Know your Hajj

Going to Mecca for Hajj ? These safety measures will help you in having a memorable journey

Mecca, famously known as “Mother of Cities” is the centre of the Islamic world and one of the most sacred places for all Muslims around the world. The Hajj pilgrimage is the fifth of the fundamental Muslim practices known as the ‘Five Pillars of Islam’. The pilgrimage takes place each year between the eighth and thirteenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Here are a few things you should keep in mind before preparing a trip to Hajj.

Travel Agent

To make your journey successful, it is crucial to choose a travel agent who has the detail information about hotel, travel timing etc. Quality of the service and commitment are two important keys to expect from a travel agent. Make sure to ask about the duration of the stay in Mecca and Medina, the distance of your hotel from the haram and a guide who will be constantly present to simplify the journey.

Documents

It is important to keep extra photocopies of the required legal documents. Make sure your passport has not expired, it should be valid for at least six months past the date of your departure.

Vaccination

One must check from the travel agent or Saudi Arabian Embassy about the needed vaccination for the issuance of visa. Also, collect an official (yellow) vaccination record book from the country. This book has to be filled by the physician. Keep your book with all your important documents while travelling to Hajj.

Physically Fit

All the Hajj rites to Tawaf, Sai, Rummy require great strength and endurance. Generally, people do not give importance to their physical fitness, but it is essential to exercise at least six months before the Hajj trip. This will make your trip more enjoyable.

Money

It is advisable to keep both the currency of your nation and Saudi Riyals in your wallet. Carry sufficient amount of currency to cover your projected areas. Have most of the money in the form of traveller’s cheques, they are safe to carry and can be used anywhere.

Clothing

As Saudi is a hot place, keep airy and light clothes that are comfortable and soothing to the weather. Pilgrims can also carry Ihram, a two-piece cotton cloth, which is cool to wear and help in absorption of sweat during Hajj.

Snacks

Sometimes pilgrims need to wait for long hours to be processed. Some snack, fruit and extra water are really useful during this time. Along with this, an extra abaya, Ihram and a pocket size dua book are needed during the stay.

Luggage

A good quality luggage with an extremely solid locking system is recommended for Hajj. Always make sure that the suitcase is locked and does not have any money in it. Keep all your valuable items such as documents, money, keys, credit card, etc in the pouch around the waist at all times.

Guidebooks

Before the trip to Hajj, it is good to read about the holy place. Many guidebooks on how to perform Hajj and when they are performed are available in the market. Books like Umra and Hajj can make the trip simple.

Must carry

There are few important items that must be carried while your stay in Mina. Keep towels, a small backpack, tissues, slippers, plastic cups, travel toiletries for regular use. For women going for the pilgrimage, abayas that are comfortable and breathable are must. Pack some extra sheets, a travel pillow and a mattress. Also some important medicines like pain-killers, cough syrups, band aids should be kept.