Preparing For Hajj

Islamically

1. A Pilgrim must be a sane adult person.

2. A Pilgrim must pay off all debt. Pilgrim must not be a debtor before departing. He or she must be completely debt-free.

3. A Pilgrim must leave sufficient money for his family's expenses while he is away on Hajj.

4. A Pilgrim must have sufficient funds to meet his or her own Hajj expenses. Haaji must not intend to beg when going for Hajj.

5. A Pilgrim must ask permission of his or her parents, particularly when they are sick or old and should also seek their pardon.

6. A Pilgrim must complete a regular "Will" ("waseeyyat") before departing.A Sample Islamic "Will"

Spiritually

Prophet Muhammad ) prior

It is recommended to familiarize oneself with the details pertaining to the rites of Hajj. The ceremony of Hajj must be according to the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad and must conform to one's "fiqh madhab" (Islamic school of thought).

The complex rituals are performed differently by Hujjaj following the Hanafi, Shaafi, Malaki and Hambali doctrines. Furthermore, shia have their own beliefs. As such toleration and moderation must be cultivated.

Remember, for "Hajj -e- Mabrur ", acceptance of your efforts for Hajj is solely Allah SWT's prerogative and thus a mercy from Him.

We pray that your Hajj and Hajj of all be accepted by Allah SWT. Ameen!

Physically

The aged, women, patients suffering from heart, breathing & other ailments and the physically challenged Muslims planning on this blessed trip MUST be accompanied by able bodied & healthy caretakers. It is the responsibility of the person to ensure that he or she is sufficiently prepared to undertake the physical challenge. An individual should not unnecessarily burden strangers. Hujjaj are eager to assist fellow Hujjaj but one must be aware of potential health problems and take adequate precautions to avoid problems. The rest is up to Gracious Allah SWT.

An article "Getting Into Shape For Hajj"

Mentally

Furthermore, the Saudi society and culture today is very different from our own and our expectations of an Islamic society. May Allah forgive us but sometimes, one gets a nauseating feeling that the Makkan society has reverted to the primitive state that existed before our beloved Prophet Muhammad civilized the pagans with Allah's Al Islam.

The entire trip is an eye-opening experience. We must pray to Allah SWT to make Hajj easy for us, prepare us for the difficulties and Graciously accept our Hajj out of His Mercy.

The great differences in language, food, social and religous habits, attitudes of police folks and bureaucrats can cause major stress. Sadly enough, Islamic etiquette (politeness, helpfulness and courtesy) is missing from the behavior of local people providing various services to Hujjaj. These include the Mutawwifs and their agents, salesmen, bank tellers, taxi and bus drivers and operators, tour managers, restaurant and hotel staff, janitors, caretakers, guards, etc. The abruptness and purely commercial motives may shock the Hujjaj. Hajj and Umrah seasons are the main opportunities for the locals to make obscene profits. These raw attitudes are in sharp contrast to Haaji's own state of Islamic awareness.

In general, Hujjaj in Makka are under stress thus the entire atmosphere is tense. This is partly because Hujjaj want to fulfill their religous obligations properly. And partly because of the severe physical rigors. Also, Satan, is ever more intent to cause mischief amongst Hujjaj. We must acknowledge these conditions and prepare ourselves likewise. Praying to Allah SWT to guide and help us is the only solution.

The vast number of people from various corners of the world, the round-the-clock close proximity to strangers, the queues for food, water, transportation, restrooms and other physical inconveniences does have an impact on the mental well being. We must be prepared to detach ourselves from the outside world and its earthly comforts and focus solely on completion of the blessed responsibility to the best of our ability.

We must refrain from our usual modus operandi and channel all our energies to complete Hajj with piety. All this requires mental discipline and will power. Only the blessings and mercy of Allah SWT can help us. We must remain thankful and be hopeful of the abundant reward awaiting us.

In brief, Hajj has become easier physically due to the various modern comforts. However, attainment of spiritual enlightment and inner peace has become more elusive.

Financially

It is a requirement that a Haaji must be completely debt-free and must provide adequately (out of Allah SWT's bounty) for his loved ones before departing on Hajj. As such, the person must completely pay off any and all outstanding loans (mortgages, auto loans, college loans, credit card debt, store credit cards, charge cards, etc.) before departing. See above.

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