GhanaWeb Feature by Etsey Atisu
Hajj, which is a once in a lifetime journey for practicing Muslims requires way more than just embarking on the pilgrimage. It also largely entails physical, mental, spiritual, and practical preparation, as well being well-informed about hearing and knowing what you can do to prepare for your journey.
And without a doubt, the opportunity to go for Hajj is an exciting time for most pilgrims and one that requires a lot of preparation, which is what this GhanaWeb article will focus on.
Especially now when then government of Ghana, and in fulfilment of a pledge by President John Dramani Mahama to reduce fares for Hajj pilgrims – which has been fulfilled, it is important that people know what to prepare for on their first trip to Mecca.
What people also need to understand is that the pilgrimage is only compulsory once. Subsequent to that, even if you go again, it will not be a compulsory Hajj so it makes it the more important.
But then, how does a person prepare in all these ways for the pilgrimage? Below are tips that are sourced from Virtual Mosque and islamicity.org, detailing some of the things you should know about physically, mentally, spiritually, as well as some important things to include in your luggage.
The following text are exactly what the source has shared, with only a few tweaks to fit the Ghanaian perspective:
1. Get in shape. You will walk, walk and walk some more. Some people recommend walking regularly in the weeks before Hajj to build endurance.
2. Boost your immunity. Travelling from the Ghana takes a huge toll: long plane rides, layovers, and a wait anywhere from 2–12 hours at the Jeddah Airport. So, indulge in fruits and veggies while, especially those rich in antioxidants. Stay away from sick people as best as you can during the trip. One friend started taking a teaspoon of honey regularly in her tea. A few people wore a surgeon’s mask throughout the trip. Although it may seem mean, don’t share your water bottles or share prayer mats. You might still get sick, but take whatever precautions you can.
3. Pace yourself upon arrival. Try to balance between resting and making the most of your time in Makkah and Madina. You don’t want to wear yourself out before going to Mina, but at the same time you want to earn good deeds in the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah.
4. Preventive care. Take medicine as soon as you feel sick, but avoid taking antibiotics unless or until you have been diagnosed with a bacterial infection. Ricola cough drops are excellent. It is a good idea to take several packs because people will ask you for some. Everyone gets the ‘Hajj cough’. Use lemon, honey, orange juice, etc. Take Vitamin C supplements regularly during the trip – don’t wait till you get sick to start this!
5. Gather your supplies. Make a list before travelling so that you don’t forget anything. Make a specific list for the days of Hajj before you leave for Mina (i.e. stuff you will pack in your backpack)
6. Take your ‘worship tools’ to use during the waiting time. A lot of times people find themselves without anything to do during the long stretches. Come prepared with a Quran, seerah (biography of the Prophet ﷺ, peace be upon him) book, or dhikr (remembrance/prayer) beads.
7. Write down a few dua (supplications) for yourself that you can memorize or repeat frequently. Sometimes, you will be too tired to remember so keep a small notebook on hand. Also, you can write down some notes or reflections that will help preserve the experience.
8. Stay energized. You need to keep hydrated – drink Zamzam (water from the well of Zamzam in Mecca) but also take snacks and energy bars. Some programs do not serve lunch so healthy snacks will help hold you till dinner. If you don’t like the food at the hotel, don’t complain. There are plenty of places to eat at the malls and hotels. Avoid anything that doesn’t seem clean and anything that you know makes your stomach upset.
Step 2: Mental Prep
1. Know the requirements of performing Hajj. You don’t want to waste this trip by missing something important. Attend the workshops in your area and/or read a book. Then review the information before you get to Mina. As a first time Hajji, it’s natural to be unfamiliar with the rites, so ask scholars in the group.
2. Know what to expect and set the expectations. Hajj is the journey of a lifetime; but at the same time you might face things that are upsetting. Expect squatter toilets and learn to use them. If used correctly, it can be sanitary and easier to use then regular toilets.
3. Strategize. A few tricks will help you maximize your time. For example, when going to pray at the rawdah in the Prophet’s masjid there are designated times for women. Head towards the rawdah area towards the end of the time allotted and try to be in the last group praying. You won’t feel as hassled because there is nobody coming behind you. Also, there are air-conditioned areas in the Haram (area around the Kabah) in Makkah on the first and second floor (enter through King Fahd entrance and stay on the left). Plan on praying/sitting there during the hottest part of the day. Since the time between Maghrib (post-sunset prayer) and Isha (night prayer) is short, it’s a good idea to stay at the Haram between those prayers. That way, you won’t struggle for a spot inside. One local student gave us this awesome tip: Make sa’i (the walk between the hills of Safa and Marwa) on the 4th floor roof extension area, which is usually empty and has a wonderful view during Fajr (pre-dawn prayer) time.
4. Don’t be cheap. You will see a lot of the poor and the elderly. Help them as much as you can and be generous. Don’t haggle with store keepers over small amounts. At the same time, be cautious of theft and being ripped off by taxi drivers. As in any big city, there are opportunists, so be cautious of your money and personal items. Keep your shoes in a plastic bag with you at all times. Side point: don’t take a camera or camera phone into the Prophet’s masjid (for women, there are female guards who will frisk you before letting you in).
5. Get in the right mindset by surrendering yourself to Allah (swt). You are going on Hajj, which is not a vacation in a 4 star hotel. You will be tested in different ways, so, remind yourself to be patient and not to complain. You are invited as Allah’s guests so use the correct manners that a guest should have. As a bonus, try to catch yourself before reacting negatively to a test by acknowledging that that what is making you upset is the test.
6. Remember why you are there: to complete Hajj and go back home. You are not going there to change the Saudi government or fix the ignorance of the ummah (community). You are not there to argue with different people about who is right and wrong. You might need to develop a mantra or phrase to remind yourself. A few people would remind themselves saying, “La jidaal,” or “No arguing,” if they started to get annoyed with a spouse, family member, or random uncle in the group.
7. Don’t compare your group to other groups. It’s very easy to get caught up in what other people ate or what their tents were like. Avoid going down that road and remind yourself that everyone’s test will be different and no one has a problem – free Hajj. Focus on yourself, make incessant talbiyah [Labbayk Allahuma labbayk – I respond to Your call O Allah, I respond to Your call], and embody your submission to Allah (swt).
8. Minimize the distractions. This is one of the biggest struggles. There is a lot going on and sometimes it will be hard to focus. Try to set goals for yourself before the trip so you know what to work on. I saw many people complete the Quran in a few short weeks. Plan on getting to the Haram extra early if you want to pray inside.
9. Avoid getting into debates about different opinions and madhabs (schools of thought). Decide on what you are going to follow beforehand and don’t get confused when people tell you that your Hajj won’t be accepted. People find themselves waiting a lot and start to discuss these issues that end up creating confusion or hostility. Follow your group leader who is experienced and let others follow their leaders.
10. Stick together and find an experienced person to follow. This may seem obvious but a buddy system will help prevent you from getting lost. An experienced Hajji is full of tips and will make some of the rites easier to perform (such as the best time to throw stones and which area is easier to start from).
11. Keep calm with your roommates and carry on. If you are sharing a room with other people in Makkah or Madina, take some earplugs or eye covers to help you get rest. You might be paired with a roommate that can be a test for you – just try to take things in stride and avoid getting upset or frustrated with the person. If you are annoyed, try to do nice things for the person and make dua for that person and yourself.
12. Use the full day of Arafah for worship— not just the time after Asr (late afternoon prayer). Many people fall into this trap and spend time sitting, eating and talking on the most important day of Hajj and only start making dua after Asr. Separate yourself from people and focus on seeking forgiveness. The Prophet ﷺ used to make dua the entire day and intensified the supplication after Asr. The same thing applies after Arafah when people revert to their old habits and lose focus while they are still on Hajj! Continue to keep yourself busy with reading, remembrance, and extra worship. Side point: plan to avoid the bathrooms at Muzdalifah. Eat and drink accordingly and use the bathrooms in Arafah before getting on the bus to Muzdalifah.
13. An experienced Hajji advised: “Treat tawaf (walking 7 times around the Kabah) like prayer and strive for khushoo [concentration].” The virtue of tawaf is well known: it is recommended to perform tawaf in the Haram before praying 2 rakahs (units of prayer) as the ‘greeting’ of the masjid! One idea is to pick different dua or prayers for each round, or to pick the first round for seeking forgiveness, the second round for making dua for the community, etc. Performing tawaf can be a struggle given all the distractions. Try to avoid congested areas and the 2nd floor wheelchair drivers (who go fast and end up hitting peoples’ ankles). One recommendation is to avoid the first and second floor and only make tawaf and sai on the relatively un-crowded rooftop.
14. Ask Allah for help. This advice was given by an elderly woman sitting in the Prophet’s ﷺ masjid. She said to always start your actions by asking Allah (swt) to help you. Allah (swt) can make anything happen – all we need to do is ask.
Step 3: Spiritual Prep
This important aspect tends to be ignored since many people focus on the external actions of Hajj and then focus on trying to survive the trip.
If you make this a priority ahead of time by taking a few steps to prepare then the struggle can be spiritually uplifting and rewarding.
1. Read the Inner Dimensions of Hajj notes based on a lecture by Shaykh Mokthar Maghraoui ahead of time to get in the proper spiritual frame of mind. The Shaykh describes the Hajj rites from a different perspective—beyond the walking and waiting, Hajj is an intense act of worship that has spiritual significance. Hajj is not just a physical journey but a surrendering of the heart to Allah (swt) with absolute submission. You will give up everyday comforts (even personal hygiene!) for a few short days as you purify the soul. Print the articles out and share with roommates.
2. Evaluate yourself before leaving for Hajj. Really take yourself to account. As one experienced Hajji stated, “Look at your personal weaknesses and flaws. Make tawbah (repentance) for all the sins you are committing and all the weaknesses you have. Do not go to Hajj with the intention of continuing on any known sin when you return. Your intention needs to be that you will discontinue it and fight it. This is very important. Hajj is not something a person does many times – so make sure you receive the full reward for completing it. Do not risk an unaccepted Hajj.” She also emphasised, “Don’t let the spirit of the group affect your spirit. If people on the bus are talking and socializing and you feel like doing the talbiyah then go ahead and start instead of wondering why others aren’t.”
3. Keep good companionship during the trip. You might observe different types of people in your group: the complainers, the chit-chatters, the Debby-downers, etc. If you feel distracted, then keep to yourself since you don’t want the negativity to rub off and affect your experience. Make a pact with yourself that you will come back from Hajj and keep the complaints to yourself. There might be things that you don’t like but you will hold those complaints in your heart and share constructive criticism with the group organizer. Good friends will remind you and support you in this goal. Optimism is contagious!
Hajj Travel Checklist
This is a list to take to Saudi. Everything is available there so don’t fret if you forget anything. A few things are specifically for rites of Hajj and should be packed when you go to Mina.
Medicines
Prescription medicine
Small amount of Advil and Tylenol Aleve (for muscle swelling or headaches)
Small container of petroleum jelly (Vaseline)
Cough drops (Riccola brand is great. Bring a lot. Cough drops with honey is a bonus.)
Vitamin C (Tablets or powder such as Airborne)
Bengay (or other muscle rub)
Pepto-Bismol and/or Immodium
Small travel-size First-Aid kit
Unscented chapstick with SPF
Toiletries
Shampoo/Soap/Deodorant/Sunscreen/Cream (to use while not in ihram [state of purity])
Unscented soap
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Disposable razors/nail cutter/small scissors (pack in suitcase since they are not allowed on the plane)
Several packs of tissues
Miswaak (you can obtain in Saudi)
Unscented antibacterial hand sanitizers (to use in ihram)
Toliet paper (2 rolls)
Personal Items
Ihram clothes
Several pairs of thick socks (black) 1 cloth bag with shoulder strap (to place your small items when going to the Haram)
Waist Pouch/Money Belt Slippers (Teva or Crocs or any other flip flops)
Earplugs/eye cover (if you are a light sleeper)
Extra pair of glasses
Small Qur`an 7 beads on a string (to keep track of Tawaf/Sa’i)
Pen/Pencil Notebook
Prayer rug
Towel (to use while living in apt buildings)
One sheet or sleeping bag (old one that you can leave there)
Backpack (to pack things for stay in Mina)
Travel Alarm Clock/Watch/Phone
A few zip lock bags
DC/AC electric convertor (for any gadgets like camera/phone)
Books and Documents
Hajj and Umrah Made Easy
Salaat & Salaam
Accepted Whispers
Prayers for Forgiveness
Inner Dimensions of Hajj (notes by Sh. Mokthar)
Your personal du`a’ list
Photocopy/picture of your passport page