Things Every Future Hajj Must Know
Introduction
Welcome Future Hajj, the alleged Hajj, to a unique journey. This journey is an invitation of your Lord to visit His house and take part in one of the most outstanding acts of worship. He chose you from millions of people to travel the world and ask for forgiveness in the best place on earth. Your mission, if you decide to accept it, is to work to make your Hajj accept Allah. This means that you fulfil all the requirements and avoid all actions that annul the Hajj in such a way that you return home, cleared of all sins.
You have heard this before: Hajj is a wonderful journey. But this journey is a struggle. It is said that the greatest physical struggle for a woman is a complete hajj. As in any journey, preparation in advance will contribute to maximum experience and problem solving. I gathered advice from various friends and experienced Hajj veterans to help the future hajj prepare mentally, physically and spiritually.
Hajj stories are very diverse – some have terrible stories (do not ask too much about the situation in the bathroom), while others have some fun moments or some frustrating collisions. Understand that each hajj experience is different, but with the same goal. Please keep in mind that you will receive advice from different people who have different goals and values. Take what you think meets your own values. For example: I like to prepare for things as much as I can in advance, so I’ll buy everything I need in the US, instead of looking for things at the last minute in Mecca / Madina. I also do not like scraps and how to save, so I prefer to take a few second-hand items from family / friends, rather than buying everything new. I also want to give inessential subjects to people in need in Mina. I prefer to use natural medicines before going on regular medications, however I made an exception during hajj to minimize the risks and because hajj requires a lot of energy.
In general, a balanced approach and a positive attitude will be your best friends during this trip. The ingredients of a successful hajj are preparation for the trip, extra patience during the trip and sincere efforts to improve after the trip. When you remember the next steps, do not forget to constantly ask Allah to help you on your journey. He can make difficult easily and without His help we are lost.
Physical training
Get the form. You will walk, walk and walk again. Some people recommend walking regularly for weeks before Hajj to endure endurance.
Boost your immunity. Travel from the US requires huge losses: long trips by plane, flights and waiting anywhere from 2 to 12 hours at the airport of Jeddah. So pamper yourself with fruits and vegetables, while in the US, especially rich in antioxidants. Stay away from sick people as much as possible during the trip. One of the friends started drinking tea regularly in tea. Several people wore a surgeon’s mask throughout the trip. Although this may seem mean, do not share your bottles with water or do not share prayer mats. You can still get sick, but take all the precautions.
Paige on arrival. Try to balance between rest and most of the time in Mecca and Madina. You do not want to wear yourself before you go to Mina, but at the same time you want to earn good deeds in the first 10 days of Dul Hijj.
Prevention. Take the medicine as soon as you feel pain, but avoid taking antibiotics until you are diagnosed with a bacterial infection. Cough drops Ricola are excellent. It’s a good idea to take a few packages, because people will ask you for some. Everyone receives a “haj cough”. Use lemon, honey, orange juice, etc. D. Take vitamin C supplements regularly during the trip – do not wait until you get sick to get it started!
Collect your supplies. Make a list before the trip so you do not forget anything. Make a specific list for the days of hajj before you go to Mina (ie, the things you pack in your backpack)
Take your “worship tools” for use during the waiting time. Many times people find themselves without any action during long stretches. Prepare yourself with the Koran, Sara (biography of the Prophet’s book or beads with memory / prayer).
Write down some du’a (entreaties) for yourself that you can often memorize or repeat. Sometimes you are too tired to remember, so keep a small notebook at hand. In addition, you can write down some notes or reflections that will help preserve the experience.
Stay energized. You need to keep the moistened drink Zamzam (water from the well Zamzam in Mecca), but also take energy bars and snacks. Some programs do not serve lunch, so healthy snacks can help keep you until dinner. If you do not like eating at the hotel, do not complain. There are many places in shopping centers and hotels. Avoid anything that does not seem clean, and all that you know causes you upset stomach.
Mental training
Know the requirements for performing the Hajj. You do not want to waste this trip, missing something important. Attend seminars in your field and / or read a book. Then review the information before you get to Mina. For the first time, Hadji, of course, is not familiar with the rites, so ask the scientists in the group.
Know what to expect and set expectations. Hajj is a journey for life; But at the same time, you can face what is frustrating. Unfortunately, I met a lot of garbage and rubbish thrown everywhere in Mina. The condition of the bathroom is another story. Expect squatter toilets and learn how to use them. When used properly, it can be hygienic and easier to use than conventional toilets.
Develop a strategy. A few tricks will help you maximize the time. For example, when you pray in damp women in the Masis of the Prophet, women are given time. Head to the rawdah area by the end of the allocated time and try to be in the last group, praying. You will not feel how troubled you are, because no one is following you. In addition, in Haram (the area around the Kaaba) in Mecca on the first and second floors there are air-conditioned zones (enter the entrance of King Fahd and stay on the left). Plan to pray / sit there in the hottest part of the day. Since the time between Maghrib (prayer after sunset) and Isha (night prayer) is not long, it is a good idea to stay in Haram between these prayers. So, you will not fight for a place inside. One local student gave us this amazing advice: make a sa’i (walk between the Safa and Marwa hills) in the extension section of the 4th floor roof, which is usually empty and has a beautiful view during fajr (pre-dawn prayer)
Do not be cheap. You will see many poor and old people. Help them as much as possible and be generous. Do not trade with store keepers in small quantities. At the same time, be careful of the theft and ruptured by taxicab drivers. As in any big city there are opportunists, so be careful with your money and personal things. Always keep shoes in a plastic bag. Lateral moment: do not make a camera or camera phone in the Prophet’s Masid (for women there are female guards who will deceive you before letting you in). Enter the right mindset by surrendering to Allah. You go to Hajj, which is not a holiday in a 4-star hotel. You will be tested differently to remind yourself to be patient, not to complain. You are invited as guests of Allah, so use the right manners that a guest should have. As a bonus, try to catch yourself before reacting negatively to the test, admitting that what is upsetting you is a test.
Remember why you are here: complete the Hajj and return home. You are not here to change the government of Saudi Arabia or to establish ignorance of the ummah (community). You are not in Hajj to argue with different people about who is right and not right. You may need to develop a mantra or phrase to remind yourself. A few people would remind themselves, ‘La jidaal’ or “No disputes” if they began to get annoyed by a spouse, family member or an occasional uncle in a group.
Do not compare your group with other groups. It is very easy to get into what other people ate, or like their tents. Avoid descending this road and remind yourself that each test will be different, and no one has a problem hajj. Focus on yourself, make incessant talbiyu [Labbayk Allahum labbayk-I answer your call of Allah, I answer your call] and embody your submission to Allah.
Minimize distractions. This is one of the biggest battles. There are many, and sometimes it is difficult to focus. Try to set goals before the trip so you know what to work on. I saw how many people completed the Quran in a few short weeks. Plan to get to Haram ahead of schedule if you want to pray inside.
Avoid discussions about different opinions and madhhabs (schools of thought). Decide what you are going to do in advance, and do not be embarrassed when people tell you that your hajj will not be accepted. People wait and begin to discuss these problems, which eventually create confusion or hostility. Follow your leader group who has experience and let others follow their leaders.
Stick to each other and find an experienced person. It may seem obvious, but the system of friends will help you not to get lost. Experienced Haji is filled with advice and will make some of the rituals easier to perform (for example, the best time to throw stones and which territory is easier to start with).
Stay calm with your roommates and continue. If you share a room with other people in Mecca or Madina, take a few earplugs or eye cover to help you relax. You can be paired with a roommate who may be a test for you – just try to do something shaky and not get upset and not get upset with the person. If you are irritated, try to make pleasant things for a person and make du’a ‘for this person and for yourself.
Use the whole day of Araf for worship – not only after Asr (late prayer). Many people fall into this trap and spend time sitting, talking and eating on the most important day of Hajj, and only begin to make du’a ‘after’ Asr. Separate from people and focus on the search for forgiveness. The Prophet did the du’a all day and intensified the plea after “Asr.” The same applies to Arafa, when people return to their old habits and lose focus while they are still on the hajj! Continue to keep yourself busy with reading, remembering and additional worship. Lateral moment: plan to avoid bathrooms in Muzdalif. Eat / drink appropriately and use the bathrooms in Arafah before heading to the bus to Muzdalifah.
Experienced Hajji advised: “Treat tawafu (walk 7 times around the Kaaba) as a prayer and strive for a kushu [concentration].” The dignity of tawaf is well known: it is recommended that a tawaf be performed at Haram before praying with two crayfish (units of prayer) as a “greeting” of Masada! One idea is to choose different duas or prayers for each round or choose the first round for forgiveness, the second round to create a duo for the community, etc. Doing tawaf can be a struggle, considering all the distractions. Try to avoid overcrowded areas and drivers on wheelchairs of the 2nd floor (which quickly and quickly hit the ankles of people). One of the recommendations is to avoid the first and second floors and make only tawaf and sa’i on a relatively undirected roof.
Ask Allah for help. This advice was given by an elderly woman sitting in the Masis of the Prophet. She said that always start your actions, asking Allah to help you. Allah can do something – all we need to do is ask.
Spiritual preparation
This important aspect is usually ignored, as many people focus on external hajj activities, and then focus on trying to survive on a trip. If you make this a priority in advance, by taking a few steps to prepare, then the struggle can be spiritually sublime and useful.
Read The Inner Dimensions of Hajj Notes Based on Sheikh Moktar Magrayi’s lecture ahead of time to enter into a proper spiritual mood. Sheikh describes the rites of Hajj from a different point of view – besides walking and waiting, Hajj is an intense act of worship, having spiritual significance. Hajj is not just a physical journey, but a surrender of the heart to Allah with absolute submission. You will give up everyday comfort (even personal hygiene!) For a few short days, when you cleanse your soul. Print out the articles and share with roommates. Highlight yourself before leaving for Hajj. Actually get into the account. As one of the
experienced Haji said: ‘Look at your own personal shortcomings and shortcomings. Do tawbah (repentance) for all the sins that you commit, and all the shortcomings that you have. Do not go to Hajj with the intention of continuing any known sin when you return. Your intention should be that you stop it and fight it. It is very important. Hajj is not something that a person does many times, so be sure to receive the full reward for completing it. Do not risk unacceptable hajj. “She also stressed:” Do not let the spirit of the group influence your spirit.If people on the bus talk and communicate and you feel that you are doing talbia, then go on and start, and do not be surprised why others do not. “
Maintain effective communication during the trip. I was blessed to have good friends, like roommates during
my travels. In your group there can be diverse types of people: complainers, chirping, deluders divers, etc. If you feel distracted, then hold onto yourself, since you do not want negativity to erase and influence your experience. Make a pact with yourself that you will return from Hajj and complain about yourself. There may be some things that you do not like, but you will keep these complaints in your heart and share constructive criticism with the group’s organizer. Good friends will remind you and support you for this purpose. Optimism is contagious!
Conclusion
Remember that when you are preparing to travel for life, remember that there may be unexpected events. Each year is different, and each person’s experience is different. Enjoy the new experience and focus on the positive. Yes, you will see strange and rude actions and a lot of ignorance. But you will also see how adults shed tears, looking at the House of Allah and begging for mercy and forgiveness. You will see that millions of people unite from all corners of the world for only one purpose: to fulfill the duty of hajj and surrender to their Creator. Thinking about these facts creates deep respect for our religion. How amazing is the call to prayer, which turns the chaotic wanderings of millions of people into perfectly circular lines for a few minutes? How awesome is our faith that pushes people to fight and give up basic comforts because of a sincere desire to please their Lord? Lead the voices repeating in unison, going forward with only hope and with narrowness that overcomes all spheres of life. Witness the power of obedience and obedience and how he turns tired pilgrims into an army of believers.
Finally, as one Haji said, “Always remember that Hajj is a test. You can prepare as much as you can, but nothing [completely] will prepare you for the reality of the experience. You will experience highs and lows. Moments of great reverence, as well as moments of great disappointment. Pack the bag of patience! “
Although hajj is considered a journey for life, for many it will be a turning point and the beginning of a journey to their faith. For some people, Hajj will be a constant journey when they return home and try to implement lessons of patience, physical sacrifice and total submission. As one scientist said: “Take your hajj with you home. Be in your life, like in hajj. “
May Allah bless your Hajj and take all our good deeds. May Allah make your life easier and allow you to return safely.
If you find this advice useful, please do not hesitate to share with others and do du’a ‘for all the hajj veterans who shared their experiences.
Travel check-list for future Hajj
This is the list that needs to be sent to Saudi Arabia. There everything is available, so do not worry if you forget anything. Some things are specially designed for Hajj rituals and should be packed when you go to Mina.
Medicines
- Prescription drugs
- A small amount of Advil and Tylenol
- Aleve (for muscle swelling or headaches)
- Small container of petroleum jelly (petrolatum)
- Cough drops (the Riccola brand is excellent, bring a lot.) Cough with honey is a bonus.)
- Vitamin C (tablets or powder, such as airborne)
- Bengai (or other muscles)
- Pepto-bismol and / or Imodium
- A small kit for first aid
- Untreated minced meat with SPF
- Toiletries
- Shampoo / Soap / Deodorant / Sunscreen / Cream (use, not yet in Ihram [state of purity])
- Waterproof soap
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Disposable razors / nail cutter / small scissors (package in a suitcase, since they are not allowed on the plane)
- Several packets of tissue
- Miswaak (you can get in Saudi Arabia)
- Non-centrifugal antibacterial hand sanitizers (for use in ihra)
- Paper Toliet (2 rolls)
- Personal things
Clothing
A few pairs of thick socks (black)
1 bag with a shoulder strap (to place your small items when you go to Haram)
Waist bag / money belt
Slippers (Teva or Crocs or any other slippers)
Ear / Eye Holders (if you are a light sleeper)
Extra pair of glasses
The Little Qur’an
7 beads on the rope (to track Tawaf / Sai)
Pen-pencil
Notebook
Prayer carpet
Towel (for use in residential buildings)
One sheet or sleeping bag (the old one you can leave there)
Backpack (to pack for a stay in Mina)
Travel Hours / Watches
Multiple zippers
DC / AC electrical converter (for any gadgets such as camera / phone)
Books and documents
Hajj and Umrah Made Easy
Salaat & Salaam
Accepted whispers
Prayers for forgiveness
The internal dimensions of the Hajj (notes by Sh. Moktar)
Your personal dua list
Photocopy / photo of your passport page
Miscellaneous
Many bars / snacks with energy / protein / granola (take a little more to share with your neighbors)
(islamicity)