Hajj is around the corner and millions of Muslims are already preparing for this momentous pilgrimage of Islam. The greater part of the Muslim population keeps the fervor wish in their hearts to perform the Hajj pilgrimage once in a lifetime. For this reason, they save up funds their whole lives while for some the financial impact is minimal and they plan according to their convenience.
Traveling to this annual pilgrimage substantially requires prior spiritual and material preparations to make things go smooth throughout this event. Under this post, we are going to share some imperative Hajj preparation tips and precautions to do before setting off for the trip.
Do Spiritual Preparations
The Hajj is a blessed and sacred journey of a lifetime. It brings a person really close to Almighty reminding about the meaning of life, death and the afterlife resulting in the changed and renewed personality with all the positive change after this religious event.
As stated in Al- Quran, “take provisions with you for the journey, but the best of provisions is God-consciousness”(2:197). Indeed, spiritual preparation is the key and every performer should be prepared to face Almighty Allah with whole modesty and faith. In this regard, one can read books or consult with religious scholars across.
Look into the Religious Requirements
The Hajj is only obligatory for those who are financially strong and can afford to make the whole journey as well as who are physically accomplished to perform all the rites of the pilgrimage. Since the Hajj is a physically arduous event, it would be beneficial to start off some exercises before a month or so prior to travel.
Do Logistical Preparations
It is not that simple to just book a flight and go on-board. In the past few years, the pilgrimage has greatly drawn crowds of about nearly 3 million people. The provision of housing, transportation, sanitation, safety, and food to a large number of people requires constant coordination. The Saudi Government makes certain policies and procedures to fulfill and ensure the smooth pathway to the pilgrims. Have a look at these rules;
- Apply for Hajj visa via a travel agent as the Saudi embassies do not issue Hajj visa to the individuals
- All the qualified and foreign travel agents should be pre-approved by the Ministry of Hajj or possess a partnership contract with a local (Saudi) Hajj source/company
- These qualified travel agents and their Saudi partners are accountable to provide the travel documents, transportation, and housing to the pilgrims
General Preparatory tips
- Buy Ihram or wash it if you have
Ihram is a special dress which pilgrims wear during Hajj, so buy Ihram or wash the one if you are already having it. It is imperative that Ihram should be washed before wearing to remove any fragrant touch. It would be better to not use any scented fabric detergent in the washing - Wear Ihram
It is better to wear Ihram before leaving for Mecca. One can face difficulties in the wearing of Ihram upon arrival to Mecca due to the rush factor. This may also result in the diversion of concentration during the Hajj rituals - Offer Prayer before wearing Ihram
It is a distinctive moment when one wears ihram. Keep the Sunnah in mind and offer two Rakkat prayers before wearing Ihram. You can also take portable prayer mats with you for the whole convenience of praying anywhere throughout the journey - Make niyyah for the Hajj
It is better to make niyyah when the pilot announces the Meeqat. It is a good time to do a niyyah and be prepared mentally to perform the rituals afterward - Comfortable slippers
Slippers are one of the necessary elements helping you to move around throughout the rituals. Choose the slippers appropriate to your feet and keep them beside wherever you go
These were the tips for the preparations of the Hajj pilgrimage. We would love to know about your hajj preparations, do share with us!
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