Hujaaj Tips
-
Footwear: Stick with your existing footwear; breaking in new shoes during Hajj could lead to painful blisters from all the walking.
-
Patience and Saber: Regardless of your spending, patience is crucial during Hajj. Complaints, especially common in Westerners accustomed to high customer service, should be minimized.
-
Maximize Time in Haram: Focus on maximizing your time in the Haram during the first 10 days of the month, reserving rest for after completing Hajj.
-
Health Preparedness: Bring plenty of cough drops or lozenges as getting sick is almost inevitable during Hajj; it's almost a rite of passage.
-
Spiritual Focus: Concentrate on the spiritual impact of rituals rather than merely checking them off. Reflect on your connection to Allah and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
-
Arafat and Dua: Consider staying at your tent on Arafat due to the summer heat. Focus on making sincere prayers (Duas) and prepare lists of Duas to keep your prayers meaningful and varied.
-
Food Caution: Be cautious with food; if unsure, avoid eating rather than risking food poisoning which could spoil your Hajj experience.
-
Travel Light: Pack minimally, especially for Arafat and Muzdalifah. Essentials like a sleeping bag, snacks, and water are sufficient, given the hot ground at Muzdalifah.
-
Water Provision: Ensure you carry enough water if your Mina tents are far from Jamarat, as the water coolers along the way may not be adequately chilled.
-
Transportation: Prefer rideshare services like Uber or Careem over private cars at stations for convenience and efficiency.
-
Chafing Prevention: Use ample vaseline on areas prone to chafing due to extensive walking, ensuring comfort throughout Hajj.
-
Muzdalifah Cleanliness: Bring a sleeping bag to Muzdalifah as it tends to be littered with debris. Many pilgrims seem unaware of the hadith stressing cleanliness as part of faith.