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Pilgrims Praying
The Hajj is the landmark event in a Muslim's life which requires
great Spiritual, physical, mental and financial planning and preparation.
Firstly, a pilgrim must satisfy a number of conditions to qualify
for the Hajj. They must be a sane, adult person who has their
parents' permission. They must be be debt-free and ensure their
family will be taken care of in Their absence.
Financially, Hajj expenses often spiral into the thousands and
must be Acquired through legitimate means. All debts, loans and
outstanding Financial obligations must be met and any family remaining
back home must be Adequately provided for. One of the main prerequisites
of the Hajj also Involves drawing up a will (Wasseeyat) before
departure. This ensures that In the unfortunate event of death,
clear instructions to distribute assets And property and provide
for the bereaved have been made by the deceased.
Physically, the Hajj circuit demands a high level of physical
activity and Stamina. Pilgrims walk great distances under the
blazing Saudi sun in a Throbbing mass of humanity, hundreds and
thousands of pilgrims trying to Perform the same rites in confined
spaces and very hot conditions. A gradual Build-up programme a
few months prior to the Hajj is recommended - walking And jogging
about 20 minutes to 30 minutes three times a week.
Walking through the entrance to Makkah Mukarrama
Spiritually, pilgrims should increase their understanding of Islam
before Setting out. They should spend time learning about Islam,
the Hajj and be Informed about the divine requirements and symbolism
of each rite. They Should memorise Hajj prayers and be able to
understand their meaning. A Pilgrim should also understand and
be able to speak basic Arabic.
A professional mutawwif might be on hand to guide the pilgrim
through the Intricacies of the Hajj but being able to move swiftly
around the circuit Equipped with one's own knowledge, may far
outweigh the practicalities of Keeping up with a group guide or
leader in the huge crowds.
Mentally, the pilgrim must be fit and exercise self-restraint
and control in Exchanges with others. All differences and disagreements
with others should Also be resolved before departure. The pilgrim
should begin behaving in a Courteous and respectful manner at
all times in preparation for their divine Appointment with other
Muslim brothers and sisters.
Travel arrangements need to be made well in advance especially
flights and Accommodation. Hajj visas are issued by the Saudi
Arabian Embassy. The pilgrim also must obtain certain vaccinations
to acquire a Hajj visa. In Inoculations are required for other
illnesses such as typhoid fever, polio Pneumonia, diptheria, tetanus
and malaria. Disease and illness spreadRapidly at the Hajj where
hundreds of thousands of people move at all times In extremely
close proximity. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia requires proof of
Inoculations and a round-trip ticket to home to ensure pilgrims
don't linger
Female pilgrims must be accompanied by their husbands or a mahram
(a male relative from their immediate family with whom sharia
law forbids marriage). A woman over 45 years can travel with a
group of pilgrims without a mahram if sponsored by a family within
her group. For all pilgrims, regardless of gender, it is a duty
for the Muslim pilgrim to be fully prepared to visit the House
of ALLAH on the Hajj.
For
more Information please Contact
: Ahfaz Ahmed
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