thank Allah for the month.

If you hope to spend the last ten nights of Ramadan in Makkah, see our Ramadan Umrah packages or speak to our team early, as this is the busiest season of the year.