HEALTH GUIDELINES FOR HAJJ AND UMRAH
The more physically fit you are, the easier it would become to perform the many rituals associated with Hajj and Umrah. If you have decided to perform a walking Hajj, then it would be very important for you to be as fit as possible. This will require walking as much as possible, starting about 6 to 8 weeks before departure, walking greater and greater distances as the time of departure arrives….
The performance of Hajj is obligatory on all adult Muslims who have the means to make the trip to the Holy City of Makkah. Umrah is regarded as a minor pilgrimage with only part of the required rituals performed. Whosoever enters the Mi’qaat (boundary of the Holy Land) has to perform Umrah, which includes Tawaaf (seven circuits around the Holy Kabah) and Sa’i (seven times between Mount Safa and Mount Murwa).
The performance of Hajj is obligatory on all adult Muslims who have the means to make the trip to the Holy City of Makkah. Umrah is regarded as a minor pilgrimage with only part of the required rituals performed. Whosoever enters the Mi’qaat (boundary of the Holy Land) has to perform Umrah, which includes Tawaaf (seven circuits around the Holy Kabah) and Sa’i (seven times between Mount Safa and Mount Murwa).
Good health makes it easier not only to enjoy Hajj and Umrah in the pleasure of Allah Subahanahu Wata’ala but also to make maximum use of the opportunity to make as much ibadah as possible.
Health plays a major role in fulfilling the requirements of Hajj and Umrah as Hajj and Umrah can be physically demanding depending on circumstances prevailing at the time.
The following is a guideline and must be accompanied by your own Doctor’s advice pertaining to your own health needs.
PHYSICAL FITNESS
The more physically fit you are, the easier it would become to perform the many rituals associated with Hajj and Umrah. If you have decided to perform a walking Hajj, then it would be very important for you to be as fit as possible. This will require walking as much as possible, starting about 6 to 8 weeks before departure, walking greater and greater distances as the time of departure arrives.
The more physically fit you are, the easier it would become to perform the many rituals associated with Hajj and Umrah. If you have decided to perform a walking Hajj, then it would be very important for you to be as fit as possible. This will require walking as much as possible, starting about 6 to 8 weeks before departure, walking greater and greater distances as the time of departure arrives.
A brisk walk for about an hour three times a week would be sufficient to prepare for a walking Hajj. During Hajj and Umrah, the footwear for men is specified in that the high arch on the top of the foot needs to be exposed. The sandles or slippers that are used need to be broken-in well before Hajj and Umrah. Using your new sandles well before departure helps to make the feet accustomed to the footwear. Women may wear any comfortable footwear. Total distance to walk – approximately 10 – 12 kilometres to Arafat and 10 – 12 Kilometres back to Makkah.
Men are not allowed to cover their heads during Hajj and Umrah. Furthermore, in the case of Hajj, men may have shaven their heads recently from the performance of Umrah. It would therefore be advisable to expose the head to the sun whilst exercising before departure so that the head (scalp and face) and neck can become accustomed to the sun. This can also be done in Saudi Arabia before Hajj starts.
The sooner exercise is started, the better. For those who can, brisk walking, stationary cycling, swimming, etc. would be excellent forms of exercise. Even if one is not performing a walking Hajj, these exercises will help tremendously.
Tawaf – approximately 200 metres to 2 kilometers depending on the crowd present and where it is performed, e.g., 1st floor of the Haram.
Sai (Safa – Marwa) – approximately 3.5 kilometers.
Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallum often spoke of the importance of physical fitness in general.
Physical fitness is therefore very important.
CLIMATE IN SAUDI ARABIA
Jeddah is on the coast of the Red Sea and therefore enjoys a slightly humid climate in summer. It becomes less humid in winter.
Jeddah is on the coast of the Red Sea and therefore enjoys a slightly humid climate in summer. It becomes less humid in winter.
Makkah is about 70 kilometers inland. It has an escarpment around it. One of the most famous sources of drinking water is from the Holy well of Zam Zam . There is very little vegetation in and around Makkah due to the low rainfall. The Great Arabian Desert is all around Makkah. The climate is dry. Temperatures are extremely high, usually in the forty degree Celsius range and sometimes going into the fifties in summer.
Medina is situated about 500 kilometers north and is about 150 kilometers from the coast. It is a large oasis with the Great Arabian Desert all around it. Because of the numerous wells providing excellent water, it has date orchards spreading out on to the outskirts of the city. The climate is dry and hot, the temperatures not reaching as high as in Makkah. In winter, it can become cool to cold especially around Tahadjud and Fajr times.
DRINKING WATER
Water obtained from bore holes is brought to the hotels in tankers. Water is stored in huge tanks on the top of hotels.
Water obtained from bore holes is brought to the hotels in tankers. Water is stored in huge tanks on the top of hotels.
Drinking water has to be bought in the form of bottled water. However, Zam Zam is available freely in Makkah and in Medina. Since this is an opportunity to drink as much Zam Zam water as possible, plastic containers easily obtainable can be filled with Zam Zam water and brought to the room.
Because of the hot weather conditions, it becomes necessary to drink water in abundance. Less urine is passed due to the hot conditions. The body conserves water by concentrating the urine. It is not good to pass very concentrated urine for a variety of reasons. Drink enough water so that the urine is clear. Passing clear urine indicates good hydration.
Drinking brackish water can causes a sore throat, stomach cramps and a cough from the irritation in the throat. The sore throat can be confused with a throat infection. Zam Zam water is abundantly available in both the Haramain. Zam Zam water is also available from taps outside the Haram Shareef. Plastic containers may be purchased outside the Haram Shareef, either empty or full of Zam Zam water. Zam Zam water that is available in storage containers in the Harram Shareef is cooled in cooling chambers. Ice is not added to the Zam Zam water. Every group of Zam Zam water containers in the Haram has one container that does not have cooled water. Arabic writing on the container would indicate which container has Zam Zam water that is not cooled.
Although the authorities provide disposable cups for drinking Zam Zam in the Haram, people unfamiliar with this practice often mix the used cups with the unused ones resulting in confusion. If one is unsure, rinse out the cup well before use. It is through the sharing of cups that infections can spread from one pilgrim to another. People come from all parts of the world with different hygienic control. What one may find offensive may be quite normal for another. The important thing to do is to avoid picking up infections from this source.
The Hajj authorities in Saudi Arabia do an excellent job of keeping the Zam Zam water area and containers as clean as possible. Clean drinking cups are always available. Despite hundreds of thousands of people going through the Harram, the authorities keep the facilities exceptionally clean.
Drink adequate amounts of fluids especially water throughout your stay.
CONTROL OF EXISTING HEALTH PROBLEMS
It is very important for anyone who takes regular medications to have enough supplies available for use during their stay in the Holy land.
It is very important for anyone who takes regular medications to have enough supplies available for use during their stay in the Holy land.
Medications are available from Pharmacies. Please take a prescription from your doctor with you in case your medication gets misplaced or runs out. The names of the medications may be different and can be confusing. It is far better to take adequate supplies of your own medications. Make sure that you continue to take your medication regularly.
Arthritis
Arthritis needs to be controlled well before departure. Your Doctor is the best person to ask for guidance on medication. Please do not take advise from people who are not properly qualified. The treatment of the arthritis would involve decreasing the inflammation in and around the joints that are affected. Once the inflammation has settled, then light exercises to strengthen the muscles around the affected joint would help tremendously. Again be guided by a Doctor with the help of a Physiotherapist.
Arthritis needs to be controlled well before departure. Your Doctor is the best person to ask for guidance on medication. Please do not take advise from people who are not properly qualified. The treatment of the arthritis would involve decreasing the inflammation in and around the joints that are affected. Once the inflammation has settled, then light exercises to strengthen the muscles around the affected joint would help tremendously. Again be guided by a Doctor with the help of a Physiotherapist.
Start treatment well before departure.
People who suffer from arthritis of the weight-bearing joints should lose weight if they are overweight. Less weight would result in a decrease in load bearing on the joints.
Control arthritis well before departure.
Care of the back
Most people would travel with heavy suitcases when going overseas. Going to Makkah is no exception. In most cases, it will be found that most of the clothes taken will not be used. Travel light.
Most people would travel with heavy suitcases when going overseas. Going to Makkah is no exception. In most cases, it will be found that most of the clothes taken will not be used. Travel light.
Back strain is a common problem. Most people suffer some back pain during their lifetime. Back strains take time to heal sometimes up to a month. Prolapsed discs take longer to heal. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that every precaution be taken not to strain the back unnecessarily.
If it were necessary to buy new luggage, then it would be better to spend a little more and acquire bags with wheels. These can be pulled along without being carried.
Proper lifting of heavy articles involves not bending the back but bending the knees and lifting with a straight back. It will be better to allow others who are not going to Hajj to do the lifting, e.g., relatives who are not going, hotel staff, porters, etc.
If a back problem already exists, extra care needs to be taken not only in lifting but also in sitting in awkward positions or on very low chairs, bending and twisting awkwardly, etc.
Remember, back strains take up to a month to heal. If a disc becomes prolapsed, this would take longer to heal, sometimes requiring operations.
In conclusion
1. Travel light.
2. Lift luggage correctly.
3. Find others who are not performing Hajj or Umrah to lift the luggage if possible.
2. Lift luggage correctly.
3. Find others who are not performing Hajj or Umrah to lift the luggage if possible.
Fungal Infections of the feet
Fungal infections of the feet present as either a dry scaly very itchy rash or little fluid-filled blisters between the toes or under the feet or around the heel. Fungal infections thrive in moist conditions, as between the toes or under the feet after bathing and after wudhu. The fungi cannot grow without moisture. It is therefore a good habit to dry the feet and the areas between the toes with a paper towel or tissue and to wear open sandals were possible so the feet may dry out. Fungal infections are contagious.
Fungal infections of the feet present as either a dry scaly very itchy rash or little fluid-filled blisters between the toes or under the feet or around the heel. Fungal infections thrive in moist conditions, as between the toes or under the feet after bathing and after wudhu. The fungi cannot grow without moisture. It is therefore a good habit to dry the feet and the areas between the toes with a paper towel or tissue and to wear open sandals were possible so the feet may dry out. Fungal infections are contagious.
If a fungal infection is present, this must be attended to especially if diabetes is present. Fungal infections of the feet resulting in cracks or maceration of the skin can get secondarily infected with other bacteria causing a spreading cellulites. This can take up to a week or two to resolve with antibiotics and leg elevation.
Fungal infections can be treated with an anti-fungal agent until cured. Please consult a Doctor or Pharmacist for the most appropriate one to use.
As a prophylaxis and also as treatment in some cases, a cheap anti-fungal in the form of a generic anti-fungal can be useful. More expensive preparations, which are cosmetically better, are available and may be in a spray or powder form. The spray and powder form can be used inside shoes and sandles where the fungus may still be present.
Treatment must start well before departure so that the infection can be treated adequately.
Only prophylactic treatment may then be needed. Treat fungal infections well before departure to prevent complications.
Diabetics
Tea ordered from a take-away place may have sugar added to it.
Tea ordered from a take-away place may have sugar added to it.
Fruit juices that are made in take-away places have large amounts of sugar added to them to make the juice taste sweet. It is not wise to assume that the fruit juice that is available has not had sugar added to it. Please read labels of fruit juice containers to make sure whether sugar is added or not.
Diabetics must make sure that no sugar is added. Fruit juices are plentiful and extremely tempting.
Please make sure that diabetic control is at its optimum. Together with a Doctor’s help optimal diabetic control should start at least two months before departure to make sure that control is good and the correct medication is taken. Take your glucose monitor (glucometer) with you and enough strips to last you for the duration of your stay. Test your glucose level regularly and write down the results. This becomes important if a Doctor needs to be consulted.
A proper diabetic diet is very important. Some people would have their food included in their accommodation package. The hotels provide food for many people who do not have special dietary requirements. Diabetics should make their own arrangements where possible, e.g., use brown bread which can be bought easily instead of the tempting white-flour rolls or bread that may be on offer, or the abundant white rice that may be prepared.
Diabetics must take extra care of their feet. Treat scratches and even tiny cuts and fungal infections promptly with an antibiotic cream like Bactroban until they heal.
Apply extra moisturiser to keep the skin supple and elastic. Urea-based moisturizers are the best.
Care of nails on feet is also important. Remember that open sandals will be worn for the duration of Hajj. Nails should be well trimmed and not “catch” on clothes.
When walking, allow enough space in front so that feet are not trampled. If a fidgety or panicky person is in front of you, move to another place.
Complications from wounds can easily arise in diabetics resulting in unnecessary pain and discomfort and a possibility of missing Hajj.
Following a diabetic diet is very important always but especially before and during Hajj. Correct medication and good control must be maintained throughout your stay. Take your glucose monitor with you with enough test strips to last you for the duration of your stay.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure must be well controlled. Start at least three months before departure. Visit your Doctor regularly so that if a change in medication is necessary, it can be introduced and established before your departure. It is not enough to have your blood pressure checked at a Pharmacy or a nursing sister. Your whole body would need to be checked.
High blood pressure must be well controlled. Start at least three months before departure. Visit your Doctor regularly so that if a change in medication is necessary, it can be introduced and established before your departure. It is not enough to have your blood pressure checked at a Pharmacy or a nursing sister. Your whole body would need to be checked.
Have your blood pressure checked regularly whilst you are there.
Gout
Those who suffer from gout must make sure that they continue their preventative medication. They should also take with them a supply of medicines that usually helps them during an attack of gout. Gout usually affects the feet causing swelling and severe pain.
Those who suffer from gout must make sure that they continue their preventative medication. They should also take with them a supply of medicines that usually helps them during an attack of gout. Gout usually affects the feet causing swelling and severe pain.
Asthma
Those who suffer from asthma must ensure that their asthma is well controlled with preventative medications. Good control must be achieved before departure. Adequate supplies of medications must be taken, especially preventative medications, broncho-dilator inhalers and tablets.
Those who suffer from asthma must ensure that their asthma is well controlled with preventative medications. Good control must be achieved before departure. Adequate supplies of medications must be taken, especially preventative medications, broncho-dilator inhalers and tablets.
If well controlled, asthma should not pose a problem during Hajj and Umrah.
Both Makkah and Medinah have a dry climate. There is very little pollen in the air. Due to the dry climate, house dust mite population is also low. Cockroach allergy may cause a problem for those who are allergic to cockroach droppings. Those with hyper-reactive airways sensitive to other pollutants should ensure that they control their asthma well. Asthmatics must seek medical attention as soon as their normal medication stops helping them.
Good asthma control is essential for a hassle-free Hajj and Umrah.
Itchy conditions of the skin
People who suffer from skin conditions which cause intense itching, e.g., eczema, lichen planus, psoriasis, etc., are advised to visit their doctor to bring their condition under control to their best ability well before departure. Medications, both tablets and creams can be taken to stop the itching for the duration of the state of Ihraam.
People who suffer from skin conditions which cause intense itching, e.g., eczema, lichen planus, psoriasis, etc., are advised to visit their doctor to bring their condition under control to their best ability well before departure. Medications, both tablets and creams can be taken to stop the itching for the duration of the state of Ihraam.
Moisturizers must be used liberally throughout the stay in the Holy land, especially during Hajj. Make sure that the moisturizers do not contain perfumes as perfumes are not allowed whilst in the state of Ihraam.
Moisturizers have different strengths of oil in them. This affects their ability to moisturize. The more the oil content, the more the ability to moisturize. If a moisturizer is not moisturizing adequately, then a “stronger” one is necessary.
Going from weak to strong, the following is a guide:
Aqueous cream – Cream E45 – Vaseline – Nutraderm – Nutraderm Plus – Heal balm.
For itchy conditions of the skin, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.
Dental Care
There is nothing worse than having pain during Hajj. It can take all your energy and concentration away. A toothache is one such condition that can cause intense pain. To find a dentist during the Hajj period will be very difficult. A dental check is essential well before departure to make sure that all the teeth and gums are normal. If you are unfortunate enough to suffer a toothache whilst you are there, a course of a broad spectrum antibiotic will help the pain until you can have it attended to after Hajj, Insha-Allah.
There is nothing worse than having pain during Hajj. It can take all your energy and concentration away. A toothache is one such condition that can cause intense pain. To find a dentist during the Hajj period will be very difficult. A dental check is essential well before departure to make sure that all the teeth and gums are normal. If you are unfortunate enough to suffer a toothache whilst you are there, a course of a broad spectrum antibiotic will help the pain until you can have it attended to after Hajj, Insha-Allah.
Have a dental check before departure to make sure that your teeth and gums are all in order.
Eye care
People who have an eye problem, e.g., glaucoma, must make sure that they take enough medication with them.
People who have an eye problem, e.g., glaucoma, must make sure that they take enough medication with them.
Those people who need reading glasses and those that cannot see well without glasses should take a spare set of spectacles with them. If your glasses break for some reason or is lost, it will not be possible to find another suitable pair.
The white marble around the Haramain shine brilliantly in sunshine. It can be over-whelming. Sun glasses can be used for those with sensitive eyes.
PROBLEMS THAT MAY ARISE
The Prevention of Infections
In situations where there are crowds of people, infections are bound to spread. Germs spread by droplets from our mouth as we speak or when we cough or sneeze especially if phlegm is present, or by direct contact as in kissing or sharing a cup, spoon, fork, etc.
In situations where there are crowds of people, infections are bound to spread. Germs spread by droplets from our mouth as we speak or when we cough or sneeze especially if phlegm is present, or by direct contact as in kissing or sharing a cup, spoon, fork, etc.
