What is Umrah? Umrah is considered very special in Islam. According to Islamic beliefs, Umrah is an opportunity to get closer to Allah, where a Muslim can seek forgiveness for his sins and become closer to Allah. Umrah means visiting Haram Sharif in Mecca, although there is no fixed time for it, it can be done at any time of the year.

In Umrah, Muslims circumambulate around the Kaaba i.e. do Tawaf of Haram Sharif and do Sa’i between Safa and Marwa. It is believed that whose Tawaf is completed, his Umrah is completed. Finally, to break Ihram, men shave their heads. At the same time, women have to cut their hair to the length of one finger.

What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?

Hajj and Umrah are considered very special and spiritual journeys in Islam. Hajj is mandatory for every Muslim, especially those who are wealthy. If such people do not perform Hajj then they will be called criminals. Whereas this is not considered for Umrah, because Umrah is Mustahab. Umrah and Hajj have only one purpose, to seek Allah’s pleasure and forgiveness of one’s sins.

There are many differences between Hajj and Umrah, like you will have to stay in the plains of Arafat during Hajj, you will also have to make sacrifices and throw stones at the devil. While people performing Umrah go to Mecca Mukarrama, they perform Tawaf of Kaaba Sharif there. The special thing about Umrah is that it can be performed anytime throughout the year except the days of Hajj. This is a beautiful opportunity to refresh your faith and seek forgiveness from Allah for your sins.

In the early hours of Monday, a bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims going from Mecca to Medina collided with a diesel tanker in Mufrihat area. There were 43 people in the bus, out of which according to initial information, only one passenger survived. The remaining 42 passengers are feared to have been martyred. Most of the passengers are said to be residents of Telangana, including many women and children.

This group had performed Umrah in Mecca and was moving towards Medina Sharif for Roza-e-Rasool (peace be upon him). The cause of the accident may be a road accident, but there is a deep feeling in the Muslim community that –
Those who depart from the world in the journey of worship to the House of Allah, do not die, but get called to heaven with the mercy of Allah.

According to religious leaders –
“Only the fortunate ones are destined to die after completing the prayers at the threshold of the Kaaba and moving towards the Prophet’s city. In the eyes of the world, this is death, but in the eyes of the believers, it is an invitation to heaven.

The accident has saddened the entire Indian Muslim community, but there is also hope in the hearts of the people that –
May Allah grant all those martyred passengers a high place in Jannatul Firdaus, and give patience and courage to their families. Prayers are continuing for him across the country.

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Saudi Arabia Bus Accident: A major accident occurred in Saudi Arabia. On 17 November 2025, at around 1:30 pm Indian time, an Umrah passenger bus going from Mecca to Medina collided with a diesel tanker near Mufrihat. 42 Indian pilgrims are reported to have died in this accident. In the meantime, let us know what protocol is followed to bring the dead bodies back to India.

Role of Indian Embassy

If any such incident happens, the Indian Consulate in Jeddah or the Embassy in Riyadh takes immediate action. The first responsibility of these embassies is to coordinate with Saudi police, hospitals and local civil authorities. They start finding out the identities of the victims and contacting their families in India.

Documents required before return

Some documents are required to bring back the dead body from Saudi Arabia. Local hospitals issue official medical and death certificates and the police prepare an accident report. Now, since such an incident is related to an unnatural death, the police investigation and forensic clearance may take a little more time. The embassy also obtains a consent form from the family of the deceased, stating whether they wish to bring the body back to India or bury it in Saudi Arabia. As soon as the family’s decision is recorded, the passport of the deceased is formally canceled and all documents are sent for final approval.

no objection certificate

After this a No Objection Certificate is issued by the Indian Embassy. This is a document which is necessary to transport the mortal remains. Saudi authorities also issue their own separate no objection certificate after confirming all the formalities.

Preparation and transportation of the body

Saudi Arabia allows international repatriation only after proper body preservation. The body is carefully preserved and sealed in a special coffin designed for air transport. After the preservation of the body and sealing of the coffin certificate is issued, the embassy coordinates with the airlines, customs and immigration department and books the body through air cargo. Most of the bodies are flown to the international airport nearest to the city of the victims.

Cost, Insurance and Embassy Assistance

If the deceased had travel insurance or special Umrah insurance, then the expenses of transportation and preservation of the dead body are borne by the insurance company. Along with this, in cases where the family lacks financial resources, the Indian Embassy can seek assistance through the Indian Community Welfare Fund.

body recovery in india

As soon as the plane lands, the airport authority asks the next of kin to be present with valid identity card and consent documents. After the paperwork is done the body is handed over. The death is then registered at the household level by the local authorities and the family can immediately perform the last rites.

Also read: Major accident in Saudi, bus going to Medina collides with tanker, 42 Indians who went to perform Umrah died