Preparing for Haj and ‘Umrah

An aerial view of Makkah.

Every year, millions of Muslims make the journey of their lifetime. They come from all over the world for the sole purpose of fulfilling one of Allah’s greatest commandments to mankind – the Haj.

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that “The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) was asked, ‘Which is the best deed?’ He sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: ‘To believe in Allah and His Messenger.’ He was then asked, ‘Which is the next (good deed)?’ He said: ‘To participate in Jihad in Allah’s cause.’ He was then asked, ‘Which is the next?’ He sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: ‘To perform an accepted Haj.” [Al-Bukhari]

For over 1,400 years, believers have been making Haj to the House of Allah in Makkah. It is an obligation for each and every Muslim to perform Haj at least once in his/her lifetime if he is physically and financially able.

Haj preparations

Due to the importance of Haj, preparations for it should not be taken lightly. Besides planning the actually logistics of the trip, the Muslim needs to prepare Islamically, physically, mentally, and financially for this great act of worship.

Islamically, one of the most important preparations for this journey is acquiring the necessary knowledge for performing the rituals of Haj and ‘Umrah correctly and in accordance to the Sunnah of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam.

This means studying and learning about Islam, acquiring a high degree of Eemaan (faith) in order to deal with the emotional and physical demands of Haj, and learning correctly the actual religious rituals and requirements from the beginning to the end of Haj and ‘Umrah.

Studying and learning about the Haj can be accomplished in a variety of fashions, from reading books on the subject or using computer programmes which utilise a multimedia format, to actually taking classes offered by Islamic centers on the rituals of Haj and ‘Umrah. Furthermore, many travel groups that specialise in Haj and ‘Umrah trips offer Haj preparation classes as well as scholars and students of knowledge that help those going for Haj perform the rituals of Haj and ‘Umrah correctly.

In addition, it is important to mention that spiritually preparing for Haj and ‘Umrah is also a lesson on how to follow the footsteps of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam who taught the Companions may Allah be pleased with them – a lesson that can be transformed into other acts of worship. Preparing for Haj is a spiritual experience with a period of self-reflection and a lesson in piety and humility.

The pilgrim must focus on his sole intention of performing Haj. That it is solely for the pleasure of Allah and in accordance to His Commandment regarding this act of worship. The believer also needs to resolve any conflicts or differences between him and others and seek forgiveness for any acts of transgression. This stage of preparation should take place long before the actual departure for Haj.

Other preparations that should be planned long before the actual trip are financial in nature. Simply, going to Haj costs money. Furthermore the pilgrim must pay off any old debts (this includes any type of loans), household bills, and leave enough money to pay any living expenses likely that other members of his family not making Haj might need. Finally it is important to complete one’s will (wasiyyah) before departing on Haj.

Another important step in preparing for Haj is the need to prepare physically for the event. Not only is Haj a spiritual event, it also requires a lot of physical stamina from the participant. Haj is not a picnic! Completing the rites of Haj includes a lot of walking, mixing with many people, living in high temperatures (during summer), and exerting a great deal of effort. Another important step in preparing physically for Haj is to make sure you are medically fit for the trip. Individuals with chronic health issues need to see their primary care physician in order to discuss any medical risks that need to be addressed prior to their Haj experience.

Another recommendation is that these individuals also travel with a healthy caretaker in case any problems might arise during the actual Haj. In addition, pilgrims must have the necessary vaccinations required by the Saudi Government. Because of these issues, it is also important to emphasise that one should complete Haj and ‘Umrah as soon as one is able to both physically and financially. Some people wait until they are old to go for Haj.

This is wrong and makes Haj more difficult than necessary for the participant and in many cases for his traveling companions. Performing Haj as soon as possible corresponds to the Hadeeth narrated by Abdullaah Ibn Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: “The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: ‘He who intended to perform Haj should hasten to do so.’” [Abu Daawood]

The last pre-logistic preparation centres on preparing mentally for Haj. This includes learning and accepting that the Haj experience includes frustration, intense desert heat (during summer), and various differences in culture and food. The pilgrim can expect to stand in long lines, be shoved and pushed by others while completing the necessary rituals, and be in an uncomfortable close proximity to members of the opposite sex.

One purpose of Haj is for the individual to be tested. The individual will be tested on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.

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