6 Hajj Tips You Need to Know in 2019
Our top tips for Hajj 2019
The holy pilgrimage of Hajj takes place in the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar, Dhul Hijjah. It is a month where millions of Muslims from all over the world embark on a long, strenuous, yet soul-cleansing journey to Makkah, the birthplace of Islam.
Hajj is the fifth and final pillar of Islam – core principles which form the basis of the Islamic faith, which every Muslim strives to fulfil to the best of their ability. For most people, this trip is a once in a life-time opportunity.
If you have the chance to carry out the pilgrimage this year, Masha’Allah! Here are our 6 top tips for Hajj 2019, to help you make the most out of this life-changing journey.
Hajj Tips 2019
1. Understand why you’re going
The holy pilgrimage of Hajj is so much more than an obligation that must be fulfilled. There is tremendous beauty and wisdom behind every ritual, and the obligation as a whole.
Spend some time doing research on the phenomenal benefits of embarking on such a journey, and learn about the wonderful history behind every step and the holy sites you will visit. There are so many ways to learn about Hajj; speak to a trusted Imam or adviser, keep an eye out for events like our upcoming One Day in Al-Aqsa (hyperlink to event) and read up as much as you can about the journey to come.
Learn your history and set your intention; it will make the blessed pilgrimage that much more meaningful.
2. Research, research, research…
As a strenuous five or six days of different rites and rituals all across the holy land of Makkah and Medinah, knowing what to do and where to go can be tricky for those who are performing Hajj for the first time.
One of our top tips for Hajj is to prepare as much as you can in advance. There are numerous guidebooks available online and in bookstores to help explain all the different ways you can please Allah (swt) on your pilgrimage this year!
Alternatively, if you know anyone who has already performed Hajj, you can arrange a meeting with someone who has, ask them for their advice.
3. Get fit!
It’s safe to say that Hajj is the most physically demanding pillar of Islam, especially for those unaccustomed to long treks. You’ll have to walk for extended amounts of time between the holy sites, and for the men it is tradition to run from Safa to Marwa, about a half a kilometer journey, which can prove to be a challenge in the blistering heat.
One of the best ways to prepare is simply by walking; start by walking for 20 minutes a day a few months before you set off, and take on a challenge of some longer treks before you go, too. This is one of the tips for Hajj which will reduce the physical strain you will be under, trekking in the heat and the crowds, so that you can focus on your own spiritual journey.
4. Take a pair of tried and tested Hajj Shoes!
Comfortable footwear is critical during the Hajj season. This isn’t just because of the huge amount of walking needed, but also because of the heat and the impact this can have on your feet. Some people advise a pair of sports sandals, with socks to stop the blisters. Be sure to bring a tub of Vaseline along too (just in case)!
If you’re a man, your ankles, heel and instep will need to remain exposed while you’re in the state of Ihram – so it’s best to bring comfy sandals for this. Whichever Hajj shoes you decide to take, make sure you’ve worn them in first, so they’re not brand new!
As you prepare your Hajj shoes, however, think on those footsteps that have gone before you. Not every one of those who have made this journey had the perfect Hajj shoes; but it’s not about what you wear on the outside, it’s about what you experience on the inside.
5. Take a duaa list
There is no better time to make dua than these holy days of Hajj. For example, prayers uttered at the Grand Mosque are said to be worth 100,000 times those said elsewhere.
However, in the busy routine of the pilgrimage,you might forget something and regret it later. One of the best Hajj tips is to prepare a list of all the things you wish to pray for or give thanks for, and keep this with you. You may wish to ask your loved ones if anyone has any requests for things they’d like you to pray for, on their behalf; there is something wonderful about using your duas over Hajj to pray for others.
6. Get yourself a journal for Hajj!
Hajj is an extraordinary opportunity that may happen only once in your lifetime. It’s a life-changing journey that will fill you with an abundance of spiritual nourishment, a time where you will learn about yourself, your faith, and the world around you.
Make sure you can remember your time and share your extraordinary story with others by getting notepad, something small that you can keep with you at all times, but with plenty of space to allow you to document every moment of this magical pilgrimage.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our Hajj Tips 2019!
Of course, nothing can prepare you for the majesty and depth of the experience of Hajj. But if you follow our Hajj tips 2019, your experience will be even more special because you will understand exactly what you are doing, and why.
Here at Penny Appeal, we make dua that Allah accepts the Hajj of all those who will be going this year, and grant all those wishing to go with the ability to do so soon. Please keep the poor, the refugee and the unfortunate in your prayers this Hajj 2019.
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WEDNESDAY 31 JUL 2019
