Tips and Advice for Hajj

[AnumAhmed]

Across the globe, millions of Muslims prepare to embark on the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj. Hajj is a fundamental pillar of Islam, hence holding immense significance in the lives of all Muslim believers. Muslims who are physically fit and financially stable are required to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime. 

This holy journey for Muslims requires planning from before and the utmost preparation. Let’s take a look at the following tips and advice that can help turn your Hajj experience into a memorable and rewarding journey. 

1.Ask Allah

Before you start planning for Hajj, say Bismillah (In the name of Allah) and supplicate to Allah. This will allow you to ask Allah for the time, strength and ability to gather resources for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage this year. It is only HE that can make anything possible in this universe. 

2.Start inquiring about any legal documentation

In order to perform Hajj, a number of legal documents are required. This includes a Visa to travel to Saudi Arabia, valid passport, and any paperwork regarding residency in your country. Legal documentation requires time so it’s best to begin planning early. This can all be done by contacting the Saudi Embassy in your locality or simply by discussing the matter with any travel agent dealing in privagte hajj packages. 

3.Read about how to perform Hajj

It’s essential to know about Hajj before embarking on this spiritual journey. Various guidebooks, pamphlets, online materials are available for Muslims to read and gain thorough knowledge on how to perform Hajj. This includes knowing about the different rituals, how and when they are performed, as well as things to avoid and things that are recommended for Hajj. Other than this, a handbook of various Duaas (supplications) that are to be read during Hajj should be kept safely to read when required.

4.Keep physically fit

Hajj is a physically demanding journey. Believers are required to walk long distances in heated conditions, as well as run up and down Safaa to Marwa. These are just few examples of the rituals required for Hajj. All Muslims should prepare for Hajj by starting to eat healthy and walk for a minimum of 30 mins each day. A medical checkup should also be performed. 

5.Stay in touch with those who have performed Hajj

It’s always great to stay in contact and converse with family and friends who have been on Hajj. Sharing their experiences with you can give you an overview of the journey; rituals performed and added tips for a successful Hajj pilgrimage. 

6.Make an important checklist for things to carry

The following items are great to have with you at all times:

•Money in your own currency as well as Saudi Riyals
•Mobile phone
•Extra pair of rubber slippers
•Gloves
•Small water bottle
•Scissors and nail clipper
•Sleeping bag/mat
•Address and contact number of the hotel/ Kafila you are residing in. Emergency contact names and numbers should also be with you at all times. 
•Your identification card/ information
•Appropriate clothing for men(Ehram) and women
•Small cloth bag for collecting stones for the ritual of Hajj

Hajj is a beautiful passage that requires careful thought and planning from before. Muslim believers should gain as much knowledge and information about Hajj so they can make the best out of this divine journey.

[ShiaMan14]

Great read...

The Spiritual Aspects of Hajj (Conversation between Imam Sajjad (as) and Shibli).

[Hameedeh]

A news story from Pakistan. Not sure if this is for all countries or what they mean by this. Fingerprints, eye scan, facial recognition, etc.

Saudi authorities make biometric verification mandatory for Hajj pilgrims

Quote

ISLAMABAD: 

Saudi Arabia authorities have made biometric verification mandatory for all intending Hajj pilgrims in a bid to further streamline the identification process.

“The biometric process has begun in Pakistan today after Riyadh’s instructions regarding identification,” spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs Imran Siddiqi told The Express Tribune. 

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1742179/1-saudi-authorities-make-biometric-verification-mandatory-hajj-pilgrims/

[Ashvazdanghe]

4 hours ago, Hameedeh said:

A news story from Pakistan. Not sure if this is for all countries or what they mean by this. Fingerprints, eye scan, facial recognition, etc.

Saudi authorities make biometric verification mandatory for Hajj pilgrims

Salam there is some doubts about  it in Iran the supplier of this product are Israelis & maybe uses it against Muslims specially Shias  but authorities say that they made by Iran 

Allah knows best 

[Laayla]

9 hours ago, Hameedeh said:

A news story from Pakistan. Not sure if this is for all countries or what they mean by this. Fingerprints, eye scan, facial recognition, etc.

Saudi authorities make biometric verification mandatory for Hajj pilgrims

Maybe this is how they will identify nafis al zikiya.

Allah Akbar 3la Ahul Saud

[Ashvazdanghe]

Imam Khamenei's Hajj 2017 message:

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and peace and greetings be upon our Master Muhammad – the Final Prophet – upon his immaculate household and upon his chosen companions
I thank God Almighty for bestowing, this year as well as previous years, the blessing of performing hajj on an abundant number of believers from throughout the world so that they can benefit from this refreshing and blessed spring and so that they can be in the vicinity of God Almighty's House engaging in worship, supplication, dhikr (remembering God) and taqarub (seeking closeness to God) on days and nights whose precious and auspicious hours can touch hearts and purify and ornament souls like a miraculous medicine.....

http://en.abna24.com/news/important-stories/imam-khamenei-demands-immediate-end-to-domestic-wars-in-islamic-countries-in-his-hajj-2017-message_851536.html

http://en.abna24.com/news/cultural/the-message-of-imam-khamenei-to-world-muslims-on-2017-hajj-pilgrimage-in-different-languages_851543.html