While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause uncertainties for international travel, you may still be lucky enough to make it to Hajj or Umrah this year. Because of the significance of the journey, you must be excited about traveling to the house of Allah. To help you prepare spiritually, physically and mentally for the sacred journey, we will offer some knowledge and advice on what to expect in Umrah and Hajj.
Commutations
One of the biggest concerns for those planning to follow the Hajj or Umrah it is how they will travel in Mecca and Madinah. During the Hajj period, pilgrims are typically transported to important sites by state-appointed buses, the cost of which is incorporated into your Hajj package. Some hajj groups are provided with private buses as well. You can also choose to hire a private taxi, which requires a separate fee.
Important Tip: Do your best to remain calm and patient during commutations to and from different sites. Depending on your location, the time of departure, and the amount of traffic, the duration of the trips can be long. Transport delays are common and it may be feasible to walk to the next site instead of traveling by bus.
Lots of Walking
Due to our sedentary lifestyles, a large number of people are surprised and face problems with the amount of walking required during Hajj and Umrah. Although you will have buses to transport you to different sites and to and from your hotel, there is still a lot of walking within Masjid Al-Haram and Masjid-e-Nabvi and other Hajj Sites like Arafat, Mina, etc.
Because of the crowd, your bus usually won’t get you anywhere close to where you want to go. So, make sure you are physically and mentally prepared to pass.
Crowds
While the COVID-19 crisis has changed the scenario significantly, an average of two million people used to perform the Hajj every year. The approximate dates for Hajj in 2021 are 17th until 22n.d July, but the outlook remains uncertain. We do not know exactly how many people are expected to perform Hajj this year, but it is best to stay on the safe side and know how to prepare yourself if you face large crowds.
In 2012, the number exceeded three million. If you accounted for unregistered pilgrims, the actual number would be much higher. Therefore, it is no wonder that we have seen several fatal incidents involving stampedes in the past years, including the 2015 incident when 2,000 pilgrims were martyred in Mina. The majority of these incidents resulted due to panic among large crowds as many individuals who are not used to crowded areas experience anxiety and nervousness in minor matters.
Therefore, it is extremely important to stay mentally prepared and plan how you will adapt to the situation. One great strategy is to avoid performing certain Hajj rituals, such as stoning the Jamarat, during peak times. Likewise, don’t miss the opportunity to take breaks between Hajj rituals when the crowd is big. This should be a great source of relief to you.
It is important to understand that some shoving and pushing is inevitable in crowded areas, so be patient and keep your cool while performing the ritual. Pushing and harming others kills the purpose of performing Hajj or Umrah. When you have invested so much time, money, and effort, why waste it all by losing out on people.
Equally important is to be wary of thieves in large crowds. No, your wallets and other valuables are not safe in Hajj either. Your emotions and spiritual feelings will certainly be high, but don’t let thieves take advantage of this. Be very careful about your possessions in crowded areas.
Accommodation
You will stay in hotels in Mecca and the blessed city of Madina but what about housing in Arafat and Mina? Pilgrims are classified into groups and their accommodation is pre-allocated based on the country they are from. Men and women stay in different camps, and you will need to remember your street and camp number.
In Arafat, the pilgrims stay in large and wide tents, some of which will have fans and air coolers. In Mina, you will find fireproof tents with proper electricity, electrical plugs, air conditioning, and lighting. How comfortable your accommodation will be will depend entirely on your Hajj package.
If you have to choose your own tent, avoid those near the entrances, cooking areas, or toilets as these are usually occupied. Instead, look for a tent at the back or in the middle of the camp. When you enter your tent, you claim your position by covering your desired area in your mat and occupying it. We recommend choosing an area near the back of the tent because the middle and front areas are typically used for lectures, Salah, and eating, so it may be necessary to move your possessions to accommodate these activities from time to time.
There are no accommodation facilities in Muzdalifah and you will stay in the open sky.
Food
Food is typically included in your Hajj or Umrah package. If not, you’ll need to make your own arrangements when you get there. To learn what type of food is included in your Hajj package, contact your agent. It can be cooked and served fresh or prepackaged in a food box. Also, food may be served at irregular times so be prepared for that.
While there are no food shops in Muzdalifah and Arafat, you will find many shops in Mina, but be prepared to pay extra as prices tend to double during Hajj days.
Make sure you keep yourself hydrated during the trip as it can get really hot. Keep water, dates, cookies, and other snacks wherever you go.
Conclusion
The divine journey of Hajj and Umrah is full of obstacles, delays, and interruptions. Life, in particular, comes with many hardships. As mentioned before, the key to having a successful Hajj is to keep enduring the hardships with patience. Knowing what to expect in Hajj or Umrah should be of great help in this regard. We truly hope that this guide will help you prepare yourself for your sacred service to Allah.