Umrah is not just a physical journey or ritual performance but also a religious retreat that helps you achieve divine guidance and offers a commitment to the right path (Sirat al-Mustaqim). It provides a beautiful opportunity to detach yourself from the worldly affairs and build a connection deeply with the Almighty and the beloved Prophet (PBUH). Umrah assists you to reflect on the core values that were taught by the Prophet (PBUH) and are asked to follow in Islam. Umrah is a highly structured practice that incorporates many rituals and offerings in order to make a perfect completion to gain rewards and blessings. It is composed of rituals like intentions, Ihram, Tawaf, and others. Offering Umrah in the right structured order is necessary for which there are highly experienced and skilled Mutawwif to guide you regarding the rituals and steps properly and in depth.
Every step during the Umrah performance is ingrained with Islamic theology, beliefs, and history. These rituals reflect themes like equality, as the pilgrims are dressed in white Ihrams, which spreads equality between them that no one is superior and stands at the same position as the sacred land. It removes the worldly tags associated with a person’s status or race. So, it is a journey that not only helps you get involved into worship and holy acts but also constructs the idea of equality.
Introduction of the Term “Mutawwif”
Mutawwif, an Arabic word which linguistically means to fulfil or to guide someone through a process until it reaches completion. If we get into the context of Hajj and Umrah, here Mutawwif refers to a guide or instructor that is highly qualified to assist the pilgrims throughout the holy journey.
Historically, the role of the Mutawwif dates back centuries, assigning guides while performing Umrah and Hajj is not a modern innovation instead it deeply represents the historical roots of Islam. Back in time, when Muslim Ummah started performing Hajj and Umrah practices, they were not familiar with the concepts and rituals for which it was important to have someone skilled and informative aside to assist throughout the holy pilgrimage. People were not only unfamiliar with the rituals but also with the language and sites. Mutawwif made it easier for the performers to worship and attend their rituals in a right manner. The profession of Mutawwif is highly appreciated and rewarded. This ensured that Mutawwif were highly educated and had the Islamic lawful knowledge to guide pilgrims with accurate information and rituals.
Did you know: In previous times Mutawwif were not local guides and agents; instead they were the Imams, Islamic scholars, and Islamic law students, they were aware of the different school of thoughts such as Hanafi, Malaki, Shafi’i, and others.
The primary mission of the Mutawwif was to guide the pilgrims religiously, which they did perfectly as still people select travel guides to make their travelling easy and reliable. The guides not only tell you what Tawaf means but they also deeply interpret the meaning as well as the steps. They will tell each and every round in detail and what is done throughout the seven rounds.
Why Selecting the Right Mutawwif is Important for a Religious Pilgrimage?
Choosing an educated Mutawwif is important for a peaceful and righteous pilgrimage. While some people think that guides will just guide you about the basics of the journey and will act as a translator but a right and responsible Mutawwif is far more than this, he ensures that pilgrims get each and every detail briefly without skipping over anything important. Even a small mistake during the performance can affect the whole practice, for which it is important to hire an informative guide to earn most of the holy practice. Pilgrims who are performing Umrah for the first time and have hardly any idea of the ziyarat sites and their history, Mutawwif makes their this new journey highly educational and informative with giving them detail regarding the holy sites and the history they hold. These highly intellectual guides can cover up the language barrier and cultural gap in seconds making it easiest for the pilgrims to perform their holy journey.
Performing rituals between millions of pilgrims can be tiring and physically demanding, which can lower the esteem of pilgrims but skilled Mutawwif are present to rescue you while you lose hope and strength. They manage your timing and uplifts the confidence that brings back the strength.
- Certification/licensing
- Language compatibility
- Experience and reviews
Types of Mutawwif
Female Mutawwif
In the recent era, female Mutawwif have also gained reputation as this deliberate role is vast and can be applied over both genders. For women only group Umrah, they mostly prefer hiring a female Mutawwif to guide them throughout the holy journey.
Government Certified Mutawwif
These certified Mutawwif are highly certified and educated by the government of Saudi.
- Undergo training in Islamic law
- Knows about local regulations, crowd management, and emergency alerts.
- Assigned directly by the Saudi government
- Professionalism
Appointed by Travel Agencies
There are various Umrah agencies that provide educated guides that make sure that your journey is comfortable and informative. Assigned travel guides often stay with the same group throughout the holy journey.
- Ask regarding your queries without hesitation.
- Follow the schedule strictly that is designed by the Mutawwif
- Respect their knowledge and understandings
- Provide feedback at the end of your spiritual journey
Final Words
If you are planning to perform Hajj or Umrah for the first time and you are not clear about the rituals, preparations, and events that occur during the holy practice then it is suggested to hire a Mutawwif as your moral and holy support. He/she will guide you properly according to the rituals and sites. Mutawwif not only supports you spiritually but also educates you regarding the history and important plots that have occurred previously. Hiring an educated guide or Mutawwif is a really important task as you experience the beauty of the Holy land through the information of your guide support.
FAQs
Explain the role of Mutawwif during the holy pilgrimage?
Mutawwif or guide plays an essential role throughout your Umrah or Hajj pilgrimage, as they make sure that your rituals are correctly performed and completed. They even manage your time and other essentials which makes the journey easier and reliable.
Is it recommended or compulsory to hire a Mutawwif?
It is not mandatory, but to make sure that you are on the right path with correct preparations and rituals then it is suggested to hire one. When a Mutawwif is around he guides you regarding the holy worship and its steps properly without missing on any point.
Can Women own the profession of Mutawwif?
Both genders can select the rewarding profession of guiding people throughout their holy pilgrimage. Women Mutawwif are mainly assigned by a women only group which makes them feel comfortable and secure on the journey.
