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Updated January 2023
The previous Hajj season saw thousands of pilgrims flocking to Medinah to perform the holy rituals, creating a semblance of pre-COVID times. This year, the Saudi Arabian government has allocated a quota of 1 million Hajj slots for both international and local pilgrims.
With the Hajj season 2023 coming closer, here are some essential things pilgrims should prepare before embarking on the Hajj pilgrimage.
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Prepare religious supplies
Besides Ihram clothes, essential religious supplies pilgrims should remember to bring along include a portable Koran, a prayer mat, and a seven-bead counter. General Muslim travel packs can be bought online and should contain all the supplies necessary to help pilgrims along their spiritual journey.
Seek advice from a Hajji and health official
Prepare a list of your questions and concerns and make an appointment to speak with a person who has already performed Hajj. Very often, they can provide you with practical tips that can’t be found in regular guidebooks. They will also be able to give you a first-person account of how to navigate and move along with the crowds and keep your cool among the vast masses.
Additionally, consult a health official or a physician in order to learn the best practices for performing the rites of Hajj during a pandemic. Familiarize yourself with the social distancing and mask-wearing protocols of the Hajj and be sure to properly observe them and keep yourself and others safe.
You can also refer to our dedicated article for more details.
Be mindful of weather conditions
It is expected that there will be fluctuations and extremities in the weather, so pilgrims do need to take care and be mindful of the temperatures. Even in mid-November, the temperatures would be relatively warm, and it may reach as high as fifteen degrees Celsius in the day and dip to as low as the high twenties in the evenings.
During the day, adequate sun protection is necessary to prevent heat strokes, fainting spells and other ailments caused by the heat. Wide-brimmed sun hats and umbrellas can protect from the harsh sunrays. Some also opt to bring a small handheld fan or a mini battery-powered fan to cool down and a towel to wipe off sweat. Sunglasses and sunscreen also come in handy.
Likewise, be prepared for cooler weather at night and pack some thicker clothing for the later hours.
It is important to keep hydrated during this journey, and a refillable water bottle is a must. Pilgrims can drink the Zamzam water from the well of Zamzam in Mecca.
Prepare essential medication and required vaccinations
The previous Hajj season required all pilgrims to have been inoculated for COVID-19 in order to attend the Hajj. Those who, for whatever reason, were unable to do so would not be granted permission to undertake the Hajj. While we still don’t know whether Hajj 2023 will require vaccinations, the following vaccines were required:
- Pfizer/BioNTech. 2 doses
- Oxford/AstraZeneca: 2 doses
- Janssen. 2 doses
- Moderna. 2 doses
- Sinopharm. 2 doses
- Sinovac. 2 doses
- Covaxin. 2 doses
- Sputnik V. 2 doses
- Nuvaxovid. 2 doses
- Covovax. 2 doses
The duration between receiving the last dose (the second dose of a two-dose vaccine or the first dose of a single-dose vaccine) must not be less than 14 days.
Finally, ensure that you have a necessary supply of prescription medication, as well as other essential medicines for common ailments such as coughs, stomach upsets, allergies and muscle aches.
For more information on vaccines, check out our dedicated article.
Be physically prepared
Pilgrims will have to walk miles under the hot sun during the day and battle with cold desert airs at night. Many find it useful to watch their diet, exercise and get in shape in preparation for the pilgrimage. Walking frequently in the weeks leading up to the journey can also help build endurance and stamina. Some prospective pilgrims choose to give up caffeine in preparation for the Hajj.
Pack energy bars, glucose packet drinks, and the like, as these snacks will also come in handy during the strenuous journey when a boost in endurance is needed.
Proper sanitation and hygiene during the journey are essential. Bring along disinfectant, and hand sanitiser and wash your hands as often as you can. Some choose to wear masks, especially in crowded areas. Disposable wipes and tissues should also be used instead of handkerchiefs. Bring along a few rolls of toilet paper and extra plastic bags and ziploc bags just in case.
Invest in a pair of practical and comfortable shoes. This is very important as you will be on your feet for the better part of this five-day pilgrimage.
Obey the health and safety protocols
© aljazeera.com
Social distancing in mosques and other areas no longer applies. Masks, though not compulsory outdoors, are still required to be worn inside mosques and other indoor facilities.
