In today’s modern era, everything is becoming digital. Where the digital world is being used for every guide, how can Umrah be left behind? Now you can take help of the internet for the Umrah guide, where you will get availability of everything. But do you know the essential sources from where you can take help?
In the world of the internet, you will find millions of sources. Some from web browsers, some from mobile apps, and some include software. According to an estimate, mobile apps have been a great source in helping people. But the problem you may have is how to distinguish between the right and wrong guide. So, here you will see some useful mobile apps every pilgrim going for Umrah travel should know.
If you are going or planning to perform Umrah, this guide will be very helpful for you. Many systems of the Saudi government have now become digital, and even pilgrims now have to download their Umrah permits from the official mobile apps.
Nusuk – An Indispensable Mobile App
Nusuk is the essential mobile app that every Umrah pilgrim must download. This is the official platform of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Now, this application is not optional but has become mandatory for pilgrims of all ages. That’s why some pilgrims also call this application indispensable.
Umrah travellers can download this application from both Android and iOS. It also have web version application. For the very first, you have to setup account by registering yourself with your passport, name, email, etc. Use the same credentials that you provided while applying for the visa, so that there is no issue in verification.
By using the Nusuk mobile application, you can issue Umrah and Noble Rawdah permits. You have the option to select the slot within your preferred date and time. After confirmation, you will get QR code-based permits. Nusuk also has other features such as offline access, Nusuk AI, health & safety, Hajj guide, and Umrah guide.
During Umrah, crowds are more than your expectations, so secure your essential permits as soon as you get your Umrah visa approved. Additionally, you can book separate permits for multiple people from a single account. However, each individual’s permit is generated separately, not as a combined pass.
Tawakkalna Services – Super Mobile Application
The Tawakkalna Services application is becoming popular among the Umrah travellers. This mobile application was launched in 2020 during covid-19 pandemic. Initially, it was released to manage movement permits and immunity passports. Now, Tawakkalna has been updated with various features and is playing a great role in helping pilgrims.
The important feature of the Tawakkalna application is the digital wallet. This app contains your digital ID, which is accepted just like a real passport or Iqama. In this ID, your insurance, visa, Nusuk integration, and personal information will be saved. At check-posts or points, just showing a mobile phone is enough.
Another feature is the Manasik Gate, which controls pilgrim services regarding Hajj and Umrah. You can see crowd density inside the Haram before going and active permits of Nusuk. Additional smart features of Tawakkalna include QR code token generation (for identification), live chat for support, global payer times, and Ehsan integration (donations under Sharia’s laws).
Tawaf and Sa’ee Counter Apps
Tawaf and Sa’ee are the core rituals of the pilgrimage, without which Umrah won’t be completed. So, Tawaf and Sa’ee counter apps are a lifesaver for today’s pilgrims, as there is often a fear of missing rounds in the crowds of Masjid al-Haram. These apps don’t rely on manual clicking; instead, they follow modern technology by tracking your live location through GPS and sensors.
When you cross the Hajar-e-Aswad line during Tawaf, the app will automatically count the round. After every round, the mobile will vibrate to indicate that you have done one round of Tawaf. Isn’t that amazing? Similarly, mobile applications are also available for Sa’ee by following the same technology. Several mobile applications are available on the Google Play Store and Apple Store for this purpose. You will find essential Duas and supplications in these apps for additional guidance.
Local Transport and Food Apps
Using apps in Saudi Arabia for local transport and food can save time and money. Therefore, install local transport and food applications on your mobile if you haven’t booked private services during Umrah. Applications like Uber, Careem, Kaiian and Makkah bus service are very useful. The biggest advantage of these apps is that you don’t have to argue with the driver to decide the fare. Payment can be made using cash or an international card.
Makkah bus is the official platform of Makkah, which provides cheap transport services. With this app, travellers can see bus routes and timings. This is best for those pilgrims who have stayed far away from the Haram boundary.
If we talk about food and delivery apps, you won’t be disappointed because the digital world also played a great role here. Umrah pilgrims can install food delivery apps such as HungerStation, Talabat, Albaik, and Jahez. HungerStation is the largest food delivery app in Saudi Arabia. It offers all types of restaurants, including South Asian foods. Often, users get discounts and buy one, get one.
Makkah and Madinah Ziyarat Guide Apps
In Makkah and Madinah, there are a lot of Ziyarat points where pilgrims go for worship. Famous Ziyarat points of Makkah are the Cave of Hira, Cave of Thawr, Mount Arafat, Mina, Muzdalifah, and the Mosque of Ayesha. In Madinah, popular Ziyarats include the Mosque Quba, Uhud Mountain, Qiblatain Mosque, Seven Mosques, and Al-Baqi cemetery. Some pilgrims prefer a tour guide for visiting these sites.
Conversely, another option is taking guide from digital mobile apps. The following apps are best for planning your trip. ZiyaraGo App, Google Maps, Nusuk App, and Audio Guides. You will have to arrange all your own tasks in your personal guide. However, a pre-arranged tour guide from a company will help you while exploration the historical places. Due to the extreme heat these days, many agencies organise evening or night tours when the heat is less and the weather is pleasant.
Ultimately, in the digital age, the journey of Umrah has become more organised and easier than ever before. The purpose of these apps is not just to utilise technology but to save your precious time so that you can spend as much of your time as possible in worship and dhikr of Allah SWT. Proper use of these apps can save you from long queues and hassles.
